Dewar's has partnered with Juanes in finding his next opening act. They traveled to San Antonio, Miami and New York to have 3 bands compete in each city. Now, the winners of those cities are up for a vote. The winner will win the opening act slot for Juanes at the Dewaristas Finale event in Miami.
Juanes, commenting on his commitment to this unique program because it harnesses the power of music, said, “I am a firm believer in the power of music and its ability to influence important changes in the world. Through DEWARISTAS, I hope to share my inspiration with the upcoming artists who love music as much as I do.”
San Antonio
In San Antonio, the three bands competing were Radial from California; Las Cafeteras from California and the Gina Chavez Band from Austin. They each played a two-song set for a panel of judges which included Juanes, himself.
Radial, an Indie-rock with a little bit of pop-rock band, who originally hail from Puerto Rico opened the show. The group consists of Andy, bass and keyboards; Carlos, lead singer and guitar; Omar, lead guitar; Paulo, drums. Carlos writes the music and says his inpsiration comes from reading and simply listening to what others have to say.
The Gina Chavez Band, the only Texas act, followed. Gina describes herself as a songwriter with a band. She considers herself lucky to be able to play with different musicians and this group consisted of Paul Finly, Michael Longoria, and Williams. For this performance, she gave us a cumbia and a live rock-reggaton number. This fellow Tejana rocked it!
The final band of the night was Las Cafeteras, the seven-member force of energy from California. Their sound a mixture of "Afro-Caribbean marimbol and cajón, poetry in English and Spanglish, and instruments like jarana, requinto, a donkey jawbone and a wooden platform called the Tarima." They really do make music with a donkey jawbone! Their energy is high and their message is one of justice.
After they each played their set, the judges gave them feedback … American Idol style. At the end of the night and after much deliberation, the judges announced the winners were LAS CAFETERAS.
THE CONTEST
Now, LAS CAFETERAS are in an online contest with the winners from Miami: PALO! and from New York: LA MECÁNICA POPULAR. The winner will be decided by you, the voters. Visit Dewaristas con Juanes to LISTEN to each grupo and cast your vote! As a voter, you will have the chance to enter to win:
- Trip for 2 to Miami for the Dewaristas Finale concert on September 19, 2013
- Autographed Juanes acoustic guitar
- Dewar's 12 branded merchandise gift basket
*Must be 21 to enter. VOTING ENDS SEPTEMBER 6, 2013.
