Elena La Fulana fronts the band Elena & Los Fulanos, a homegrown Latin folk band that packs a bilingual punch. Like many in DC, Elena being a Third Culture Kid (Nicaraguan and American) informs the band’s repertoire, with songs that traverse both lovelorn Americana; fiery protest anthems; and dreamy, string-heavy cumbia. The band’s second album Volcán (2017) earned a Washington Area Music Association nomination and was deemed “a bilingual folk album for the resistance” by the Washington City Paper.

We sat down with Elena to get some quick thoughts on her upcoming show at Bossa with Latin Grammy-winning artist Mireya.

Who will be accompanying you on the stage?

For this performance at Bossa, I will be accompanied by J. Manu Flores on violin and Manny Arciniega on percussion.

Who is Mireya, and how do you two know each other?

Mireya is an incredible performer and leader of the band Flor de Toloache, with whom I tour as their guitarrón player (mariachi bass). Mireya is an incredible singer and violinist, and she will be performing songs from her new solo album Mireya.

The two of you on the same night really brings a strong Latina presence to the venue. What should audiences be ready for?

The audience can expect a night of upbeat, bilingual, Latin music, some of which will be danceable, some of which will be empowering, all of which will be propelled by women as band leaders.

How do you feel about playing at Bossa?

I love the diverse vibe and scene provided by Bossa and think that it will be ideal for this setup. Bossa is known in DC as the spot for Latin-American, Brazilian, and African music, as well as all kinds of diverse and globally-influenced genres. I’m looking forward to playing a promoted show in my hometown, the first since the pandemic! And with great company.

Catch Elena La Fulana and Mireya for a night Latina power on Sunday, August 21 at 8 pm!