About Juan Manú

Juan was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent almost every summer and winter holiday of his childhood in Mexico City, where his mother is originally from. Growing up fully bilingual and bicultural, he developed a deep pride in his Mexican heritage and a strong connection to both sides of the border.

He began playing violin at age ten through his public school’s orchestra program. Largely self-taught until high school, Juan’s musicianship took a leap forward when he began studying with a private instructor, an opportunity that proved transformative. Soon after, he earned distinction as a Texas All-State violinist and concertmaster of his regional orchestra.

When he left home to attend Stanford University, nostalgia for his Tex-Mex roots led him to join the university’s mariachi ensemble. Under the guidance of local mariachi professionals, he refined his skills in both violin and vocal performance, deepening his connection to traditional Mexican music.

Photo by Visit El Paso

After earning his B.A. in Human Biology in 2014, Juan pursued a Master of Public Health at Columbia University, completing it in 2016. Moving to Washington, D.C. to advance his public health career, he thought his musical chapter had closed - until he discovered the city’s vibrant Latin music community. There, he performed with groups including Mariachi Los Amigos, Los Gallos Negros, and Elena y Los Fulanos before co-founding Grupo Fénix with fellow musicians. The group’s mission: to bring music from across Latin America to the greater Washington area.

With Grupo Fénix, Juan has performed on some of D.C.’s most celebrated spaces, including the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, the National Portrait Gallery, the GALA Hispanic Theatre, and The Anthem. In recent years, he has also shared his original compositions at venues such as Atlas Performing Arts Center, Songbyrd, Franklin Park, and Dance Place, continuing to blend his cultural roots with his evolving artistic voice.