Alma Azul says goodbye to lead singer in tribute concert

Alma Azul will say goodbye to their lead singer Saturday, but they won't let her leave without one last good time. The Latin rock band is scheduled to play their last show with lead singer Melisa Benavente at Second Story Nightclub, 201 S. College Ave., a favorite venue of the band where they always produce an exciting performance.\n"Alma Azul has been such a big part of my college career," said Benavente, who became tearful when speaking of cherished times with the band and how she will miss the group of musicians that mean so much to her. "It's been a phenomenon. Words cannot express the passion and excitement. I have been so blessed." she said. \nBenavente said she is excited to share her last Alma Azul experience with friends, fans and the city of Bloomington. She joined the group as a freshman and is now leaving the band to prepare to graduate in December with a degree in Musical Theater Performance.Alma Azul, which means "blue soul," formed four years ago, and Benavente has been with the group from its beginning. \nThe band's creator, Forest Gras, first conceived the idea of Alma Azul when traveling through Mexico and Central America. Gras said the group started as a three piece acoustic ensemble and has grown member by member and show by show into a festive dance band with horns and an emphasis on percussion and vocals. Their Latin dance themes have opened doors for Latin music and diversity in Bloomington as they have gained local success.\nThere are currently 10 members in Alma Azul who add to the musically diverse sound, blending saxophone, trombone, guitar, vocals, bass, drums and keyboard, or Montuno, which add the danceable Latin beats. \n"Latin rock music is very vague," said senior saxophonist Rahsaan Barber. "It can be so many things. People who think they may not like our sound are amazed by what they hear." Barber plays alongside his twin brother, Roland on trombone. \nThe band keeps their happy, passionate music as fun for the audience as it is for the band members. \n"If we don't feel happy or good about a song, we don't do it. When we start playing a song, we are all having a good time. What we feel about the song reflects to the crowd. The fun factor is huge for Alma Azul," said Barber.\nGras said there is also an element of spiritual and world peace in their concerts. They usually dedicate the song "The River of Life" to clean water and a healthy planet. Gras said when people come to see Alma Azul, they come for spiritual release and to dance. \n"I hope the spirit of music and dance will help the audience members find their higher self," said Gras. "We can use the music vehicle as an instrument of communication with people." \nWhile the band will miss Benavente, they will continue to play as back-up vocalist Nythia Rivera, a senior, steps up to lead vocals. The band realizes that losing Benavente brings on a change, but their direction will stay the same. The group has plans to work toward a second album, a follow-up to Viva La Musica, to record their latest original music. They are also eager to experiment with even more new styles and flavors.\nBenavente is glad to be playing her last show at Second Story, a place which Barber calls their unofficial home. Every member has high expectations for a dynamic performance and several past members of the group will be featured as special guests.\n"I anticipate nothing but excitement with us," said Benavente. "It's way more than music, more than a band. I want to express that on Saturday"