KXCI Presents — Baila el Pueblo

KXCI presents Baila el Pueblo — A Desert Music Festival celebrating our regional cultural diversity. The festival will showcase a vibrant array of musical traditions from around the southwest. There will be local food vendors and artisans on-site.

Internationally touring artist Reyna Tropical will headline the festival. Inspired by the wide-reaching cultural traditions of Peru, Colombia, and the Congo, trailblazing guitarist and songwriter Fabi Reyna remixes and melds these influences to create a tropical feel.

Regional artists include Los Esplifs, Native Creed, Hataałii, Nicosa, MizSkoden and Las Chollas Peligrosas.

Poster artwork by

Malegría, Reyna Tropical’s long-anticipated debut full-length album, is at once a vibrant arrival and an electrifying bridge. The portmanteau, born from a 1998 Manu Chao song by the same name, is akin to bittersweet and blends the Spanish “mal” which means “bad” and “alegría” which means “happiness.” It marks Reyna Tropical’s movement from a duo to a solo project. The album is a contemporary celebration and continuation of wide-reaching cultural traditions—from Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms to revolutionary artists like lesbian guitarist-singer Chavela Vargas—these influences meld and are remixed through the distinctive lens of trailblazing guitarist and songwriter Fabi Reyna. Traversing themes including queer love, feminine sensuality, and the transformative power of intentional relations to the earth, Malegría spotlights narratives often pushed to the margins and offers them a sonic homeland.

Los Esplifs has been cultivating a following of dancers, psychonauts and all around “cool” kids since their start in the Arizona D.I.Y Scene in 2018. Los Esplifs blends folkloric music of Latin America with the attitude of American music such as Jazz, Hiphop and Punk. Since 2018, they have released 3 full works; “Self Titled”(2019) ,“Estraik Back” (2021) and their most recent album “Chemistry” (2023) . Known for explosive live performances and wild stage antics, Los Esplifs have performed in national and international festivals. Their latest single “Cenizas” (2024) is now available.

MizSkoden - Mhails from Tucson (Chukson) Az. Percusionista of nearly 25 years, DJ and producer. Pulling inspiration from her Yaqui (yoeme) Mayo (yoreme) roots. Honoring the rhythms that were created through black and indigenous struggles of survival, to decolonize the dance floor.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, United States