Juanes on PBS, Rocks

Lisa Zee says on Apr 4, 2008, 22:41:

WOW! that is wonderful! papito corazon!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 4, 2008, 23:02:

Juanes concert in Los Angeles, May 7, 9, 10, 11.

goin_south says on Apr 4, 2008, 23:43:

he can get bigger, but who will care?
not me. I hear nothing about him, but here on pbh.
so, I guess he has a long way to go.
If I ask 30 people here in a day, 'who is Juanes?".....
only about 2 of them would know anything.
So, he's not that big a deal...
only in the minds/hearts/souls of latinos.
And, that is ... OKAY.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Simon says on Apr 4, 2008, 23:58:

Hey going_south, just because some rednecks don't know who Juanes is, that doesn't mean he's not a "big deal"!

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:03:

and, just because he's from locombia doesn't mean he is.
simon; be nice and f.o.
thanx ahead of time.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:03:

and, his music is about..........average.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:17:

He's not big because he's Colombian, but because, well let's see, he's won 12 Latin Grammys (so far), he's been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine, he was the first artist to perform before the European Parliament, he's been awarded the highest cultural honor given by France, declaring him "Knight in the order of Arts and Letters" for his work in social activism, he was honored at a benefit gala by Paul McCartney for his work as a Goodwill Ambassador for United for Colombia, he sang at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert which was broadcast live to over 100 countries, he organized a concert as a response to the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis and gathered an audience of 300,000 people on the Colombia-Venezuela border., etc.

Oh, but that's right, for some close-minded fools out there for anyone 'to make it big' in their eyes, they must defer to them and sing in their language.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:20:

and, just because someone happens to live in the south doesn't make them whateva it is you refer to as 'redneck'... anymore than ... COLOMBIAN MEANS SCUMBAG COCAINE childlmolesting Drug DEALER bullshit

Or, does it?
jejjje

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:21:

take yer fokn blinders off.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:21:

and go back to the homeland. if they'll letcha.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:22:

you're beginning to take on that aire of 'Simple Simon' ...once more.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 00:27:

""they must defer to them and sing in their language.""

nope.. I listen to spanish music, just about all day, almost every day, for much of the day... so..yer wrong this time, simon

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

ellbee2 says on Apr 5, 2008, 06:36:

The great thing about people like goin south is you don't even have to point out their stupidity, they do it for you simply by opening their mouths.

I'm not that big a fan of latino music, but I am a fan of Juanes and what he represents as a man and global citizen. People like the idiot above and others on this forum could learn a lot from him about tolerance and trying to create a more harmoniuos world to live in, instead of spewing the all negative, confrontational crap.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 07:20:

thank you very much, and God Bless the K.C. Royals.
G Meche should have pitch much better in pinstripes

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

MaFe says on Apr 5, 2008, 07:45:

Wow, I love the fact that people all over the world are listening to him sing in SPANISH....

"When asked about the possibility of recording an album in English, Juanes responded, "singing in Spanish is very important because it's the language in which I think and feel. I respect people that sing in English, but for now I'll keep my Spanish."

"Juanes is also an activist for his native Spanish language; he has stated many times that while he respects native Spanish-speaking artists who choose to sing in English (such as fellow Colombian singer Shakira), he himself will not sing in English in order to best express himself (since he thinks and feels in Spanish) and to promote the Spanish language. One exception was his duet with Tony Bennett for the song "The Shadow of your Smile."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juanes

After reading this, I see the guy differently..I admire this...

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 09:11:

Juanes is BIG, HUGE, `all over the world`! like it or not. You can ask anybody specially women in Europe, well educated and people with class who Juanes is!

Most of the people that I know here in Los Angeles are white and they are the ones that go to his concerts, check where he is playing this year:

www.juanes.net

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 09:43:

What Juanes is doing with Spanish is what Spencer did with English in the Fairy Queen.

Well, maybe my allegory is not that clear... no es para tanto =)

But he is doing it ok.

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

Frank Rizzo says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:28:

Okay..he's big....but realistically nothing like Hanna Montana or Britney.....who are now both known the world over..

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:34:

not the first time, I've been called the village idiot, Elbee.
I'm rarely confrontational...
maybe you should reflect that statement on some of simon's exposes.

