Luis Cordova performs classic, original guitar at the Venue

Surrounded by various canvases in The Venue on Grant Street, Luis Cordova, a master’s student at IU, strummed his guitar for a small audience Tuesday night.

“My music is about life itself and people,” Cordova said. “We live in a contemporary world with a mix of traditional and romantic tones, too.”

Cordova played a mix of music, including his original song “Angel” and a waltz from his home country of Ecuador by composer Carlos Mendoza.

Retired IU English Professor John Woodcock said he was drawn to the performance because he too plays classical guitar.

Woodcock said he heard about it through local press releases, which he credits mainly to the Bloomington community’s love of music.

“I’m just glad to be here,” Woodcock said. “Bloomington is an incredibly good music community for music lovers of all kinds.”

The Venueowner Gabe Colman said he works hard to bring new performers and artists into his business.

“The Bloomington community is always excited about the new and different,” Colman said.

The Venue’s purpose, according to Colman, is to merge different forms of art to create a more wholistic experience.

“The gallery is meant to be an experience for the senses,” Colman said. “As you walk in, we have the handmade soaps that appeal to the sense of smell, art is the visual, and clearly the music is the auditory aspect of that.”

Colman said he makes it The Venue’s purpose to offer an intimate space for creative fusion.

“There is a strong correlation between music and the visual arts,” Colman said.

Like Colman, Cordova said he believes music and art have a close relationship.

“It’s like painting with different colors, but with sounds instead of colors,” Cordova said.

Cordova said he first realized this connection when he was very young, adding his love for guitar began when he first heard and watched his mother play the accordion.

“She didn’t play very good, so I decided to play better,” Cordova said. “She was my inspiration.”

His mother was the first to give him a guitar, and though he broke the first one, his second time as a guitar owner was more successful.

“Since then it has been an adventure,” Cordova said.

Currently, Cordova is working on his thesis for Jacob’s School of Music, and as for the future, he remains unsure.

“Honestly, I don’t know what is to happen tomorrow,” Cordova said. “I know I’ll keep studying, keep working, keep playing music, but I’m just living now.”

Follow IU Auditorium reporter Janica Kaneshiro on Twitter @janicakaneshiro.