With galvanizing, original folk songs, Raye Zaragoza kicks of the second-annual Gathering with a free concert at the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach on Friday, November 8th.
Based in Los Angeles, Zaragoza’s indigenous roots inform her artistry.
“The Native community in LA has been a huge part of my life since I moved here at 14,” she Zaragoza says. “Indigenous artists aren’t played on the radio or given space in mainstream publications enough, so I do what I can to be as proud as I can and pave the way for other artists too.”
Zaragoza first drew national attention in 2016 with the song “In The River,” written in protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Her 2020 album “Woman of Color” was recognized in NPR’s “Best Protest Music” of 2020.
In introducing her Tiny Desk concert, NPR wrote: “Zaragoza is a natural performer, able to go big … or pare it all back.”
A feminist undercurrent courses throughout “Hold That Spirit,” Zaragoza’s most recent album. The meditative folk ballad “Strong Woman,” celebrates a world led and built by women.
The concert, produced by the Tolovana Arts Colony, is offered free of charge. Donations are encouraged.
The show begins at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. An opening act is to be announced.
The Coaster Theatre is located at 108 N Hemlock St in Cannon Beach.
For more information and a full weekend schedule of The Gathering: a Celebration of Native American Heritage Month, visit tolovanaartscolony.org.