Lila Downs

September 16th, 2012

Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

For over a decade, Lila Downs has traversed the planet, bringing her dramatic and highly unique reinvention of traditional Mexican music and original compositions fused with blues, jazz, soul, African root, and even klezmer music, all supporting her soaring voice. Some would classify Lila as a Mexican artist, but there is no real way to categorize her music except to say that it is a unique and exciting fusion of international sounds. A musical journey with Lila Downs is always a fascinating one, simultaneously edgy and powerful, yet sumptuous and graceful.

Lila Downs’ newest release, “Pecados y Milagros” (Sins & Miracles), on the Sony Music Mexico imprint, quickly went to #1 on the Mexican pop charts and has reached platinum status there. It was released here in the U.S. in January 2012 on the Sony Latin label. The title and concept are inspired by the themes of traditional and modern votive paintings of Mexico, as well as her infant son. The new songs are born of the reasons to find items and symbols that give us strength.

Lila Downs, born in Oaxaca, Mexico, is the daughter of Mixtec singer Anita Sánchez and Allen Downs, a Scottish-American art professor and filmmaker. She grew up in Oaxaca, California, and Minnesota, where she graduated from the University of Minnesota in voice and anthropology. Downs is usually accompanied on her musical journey by her longtime band, La Misteriosa, multi-cultural multi-instrumentalists who include Paul Cohen, her collaborator, producer and husband.

For more about this Grammy winning artist please visit Lila Downs’ official website at www.liladowns.com

Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Adriana Ayala
Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Humberto Morales
Film & Community Conversations:
Reyna Grande
Music:
Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

Film & Community Conversations:
Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Monday, June 10, 2013:
A Conversation with Author of “Latinnovating,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Saturday, May 11, 2013:
A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes
Friday, May 10, 2013:
A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande

Friday, May 3, 2013:
From the Battlefield to the Plaza
Concerts:
Dia de los Muertos Community Concert and Family Activities
Friday, September 21, 2012:
California History Walking Tours
Special Events:
Maya Calendar Revealed

Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Como Agua Para Chocolate Diner
Thursday, September 13, 2012:
The Weight of the Nation
Film & Community Conversations:
Irene Chavez
Music:
Las Cafeteras

Music:
La Misa Negra
Film & Community Conversations:
Aurora Guerrero
Dance:
Guelaguetza performers from Santa Cruz
Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Like Water for Chocolate

Saturday, September 15, 2012:
The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz
VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Mosquita y Mari
Monday, September 10, 2012:
Mexican Movie Night (In Spanish)
Film & Community Conversations:
Isaac Artenstein

VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Tijuana Jews
Film & Community Conversations:
Rick Najera
Saturday, September 8, 2012:
Taco Shop w/ Rick Najera
Concerts:
Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

Music:
Los Texmaniacs
Music:
Trio Ellas
Music:
Paquita la Del Barrio
Music:
Ozomatli

Music:
Lila Downs
Music:
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
Music:
Ronstadt Generations
Film & Community Conversations:
Ruben Navarette

Film & Community Conversations:
Javier Sicilia
Special Events:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – Conversations with Javier Sicilia Ruben Martinez and Ruben Navarrette
Concerts:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – An Evening of Comedy!
Dance:
Calpulli Tonalehqueh