Persuasion is a band based in Fort Collins looking to bring the sounds of Santana, Journey and world beat rock to Colorado’s Front Range. Originally formed in 2018, the band’s current lineup consists of Juan Pablo Casillas on vocals, John Jimenez on guitar, Dawson O’Dowd on keys, Ruben Alonzo on bass, and Frank Jimenez and Victor Jimenez on percussion. Casillas is a more recent addition to the band, having joined in 2022 following a period spent as the lead singer of Los Angeles-based boyband Los 5 and competing on American Idol and Mexico’s La Voz.
On Feb. 11, Persuasion played a concert at Avogadro’s Number. Their show was split into two sets, with the first including covers of hits such as Santana’s “Apache/Smooth” and Journey’s “Separate Ways” and the second primarily focusing on world beat rock. “These guys are incredible,” commented one concertgoer before the first set. “The first time I saw them, I actually thought I was listening to Santana!”
As the band ended their concert with an encore performance of Santana’s “Soul Sacrifice”, Alonzo and Frank Jimenez held a steady groove while Casillas handed out a cowbell, shaker and guiro to audience members. Casillas finished the song on maraca, helping the audience keep time while every band member performed a solo. “You’re part of the music,” Casillas shouted. “You are music!”
Juan Pablo Casillas of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "Soul Sacrifice" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11. Casillas was previously the lead singer of Los Angeles-based boyband Los 5 but moved back to Colorado after growing disillusioned with the Los Angeles music industry. "Fort Collins saved me," Casillas said. "I'm not trying to get famous with Persuasion. It's going to get as big as it's going to get."
John JImenez of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "Apache/Smooth" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11.
Juan Pablo Casillas and Ruben Alonzo of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion perform "Apache/Smooth" at Avogrado's Number Feb. 11. Casillas was previously the lead singer of Los Angeles-based boyband Los 5 and has competed on American Idol, while Alonzo also performs in Salsa Forte Latin Collective.
John Jimenez, Victor Jimenez, Frank Jimenez, Juan Pablo Casillas, and Ruben Alonzo of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion perform "The Sensitive Kind" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11.
Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "The House Is Rockin'" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11.
John Jimenez and Frank Jimenez of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion perform "No One to Depend On" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11. In addition to Persuasion, John Jimenez works as an Information Technology Professional for Colorado State University Athletics, while Frank Jimenez is the co-owner of Babalu's Cuban Cuisine.
Frank Jimenez of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "No One to Depend On" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11. In addition to Persuasion, Jimenez is the co-owner of Babalu's Cuban Cuisine.
Ruben Alonzo of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "Bailamos El Son" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11. Alonzo also works for the Greeley Police Department, sings in Salsa Forte Latin Collective, and is the Music Director at City Park Church in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "Black Magic Woman" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11.
Ruben Alonzo of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion performs "Africa Bamba" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11. Alonzo also works for the Greeley Police Department, sings in Salsa Forte Latin Collective, and is the Music Director at City Park Church in Fort Collins.
John Jimenez, Victor Jimenez and Juan Pablo Casillas perform "Sabanas Frias" at Avogadro's number Feb. 11.
Frank Jimenez, Victor Jimenez and Juan Pablo Casillas of Fort Collins-based band Persuasion perform "Sábanas Frías" at Avogadro's Number Feb. 11.
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