I do generally have a lil wonder about Colombians or anybody...who lives/works in another country, and are foreva badmouthin that country, while spewing forth the virtues of their own (the one they left behind.)

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:39:

Juanes is cool. no problem. There's alot of other latin music I prefer to listen to.
the OP asked: How much bigger can he get?
I gave an answer...there's alot of singers who are household names the world over. He's not yet one of them. But, he is great in his endeavor. And, I always hear about he and Shakira, how they give back to the community and charitable causes. It don't get bigger than that.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:39:

Thank God Juanes is not known for the things Brittany Spears is.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:40:

I don't know if my perception is clear or well-based.

But talking about Britney's fame Vs Juanes' fame there is a big big difference.

1o. I don't know if coming from one of the most "powerful" countries in the world (meaning the USA) gives you more exposure, I think it does.

2o. Coming from a Latinamerican country is harder for them to be known worldwide.

I think what the posters meant is that he is an artist who is concerned about his people, his country and maybe he is willing to respect his mother tongue or maybe he just does not feel comfortable expressing himself in english, maybe because he does know english, I don't know (that is why i said he is reminds me Spencer and his Fairy Queene a lot jejejejejeje)

I am not saying that for Britney was easy but she was not born in a country with the same social, economical conditions as Juanes'.

Now talking about human being I think that Juanes does not have to be compared to Britney (this girl is going through a bad situation).

=D

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

Frank Rizzo says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:41:

Good point Simon....!!

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 10:47:

What I think is very unfair is that the press has called Juanes "the latinamerican Bono".

Juanes is Juanes and Bono is Bono, no comparison.

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:01:

Oh? and what do they imply by that? 'bono'?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:03:

I don't know GS but I think they imply that Juanes is a rock star with "good feelings"... good question! jajajajaja

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:08:

(hope they're not comparing him to sonny bono)

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:11:

LOL!!!! no, I Don't think so... LOL

You've got a point there!

Paul Hewson (U2's leader singer) Vs Sonny Bono (Former Cher's husband) LOL!!

Now you made me laugh

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:13:

GS: Even Time magazine listed him, as one the most influential people in the world.

http://www.m-audio.com/artists/en_us/Juanes.html

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:18:

hey, if you guys all keep it up....I MIGHT EVEN START LISTENIN TO 'S MUSIC A LIL.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:19:

BUT... quite frankly... to say: JUANES
isn't yet quite the same as saying: .............DONALD DUCK!
jaj

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:21:

Hahahahaha GS I don't like Juanes music but some songs only, I prefer listen to Shakira!

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:25:

I think likely, BOTH Juanes and Shakira are so versatile... that's why some people aren't at first liking their music alot. You hear something you don't particularly care for. So, then you might not continue with more. Until people are imploring you... about their virtues, and lo and behold,.. eventually, you listen to more... something on the other side of their versatility and you like it.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

de pronto says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:30:

Juanes' activism is different than his music, I admire more his activism than his music.


I admire Shakira's activism and her music... el gusto se rompe en géneros

=)

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

Juanes says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:24:

Juanes en PBH rocks..........too right ...muchas gracias a todos mis parseros, sardinas, cuates, patrones por este dedicacion..

juanes aca en londres........adios le pido

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 15:38:

I did not care at all for Mi Sangre, but I certainly think Juanes is extremely gifted and, more importantly, I admire his social activism (like Bono and many others). Shakira...hit and miss for me as well. I did love her performance on Mtv Unplugged. But again, she is extremely talented and I admire her work outside of music as well. Very few Latin American stars crossover, but Juanes is huge for someone that has not recorded an english speaking album.

MaFe, there was a PBS Tony Bennet special that showed Juanes talking about his decision to do the duet. It was cool.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 17:53:

I have been following his music for a long time, and the lyrics are very real, very touchy, and it is really hard to believe his persona and his music are driving young people crazy, and singing in Spanish!
Most of the people don`t know what he is saying but they go wild!, and he is from a little country that a lot of people has not much respect, they thing we are all drug dealers, this is what is amazing!

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 18:11:

Fijate Bien is an excellent CD and Un Día Normal has some great songs as well.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 18:29:

I was an English teacher at a language institute, "Savoir Fare" here in Redondo Beach. My students would go crazy with his music, we did many of his songs in class.
One most popular was "La Historia De Juan", I took the lyrics from `learnspanish.com`, they would recommend this song for his well spoken Spanish.

