The 44th love letter to the Mission at Brava on Dec. 6

The 44th Encuentro del Canto Popular will be hosted at Brava Theater on December 6, featuring an exciting array of Latin music performances. The lineup includes Diabbla, an innovative Mexican-American artist, and Warango, an ensemble deeply rooted in Afro-Peruvian traditions. Headlining the event is Alex Cuba, a Cuban singer-songwriter with multiple Grammy Awards to his name, who aims to reconnect with Bay Area audiences. Imelda Carrasco, the new executive director of Acción Latina, emphasizes the Encuentro's role in celebrating community and culture, especially during challenging times. The shift to Brava Theater is designed to enhance audience engagement with opportunities for dancing and social interaction.

Carrasco's leadership stems from a personal commitment to support immigrant communities in light of increasing anti-immigrant policies. Cuba, performing solo, reflects on his evolution as an artist, stating, “I realized I’ve been burying this monster inside. ” The Encuentro promises to deliver a rich musical experience, setting a hopeful tone for the coming year.