Duration: 90 Minutes
LILA DOWNS
Iconic 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. Raised in Minnesota and Oaxaca, this global superstar’s exquisite artistry bridges traditions from across the Americas, with influences ranging from the folk and ranchera music of Mexico and South America to North American folk, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. As a passionate human-rights activist, Lila’s lyrics often highlight issues relating to social justice, sharing stories that too often go untold.
In 2023, Lila released her fourteenth album, La Sánchez, influenced heavily by music from the north of Mexico. With this album, Lila reflected on important matters such as maternal recognition, compositions in times of pandemic, a journey through mourning, and the vicissitudes of sentimental and social relationships. Lila looks forward to the release of a new album in 2026.
Lila has graced the stages of many of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl. She has been invited to sing at the White House, and performed on the Academy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards telecasts. Her music has also been included in several feature films such as The Counselor, Tortilla Soup, Real Women Have Curves, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Carlos Saura’s Fados, Mariachi Gringo, and Hecho en Mexico. Among her many awards, Lila has garnered a Grammy and seven Latin Grammys over the course of her illustrious career.
Lila brings her unique interpretation of traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music, deeply personal renditions of classic rancheras, as well as her own original songs to convey the concept of Día de Muertos, a voyage of emotions, movement and sound that celebrate the rich traditions on both sides of the border. Día de Muertos is a community-oriented event to honor remembrances of loved ones, share in the celebration, and to become fully immersed in an evening filled with emotions of love, loss, reconnection, and joy.
CAST AND CREW
MUSICIANS
“LA MISTERIOSA”
George Saenz Jr., trombone, accordion, Music Director
Josh Deutsch, trumpet, keyboard
Rafael Gomez, guitars
Sinuhe Padilla, jarana, guitar, zapateado
Luis Guzman, bass, synthesizer
Nakeiltha Campbell, percussion
Lautaro Burgo, drums
LILA DOWNS PRODUCTION
Gustavo Vargas, Tour Manager
Alex McIntire, Audio Engineer - Front of House
Joshua Badura, Audio Engineer - Monitors
Johnny Moreno, Video/Lighting Director
Vicente Sanchez, Assistant to Lila Downs
Tour Director: Kat Cook
SPECIAL GUESTS
Ballet Folklórico de Austin
Edgar Yepe, Director, Choreography Company
Mayra Agis
Fernando Baes
Jose Maria Chavez
Jaime Fonseca
Gustavo Gonzalez
Diego Lopez
Sonia Lopez
Ximena Lopez
Daniela Martinez
Benjamin Perez
Beatriz Plascencia
Daniel Reyna
Efrain Reyna
Jazmin Rocha
Yadira Rojas
Corina Vela
Juliette Villeda
TONIGHT’S WINE PAIRINGS BY
Red: E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone
Bold, vibrant, and deeply expressive, this Côtes du Rhône blend carries the spirit of tradition with a fresh, powerful voice — much like Lila Downs herself. Rich with ripe red fruit and earthy complexity, it honors heritage while celebrating boldness and resilience.
White: Pine Ridge White Blend
A refreshing companion to a night full of stories, song, and soul. This white blend mirrors the vibrant colors and joyful spirit of Lila Downs’s music with its crisp acidity and intense fruit flavors. This is a versatile white wine that balances celebration and reflection.
The Spooky Sale Returns
Don’t miss the fun! Oct 27-31, treat yourself to $31 tickets to select performances on the 25/26 Season, including several of the world’s best dance companies—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (featuring Revelations at every performance), an unforgettable Houston debut by Taiwan’s Hung Dance, and more!
Performances so good—it’s scary. performingartshouston.org • @performingartshouston