I LOVE JUANES!!!

Gracias Lcacique!.

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 18:40:

That is funny Lisa, I had a Spanish teacher that utilized that song in class.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 19:17:

I had a baby nurse in tears,(one of my students) when she translated that song!

Why do you need to learn Spanish?

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 19:18:

I thought you were Colombian!. LOL

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 19:23:

Nope...I am a gringo, pero mi alma es colombiano...jajaja. All of my Colombian friends have made me an honorary Colombian...and I am honored that they would say such a thing.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 19:29:

Yo te enseno español LOL

MaFe says on Apr 5, 2008, 19:43:

I actually liked and admired the Shakira before she started to sing in English and hit the gringo market...sorry but her singing in English, I don't like...Her singing in Spanish was powerful...

Juanes...I admire his not wanting to sing in English...I believe he does it because;
-he is a proud Colombiano who enjoys singing in Spanish because he knows- he will have the world wide audience...
-he isn't trying to impress anyone...

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:08:

Estoy listo profesora Zee, ¿cuando podemos empezar? necesito ayuda con el subjuntivo...jajaja.

MaFe, I agree. I think it is sad is that foreign language speakers are more open to English speaking artists; therefore, for them to get famous in other markets they do not have to learn a new language. This is not the case for most LA artists...to get big in the US (a huge market, plus a symbol as to whether or not you have "made it"), it is almost always necessary for latinos to sing in english as well. This of course has nothing to do whether or not the artist is talented or not.

I think you're right about his desire to not sing in spanish. Why spend time trying to write songs and albums in English? That means that a big chunk of your time is going to be spent ignoring your widest audience. Shakira has done a fairly good job at trying to do both, but I agree...I do not care very much for her material in english. The only record I own is the Unplugged album. But again, I admire her talent.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:16:

"This is not the case for most LA artists...to get big in the US (a huge market, plus a symbol as to whether or not you have "made it"), it is almost always necessary for latinos to sing in english as well."


These latin singers never sang/ sing in English and they sell/sold out concerts all the time in the US: Hector Lavoe, Luis Miguel, Celia Cruz, Vicente Fernandez, Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Maná.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:33:

Simon, they do especially well in areas with a large Hispanic/Latino community. For example, Maná sells out Houston every time they play here, and for multiple evening shows at the Toyota Center (i.e., the basketball arena).

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:35:

hey Juanes sells out in Germany!?

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:39:

And if you view concert footage, it's a sea of white faces.

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:41:

How about Asia!, but we just like him "because he is Colombian"!

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:44:

Right Lisa...I just like the music! I don't care where the artist is from!

I first heard Juanes when I was in Peru before going to Colombia. I had no idea who he was, but I liked what I heard.

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:46:

I want someone to go with me to his concert here in L.A.

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:47:

I have a ticket for Houston Lisa Zee! It's in a couple of weeks. On the floor....

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:50:

Oh you lucky girl!, I know he is playing here on May 7-9--10-11. how much?

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:51:

He's here on April 17. I think I paid $90 or so.

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:52:

Thanks, he is worth it!

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:55:

I've never seen him live so I'm quite excited to go.

You can't find anyone to go with you? I just bought the tickets and figured that I'd find someone to go with me.

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:56:

Simon,

Salsa is huge amongst a lot of different ethnic groups. Nevertheless, ask most non~spanish speaking people who Juan Luis Guerra is and they'll most likely think he is some dictator.

Disclaimer: I said almost always...

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:59:

Actually ask most non-Spanish speaking people about anyone on Simon's list and they wouldn't know who you were referring to. Even in a city like Houston.

Thus I have to ask latina friends to go with me to see Juanes.

But then, if you asked me who a bunch of country singers were, I wouldn't have a clue!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 5, 2008, 22:10:

I just found out about the concert, I don`t really have many friends, and the ones I have are married with children, I would like to go with a Colombian.

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 22:16:

I hear ya Lisa. I don't have many latina friends to go to concerts with either. My first choice is a Mexican colleague and she's going home for a wedding. She's bummed she's missing this concert.

I'm probably going with a friend from my yoga class who loves Juanes. It'll be a good opportunity to get to know her better.

Lcacique says on Apr 5, 2008, 22:41:

I missed him last time he was in Portland...I'd like to go if he comes around again.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:08:

And I'm looking for someone go to with me to his Miami concert next week!

