Mexican singer Lucia adjusting to life as a jazz star

"Growing up in Veracruz, Lucia Gutierrez Rebolloso was weaned on the percussive, celebratory sound of son jarocho, performing in her family's ensemble before she started grade school. She hasn't left her Mexican roots behind, but these days the Harlem-based singer, who records and performs under the single moniker Lucia, is one of the most sought after young artists in jazz."

"Her rise has been fueled by her 2022 victory at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. The first Mexican artist to win the event, Lucia seems to be following in the ascending footsteps of previous winners Samara Joy (2019), Jazzmeia Horn (2013), and Cyrille Aimee (2012). She's played several high profile events around the region since her thrilling Bay Area debut at San Jose Jazz's 2024 Summer Fest, including a performance last weekend at the vocalist-centric 68th Monterey Jazz Festival."

"The 24-year-old returns for a free afternoon performance at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Oct. 2 and then kicks off Stanford Live's 2025-26 season with two shows in The Studio Oct. 3. For Stanford Live's senior arts leader Iris Nemani, Lucia was the perfect artist to open a season rife with exceptional female performers. She saw the singer last year at Joe's Pub in New York City, and she blew me away, Nemani said."

"Talking on the phone, Lucia comes across as confident, cool, and candid, but she admits that her ascent has been somewhat overwhelming. Honestly, I'm freaking out, but in the best way possible, she said. When I was growing up I'd watch livestreams with Jazzmeia Horn and Cecile McLorin Salvant. I'd transcribe and sing their arrangements. That all seemed very away and out of my league."

Lucia grew up in Veracruz performing son jarocho with her family's ensemble before starting grade school. She preserves her Mexican roots while based in Harlem and records and performs under the single name Lucia. A 2022 victory at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition propelled her profile; she became the first Mexican artist to win. She followed in the trajectories of Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn, and Cyrille Aimee. Performances include San Jose Jazz's 2024 Summer Fest and the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival. She appears Oct. 2 at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and opens Stanford Live's 2025-26 season Oct. 3. She describes the sudden ascent as overwhelming and exciting.

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