'Un-wrapped'
Veteran Gloria Estefan takes the 'conga' on the road - one last time

Eight years after 'wrapping up' her last tour, Latin music's conga queen, Gloria Estefan, will hit the road again - one last time - in support of her 24th album, "Unwrapped."

The cubanita will begin the U.S. leg of her tour Friday in McAllen and stop here Saturday, before concluding it in her hometown of Miami.

During a teleconference with reporters last Friday, Estefan spoke about her career, her life and the upcoming 'farewell' tour.

"I'm not retiring in any way shape or form," she said. "(But) this is the last time that I will be going to my fans' hometowns."

The main facet of touring that the veteran artist will miss is her fans.

"I asked my fans what they would like to see, so my show is going to be very retrospective," she said. "Most of the fans nurture a relationship that is very special."

Age is among the many reasons for her 'farewell' tour, something's that has become an industry joke. Estefan says that hopefully she has credibility - to be believed by her fans.

"We're saturated and I'm getting older," she said. "My body is my instrument. I don't want to be running around saying 'I'm the conga queen' when I'm 60."

Numbers will say Gloria is not the same as she was when the single "Conga," released in '80s, picked up steam in the United States. But Saturday's show promises to be almost the same, maybe more elaborate, with a collection of hits from the Miami Sound Machine era.

Her 2-hour energetic show will have a "killer opening," will include 10 dancers, have a "fantastic" light show and a "very nice" Latin section.

"It's going to be a big, giant party at the ending," Estefan said, adding that she will have an intimate portion as well.

Asentimental Texas start

Touching a lot on salsa, and '80s techno dance music, why would Gloria begin her tour in Texas?

"Texas was kind of a beginning for me. I lived in San Antonio, where I went to my first school and learned English," Estefan recalled. "I was the only Hispanic in class and I experienced family life for the first time there."

Estefan was refering to her family uniting since her dad, part of a 1960s Cuban exile group, lived with her and her San Antonio-born sister.

"I have such wonderful memories and very warm feelings (for San Antonio)."

Under Fidel Castro's regime, Estefan's music could not and cannot be heard on Cuban radio airwaves.

"I used to hear stories that dee-jays, 'kamikazes,' would take rists and were beaten up for playing my music (in Cuba)," Estefan said. "But I know that people still listen to my music at home."

Gloria has a big dreams about Cuba, especially after Castro's reign is over.

"I would have a gigantic celebratory concert that would be free for everybody who would like to attend," she said. "It would be a euphoric experience. That's one thing I really dream about."

The intelligent and philosophical musician had some words of wisdom to people, in general.

"There are things you can do to change your life at any moment. It's just a matter of decision," she said. "It's important that you are proactive, instead of sitting there and accepting your destiny."

That's easy for anyone to say, but being an Estefan is paralleled with having power, money and responsibility.

Her husband, Emilio, now a mainstream producer, and Gloria have projects on the side and have always helped young musicians.

"We don't really see it as a responsibilty. We take it (helping others) with joy that we can help other Latin artists," the humble Gloria said. "We like to make artists believe in themselves and that they have someone on their side."

Although Latin music in the U.S. is still far from making an impact, Gloria would like to play a behind-the-scenes role.

"I would love to be able to produce. I like to be behind the camera, so I have some ideas for a show," she stated. "I also love to write songs for other artists.

Do Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud" or Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" ring the bell?

Gloria, who wrote both hits, is convinced that "there's a lot of diversity within Latin music," so a songwriting or producing job wouldn't be bad for the veteran musician - and mom.

Expect more than enough energy from Gloria and her gang, a crew that totals about 100 people riding in eight tour buses and with, oh yeah, 10 54-foot trucks full of equipment.

Tickets for Saturday's Gloria Estefan show at the Laredo Entertainment Center are $59 - 79 and available through Ticketmaster.

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