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:15:

Maybe Lisa Zee could fly out!

I'll be in San Francisco Simon....sorry! But let us know how the show was!

goin_south says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:16:

Maybe you can invite Shakira, Simon.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:16:

Ok Houstongal, thanks!

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Simon says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:21:

I would if she wasn't dating that argentine, deadbeat boyfriend of hers.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

houstongal says on Apr 5, 2008, 23:32:

FYI - I just created a new post in Off-Topic on your first concert experience....in case you would like to add to it.

http://poorbuthappy.com/yourthing/post/your-first-concert/

Lisa Zee says on Apr 6, 2008, 09:44:

There is this Mexican/American the nurse at one place I work, she goes crazy about Juanes, she went to one of his concerts once, I`ll ask her.

Juanes says on Apr 6, 2008, 11:51:

mexican/american eh como te llamas ella ?

conchita bush

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

houstongal says on Apr 6, 2008, 12:20:

You definitely should Lisa! The nice thing about concerts is that you two don't have to talk much (unless you go out before or afterward)...you just have to enjoy the music!

Juanes says on Apr 6, 2008, 12:23:

so its not a good plce to go on a first date then ?

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

Juanes says on Apr 6, 2008, 12:25:

it sounds a bit like some of the places i came across in medellin, cali and bogota ,

'you dont have to talk too much , just enjoy the music and show'

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

Lisa Zee says on Apr 6, 2008, 12:38:

If I go to see Junaes in concert, I probably will get arrested!, I will be dancing and screaming, and yelling:"Junes viva Medellin!, until he notices me, hey I am from Medallo, we speak "paisa" LOL

houstongal says on Apr 6, 2008, 12:47:

Juanes, I wouldn't say a concert is a good first date unless you add dinner or drinks afterward to the evening.

You really can't talk during the concert b/c you'll barely hear each other (although I have been to concerts where the people around me were talking the entire time - IMO why the hell did they come to the concert if they didn't want to listen to the music?!).

Lisa - I have floor tickets and expect to be on the floor dancing! I'm sure you'll be screaming along with the thousands of others. As long as you're with someone who looks like they will be fun to go to a concert with (i.e., they will dance and not just sit there), then do it and have a great time!

Mononoke28 says on Apr 7, 2008, 10:14:

He's coming to Denver on the 25th... can't afford it but I've already seen him in concert 3 times already. It's an awesome show if you're a fan.

Diana

romy says on Apr 7, 2008, 13:45:

Colombian rocker Juanes helps land-mine victims
Mon Apr 7, 2008 3:20am EDT

By Leila Cobo

MIAMI (Billboard) - When Colombian rocker Juanes wrote the track "Fijate Bien" in 1999, he spoke about the dangers of land mines as a metaphor for life.

But the reality of his own country, the place with the highest incidence of land-mine accidents on the planet, according to the World Mine Monitor, led him to take an even closer look. In 2005, Juanes created his Mi Sangre foundation, with the purpose of rehabilitating and educating land mine victims and their families and reintegrating them socially and economically.

Today, the foundation's reach has expanded to major educational concerns, such as providing free preschool education in Colombia. Juanes has also become a symbol of social consciousness, having recently staged a massive free concert to promote peace among Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.

WHY A LAND MINE FOUNDATION?
I wrote the song "Fijate Bien" (Take a Good Look) in 1999 with no pretensions. It was just a song on the album. And when it became the single, all these people started to show up--the victims, the soldiers, the foundations -- wanting to do things, and I realized that there was much to be done with music.

DID IT CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION ABOUT COLOMBIA'S POLITICAL SITUATION?
Yes. Up until a couple of years ago, I worked in many different directions, until I understood that what was most important for me was education. We handle two aspects. One, of course, is education for the victims, of which 65% are soldiers, and 35% are civilians, half of them children. So we take retired soldiers, for example, who want to study but have yet to finish elementary school or high school, and give them a scholarship. Or we provide labor rehabilitation. If someone wants to farm their land, we send them to get appropriate training. The other aspect is (universal) preschool education, which doesn't exist in Colombia.

ISN'T PRESCHOOL EDUCATION A BIT REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL NOTION OF THE FOUNDATION?
No, because it's a way to invest in that seed that in 15 years will become a kid who can either take up arms or adopt a different mentality.

