Lila Downs – Casita Maria, Bronx – April 15, 2010
Deep in the South Bronx, English is the second language. Casita Maria shares its building with the Urban Assembly Bronx Studio School (what ever happened to “PS” plus a number?); the concert, billed as a “community sing”, was presented under the auspices of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute neighborhood concert series. Many dressed festively in native garb, knew the words, and joyously sang along. I was wise to get on the autograph line quickly as the gig ended; it looked like Lila had hours of signing CD’s ahead of her. Not only signing, but listening to fans and posing with them for photos, really giving.
Lila Downs
Leo Soqui