March 11, 2013

Hi-res images available at AnnenbergCenter.org/press

2013 Grammy® award-winning Latin/folk vocalist wraps up her U.S. tour at the Annenberg Center

(Philadelphia, March 11, 2013)—The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts concludes its 12/13 Latin Roots series with a performance by 2013 Grammy®-winning vocalist Lila Downs. Praised by the New York Times for her “impassioned and striking” performances, Downs fuses traditional Mexican music style with blues, jazz, soul and other Latin roots traditions. This performance will take place on Sunday, April 28th at 7 PM. Tickets are $20-$55 (prices are subject to change). For tickets or for more information, please visit AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.

Downs’ performance will include celebrated hits from previous releases and selections from her 2013 Grammy® award-winning . Earning the #1 spot on the Mexican pop charts immediately after the release in addition to Platinum status, the album is cited as “one of the most powerful musical statements in existence” (New York Times). Inspired by her experience of becoming a new mother, Downs created Pecados y Milagros, or Sins and Miracles, an exploration of religious notions in the modern world. Downs will be accompanied by her longtime band, La Misteriosa, featuring Paul Cohen on saxophone, Rafael Gomez on guitar, Luis Guzman on bass, George Saenz on trombone and Yayo Serka on drums.

For over a decade, Lila Downs has charmed audiences with her innovative fusion of jazz, soul, blues and traditional sound. She has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Latino Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama. In addition to her 2013 Grammy® for Best Regional Mexican Album, she received a Latin Grammy® for her 2004 release Una Sangre and a Grammy® nomination for 2008’s . This Oaxaco-born and Minnesota- raised singer has received countless other awards and is praised for her “crowd-pleasing and jubilant” performances (Huffington Post). Beyond music, Hollywood also took notice when Downs played a role in the Salma Hayek film Frida. She then performed the Oscar®-nominated soundtrack song “Burn It Blue” on the Academy Awards® telecast, becoming the first Mexican to perform at the awards ceremony.

INSIGHTS Event 6 PM Audience members can attend a pre-show Taste of Mexico and enjoy complimentary appetizers in the Main Lobby. This event is first come, first served.

The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts The University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has been the region’s leading multi- disciplinary performance venue for theatre, dance, jazz, world music, new music and children’s programming since its inception in 1971. The Annenberg Center’s curatorial vision emphasizes four primary values: artistic integrity, cultural diversity, curatorial balance and a willingness to take risks. By presenting world-renowned and cutting edge artists and companies that express adventuresome perspectives on contemporary issues, timeless ideas and diverse cultures, the Annenberg Center promotes critical thinking and dialogue among its audiences, creating a uniquely rewarding arts experience. Lila Downs / 2

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The Annenberg Center has achieved national recognition for its outstanding, 30-year Dance Celebration series (presented in partnership with Philadelphia’s Dance Affiliates), touring theatre series, and for its superior offerings for children, including both its Student Discovery Series and the acclaimed 29-year Philadelphia International Children’s Festival, the oldest festival of its kind in the United States.

State arts funding support is received through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Generous support for the 12/13 Annenberg Center season is provided by The William Penn Foundation, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the Virginia C. Mulconroy Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation, PNC and The University of Pennsylvania. The Sheraton Philadelphia is the exclusive hotel sponsor.

For additional press information or to set up interviews, please contact: Sarah Fergus, Marketing & Communications Manager phone: 215.573.8537; email: [email protected] # # #