The daughter of a Mixtec cabaret singer and a Scottish/American cinematographer, Downs began singing and performing mariachi songs in Oaxacan clubs when she was eight years old. She later studied voice at the University of Minnesota, then returned to Mexico where she performed with Paul Cohen, a saxophonist who had also been a clown and juggler in the circus. Their successful collaboration continues now.
Downs was featured on the soundtrack to the movie Frida and performed Burn it Blue at the 75th Academy Awards when the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song.
She has been touring in Mexico, South America, the U.S. and Europe, performing her own compositions as well as selections of native Mesoamerican music, including songs in Mixtec, Zapotec and Maya.
Downs will be the guest on Here on Earth with Jean Feraca at 3 pm on Friday, April 11th. Tune in locally on 970 AM or listen worldwide at www.hereonearth.org.
This performance is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Theater Committee and supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin. Media sponsors include The Onion, WSUM, WORT, La Comunidad and La Movida. Program Partner is Centro Hispano of Dane County.
Tickets are $32, $26 and $18 for the general public, $30, $24 and $18 for UW Faculty and Staff, Union Members, and WAA members, and $10 for UW-Madison students. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 608-262-2201 or buy online at www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?Clientid=UnivMadWisconsin.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
