As excitement builds for the historic 100th Burning of Zozobra on August 30th, organizers are pleased to announce an impressive lineup of musicians to entertain thousands of celebrants and to honor the United States in singing the national anthem.
Headlining this year's entertainment is Black Pearl Band NM, (video1, video2, video3) known for their diverse repertoire spanning R&B, Old School, Top 40, Country, Rancheras, Cumbias, and Waltzes. The nine-member, horn-driven ensemble has performed at notable events including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Balloon Glow and alongside Grammy Award winner Ruben Ramos.
Performers Patrykk Ortiz and Aria Hernandez will present the national anthem ahead of the centennial burning. In addition to being a singer-songwriter and guitarist in the band Eternal Ryde, Ortiz is the owner of Signs of Santa Fe and a Santa Fe native.
Ten year old elementary school student Aria Hernandez — a fourth generation singer — has been performing with her family since she was three. In addition to her musical interests, Aria is a competitive gymnast and has been involved in the gymnastics world for three seasons already.
Christina Fierro is an elementary music teacher whose passion for music connects hearts and minds. She will be performing O Fair New Mexico. Christina is also a member of Mariachi Flores Mexicanas as a vocalist and trumpet player. In 2019, her mariachi group toured California with Latin Grammy award winner Lila Downs.
Joining them is Innastate (video), a band rooted in Jemez Pueblo and Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache, celebrated for their soulful reggae sound and performances alongside The Wailers and Tribal Seeds.
Their debut EP garnered acclaim from rockwired.com and the 2016 Rockwired Reader’s poll.
The lineup further includes Red Bull Batalla, a showcase of Spanish freestyle rap battles.
Ballet Folklorico of Moving Arts will present traditional Mexican Folkloric Dance. Moving Arts provides access to creative and experiential learning in a holistic environment. A place where children and youth can safely explore their interests, expand their knowledge, and grow into confident contributors within their community.
The MaaTuu Pueblo Dance Group highlights Native American traditions and features members from Santa Clara Pueblo, Pojoaque Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Kiwa Pueblo and the Tohono O’odham Nation. The group, whose name means Family/All Relations in the Tewa, will perform a traditional pueblo rain dance in honor of positive blessings to all.
Mariachi Euforia will bring their vibrant interpretations of norteñas, mariachi classics, cumbias, and country music to the stage.
Tickets for the 100th Burning of Zozobra, are available at burnzozobra.com/tickets. The Burning of Zozobra is produced by the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club and raises money for local youth causes. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music, culture, and the symbolic burning of Zozobra, marking a century of tradition in Santa Fe.