La Santa Cecilia

La Santa Cecilia, the Los Angeles-based band recognized for its captivating blend of cumbia, bossa nova, boleros, and a distinctive Pan-American sound, first garnered significant industry attention with a Latin Grammy Awards nomination in 2011 for their single ‘La Negra’ from their 2010 debut album, Noche y Citas. Composed of lead singer Marisol ‘La Marisoul’ Hernandez, accordionist and requinto player Jose ‘Pepe’ Carlos, bassist Alex Bendaña, and percussionist Miguel ‘Oso’ Ramirez, the group quickly established itself as a bicultural voice in music. Their momentum continued as their 2012 album, El Valor, was named one of the best albums of the year by NPR’s Alt Latino, solidifying their unique sonic footprint. Demonstrating both artistic prowess and a commitment to social issues, La Santa Cecilia released ‘Ice El Hielo’ in 2013, a powerful song addressing illegal immigration and the challenges faced by undocumented families, created in collaboration with filmmaker Alex Rivera and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

Continuing their creative evolution and dedication to their Latin American influences, La Santa Cecilia released their album Quiero Verte Feliz in 2021. The band, known for its deep roots in modern music and its authentic representation of a bicultural identity, remains a dynamic force in contemporary music, constantly exploring new artistic avenues while maintaining a strong connection to their heritage.