The 2025 edition of Secret Planet is set to take place on Saturday, January 11 at DROM in New York City. Performances begin at 7:00 PM.
Coinciding with the prestigious Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) annual conference, Secret Planet 2025 showcases groundbreaking global artists who transcend traditional genres and cultural boundaries. Since its inception in 2012, Secret Planet, founded by Olivier Conan (Brooklyn’s Barbès) and Jim Thomson (DC’s Electric Cowbell), has evolved into a vibrant world music festival spotlighting innovative talent from around the world.
Secret Planet emphasizes artistic vision over commercial appeal, offering a platform for performers whose music defies genre, rules, and linguistic limitations. Over the years, it has featured 80+ artists, including Chicano Batman, Mdou Moctar, and Las Cafeteras. With a growing network of collaborators across the U.S. Northeast, the festival feels more like an inclusive cultural celebration than a typical industry showcase.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
- 7:00 PM – Luciferin
A mesmerizing trio featuring harpist Ellena Phillips, multi-instrumentalist Erica Mancini, and visual artist B.A. Maile. Their immersive performance blends ambient harp, synths, and vibraphone, creating an underwater planetarium inspired by Dorothy Ashby and Pauline Oliveros. - 8:00 PM – Los Crema Paraíso
This Venezuelan power trio fuses traditional joropos with rock, funk, and jazz. Named after a Caracas ice cream parlor, the band features Neil Ochoa, José Luis Pardo (Cheo), and Bam Rodriguez, known for their dynamic performances across the Americas and beyond. - 8:45 PM – Miramar
Specializing in bolero-beat, Miramar combines the vocals of Rei Alvarez and Laura Ann Singh with lush orchestral arrangements led by pianist Marlysse Argandoña. Their upcoming album, Entre Las Flores, releases in early 2025, continuing their homage to Latin soul and bolero traditions. - 9:30 PM – Yeison Landero
The “Heir to Cumbia,” Yeison Landero honors the legacy of his grandfather, Andrés Landero, while crafting his own vibrant accordion-driven sound. Raised in Colombia’s Montes de María, he brings the heart of Caribbean rhythms to the global stage. - 10:15 PM – Chicha Libre
After an eight-year hiatus, this psychedelic cumbia group returns with a new EP, Tequila y Aguardiente. Known for their bold blend of Peruvian chicha, alternative influences, and tropical psychedelia, Chicha Libre has a devoted fan base in South America and beyond. - 11:00 PM – Lollise
Afro-futurist artist Lollise creates a kinetic fusion of Kalanga folk, soukous, and Afrobeat with art-pop and electronic bubblegum. Performing with drummer Morgan Greenstreet, her latest release, I Hit the Water, showcases her dynamic artistry. - 11:45 PM – Yallah Yallah
This Middle Eastern-inspired duo pays homage to 1980s drum machine-driven pop with electrifying performances featuring guitars, bouzouki, electric oud, and period-accurate keyboards. Expect an energetic dance party to close the evening.
Tickets and More Information:
Visit DROM’s website for tickets and additional details.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central