By Dan Siegel

 

Shortly after arriving in San Miguel de Allende in 2016, my wife, Jenny, and I heard rave reviews for a woman singing in a spacious art gallery every Tuesday night. Upon settling into our seats in the gallery with a glass of red wine in hand and surrounded by beautiful art, we were memorably swept up into the romantic, sad, and joyous songs of Mexico, Cuba, and other countries throughout Latin America by the incandescent spirit and earthy, powerful voice of Maria Sanchez. 

 

Sanchez has a luminosity that easily shines through each song that rises from her soul and cascades into her welcoming embrace of those she encounters. After that first concert, we returned many times to catch more magical, musical evenings by Sanchez, with her amazing group of talented musicians who she assembled to back her passionate, soaring vocals. In a town full of great musical talent, we seek out any opportunity to hear her perform.

 

Born in the desert of Sonora, Sanchez was raised into a family of musicians going back four generations. “My father was a singer and musician who played bolero and Latin American music, some of which are part of my repertoire, particularly old Mexican songs.” 

 

Sanchez moved to San Miguel 27 years ago and has been a memorable part of what she calls the “big fiesta music scene” in San Miguel, playing in places like La Fragua (where the restaurant Atrio is now) for years.

 

Through her inspired musical interpretations, Sanchez honors her familial roots, Mexican heritage, and the wider Latin American musical legacy.

 

 “Six years ago, I started this project called En Concierto, creating my own personal collage of Latin American songs, with music from Brazil as well, and certainly the traditional and popular music that transcends ages. I was happy to find incredible musicians to share this project, always looking for new ways to make this music our own version.”

 

I’m delighted by the news that Sanchez will soon be offering her indelible music once a month, starting on May 18 at the Santa Ana Theater. These performances will be held outdoors for only limited availability and in a socially distanced, lovely setting.

 

Sanchez will be joined by talented musicians Julián Arcos on guitar, Ruben Olvera on bass, Victor Monterrubio on drums, and Patricio Méndez on piano.

 

“Music is my personal connection with others,” says Sanchez, in eager anticipation of singing the Bossa Nova, bolero, and traditional Mexican songs she loves breathing back into the welcoming desert air of the town.

 

Catch her soulful musical performances whenever you can!