Music

Juanes wasted no time Friday night at American Airlines Center. He immediately launched into "A Dios Le Pido," a rhythmic staple that succinctly showcases his infectious mix of rock, pop, reggae and Colombia's vallenato. The celebrated singer-songwriter continued with "No Creo En El Jamas," a propulsive rock-reggae cut from his latest CD, La Vida...Es Un Ratico, and "Mala Gente," a jamming tune that took him into the platform's center runway.

CHERYL DIAZ MEYER/DMN

Latin singer-songwriter Juanes was in strong voice for his performance Friday at Amerian Airlines Center. He frequently spoke to the adoring audience about dreams, life and love.

In 15 minutes Juanes had already displayed the kind of energy and commitment it takes some performers an hour to achieve. He doesn't need to warm up. He emerges fully formed, armed with the impetus and dedication to charm an audience.

No surprise. When Juanes popped onto the Latin music scene eight years ago with the Latin Grammy-winning Fijate Bien he made heads spin so profoundly that it prompted the question, "Where did this guy come from?"

He only got better. The Colombian star has that rare combination of raw musical talent, mass appeal and socially conscious drive. His activism includes work to rid Colombia of land mines, educate the poor and promote peace in Latin America.

To that end he offered "Minas Piedras," a ranchera-styled ballad about the land mines, and "Bandera de Manos," a plea for tranquility among neighboring countries. He mentioned the recent Peace Without Borders concert held between Colombia and Venezuela.

Juanes was in strong voice throughout the gig, which was scheduled to run two hours but deadlines only allowed us to see the first 90 minutes. He frequently spoke to the adoring audience about dreams, life and love. The heartfelt ballad "La Vida...Es Un Ratico" was introduced as a song about the pure, clean love of family.

But lest he get too serious, Juanes plays music for the sheer joy. "Me Enamora," a recent chart-topper, hooked everybody in with its wicked melody, rhythm and chorus. You can't get that song out of your head. "La Paga," a rural yet amped-up merging of vallenato and reggae, had the arena moving.

He can throw a party.

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