HOW IS YOUR FOUNDATION FINANCED?
Initially through me. I would donate money from concerts, for example. Now, we have a board of directors, private donations and we have our own little company that makes shirts and other products with messages of peace.

AS A PUBLIC FIGURE WITH A FOUNDATION, PEOPLE MUST ASSUME YOU HAVE A CERTAIN POLITICAL STANCE. DO YOU LIKE THAT ROLE?
It's not about that. What I've realized is you can truly do significant things with music. You can mobilize people, in the good sense of the world, even if only to expose a message or put something on the public agenda. For example, I didn't know preschool education wasn't mandatory in Colombia. So, we need to speak out. That (massive demonstration march for peace last year in Colombia) was unprecedented, and those actions are very important.

Reuters/Billboard

romy says on Apr 11, 2008, 10:04:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-juanes08apr11,0,52329...
Latin superstar Juanes says pains and joys have transformed him
Michelle Morgante | The Associated Press
April 11, 2008

CORAL GABLES - It was a few months ago, Juanes recalls, when his oldest daughter, Luna, wondered why people stop him to take his picture, ask for his autograph, or simply call out his name as if they were good friends.


"Papi?" the 4-year-old asked him, "Who are you?"


It's a question that Latin America's biggest rock star asked himself in the time that he wrote and recorded his newest album, La Vida Es Un Ratico, or Life Is a Moment. Currently on tour and playing Orlando's Amway Arena on Sunday, Juanes says everything is different from his last tour in 2006 -- especially himself.

"Everything is new because I'm a different person now," Juanes says before his band's private rehearsal concert in Coral Gables. "I have grown up as a person, probably through the different experiences, at some point through the pain actually, and also through the happiness."

It has been a roller-coaster time for the 35-year-old Colombian performer. His 2004 Mi Sangre album, with its phenomenally successful hit "La Camisa Negra," only increased Juan Esteban Aristizabal's global celebrity. In addition to collecting critical accolades (he has more than enough Latin Grammys to set up a bowling lane), his Mi Sangre tour covered 31 countries and four continents -- unprecedented for a Latin artist. With La Vida, his fourth solo collection, he has now sold more than 9 million albums worldwide -- more than anyone else in rock en español.

He also raised his profile as a peace ambassador, performing as part of the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony and before the European Parliament to raise money for an anti-land-mine foundation in Colombia.

But at the same time, Juanes saw his name in tabloid headlines for the breakup of his marriage to Colombian model Karen Martinez, and then for their reconciliation. Even his decision to cut off his long mane of hair in favor of a shorter shag generated news flashes in the Latin celebrity world.

Yet through it all, Juanes presents himself as a normal working father of two kids who happens to sing for a living, just as he explained to his daughter.

Some people are doctors, or police officers, he said: "I'm a singer, and people know me because they hear my songs on the radio."

He asks for no luxuries as he sits down for an interview, grabbing a bottle of water as he takes his place in a folding chair in a press room at the University of Miami's BankUnited Center. His basic black T-shirt and jeans are the same sort he'll wear onstage later that night. He speaks softly and asks permission when he feels the need to switch into Spanish.

The separation from his wife was trying, but inspiring, he says: "It was really hard because I was passing through this really difficult situation, but music gives me a cure. I took all that energy that I have inside of me and transform those energies into positive things, into melodies. . . . Music has always been a salvation for me because it gives me the possibility to express, to pull out all that I have there, and heal those wounds."

Healing the wounds of his homeland also inspired Juanes, who wrote most of La Vida in Colombia. He believes his country is building enough public momentum to push for a negotiated end to the violence that has plagued it for decades. The FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is a peasant-based force that arose to demand agrarian reform and more equal distribution of wealth. It controls a large portion of southern Colombia, finances its operations mainly through cocaine trafficking, and kidnaps for political and financial ends.

"I don't believe that we'll solve it with military methods," he says. "The FARC is never going to take control of the country, and for 50 years, the government hasn't been able to get rid of the FARC. . . . Because if you're the FARC and I'm the government, you have your pride and I have mine. We could waste our lives like that. . . . But, if we wish for peace, well, that would be good to create it in some way, no?"

