Lila Downs honored Dolores Huerta at Disney Concert Hall

It was a night to remember as Mexican-American singer and Grammy winner Lila Downs presented a musical trip down memory lane at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday night. 

The performance, just in time for Día de Muertos celebration, honored our ancestors but also spoke up about the environment and immigration. With her music, Downs reminded everyone that death is not something to be afraid of, but a companion to dance with. 

The one-night presentation opened with a video providing information on how to stay alert and safe during these difficult times of immigration raids and a QR code to contact the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) if needed.

As a singer, Downs has one Grammy and six Latin Grammys, but outside of music she’s an anthropologist, a field that has helped in the creation of her music. Downs constantly honors her roots from Oaxaca, Mexico and Minnesota. She’s known for creating a unique fusion of Mexican music with other genres like jazz, cumbia, folk and contemporary rhythms. 

And on Friday, she honored her culture and traditions with her new album “Cambias mi Mundo” along with favorites from her previous albums and other popular songs. 

Each song had a unique touch, and several of them were accompanied by the Ballet Folklórico de Los Angeles, like “Son de Los Difuntos” and “Ahi Viene La Muerte” with colorful catrinas and zapateado moves.

There were other songs about life, love, heartbreak, and happiness. 

“According to our ancestors, every 52 years we have a second opportunity to live life in a different way,” she said, encouraging people to be better every day. 

One of the most iconic songs during the night was a homage to civil-rights activist Dolores Huerta and “women who can participate and change the world", she said. “Because your independence has more value when you know your truth. ¡Sí se puede!”

Downs also said we usually carry symbols of our past because they are our strength, mainly when people tell us we can’t do things. We remember where we came from, and this makes us stronger. 

The musical presentation provided pieces of history and dance from different states in Mexico, like Veracruz, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosí, and Puebla. The fusion was mesmerizing and intriguing; from the electric guitar with accordion to the classic rancheras, cumbias and a series of drums and Afro-Latino sounds.

History tells us death has three stages: when you die, when you are buried and when you are forgotten. In this performance of Día de Muertos, Lila Downs made sure this last part never happens.