LADAMA Residency

Part One: September 25–30, 2022 

Part Two: January 29–February 3, 2023

LADAMA, a Latin alternative band, features four musicians and activists—Lara Klaus, Daniela Serna, Maria “Mafer Bandola” González Olivo and Sara Lucas—originating from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the US, respectively. Their music fuses sounds from South America and the Caribbean with soul, R&B, and pop.

Flowing from the electric to the acoustic, from Spanish to English to Portuguese, and from the high plains of Venezuela to the Colombian coast, LADAMA delivers an utterly unique experience. Their art proves that borders are meaningless, transporting us to a future where the world communicates across continents and cultures through sound and story.

LADAMA embraces collaboration and risk taking. Working as one, they combine multiple languages, are unabashedly feminist, and believe in bringing the world together through the arts.

During part one of their residency, they held performances and workshops with students from Sheridan Elementary; Etude Middle School and High School drama, dance, and music programs; each of the JMKAC Preschool classes; as well as community leaders and the general public. In these sessions, they shared original songs and oral traditions from each of their countries. Using traditional instruments—including the bandola llanera, tambor alegre, pandeiro, and voices—they celebrated their diverse cultural heritages and share how their communities write and perform music collectively. Check out photos from the residency and performance below!