Juanes was born in Medellin, and he came of age in the 1980s and '90s, he says, "a very hard time for Colombia." Images of war's toll are reflected in the La Vida tour, with one song, the melancholic "Minas Piedras," set to portraits of people who've lost limbs to land mines.

Juanes hopes that his message of political awareness will inspire his listeners to act. Though he cannot vote in the United States, he has partnered with Rock the Vote to encourage young Americans to register.

"Part of building a democracy is that the young people become more conscious of their role. . . . I would love it if all of the Latinos who come to our concerts who could register would do it and vote."

The past two years have brought much to Juanes' life -- personal and professional success. But the singer says there is still much to achieve.

"For me, I see each day, well, as a dream, a dream like tomorrow, a dream with a past," he says. "For me, to see my daughters growing is a very important dream and keeps me wanting to live, making music, touring. . . . Yes, I say there is still much to do."

Lisa Zee says on Apr 11, 2008, 18:59:

thanks romy, Juanes rocks!

houstongal says on Apr 11, 2008, 19:29:

Yeah, thanks romy!

Lisa & Simon - Did you find someone to go with you?

romy says on Apr 11, 2008, 20:58:

no problem ladies.
the more I listen to Juanes, the more I appreciate his music. Though I'll admit that I avoided him for a while after Ekhy Mosis. I'm hoping to see him live sometime, hopefully he comes to Canada sometime soon; or I might just have to make a trip down to the states.

Lisa Zee says on Apr 12, 2008, 20:13:

houstongal: 2 girls from work want to go, but I am undecided, because I might not be in town those days. and few other complications. We`ll see.

goin_south says on Apr 12, 2008, 20:14:

hg... most of us guys would say a concert is a good first date,
if you get laid before or after the concert, or both!

And, something makes me think you'd tend to agree....and, I'll stop there.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

romy says on Apr 15, 2008, 22:24:

Fans get face time with Juanes
Posted on Tue, Apr. 15, 2008

Before his Saturday concert at AmericanAirlines Arena, Juanes stopped by the Hard Rock Cafe at Bayside Marketplace in Miami to share some love with his fans.

The meet-and-greet, organized by South Florida Ford dealers and Mega 94.9, featured 70 people who entered a contest to win face time with the Colombian rocker and get everything from photos to CD covers to sneakers signed. One fan won an autographed Fender guitar.

Aside from his current tour, Juanes, who has a house in Miami, has been busy with philanthropic work.

''We work with the idea of building peace through art, so we held a concert a month ago right on the border of Colombia and Venezuela, and it was like a fraternity between citizens,'' Juanes said, referring to the recent border strife involving the two countries. ``I still have plenty of passion and drive. And my music, that is what takes me to all of those places. The music will always be there.''

And so will his fans. We spent some time with the relaxed rocker -- who recently has been sporting spiky hair -- before the doors opened.

How often do you get to interact with fans like this?
``Almost every day when I am on tour -- just before the concert or just after. For me, it's really important to get in touch with them because they are the ones that give life to my music, in a sense.''

Any favorite Miami restaurants?
``Sushi Siam is really good. And my favorite is Mondongos, a Colombian restaurant.''

How do you like playing here?
``Playing in Miami is very important, very special and very emotional. I have a lot of friends and family here, and for me it's a city that represents a part of Colombia.''

-- FRED GONZALEZ

romy says on Apr 17, 2008, 19:15:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-juanes_0417...
Juanes' songs reflect passions for music, humanitarian causes
08:33 AM CDT on Thursday, April 17, 2008
By MARIO TARRADELL / The Dallas Morning News
mtarradell at dallasnews.com

Colombia's Juanes continues to pull off the seemingly impossible. The singer-songwriter with the penchant for merging rock, pop, reggae and his country's vallenato keeps crafting albums with commercial appeal, artistic integrity and socially conscious relevance. The latest is La Vida ... Es un Ratico, another creative milestone that has already spawned two No. 1 Latin radio hits, "Me Enamora" and "Gotas de Agua Dulce." The man born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez performs Friday at American Airlines Center.

"What I feel is on those records," he says by phone from Miami about Ratico as well as 2000's Fijate Bien, 2002's Un Día Normal and 2004's Mi Sangre. "I feel songs as commercial as 'Me Enamora' and as artistic and different as 'Minas Piedras.' I am not writing these songs because I want them to be played on the radio. It is more important to me to be a creative artist than to be popular. I'm lucky that I can have both."

