San Cha is an acclaimed singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, increasingly known for her visceral and explosive live performances. Her name, derived from the Spanish-slang word sancha (which translates to "mistress") is a mischievous reference to the title of “San,” given to male saints in the Catholic tradition. Fans of cumbia, punk, bolero, and electro flock to see San Cha’s emotional renditions of traditional Mexican rancheras and original songs that focus on conventions of identity, power, and love. San Cha's striking stage presence is accompanied by the one-of-a-kind garments she adorns, aesthetic reflections of the years spent performing in the San Francisco Bay area. Inspired to pursue music professionally after joining a church choir at the age of 12, a career in music was always in the cards for San Cha. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, her unique sound draws inspiration from the music and rhythms she grew up with as well as the punk culture she grew to appreciate. San Cha was most recently the headlining act at the kickoff of the Red Bull Music Festival, the Getty Museum, and the Santa Monica Pier's Twilight Concert Series.
Jaake is a multi-faceted musician known for their singular performances, taking cues from the underground vogue ballroom culture, 80s synth-pop, contemporary urban artists, and deeply personal experiences. An unforgettably unique artist, they draw inspiration from a background in nightlife and event production, working notably as an event coordinator, curator, and host with various cornerstones of the underground queer nightlife community throughout Los Angeles. Jaak was featured as a contestant on Fox's American Idol and The Glee Project. Through poignant, yet uplifting lyrics, highly creative tongue-in-cheek fashion, and a tender fearlessness, Jaake’s work strives to challenge gender/societal norms, and invites the audience into a world where they can find authenticity, bravery, and happiness.
Amaros is a mariachi ensemble featuring Tony Zuñiga (vocals & guitarrón), Andy Abad (requinto & vocals) and Stephanie Amaro (vocals & guitar).
A fourth-generation Mexican-American born in Hollywood, Stephanie Amaro was raised with classic rock, iconic singer-songwriters, 80's pop, and Seattle grunge rock. It wasn't until she saw a world-class mariachi live for the first time at age 19 that she discovered her love for traditional Mexican music. From then on she dedicated years learning from and integrating the mariachi music scene, picking up a wealth of technique and traditional repertoire and going on to become the first female guitar player to ever be invited into an otherwise-all-male elite mariachi group. The mariachi community became a road which led to the formation of renowned Mexican fusion group Trio Ellas, in which she was a vocalist and guitarist. The group created a unique sound of pop and jazz elements over a traditional foundation which earned a "Best Regional Album" Latin Grammy nomination in 2012 for their debut album "Con Ustedes...Trio Ellas," Their follow-up album "Noches Angelinas" peaked on the Top 15 iTunes Latino chart. Outside of the mariachi genre, Stephanie accompanies major artists in both the Latin and US markets on a variety of instruments or as a vocalist, or both. Her unique musical skill set and ease with switching between styles and languages has allowed her performances and recordings with artists from Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper to Natalia LaFourcade and Pepe Aguilar. Stephanie was recently a semi-finalist on the #1-rated first season of “La Voz US” on Telemundo, which is the Spanish language version of NBC’s “The Voice.” Her blind audition performance of “La Llorona” went viral. Now a budding solo artist, she's combining the lessons of her varied musical experiences into a cohesive aesthetic and unique sound (think Juan Gabriel meets Lana del Rey) with the creative input of her husband, USC Thornton School professor and guitarist Andy Abad.
Latin Grammy-nominated artist Buika hails from the Spanish island of Mallorca. For Buika, flamenco was an open door: “It’s not just about music, it’s a way of life. It’s about not running away from yourself. Some people sing about what they would like to happen or would like to be, but in the copla and el cante, we confront who we are, with all our fears and all our defects. In the United States there’s also a great tradition like this: it’s called the blues.” Creating a fusion with flamenco, jazz, soul, and dance rhythms, Buika has become an international sensation. “Her voice has an intensity and a power that’s hard to define,” says NPR. Buika’s voice is piercingly unique and echoes the rich and passionate influences of her upbringing. The New York Times calls her “luminous...magnificent...superb!”
Called “one of the wonders of world trance music” by Los Angeles Times, Iranian singer Mamak Khadem captivates audiences by blending her roots in the ancient poetry and music of the Persian masters with a bold and revolutionary new sound. Her latest album, The Road, invites us on a journey that includes her native Iran as well as Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, and Arab-Andalusia. Always searching for threads of connection, Khadem draws upon a treasure trove of traditional melodies, rhythms, and poetry to create a lush sonic landscape that is nothing short of intoxicating.
Iconic Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs is one of the world’s most singular and powerful voices, whose compelling stage presence and poignant storytelling transcend all language barriers.
