Photo by James Jones Courtesy Of JoshuaJosuemusic.com
By Kat Tabor
Chicano rocker Joshua Josué, a passionate advocate for community college education, is set to perform at John Henry’s as part of a three-city tour with Metalachi. Raised in Eugene, Josué,blends Mexican folk traditions with rock, blues and soul, drawing inspiration from Los Lobos, Hermanos Gutiérrez and Enrique Bunbury to craft his distinct sound. He will take the stage on March 24.
His debut solo album, recorded with members of The Chris Isaak Band, Los Lobos and Dwight Yoakam‘s band, is set to release later this year under Electric CholoLand Records. In an interview with The Torch, Josué shared his excitement for the project. “I’m on the heels of releasing my debut record, and I’ve released one single from it already and the name but that song is Solitario,” he says. His latest single, “Solitario,” is available for streaming.
Josué began his music career locally.“A long time ago when I was in Eugene,” he says of his band, “It was called Friedrich’s Teeth.” Though underage, the band still managed to perform at local venues like John Henry’s old location on East 11th Avenue in downtown Eugene. He recalls how they had to wait in the dressing room until it was their turn to take the stage and then leave immediately after their set since they weren’t old enough to stay in the bar.
Josué says that after leaving Sheldon High School without a diploma, he found a path forward through Portland Community College (PCC), where he earned his diploma and an associate degree before transferring to Portland State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. His experience as a nontraditional student has made him a vocal supporter of community college education.
After graduating, his life took a new direction.“[After]I got my college degree, I’d spend a lot of time in Mexico and made a lot of friends there in Guadalajara,” he said. Josué’s time in Mexico played a significant role in shaping his music.
However, his journey was not without hardship. “After I finished college, my father passed away unexpectedly,” he says. This loss deeply affected both his personal life and his music, shaping the album he’s about to release, which features songs that explore themes of grief and loss.
Beyond his performances and new album release, Josué says,“I always love hearing what people have to say at the shows and what they think about it.” He encourages fans to share their own experiences, whether they relate to cultural identity, personal struggles or finding a sense of belonging.
As he prepares for the tour, Josué is excited to perform alongside Metalachi, a band known for blending heavy metal with traditional mariachi music. He says he sees this as a chance to share his own sound with new audiences and help create an unforgettable live experience.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- March 24 — John Henry’s, Eugene, OR
- March 29 — El Corazon, Seattle, WA
- March 30 — Bar 211, Bellingham, WA
This performance at John Henry’s is for ages 21 and older. Tickets start at $22.50 and can be purchased at JohnHenrysBar.com
For more information about Joshua Josúe and his upcoming releases visit JoshuaJosuemusic.com
