Latin America's most popular band, Maná, was well received at the Pepsi Center Tuesday night by thousands of adoring fans who came from as far as Idaho to see the Latin rock concert.

The Mexican band's stop in Denver was part of the second leg of their "Drama y Luz Tour" in the United States.

Maná began the night with their hit song "Oye Mi Amor" and continued to play for nearly two hours. Fans sang along singer Fher Olvera who showed his softer side when he sang "Vuela Libre Paloma," a song he wrote for his mother who passed away a few years ago, he said.

The band played five songs from their "Drama y Luz" album and other fan favorites, including "Corazón Espinado" and "Clavado en un Bar."

The

Fher Olvera, lead singer of Mana, performs at the Pepsi Center in Denver on May 1, 2012. (Mireya Saenz/Special to Viva Colorado)
highlight of the concert was an outstanding solo by drummer Alex Gonzalez that lasted nearly 15 minutes and ended with him tossing drumsticks to the crowd.

The Grammy award-winning band, which is highly recognized for its achievements in the music industry, took advantage of the occasion to address issues such as the environment, racism, voting and immigration.

At one point Olvera shared with the audience that he worked in a restaurant in the United States as a dishwasher. This experience, he said, had inspired him to fight against anti-immigrant laws, including Arizona's SB1070.

"Have hope my people and vote for those who have our best interest in mind," he said to the young crowd of mostly Hispanics.

Maná's next stop is El Paso, Texas on May 8. The tour ends in Miami on May 11.

See photos of the concert at HeyReverb.com.


Fher Olvera, lead singer of Mana, performs at the Pepsi Center in Denver on May 1, 2012. (Julio Enriquez/ HeyReverb.com)