Lila Downs with Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Co.

Known for her innovative approach to music inspired by ancient cultures, the Grammy® Award-winning Mexican-American singer/songwriter Lila Downs will share the stage with longtime Ford Theatres artist and one of the premier folklorico dance companies in Los Angeles, Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company, in a concert showcasing traditional Mexican celebrations from indigenous cultures and regions of Mexico. From Lila’s Mixtec Indian heritage to her fusion of international sounds and musical genres, the concert will showcase her ability to meld reinterpretations of blues, jazz and soul to cumbia, rock, even rap and klezmer with traditional Mexican and native Mesoamerican music, singing in Spanish, English, and sometimes even the languages of the Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya and Nahuatl cultures.

About Lila Downs: Lila Downs is an American-Mexican singer/songwriter and actress. She has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Festival of Sacred Music at the Hollywood Bowl. She has been invited to sing at the White House and performed at the 75th Annual Academy Awards where she performed the Oscar-nominated song “Burn It Blue” from the movie Frida with Caetano Veloso. Lila’s compositions are often striking commentaries on social conditions, reflecting migration and the search for roots as a core human need. “Fluency in Spanish isn’t necessary to understand Lila Downs’ shape-shifting voice; it transcends language, carrying pure emotion. Downs moves from operatic stylings to rap and everything in between, with both artistic exploration and pop sensibility” (The Associated Press).

About Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company: Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company (GMFBC) was founded by Jose Vences in September 2003 and was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet, enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican cutlure, and to present high-quality dance productions. Currently, GMFBC has over 30 dancers and is a nonprofit performing arts organization. Depicting celebrations, ceremonies or daily rituals and backed by careful research, the company’s choreography is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico’s historic past and promising present.

Part of the Ford Signature Series, which is made possible through the generous support of Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Original program created with support from former Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Proceeds from the Signature Series benefit the Ford Theatre Foundation, which supports programs at the Ford Theatres in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles County.