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Lila Downs is the daughter of a Mixtec Indian woman, Anastasia Sanchez, who ran away from her village at 19 to sing in Mexico City cantinas and a Minnesota-born, Scottish-American film & photography professor, Allen Downs, who saw her singing and fell in love. Lila Downs was born in the Oaxacan mountain town of Tlaxiaco, 7,000 feet up in the heavens. The first songs she remembers are her mother singing Lola Beltrán's heartfelt rancheras, and her father singing Woody Guthrie's ''This Land Is Your Land.'' Her border-blurring, multicultural upbringing infused Downs with a firm world view in support of the disenfranchised working classes and an aesthetic vision that embraces cross-cultural pollinations.
As a result Downs has become one of the most innovative exponents of Mesoamerican music on both sides of the border. Her lyrics are high-minded and sentient and her sound is all encompassing. By drawing on a pan-Latin palette of music as well as American folk, jazz, blues and rock, Downs and her worldly band of kindred spirits, La Misteriosa, have won accolades and a devoted following of world music fans. Known for her smoky voice and magnetic performances, Downs has created a unique body of work that defies categorization in any single genre.
With eight studio albums and one live album released since 1999, Lila Downs has long been recognized by the music industry. She received a Latin Grammy for the 2004 release “Una Sangre,” and a Grammy nomination for 2008’s “Shake Away,” as well as various performance awards from around the world. Her 2011 release, "Pecados y Milagros" garnered both a Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album, and a Grammy for Best Regional Mexican Music Album. It also hit #1 on the Mexican music charts immediately after its initial release, and reached Double Platinum status there.
In addition to headlining venues all over the world, Lila Downs has performed at major festivals and events including WOMAD; Live Earth; Montreal Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, the World Sacred Music Festival - appearing with such luminaries as the Dalai Lama; the Latino Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama, the Bicentenario de Mexico, the opening ceremonies for the 2011 Pan American Games, and the 2012 Latin Grammys on Univision.
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Everything that I was expeting from Lila it was. However the concert was too short and the venue was too hot. Since I was in the VIP area, I expected the area to be more confortable and better but it was not. Music was exellent and the show was great.
Amazing show! Opening act was awesome as well. I always wanted to see LILA Downs. Great seats and view!
Lila is truly a goddess walking among us. She seems to be possessed by spirit as she sings and moves. She was incredibly amazing and truly emotionally moving. My only critique is that it was a short show! About 1 hour and 15 minutes. I wouldn't hesitate to see her again and pay the money that I did to see her. She is a gem.
Such an amazing show. The venue was amazing and the show was spectacular. I love Lila Downs shows!!! I would have seen her the next night too if the tixs weren't sold out.
Las Cafeteras was the opening act and they were amazing. They are high energy and wonderful live. Lila Downs delivered an incredible performance-- very lively and energetic!
If Lila Downs had exposure beyond her genre, she would be recognized by millions more as a performer extraordinaire. Her husky alto smokey sultry voice followed by the chirping falsetto are more than my heart can take. Judy Garland, move over. I've seen her three times now and will schedule the next tour date she and her band perform in California because it makes me feel good all over. Her band is outstanding and never ceases to amaze me with their professionalism, tight timing, and brilliant full sound. Damn, they are good and provide the support for her soothing and bold voice. Music critics, pay attention. She will knock your socks off. Get ready to dance and have the time of your life. And don't forget to visit her hometown of Oaxaca, one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. Napa: don't let her skip the Uptown Theater next opportunity. Didn't look like it sold out, but it should have!
Lila brings a very unique fusion of folksongs, spirituality and contemporary multi-ethnic music from the Americas to live in an inspiring and powerful performance.
I had the best time on Friday at the Lila Downs Concent. She was great and was very entertaining. Her stage presence was wonderful and the crowd was full of excitement over each and every song. The opening act was just as good.. Most of the crowd had not heard of them and after their set we were all in love I will go everytime I can to a Latin Concent Guess what...I dont speak Spanish but love the music. Thanks to my MOm
I loved it! I took my 3 daughters with me so they could enjoy the event and when I got there I was not expecting to be so intimate so wonderful ... I am a big fan of Lila and I am crazy about her music ..... I loved the interviewed loveit, love it !!!! Thank you Grammy museum for having this at your place!
Loved the intimate venue, and what can I say about Ms. Downs. She's a soulful and genuine artist. Her music transports all who hear her to wherever she's singing about. One of the best events I've been to in a very long time.
one of the best performances I have seen in a while. Lila has a fantastic voice, beautiful presentation and costumes. Loved it
I had waited a long time to see Lila Downs perform at any venue close and not so close from my home and I was not disappointed, her voice is absolutely fantastic and worth the wait. However it is in my humble opinion that politics should not be a part of a wonderful concert and to my surprised she is an advocate to the use of marijuana, not my thing. Maybe I was in the wrong place but no, I still think her voice was strong enough to put my uneasiness on the side. would I see her again? No I think once is enough.
I have been to many concerts in my time. This ranks up there as one of the most energetic and captivating concerts I have ever had the privilage of being a part of. Ms. Downs does not hold back and certainly is true to her roots as to her music. She is quickly becoming one of Mexico's most recognized vocalist. And she is certainly creating quite the fan base here in the states. Bravo Lila!!!
We had a fantastic time, one of the best events we've ever been to. The venue was perfect for her show - not small, but still intimate in feel. Opening group was amazing, and Lila was phenomenal.
Amazing experience - great venue and the crowd was into it from the opening song. She has an unforgettable presence and stunning voice. Her band was incredible and everyone just seemed so happy to be there!
The venue and the artist were great. Lila Downs is a full expression of art and culture. Theatre should stop with the unnecessary picture ban. Nowadays any cellphone has a camera and you don't need to use flash, so I don't understand how this can be disturbing.
The most unforgettable quality of Lila Downs is her voice and it was in remarkable form at this concert. She still has the ability to move from the high notes to the deeper ones. And, although she doesn't do it as readily as she did whenI first heard ten years ago her voice remains strong, sure and exciting.
She has a privileged voice, I'm so happy i was there.There is nothing like a live concert but, not all singers are as good as she gets.Thanks Lila to you and your band, excellents musicians. I 'll do it againg!!!
Excellent performance by a beautiful singer. The entire concert was very insightful with short narratives to introduce her songs and band members. An excellent venue to see any performer.
The performance was great, but the it was just to short. The hour show was just not enough to listen to this wonderful artist.
