The Juan & Only is a live-looping musician with over 15 years of performance experience, crafting full-band mixes using just one guitar, one voice, and endless creativity. Through looping, he blends rock, country, pop, reggae, and Latin music into high-energy performances that feel bigger than a single musician — connecting with audiences of all ages.

Juan’s musical journey began in Ecuador, where he grew up surrounded by music within his family and community. He picked up the guitar at age twelve and was performing in bars and restaurants before he turned sixteen. His years as a solo acoustic musician on cruise ships sharpened his performance skills and broadened his artistic identity — and it was during that time that his wife suggested the name “The Juan & Only.”

After living in several states across the U.S., Juan returned to Iowa — a place his family had called home since 2010. With deep roots in the community and a renewed artistic vision, he settled in the Midwest in 2016, bringing with him a sound shaped by culture, travel, rhythm, melody, and storytelling. His performances range from intimate acoustic moments to vibrant, festival-ready arrangements — all built live and in real time through looping.

THE PAPI FACTOR

From time to time, Juan is joined by his father — affectionately known as Papi — who brings a rich background in world percussion, especially Latin rhythms. For years, the two performed acoustic music together, and today Papi enhances the show with hybrid electronic percussion, blending traditional instruments with modern technology.

Since he was young, Juan would often ask his father to join him on stage — a bond that continues to shape their musical connection today. Together, they create dynamic grooves, spontaneous musical improvisation, and unique moments that elevate the live experience. Papi doesn’t perform at every show, but when he does, the father-and-son chemistry is unmistakable — a fusion of rhythm, culture, and energy the audience immediately feels.