Dec
3
1:00am
Katia Cardenas Ensemble
By Walker|West Music Academy
RONDO COMMUNITY MUSIC SERIES OVERVIEW
In 1956, more than 600 African-American families, including businesses and institutions living in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, lost their homes to the construction of the new I-94 highway cutting across the United States. Rondo's disaggregation was part of a national movement that upended thousands of black, immigrant, and poor communities to make room for more seamless coast-to-coast automobile transportation. Home to such artists as Gordon Parks, August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and Bobby Lyles, the Rondo neighborhood produced and inspired artists and musicians who would go on to national fame. The Rondo Community Music Series, presented by Walker West Music Academy, showcases a current generation of artists who continue to be inspired by Rondo's history, cultural expression, and resilience. The Rondo Community Music Series presents a variety of musicians and artists from September through April 2024. Join us for all of the hour-long concerts and be inspired by the power of music to convey and shape communities. All shows are FREE, but you must register!
Katia Cardenas Ensemble
Luminous, multi-genre vocalist and international touring artist Katia Cardenas inspires audiences with her sultry, soulful voice and infectious energy and presence. Possessing an impeccable range and dynamic style, Katia grew up in a musical family, and her professional training came largely "on the job," performing throughout high school with her mother's Bay Area bands and collaborating with her Seattle-based father on numerous recording projects.
After graduating from Macalester College in 2010, Katia took the Twin Cities by storm, landing regular shows at The Dakota, and performing as the Featured Artist for the grand opening of the Dakota's St. Paul venue, "Vieux Carré." She's since appeared at such respected local venues as Crooners, kj’s hideaway, Jazz Central Studios, the "Saturday Night Jazz" Series, and The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, as well as venues in Colorado, Seattle, California and Central México. Katia has also performed with Funk/Soul/R&B bands Casablanca Orchestra, Sonically Speaking, Blue Water Kings and Boogie Wonderland.
After taking an almost 3-year hiatus from performing 2019-2021 to focus on her voice health, Katia's "back at it" with a newfound appreciation for dynamics and subtlety in her performance. Her connection to the Twin Cities music scene dates back to the 1980s when her dad, Mark Cardenas, played keyboards for Morris Day & The Time on their Ice Cream Castles album and the film Purple Rain, and with Jesse Johnson's Review. Katia is passionate about education and the arts, and recently transitioned out of her role as Executive Director of Minnesota Jazz Education (Formerly the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education) to join Walker West Music Academy as a Program Director.
"Katia Cardenas has long since been embraced by elders and peers alike. This is due mostly to raw talent, but she has an affability and charm that is impossible to resist." (Kevin O'Connor, Jazz 88/KBEM 88.5 FM )
“...a young but veteran vocalist who can cover Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, yet is equally adept at modern folk/pop/blues.” (Jazz Police)
"[She has] the pipes to get over an R&B tune, but also has the instincts and subtlety to handle jazz standards.” (Rhythm & Grooves).
"I can honestly say that this artist, this interpreter of song, is one you won’t forget. Katia is the real deal, and will leave you wanting to hear more."
- Patty Peterson, Twin Cities Jazz Icon
Learn more about Katia Cardenas and her upcoming projects and performances at KatiaCardenas.com.
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Walker|West Music Academy
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