For Verena—just Verena; like Zendaya—being the lead singer of Latin jazz act Ojo de Luna is a way of sharing her heritage with her bandmates and audience members alike. The band clocks at seven members, all of whom met while in the University of Colorado Denver’s Latin American ensemble. The group of former music majors kept those good vibes going after graduating, transitioning into an act that conveys sexy beats and rhythms alongside Verena’s powerful vocal work on the national stage. Ojo de Luna heads to Santa Fe this weekend for two shows—here are three reasons to attend one or both of them.
Musical Diversity
Verena says Ojo de Luna keeps aspects of the danceability of a typical salsa band—they want their performances to be a place where people can come together and have fun. But they also dip their toes into more than a few sub-genres of Latin-tinged musical styles, including bossa nova, R&B, pop, jazz fusion and more. The vocals, bass, piano, violin and three—count ‘em: three—percussionists come together to create a medley of complex music that allows for you to have a uniquely diversified experience.
Medley of Members
The hodgepodge group of seven musicians come from disparate backgrounds both culturally and musically. Verena, for example, hails from Mexico City and moved to Denver five years ago for school. Her music tastes include Adele and Queen. Violinist Haiden Davis, however, comes from a classical background, while percussionist Gabe Gravagno was raised on jazz. And it spirals out from there. Various upbringings and styles aside, Ojo de Luna is united by a love for Latin music and culture.
“It’s so many different flavors that ultimately [come together] harmoniously,” Verena tells SFR, “so that’s what the set feels like when we’re on stage.”
New Music/New Video
Up until this week, Ojo de Luna had only released the song “Viajero,” an upbeat Spanish-language tune with serious groove. With the Aug. 9 release of the new track “Heartshine,” though, the band reveals even more of its abilities. The R&B-slash-salsa tune sung in English depicts the celebration of a new love. “I can’t stop staring at the picture that I took of you last night,” Verena sings.
In a week, the band will also release a music video for the song, directed and edited by bassist Jacob Montano. The hand-animated video depicts each band member’s serious and playful side, adding a visual aspect to an already-sensuous song.
Ojo de Luna:
5 pm Friday, Aug. 9. Free. Uncle DT’s Smokehouse, 3134 Rufina Street, (505) 372-7605
3 pm Sunday, Aug. 11. Free. Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, 2791 Agua Fría Street, (505) 303-3808