La Linea, London’s Latin Music Festival Celebrates 15 Years

London’s La Linea festival will celebrate its quinceañera this year Mexican-style. The festival will feature shows from Mexico’s finest in Mextronica, Mexacoustico and Morgan Szymanski & Alejandro Escuer, all presented as part of La Linea’s contribution to the Year of Mexico in the UK 2015. These shows join the the already announced, and rather remarkable, Mexrrissey.

Jorge Drexler

Tuesday 21 April – Union Chapel
Madrid-based Uruguayan star Jorge Drexler is up for a Grammy the weekend after next for last year’s masterful Bailar en La Cueva. First flung into fame by that song in Motorcycle Diaries the Uruguayan star was long due a La Linea visit.

Zik’r

Leicester Square Theatre – Tuesday 21 April
Flamenco’s journey from East to West as reinvented by Youth (Killing Joke), Karen Ruimy and their incredible band.

Plaza Francia

Koko – Thursday 23 April
Gotan’s new project. 66.66% of that group, who made their UK debut in La Linea back in 2002, return thirteen years later with French star Catherine Ringer to reinvent their tango in a completely new way. UK debut.

Morgan Szymanski & Alejandro Escuer

Thursday 23 April – Purcell Room Southbank
Morgan’s guitar, Alejandro’s flute, contemporary magic from the two Mexican virtuosos.

Mextronica

Friday 24 April – Village Underground
A late night of the choicest Electronic Dance Music from Tijuana, Monterrey and Mexico City. Presented by the nation’s finest and including UK Debut for Toy Selectah & Mexican Institute of Sound’s Compass Project.

Mexrrissey

Saturday 25 April – Barbican Hall
At last, the love that dares to sing its name. The love of Mex for Moz and Moz for Mex. Morrissey’s oeuvre transformed for one big night and a La Linea tour.

Mexacoustico

Sunday 26 April – Rich Mix
A quiet riot of an evening with a radical collection of Mexican singer-songwriters interpreting their own songs and inverting some traditions in a pared-down format.

Buika

Monday 27 April – Barbican Hall
Buika’s live appearances have a rare energy and a unique magic. The Afro-Spanish voicalist began in flamenco but is always pushing its boundaries in an attempt to create something new. Not to be missed.

Ana Tijoux

Thursday 30 April – Rich Mix
The Chilean MC brings her full band to London for the first time. Her latest album Vengo combines traditional rhythms with her biting lyrical commentary.

Adios Buena Vista

Royal Opera House Thursday 30 July
This is a special show from Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. Their show at the Royal Albert Hall on 5 April is now sold out.