Stern Grove Festival presents singer/songwriters Lila Downs & Souad Massi

SAN FRANCISCO (Stern Groove Festival Website) - Stern Grove Festival presents a free concert featuring the extraordinary talents of Mexican-American singer Lila Downs and Algerian chanteuse Souad Massi on Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Sigmund Stern Grove, located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco.

Lila Downs, daughter of a Mixtec Indian mother and Anglo-American father, uses her exceptional voice to unite traditions and defy boundaries. Born in the Sierra Madre Mountains of southern Mexico, Lila uses her music to forge a bridge between cultures and times. Often accompanied by pre-Colombian and Mexican folk instruments, Downs infuses jazz, gospel and hip-hop influences into a powerful music all her own.
Renowned for her intense performances and provocative lyrics, Downs often performs her own compositions in the Indian languages of Zapotec, Maya, Nahuatl, and Mixtec. With stirring songs drawn from the folklore and history of a culture steeped in rituals and pride, Downs connects the past and present of her heritage.

Paris-based artist, Souad Massi also brings her exceptional talents to the afternoon's line-up. Massi creates a unique sound by fusing classical Algerian music and Andalusian flamenco with Western rock and folk music. Her engaging compositions and exquisite vocals cross genres and appeal to a broad audience. Massi has generated two critically acclaimed albums, including her debut, Raoui (2001, Island-Universal). This album, filled with beautiful melodies and intense lyrics, has already sold over 100,000 copies to date. Her second release, Deb, was released in 2003 on AZ-Universal.

Both artists often use their music as a vehicle for both political and social commentary and have collaborated with many other renowned musicians. They are sure to inspire and delight audiences at the Festival.

Stern Grove Festival's 67h Season is made possible with support from Major Sponsor Wells Fargo, Grants for the Arts, Hotel Sponsor San Francisco Marriott, and media sponsors KPIX CBS-5 and SFGate.com. Concert is co-presented by the French Consulate. Radio sponsor is KPFA.