Juanes knew tough times growing up, having lost his father to cancer, his cousin to kidnappers, and a friend to gunmen. His music encountered some rough-riding as well. Like many a budding music-maker, Juanes love for guitar playing took a turn down Electric Avenue, by way of the Metal Expressway. Yep, Juanes was a bonafide metalhead. His band, Ekhymosis, was Colombias answer to Metallica in the late 1980s. However, by the time Ekhymosis caught its final mosh in 1998, its brand of metal had become more poppy than heavy. For Juanes, it was solo time uh, not playing a guitar solo, but going solo. And all it took was a move to Los Angeles for Juanes to realize his dream.
Fortunately, Juanes dream involves more than a limo full of babes and booze. His "A Dios le Pido" ("I Ask God") is an anthemic cry for peace that sets him apart from the average radio-friendly fare. Juanes growing success is a testament to the value of hard work. But it also proves that theres life after heavy metal. Oh, and what a sweet life it is.
Sat., Jan. 28, 8 p.m.