“…dynamic songs that defy genres and expectations of Latin music…an enchanting voice that skillfully acts as both storyteller and instrument…passionate performances that captivate audiences of every language…”
Through years of touring around the world, across Canada, and collaborating with Juno Award-winning performers, named “World Solo Artist of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, ELIANA CUEVAS is an accomplished singer-songwriter and bandleader with unlimited colours in her compositional and lyrical palette. Among earlier honors are the National Jazz Award for Latin Jazz Artist of the Year (2009), a nomination for Best World Music Solo Artist at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (2008), a Toronto Independent Music Award for Best World Music Artist (2007), a nomination for Best Latin Song at the Independent Music Awards (2014), and a Toronto Independent Music Award for Best World Music Artist (2014).
Born to a musical family in Venezuela, Cuevas grew up to the sounds of salsa, joropo, pop, and Brazilian music, writing her first song by the age of nine. After moving to Toronto, she boldly began using a fake ID to play the city’s top jazz clubs despite being underage. Singing for Brazilian, flamenco and jazz ensembles influenced her eclectic sound on her debut EP Cohesión (2001) and first three albums, Ventura (2004), Vidas (2007), and Espejo (2013).
Her engaging voice and songwriting on topics from adventure to forgiveness have wowed the local music scene, hailing Cuevas as “Canada’s Latin Music Queen”. Her newest album, Golpes Y Flores (2017) is a true testament to her growth as an artist. Shaped by her international performances, work with acclaimed artists, and motherhood, her music seamlessly blends genres from blues to pop with Cuevas’ signature soaring vocals and Latin jazz sound.
This evening’s singing star ELIANA CUEVAS features jazz masters JEREMY LEDBETTER (piano) and DANIEL STONE (percussion), entertaining in the up-close-and-personal ambience of the Home Smith Bar.