A word about Flaco Jiménez, playing here with Raul Malo in a great live performance.

Flaco is the legendary Tejano music accordionist from San Antonio, Texas. You may not know it, but you have heard him on many classic recordings including the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge.

His artistry is most fully realized in the Tejano sounds of south Texas. My favorites are the ballads of lost love in which Flaco’s accordion seems to shed tears.

He is a national treasure, Grammy winner, and – most of all – a quiet and serene artist who, in his brief smiles, makes clear how much he loves his music.

 By the way, Flaco’s father Santiago Jiménez Sr. was one of most important musicians in the history of Conjunto music.

 Which leads to a strange transition: With no small amount of embarrassment, I begin – with Flaco – my list. You know which one. The list.

 1. See Flaco Jiménez perform live.

 And while I’m at it:

 2.  Drive the southern route from New Jersey to Los Angeles.

 3.  See Los Tigres del Norte perform live.

 4. Hike the full-length of the Napali Coast trail on the island of Kauai.

Enough. For now.