Lila Downs and the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company

Lila Downs and the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company graced the Ford Ampitheatre with a wonderful show this past weekend. I must admit off the top, Lila Downs is one of my favorite singers. She has a voice that is warm and easy to listen to and with so much soul you can't help be moved. Obviously, I went in with high expectations and they were exceeded.

Ms. Downs sang folk to pop to jazz and even touched on rap and opera (I would love to see her in one). This particular show was mostly not in English, and though I couldn't always understand the words, I still was moved to tears during two of the songs. Yet others were so rousing that some people just felt compelled to dance in the aisles.

Her band was great. Sax, trumpet, trombone who doubled on keys and accordion, two percussionists, a guitar and bass, and one gentleman who played all sorts of instruments and tapped out a bit of flamenco.

The Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Dancers added to the extravaganza with the story telling of their movements. The costumes were colorful and the costume changes were nigh miraculous. Some of the dancers glided across the floor as if they were on a conveyor belt. The choreographer designed the dances to use the entire stage and even the aisles. A grand spectacle of color and movement.

The Ford Theatre was the perfect venue. The lights were wonderful. The sound was perfect.

The show was part of the Ford Signature Series where the Ford couples local performers with International stars. The local Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company was a wonderful and magical coupling with the stellar Lila Downs.