14
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ NOVEMBER 2011
FEATURE
By Rosario Garcia
ID YOU MISS JULIETA VENEGAS’ COMPLETELY SOLD-OUT SHOW AT THE STATE THEATER EARLIER THIS YEAR OR JUST HUNGRY FOR MORE OF A GOOD THING? WELL, FRET NO MORE! JULIETA VENEGAS IS BACK IN TOWN AND BRINGING HER FULL 7-PIECE BAND FOR ANOTHER FULL NIGHT OF “OTRA COSA,” HER LATEST STUDIO ALBUM, AT THE STATE THEATER ON NOVEMBER 9. This Mexican pop rock singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer brings her Grammy nominated music to the DC area to the delight of her many fans. Many know her from her early beginnings with punk rock ska band, Tijuana
No, while others fell in love with Julieta’s music in more recent years. Whatever the case, they are all in for a real treat as Julieta prepares a show sure to entertain all of her die-hard fans.
To many Latin rock fans, Julieta Venegas is known as a pop singer who isn’t associated with rock music in the least. These fans may not be aware of Julieta Venegas’ many faces, including her early beginnings. Developing her musical talents since the age of 8, Julieta studied music feverishly, learning to play many classical instruments like the piano and the cello, mastering them before transitioning to the electric guitar and accordion during her teenage years. This is when she joined her first rock band, Chantaje, in the border town
of Tijuana, Mexico where she was born and raised with her twin sister, and now photographer, Yvonne Venegas. Chantaje later became Tijuana No, and would become very popular throughout Mexico. This was only the beginning of what would prove to be a very successful music career for Julieta. As a rockera myself, I often get funny looks from people when I profess my undying love for Julieta Venegas, who some have compared to pop artists like Shakira (who also dabbled in the Latin rock genre). There’s no doubt that Julieta’s music has evolved over the years, flirting with electronica, hip hop, ranchera, and even reggaeton; however, she keeps her fans interested and faithful by her authenticity and general love for music. Julieta also has a strong connection with her border hometown of Tijuana, and just like it, she represents many sides of Mexican-American