Celebrate AMERI’KANA presents Rubén Albarrán, Making Movies, Terrance Simien, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, John Forte, Max Gomez, Marcella Simien, and more in an evening-long festival at Sony Hall on January 10th, 2025. Founded by the Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies, Celebrate AMERI'KANA is a traveling festival honoring the diverse colors of American music. Examining how artists of different backgrounds, ethnicities, languages and cultures - and their own unique sounds - have shaped American music, and what it means to be an American musician past and present. “We’ve been building spaces in the U.S. that curate music differently - music measured by its spirit. This feels like an important time to use music to unite us.” Enrique Chi, Making Movies. Performer, composer, musician and social activist, Rubén Albarrán is one of the most emblematic and multi-faceted figures in the history of international music, noted for his artistic eclecticism and his support of diverse causes. In the late 80s, he took on the role of Café Tacvba’s frontman, alongside Joselo Rangel, Meme del Real and Quique Rangel. Some of his projects include Hoppo!, a Mexican-Chilean group with band members Rodrigo Aros, Carlos Icaza, Giancarlo Valdebenito and Juan Pablo Villanueva, and NODJSET vinyl music selector, sharing a list of his personal favorites. As an activist, he participates in campaigns that support missing persons, the fight for and visibility of indigenous peoples’ rights, animal rights, land rights, among many others. Founded by Enrique Chi—a songwriter, musician, filmmaker, and activist—the Latin Grammy-nominated Making Movies serves as the primary platform for Chi’s creative mission. Rooted in the rich traditions of Panamá, a crisol de razas, the band’s sound is an embodiment of those diverse cultures, offering listeners a unique experience that feels both extraordinary and familiar. Described by NPR as "Perhaps one of the most unique groups around today, Making Movies is sensual, smoky, and seductive.” The band’s accomplishments include collaborations with legendary artists like Rubén Blades, performances at major international festivals, and tours with notable acts such as Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Las Cafeteras, and Flor De Toloache. Chi is also producing AMERI'KANA TV, a National Endowment for the Arts-funded documentary series that explores an alternate history of American music, continuing their mission to inspire and educate. Their next studio album is set to be released in early 2025. For 40+ years, two-time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien has been redefining the zydeco roots genre. A cultural advocate and expert on zydeco music history, Simien has become one of the most iconic, respected and accomplished artists in American roots music. With his astonishing lead vocals and riveting live performances, he and his Zydeco Experience band have performed nearly 10,000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 45 countries during their eventful career. Their music has been placed in multiple theatrical released films, including Disney’s animated, The Princess and the Frog, TV shows, and adverts. Simien has shared studio with Paul Simon, Art Neville, the Meters, Dr. John and Randy Newman, to name a few. He’s toured with Los Lobos, Robert Palmer and Dave Matthews Band. His Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco edu program celebrates 25 years in 2025. The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a musical blend of old and new, a real gem in the gospel/soul scene. The brothers can dive deep into their roots, creating a sound that reflects the music of their history, all the while drawing in a modern-day audience. John Forté is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer from Brooklyn, New York. Famous for his work with the multi-platinum group “The Fugees,” John co-wrote and produced two songs on the multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning album, The Score. Max Gomez grew up in Taos, New Mexico, where he fell under the influence of country blues early on and developed a songwriting style that was uniquely his. He has shared billing on hundreds of stages with genre stalwarts like James McMurtry, Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Patty Griffin, Tommy James & The Shondells, Jeff Beck, and Johnny Depp. Judging by the company he keeps, Gomez is poised to emerge as a prominent voice of Americana’s next generation. Marcella Simien is wielding the torch of a veritable Creole dynasty blending elements of Zydeco, Psychedelic Soul, Folk and Blues. Simien founded Marcella & Her Lovers, a hybrid of classic Memphis soul with the freewheeling swagger of New Orleans funk. Binta is a first-generation, Senegalese and Gambian singer-songwriter that blends thought-provoking lyrics and an ethereal voice through song. With roots that stretch across continents, Binta weaves a captivating musical tapestry, fusing the rich melodies of Senegalese pop with the soulful vibes of Neo-soul. The world first discovered Binta through her debut single, "Bogu Ma Dem," a soul-stirring collaboration with the esteemed Massamba Diop, featured on the illustrious Marvel's Black Panther soundtrack. Special Guests: La Lulu A Latin Grammy Award-winning violinist, vocalist, and dancer, La Lulu breathes new life into cumbia, blending tradition with modern sounds without losing touch with the roots of the rhythm. Tonina Recognized by NPR as a favorite new artist and featured on former President Barack Obama's annual playlist, Tonina's multilingual repertoire in Sicilian, English, and Spanish showcases her versatile talent. Jeremy Kittel Grammy nominated Jeremy Kittel is an American fiddler, violinist, and composer who leads his own band Kittel & Co. and has collaborated with Zedd, My Morning Jacket, Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, and the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet (of which he was a member for five years). Shannon McNally Grammy nominee Shannon McNally, whose live music career began on the jam band circuit of the 1990s with bands like Robert Randolph and Derek Trucks, writes as well as she interprets the songs of others, has a top tier musicality to her craft, a soul stirring voice that immediately grabs one by the heart strings and a troubadour’s wanderlust.