Grammy and Latin Grammy winner Lila Downs will perform a Día de Muertos concert at the Balboa Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
The show, titled "Día de Muertos | Cambias Mi Mundo," is presented by the La Jolla Music Society as part of its 2026-27 season. Downs will perform songs from her 2026 album "Cambias mi Mundo" (You Change My World) alongside classic rancheras. The concert blends original acoustic pieces with the traditions of the Mexican holiday honoring the departed, according to the La Jolla Music Society's event listing.
Tickets range from $40 to $112. They are available through the La Jolla Music Society's website, by phone at 858-459-3728, or through Ticketmaster and San Diego Theatres.
Downs, born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, to a Mixtec mother and an American father, studied anthropology and music before building a career rooted in preserving indigenous Mexican traditions. Her style fuses ranchera, bolero, son jarocho, jazz, blues and traditional Oaxacan music.
She has performed on stages including Carnegie Hall. At the Oct. 29 concert, Downs and her band will sing in Spanish, English and indigenous languages including Mixtec, Times of San Diego reported. Organizers have invited attendees to come dressed in Día de Muertos attire.
The concert is one of 77 performances in the La Jolla Music Society's 2026-27 season, which the nonprofit describes as its most ambitious to date. La Jolla Music Society President and CEO Todd Schultz told the San Diego Union-Tribune in June, "This upcoming season will be the biggest we've ever had."
Artistic director Leah Rosenthal said in June that the lineup features both internationally acclaimed artists and newer performers the organization has not previously hosted.
The Balboa Theatre is at 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego. The La Jolla Music Society is headquartered at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. in La Jolla.
Upcoming La Jolla Music Society events:
- Friday, Oct. 23: Pianist Gabriela Montero, The Conrad
- Saturday, Oct. 24: John Pizzarelli, The Conrad
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Lila Downs, Balboa Theatre