Ratico includes "Minas Piedras," a ranchera-styled song about land mines dotting Colombia's countryside, and "Bandera de Manos," a plea for unity among races, nationalities and economic classes.

"It's been a constant in the music that I write," says Juanes, the 35-year-old former member of metal band Ekhymosis, about his need to address issues. "When I became a solo artist I realized that in life there's more than love and relationships. There's also a love for air, the ecology, the future. Those things worry me. They affect our lives, the people of my country. You're not always in love. I want to use the music in that form. It's another part of me."

Juanes commands attention. He's got a dozen Latin Grammy Awards on his mantel, an impressive industry feat considering his solo debut was released only eight years ago. He emerged fully formed, a rarity in any musical genre. While Fijate Bien remains his most stylistically unadorned disc, he always made sure to never compromise substance for slicker production.

On Ratico he toiled with co-producer Gustavo Santaolalla to rid the CD of excessively programmed loops and other studio technology that polishes the proceedings.

"I wanted this to sound like a live concert," he says. "I wanted something more organic, less loops ... more basic. Sometimes popular music is too mixed."

In the midst of the music, Juanes has been busy with activism. He's a part of ALAS, a foundation dedicated to strengthening and expanding public- and private-sector support for early childhood development in Latin America. He's also involved with the Yo Amo America Campaign, along with Latin artists Ricky Martin and Juan Luis Guerra, which aims to fight poverty and its ripple effects in Latin America. He'll do that through his Fundación Mi Sangre, his own charitable organization.

And last month he was part of the Concierto Paz Sin Fronteras, the Peace Without Borders Concert, which was staged at the Colombia-Venezuela border in an effort to promote political and social tranquility between the governments of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.

"It's a complement to my songs," he says of his social consciousness. "It's a positive way for me to reach out to the people. I feel this. I love this. It's from my heart. The music and the causes go hand in hand for me." .

houstongal says on Apr 17, 2008, 22:10:

GS...what on earth are you talking about??? Nah...I still think a concert would be a lousy first date. I would rather have a first date where I could talk and get to know the guy. Can't really do that at a concert.

I saw Juanes tonight and it was great!! Was standing and dancing the entire time. Even my girlfriend who has a sprained foot danced almost the entire time. Whoo hoo!

Lisa Zee...go to the concert!

goin_south says on Apr 17, 2008, 22:45:

Whooo Hoooo! Won't her foot feel good en la mañana! jaj

what on earth am I talking about?
men aren't from earth; recordar?

REMEMBER ISRAEL.

In the 60's, a concert was a good first date... for many reasons, ....

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

houstongal says on Apr 18, 2008, 06:44:

jajaajaaa....GS I have no idea how Israel ties in with this topic!

My feet feel great today. I wore the right shoes last night as I expected we wouldn't have a chance to sit down.

El Piloto says on Apr 18, 2008, 13:43:

Wish I was going to the Juanes concert in Dallas tonight.

Lisa Zee says on Apr 18, 2008, 13:48:

I am buying the tickets right now! I am going with a friend form work, she is Mexican American, she went once before and says it was the best concert ever.

houstongal says on Apr 18, 2008, 14:49:

I'm happy to hear that Lisa! You'll love it!!

goin_south says on Apr 18, 2008, 16:27:

si, Hg, but ... your friend's sprained foot???

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 18, 2008, 21:40:

Houstongal, now we are 3 girls going on May 7. good sits.
I have not been to a concert since the late 80`s!, I don`t even remember who I sow, I just remember that I put black mascara on my b/f, jajaja, he looked gorgeous, blue eyes blond with black lashes, LOL...... Oh the crazy the 80`s!

houstongal says on Apr 18, 2008, 21:48:

I'm happy to see you've amassed a group to go with you! You all will have so much fun!

And yes GS, she stood and dance for most of the night (only sat out a couple of songs) even WITH a sprained foot (she thinks it could be a stress fracture). What a diehard fan!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 18, 2008, 21:53:

I am going to count the days!

goin_south says on Apr 18, 2008, 23:45:

yer gonna be mesmerized by some french west african bands, all the same, in a week from ... about right now. :-))

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Lisa Zee says on Apr 19, 2008, 10:17:

The only one that would top Juanes would be "Pink Floyd" other than that, it has to be free.