Juanes set to perform in Duke City

He picked up a Latin Grammy for his most recent album, “Juanes MTV Unplugged.”

And he performed at the Grammys earlier this month.

Juanes is embarking on a worldwide tour — aptly titled “Loud & Unplugged Tour” — and it includes a date at Sandia Amphitheater at 8 p.m. May 31.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Prices are $35-$50 plus any applicable fees.

In both critical respect and global commercial success, Juanes has become the leading all-Spanish language music artist in the world. Both an electrifying guitarist and gifted songwriter, Juanes is now often mentioned alongside artists such as Bono and Bruce Springsteen for his belief in the possibility of social change through music. Juanes’ musical message of peace confronts conflict while pointing toward love and respect for both those closest to us, and our fellow global citizens as the way to rise above the fray. With multi-platinum worldwide sales of more than 12 million albums, a Grammy and record-setting 17 Latin Grammy awards after just his first four records, it is evident that millions of fans have adopted the songs of this poetic rocker as virtual anthems for Latino pride, prayers for peace, and the strength of love.

With record-setting chart runs for multiple No. 1 albums and singles, it is no wonder that Billboard recently declared Juanes as Latin Music’s “Star of The Decade”.

Born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez in Medellin, Juanes developed his deep love of music through family and learned to play guitar at a young age. At the age of 16, and inspired by his love of artists such as Metallica, Juanes became a founding member/principal guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for Ekhymosis — which went on to fame as Colombia’s leading hard-rock band.

Looking to grow his music further, Juanes relocated to Los Angles in the late ’90s and was eventually signed by producer Gustavo Santaolalla. The pair’s natural and magical collaboration took the international Latin rock scene by storm with the release of Juanes’ solo debut album “Fíjate Bien” in 2000.

Still spotlighting the dangers that surround us, but pointing the way through to the hope of a more peaceful tomorrow, Juanes returned with a brighter vision on his landmark second album “Un Dia Normal (A Normal Day)” in 2002. Producing five hit singles, “Un Dia Normal” lead Juanes to a sweep of the 2003 Latin Grammy telecast

Juanes’ global impact grew even more significant with the release of his third album, the socially and emotionally relevant “Mi Sangre (My Blood)” in 2004.

By 2006, even the Far East embraced “Mi Sangre” — as Juanes achieved the highest ever debut for a Spanish language album in Japan.