Lila Downs

 Lila Downs was born in Oaxaca (Mexico) to Anita Sanchez, Mixtec singer, and Allen Downs a Scottish-American artist film maker and professor. She was raised in Oaxaca, California, and Minnesota where she earned her degree from the University of Minnesota in voice and an anthropology degree. Her musical vision is anthropological and as varied as the ancient and earthy cultures that continue to nurture and invigorate her. 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.The topic of her music is often political and social justice, immigration, and transformation, all rooted in the human condition. She strives to make an impactful connection to her many fans through her music and performances.For more than a decade, Lila Downs has traversed the planet, bringing her dramatic and highly unique reinvention of traditional Mexican music and original compositions that are infused with jazz, blues, soul, African root, and even klezmer music