Todo Mundo brings music from a mix of cultures to Loveland on Aug. 8

By Jessica Benes Reporter-Herald Staff Writer

Posted: 08/20/2013 01:20:10 PM MDT

Santiago Orozco moved to San Diego, Calif. four years ago to make music his life.

He started out by earning a living performing on the streets at farmers markets.

Now, he's part of a band of eight members called Todo Mundo, which means "everyone," that will perform at the final Foote Lagoon concert of the series on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Orozco, originally from Colombia, was studying music in Argentina when he decided to move to America to "check out the music scene" in California. He decided to put all his energy into music and forming a band.

"Pretty much I left my life behind in Argentina. This was the way, I didn't look back," he said.

Orozco had learned English in school starting in sixth grade, but he didn't remember any of it. When he moved to the United States, he learned English through full immersion, because he had to communicate.

Orozco played his guitar on the streets of San Diego to earn a living, which is how he met many of the members of the band.

"People started to appear and asked if they could jam," Orozco said.

The band has spent the last several years on an album. Their first tour is through the Midwest, including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

The group produced their album, "Organic Fire" independently and will travel to 18 locations in the Midwest including Boulder, Denver, Telluride and Rifle.

Six of the eight members will perform at Foote Lagoon.

Orozco said that it's difficult to label their music.

The members hail from Venezuela, Israel, Columbia and the United States, and the music is a mix of reggae, samba and Spanish influences.

The bandmates call their fusion of influences "world music" to make the genre understandable to North Americans.

Orozco said that music is his therapy and connection. It is his place of rest.

"People started to react when I was playing and I was so blessed with that," he said. "Music doesn't have any boundaries."

Orozco has never been to Colorado. "I'm excited. Everyone says it is beautiful and amazing. And I like the name, Loveland," he said.