Juanes and Mon Laferte offer picture-perfect moments in San Jose

Picture-perfect moments. 

The way we consume concerts has evolved — nowadays, more so than the music, everyone is in search of something unique, exclusive — a picture-perfect moment to share. 

And ironically enough, it was Juanes himself who mentioned this during his latest concert stop in the Bay Area. 

Consider that for almost a year now, Juanes and Mon Laferte, a pair of hugely successful solo artists in no real obvious need of each other’s company, have been making waves as a duet following the success of “Amárrame.” And yet, while their stars continue to rise and with both enjoying success in the Bay Area in years past, the two decided that touring together was more about the way people consume concerts nowadays and not about two mega artists sharing a poster together. 

That is what made their stop last Friday in San Jose so special — yes, it a chance to hear all their hits, but more so than that, the “Amarte Tour” presented fans with the opportunity to capture a picture-perfect moment. 

Friday was a big Bay Area jump for Laferte. The last two times she’s visited, Laferte performed at venues like the much smaller Independent in San Francisco — arguably a site more appropriate for her style of show. What has made her concerts memorable in the past is the intimacy she’s able to share with fans — one that allows emotionally-packed lyrics to really strike the right chord. Because you’re literally closer in proximity to Laferte, there is no possible way to miss out on the depth she shares. 

And since Laferte’s set isn’t one for spectacle, there was a risk for the Mexican artist in taking on larger venues this side of the border — mainly would there still be the same connection with fans?

Friday’s performance by Laferte showed there was zero to worry about. And while in this case she played second fiddle to someone, moving forward her sight should be set on more ambitious showings in a place like the Bay Area — one that truly loves her music and embraces her visits. 

Juanes is a master of his craft. A true concert maestro. 

Consider that because he’s been visiting the Bay Area since 1996, the element of surprise is not at his disposal — meaning, if you’re a fan of the his, you’ve seen him performed enough times to expect the fantastic. 

And yet, even with expectations set to 10, 20-plus years later, Juanes is still able to surpass those. 

On Friday, his pacing was display. A veteran artist like Juanes, gifted with a catalog of hits, understands the importance of peaks in his shows. On Friday, while promoting his latest work, the “Mis planes son amarte” album, Juanes masterfully blended the nostalgic with the new, knowing exactly how to whet the appetite and then feed the soul — how to tease and then all-out-seduce. 

And while it’s easy to sing their praises as individuals, again, what we call came to see were those moments during the show that would feel unique. The concert triumphed in that it provided a pair of those moments with the artists collaborating with “Amarrame” and, ironically enough, with “Fotografia.” 

A couple of songs in when addressing the sold-out crowd and just before singing another one his hits, Juanes told San Jose that this was only the beginning. 

Sure, he was talking about the rest of his show. But we get the feeling it applies to the Bay Area’s love for the Colombian -- and for Laferte, his latest partner in musical crime, -- or many years to come.