Carnival, in Trinidad, is the event of the year. It is said that if the islanders are not celebrating it then they are preparing for it. That sentiment also describes Juan Cezar… and his music. As a barefoot child reveling in Trinidad’s sun drenched beaches, Juan could often be seen, and heard, strumming a guitar. One of his biggest supporters, and influences, was his grandmother Velma, whose voice was often lifted in song with the local choir. One day, with child-like innocence and wonder, Juan joined his grandmother in singing “All I Have to do is Dream.†The stage was set for Juan’s future.
As a young man, having been exposed to the extravaganza of Carnival each year, Juan gravitated toward an environment of creativity and music upon moving to Atlanta, Ga. After landing a job at Backstreet - the premier party spot in Atlanta during the 1980’s and 90’s - Juan’s years of penning songs in a treasured notebook paid off. Backstreet DJ Bill Berdeaux mixed one of Juan’s songs, “In My Eyes,†into a certified prime-time dance number.
Another Backstreet icon, drag queen extraordinaire Mr. Charlie Brown, also realized Juan’s musical ability and recruited him to sing live in the internationally known “Charlie Brown’s Cabaret.†The rush of singing live before an audience prompted Juan to establish his own show, “Spotlight,†which showcased local talent and cemented his role in Atlanta’s music scene.
In 2007, Juan’s song “Cross The Line†was featured in the first episode of Season 3 of Dante’s Cove.
Today, Juan is no longer the celebrated ‘ringmaster’ of nightly entertainment. He is content harnessing and perfecting his own talent. Oh, and simply enjoying everyday life, which after all, is the stuff songs are made of…
â€Letting Go†has been three years in the making. Listen. Let Go.
The Brightness of Things
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