Paz Sin Fronteras Concert This Sunday on Colombian-Venezuelan Border

Fri14Mar2008

Paz Sin Fronteras Concert This Sunday on Colombian-Venezuelan Border

12:31 H | Topics: Activism - Celebrities - Colombia - Events - Music - Venezuela

This Sunday, March 16th, on a bridge linking Venezuela and Colombia, music will join the two nations as well, following political drama between the South American countries. The Concierto Paz Sin Fronteras (The Peace Without Borders Concert)will feature Miguel Bosé, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Ricardo Montaner, Alejandro Sanz, Juan Fernando Velasco And Carlos Vives. This concert on the Simón Bolívar Bridge Linking Cucuta, Colombia, and San Antonio del Tachira , Venezuela is Juanes brainchild, revealing his continuing interest and activism in human rights and peace issues in his country, Colombia and in Latin America as a whole.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend, from both sides of the border.

To further demonstrate the idea of unity in the pursuit of peace beyond borders, all artists will forgo any wardrobe of national colors and dress only in white - and have asked concert attendees to follow suit. Likewise, the entire bridge/concert stage will be adorned with white flags. The concert is expected to begin with a children’s chorus, comprised of 35 Colombian and 35 Venezuelan children, followed by 3-song performances by each participating artist. All artists are expected to join together for several songs during the concert’s finale.

Someone should try to do something like this on the Mexican/US Border (I won't hold my breath though).

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Maegan la Mala

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1. theCardinal ~ Sunday, Mar 16 2008 | 09:30H:

Seriously the US/Mexico border comment was just a flip remark but probably the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. No way you can equate immigration issues with a situation that could have potentially sunk an entire region in blood and death. The tension of death and war does not compare to that of economic necessity. This comes from someone who advocates relatively open borders and opportunities.

2. Maegan la Mala Ortiz ~ Monday, Mar 17 2008 | 07:38H:

I wasn't trying to be flip in the least. I think both are incredibly important human rights issues. There are people dying along the U.S. Mexico border. Some at the hands of U.S. Border Patrol, some at the mercy of the elements. And just like in Colombia, it's more than the economy- it's about policy and politics.

3. joselq ~ Monday, Mar 17 2008 | 23:01H:

The US and Mexico differ in the kinds of issues they face from what we see in Colombia-Venezuela border. That is not to say they should not do a concert like Paz sin Fronteras, but I think it wouldn't be the best idea.

4. mblount ~ Monday, Mar 17 2008 | 23:08H:

I think attacking the idea of having a peaceful, uniting concert along the US-Mexico border, for what ever reason, is far from ridiculus. In fact I applaud the idea. I understand that the drama unfolding in S. America could have generated a macabre of heartfelt terror and tragedy, however, the immigration is a storyline of this fashion and should not be underminded by any global issue.

5. theCardinal ~ Tuesday, Mar 25 2008 | 20:40H:

Here is my issue with the "Border Concert" idea. The one in Paz Sin Fronteras emphasized the similarities amongst the three countries particularly the music that they like. All the artists is question are popular in the countries involved. It is easy to understand how they can bring people together.

Imagine if you will a US/Mexico concert. Oh sure you will get that pathetic mish mash of acts that the Latin Grammy's used to try to foist us with but what would that accomplish...nothing except some unknown music critics praising the effort. All it would do is underline the differences between Middle America and Mex. Not only that but think like a Gringo for a bit...throwing the Spanish language at them is just going to antagonize them more. A US /Mex concert may make you feel good but it would do more harm than good.

6. Maegan la Mala Ortiz ~ Wednesday, Mar 26 2008 | 07:17H:

I can understand your perspective but I don't think it has to play out the way you laid it out.

7. theCardinal ~ Thursday, Mar 27 2008 | 07:22H:

I've been wrong before...actually I've been wrong quite often so no it doesn't have to play out the way I see it. I just don't see it as something that everyone will embrace. I can see Mexicans and MexAms going for it but it would only appeal to the immigration enthusiasts on the US side. It would also serve as bulletin board material for the nativists. I am not saying that we should always be supine and meek before them but picking our battles is better.

VivirLatino