Tag Archives: music

A Night with Lila Downs in Oaxaca — Up Close at the Concert

As soon as I heard that Lila Downs was performing in Oaxaca, I ordered two (muy facile), never imagining that I would end up in front row on the rail right next to the stage.  Que milagro!  Though my bags were checked at the gate, I managed to smuggle in my camera.  All the signs said no cameras allowed.  Fortunately, la prensa (the press) were seated right next to us with mega lenses in hand and I was able to easily blend in. Que milagro!  Lila is an incredible performer and vocalist.  She is also socially responsible and committed to her Oaxaca and Mixteca origins.  It was a wonderful concert.  The entire Guelaguetza stadium was packed and the energy was electric.

Color strobe lights changed the atmosphere from yellow and red to blue and green and all hues in between.  A “smoke” machine created stage mystery.  Lila added shawls, a hat, and a Tito Mendoza woven tapestry poncho to her repertoire as she interpreted each song.

She really knows how to connect with Oaxaca and her people.  I took over 450 photos and wore down my battery.  A photo extravanganza for sure.

 

The audience was enthralled.  There are many foreigners in the city now to enjoy Dias de los Muertos.  The stands were sprinkled with extranjeros. And the band played on!

 

       

Even with my long lens the environment was challenging.  Her white dress. Constantly changing colors and movement.  Being a novice shooter.  I didn’t have my tripod and camera shake without it is predictable. Even though  I balanced the camera on the rail to provide stability, you can see that many of my shots are imperfect. I was just grateful to be this close and personal.

Lila Downs Concert in Oaxaca on November 5, 2011

Lucky us! Lila Downs is performing at the Auditorio Guelaguetza on Saturday, November 5. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and you can purchase tickets at Ahorra Farmacia in Oaxaca or online at Ticketmaster.  I bought two tickets on-line and can’t wait.  Lila Downs is one of my favorite singer-songwriters and her Oaxaca roots make her very special.  From time to time, as friends point out, she will do a free concert on the Zocalo but I haven’t heard any inkling of this and didn’t want to miss the chance to hear and see her perform.

I have this one favorite photo I captured of Lila Downs a couple of years ago when she appeared at the Las Cuevitas celebration in Teotitlan del Valle.  I treasure it.  She is wearing a hand-woven sarape created by Erasto “Tito” Mendoza.

Lila Downs at Las Cuevitas, Teotitlan del Valle

What I love about her music are both the lyrics and the vocals.  She sings in Spanish, English and Zapotec, reflecting the complexity of her origins.  Her songs are lilting as well as socially and politically relevant.  She sings about what touches the hearts of Mexicans with a universality that speaks to all of us.

If you live in Oaxaca or you are here for Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) don’t miss this opportunity to experience this live concert with Lila Downs.