BY MATT MUNOZ For The Californian It may be a coincidence that Grammy Award-win- ning Latin artist Juanes has twice chosen to kick off a major tour in Bakersfield — but maybe not. It was in nearby McFar- land that the Colombian superstar filmed the video for his single “Juntos” (Together), the theme song for Disney’s “McFarland, USA,” the feel-good sports film released earlier this year. Juanes received a rock-star welcome at the town’s Christmas parade late last year and met Jim White, who coached the McFarland High cross- country team to a string of championships beginning in the late 1980s. “For me it was an inspi- ration, on a different level,” said Juanes during a phone interview Monday. The singer was backstage at a taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in Los Angeles. “I came to this country looking for opportunity, trying to make my dreams come true, and I saw that reflected in this movie.” The film, starring Kevin Costner as White, touched the Colombian-born artist, 42, whose full-name is Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez. “It’s also inspirational for any kid watching and shows what can happen when you work as a team. You really can make any- thing possible in this life.” In the video for “Juntos,” Juanes is seen running with actors from the film through valley orchards. “I’ve been running every day of my life, especially when I was teenager. I love it so much so, that I had to have surgery in my right knee. It’s healed now.” Another interesting con- nection Juanes has to the Central Valley and Bakers- field comes through his Basque heritage. “My last name, Aris- tizábal Vásquez, comes from el vasco (Basque). The family line came to Colom- bia from Spain over 300 years ago. So, Basque is part of my ADN (DNA). “I had no idea Bakers- field had such a history. I’ll have to look into it. That’s incredible.” Ximena Sarinana Opening for Juanes tonight at Rabobank The- ater is Mexican singer/ songwriter and actress Ximena Sarinana. “I’m really happy that I’m part of this tour,” said Sarinana, 29, during a recent phone interview. “I’ve followed Juanes’ music since I was a girl. He’s been really big for a long time in America and Latin America. I’ve met him before and he’s a super cool guy and that makes a difference when you’re opening.” Growing up in front of the camera as a child actor in Mexico, the multi-tal- ented Sarinana has become one of her coun- try’s most acclaimed tal- ents, both on screen and off. Her recording debut, “Mediocre,” was released in 2008. She shifted gears with her English-language follow-up, whose radio single and music video “Different” helped her cross-over strategy. Her latest release, “No Todo Los Puedes Dar,” is a return to Spanish; a stand- out track is her cover of Pat Benatar’s “We Belong” (“Juntos por Siempre”). “I was involved through whole production process: songwriting, songs I was going to record, musicians I would record with, studio location, mixing and mas- tering. It was a great feel- ing and something I need- ed. Every artist has this sort of need to do that at some point in their career, and I was really happy for the result. I had a lot of support.” Sarinana performs a bilingual program, ensur- ing no fan feels left out. “I will always mix both languages in my show. That’s one thing I never want to lose. I speak two different languages and that’s exactly who I am.” 6301 E. Brundage Lane (661) 366-3255 Bakersfield NEW JUMBO TILE 24” X 24” & 32” & 32” • Kitchen Counter Top Tile Little Grout Joint • Super Easy To Clean Beautiful & Classic Marble Colors NEW CLEAN SHARP LOOK!! UPTO75%OFF 5 DAYS ONLY! Tuesday thru Saturday 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705 NE corner of Brimhall & Calloway in Brimhall Square shopping center. 829-2288 www.beladagio.com Cannot combine discounts and all sales are nal. B E L A D A G I O ’S Where Beautiful Homes Begin SALE Make A Statement in Style and Save STOREWIDE 10 The Bakersfield Californian Tuesday, July 28, 2015 Local Juanes can’t get enough of Kern Juanes and Ximena Sarinana When: 7:30 p.m. today Where: Rabobank The- ater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: $28.50-$74, plus fee; 852-7300 CASEY CHRISTIE / THE CALIFORNIAN Juanes, left, shakes hands with retired McFarland High School cross-country coach Jim White at the McFar- land Christmas Parade in December. COURTESY XIMENA SARINANA Acclaimed Mexican singer-songwriter Ximena Sarinana will be the opening act for Juanes.