Jesse Chuy Varela

Dec 18, 2024 | eltecolote.org | Jesse Chuy Varela

Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea — better known as La Doña — is the voice of a Latinx working-class movement that is unapologetically queer, brown and feminist. Born and raised in the Mission District, the barrio star and singer-songwriter blends her care for culture and community with a bold, socially conscious sound. On December 8, La Doña headlined Encuentro Del Canto Popular, a music festival at The Chapel (777 Valencia St.) hosted by Acción Latina, the nonprofit publisher of El Tecolote.

Nov 22, 2024 | eltecolote.org | Jesse Chuy Varela

During the pandemic lockdowns, a group of Mission District musicians formed a “germ pod” to combat the stifling loneliness and fear of the unknown. From this collective came Inti Mystica, a band dedicated to transforming solitude into survival and resistance through art. Now an eight-member powerhouse, Inti Mystica is set to perform on December 6 at The Chapel as part of the 43rd annual Encuentro del Canto Popular.

Oct 10, 2024 | eltecolote.org | Jesse Chuy Varela

Maria Jose Montijo, known as “Majo,” embraces her identity as a “cosmic, queer islander,” weaving her experiences as a migrant, healer, and Afro-Puerto Rican woman into her debut album, Esotérica Tropical. “It’s all about protecting the Earth,” said Majo of the title track. “But it’s also a song of belonging … As a migrant living in California, I feel like this place loves me back.”Majo’s life and music are deeply intertwined with her spiritual practices.