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Juanes in Denver

The concert was amazing, so much energy and the crowd was jumping up and down, and dancinf in the isles. He played for about 2 hours before leaving the stage only to be urged back on stage by the chanting of "Otra Otra!" from all the concert goers. He then reappeared and proceeded to play for another 35 minutes or so. I will try and post photos of the concert later this week.

If I were to find fault in this concert, I would have only 2 complaints. One was that sitting around me were a bunch of folks from Mexico that swore that Juanes was from Mexico as well, secondly the venue could have been bigger, the Paramount Theater is one of the smaller venues for concerts in Denver and I truely believe that Juanes would have sold out a show if it were held in the Pepsi Center.

Here is an article from the local paper about Juanes and the concert last week.

American pop stars could learn a thing or two from Colombian music phenom Juanes, in town Wednesday at the Paramount Theatre. Sure, this artist has pop's compulsory great hair, cut physique and rock 'n' roll tattoos. But the multiple Latin Grammy Award-winner also showcases sincere, soulful songwriting. Here are five things to know about Juanes, a.k.a. Juan Esteban Aristizabal:

Pure pop perfection. Juanes' songs are both catchy and substantive. Influences range from Metallica and the Beatles to Colombia's cumbia and vallenato rhythms.

Industry watchers tout his sprawling vocal capacity, compassionate lyrics and lip-biting good looks as top reasons this guy's crossover success seems imminent - particularly if he opts to record in English like fellow Colombian trailblazer, Shakira.

Patriotism is part of the appeal: This heartthrob trumps his own Latin-lover charisma with impassioned lyrics about Colombia's decades-long civil war.

He turns up at peace demonstrations in his homeland and uses the country's political environment as songwriting fodder. In "Sueños," or "Dreams," he laments:

I dream that all the hostages are free who are held today in the middle of the jungle. I dream that my bleeding people live in peace, and this senseless war is over.

Juanes' music makes him an open book: Now 32, the singer-songwriter grew up in Medellín, a city known for rough streets and a hearty cultural scene. "I rebelled against everything, my heritage, my family," Juanes told The Washington Post this month. Heavy metal was his first love. Juanes' began his music career fronting the Latin rock band Ekhymosis, which broke up in 1998.

The sweet life has balanced his poetic pain: Juanes is married to actress Karen Martinez. They have a baby girl, Luna. His current 24-city U.S. tour caps off such recent coups as selling nearly a million albums in the U.S., 2 million worldwide, snagging a Pepsi sponsorship and climbing out of music obscurity after a frustrating stint in Los Angeles in the '90s.

The artist talks about living in destitution during that time, experiencing profound homesickness, and weathering the loss of friends and family members to violence at home. The singer reportedly taught himself English from a bookstore dictionary he was too broke to buy.

Stage fright is standard: Brooding machismo aside, this Bono-meets-Banderas rocker prefers to refrain from food for eight hours before taking the stage - smart move as even seasoned performers sometimes lose their lunch before a show.

Also part of the Juanes pre-show ritual: Warming up his throat with a portable steamer, pacing the venue to induce a disconnected mental state and then channeling nervous energy through his guitar.

Tickets to see Juanes perform Wednesday at the Paramount Theatre are $40-$50 via Ticketmaster.

Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson at denverpost.com.

By carldecolorado on Apr 4, 2005, 12:06 in Friendly Talkzone.

ColombianoX says on Apr 4, 2005, 12:36:

Carl,

I'm glad you enjoyed the concert, it sounded really fun!

"One was that sitting around me were a bunch of folks from Mexico that swore that Juanes was from Mexico as well,"

Now, are these people in denial, or are they just plain stupid?

CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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babygirl says on Apr 4, 2005, 12:55:

hmmm too bad I don't live in Denver. ColombianoX, seeing that you're like an encyclopedia, what's the news on Juanes coming to Canada? Any news?

cheers - babygirl

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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ColombianoX says on Apr 4, 2005, 17:49:

http://www.ticketsnow.com/tickets.cfm/e=3635/incOpp=10

Sorry Babygirl, I don't see Canada on the itinerary.

Cheers,

CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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babygirl says on Apr 5, 2005, 05:16:

Thanks ColX!! You're the best. Maybe I'll just have to jet over to Vienna, VA I think it was..hahaa! Either that or email his promoters.

cheers - babygirl

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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