Colombian-born artist Juanes brought the flair of Latin culture to life on stage at Madison Square Garden on March 6. The singer and talented guitarist played to a lively, primarily Latino crowd at this famous venue, the second stop on his much-anticipated La Vida…Es Un Ratico world tour. After playing several shows across the United States, Juanes will head to Europe to close out the tour in late June. This tour is his first time on the road in almost two years.
The Spanish-speaking performer, who released his first studio album, Fijate Bien, in 2000, became a true household name in the Spanish music circuit with his single, "La Camisa Negra," an instant hit from his third album, Mi Sangre. Juanes has become a phenomenon throughout the world, and his most recent album, La Vida…Es Un Ratico, has topped the Latin music charts across the globe. His first single from the new album, "Me Enamora," was even featured in a Ford car commercial.
Juanes is a truly gifted performer, and his concert at Madison Square Garden was a true testament to his skills as a guitarist, singer and spokesperson (his philanthropic foundation, Mi Sangre, helps raise awareness about landmines and their detrimental effects).
Juanes got the crowd up on its feet and moving with his opening song, "A Dios le pido," and then moved into a four- or-five-song set from his latest album, including his newest single, "Gotas de Agua Dulce." Much to the audience's delight, the charismatic performer played a solid mix of his earlier songs such as the catchy "Mala Gente," "Volverte a Ver," and his megahit, "La Camisa Negra." A slower, more melodic version of his rock hit "Sueños," an anthem that calls for peace and unity, demonstrated his range as a performer. The lyrics seemed particularly arresting in light of the current diplomatic conflict between Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Amid the crisis (which began after a deadly Colombian cross-border raid in Ecuador, killing a senior Colombian rebel and 24 others), Juanes aimed to preach a message of peace to the audience, through both his music and his activist demonstrations.
2008 Woodie Awards
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