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Local Guitarist Is King Of The Blues Regional Finalist

By KGNS News

Story Created: Jul 30, 2010

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2010

This summer one very talented Laredoan packed his bags and skills as he showed the rest of the Lone Star State his competitive edge.

Ramon "Moni" Godines was among thousands of musicians across the country competing for the competitive annual Guitar Center's King of the Blues title.

"It's a chance to get outside of Laredo and play in front of other people in another city and to be seen out there so they can know there's a lot of talent in Laredo, Texas," said Godines.

A music teacher at Killiam Elementary and father of two, Godines set some time aside and spent countless hours gearing up for the contest.

"It's like preparing for anything else, you have to practice and come up with a regiment to achieve what your trying to do which is win the whole competition,” added Godines.

In June he won the district finals in Houston, earning him a spot to regionals, "It was very exciting everyone is really fantastic."

As the competition narrowed down, "you feel a lot of things could go wrong but you just do your best and be true to yourself when your playing," Godines told Pro 8 News.

Godines was among the 25 musicians nationwide vying for the grand prize. It was the first time a Laredoan made it to regionals.

"Dallas was awesome. It was a great experience,” Godines said. “I did not win but it was really great just being there and representing Laredo."

You can catch Godines around town, he plays with two local bands: Little Sister and Wicked Tribe Firm.