About Fabiola
Helping us celebrate Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) at Lafayette College, Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer. Her career is part of a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as folkloric, jazz, and Latin. Her musicality and original compositions take the listener on a journey through her identities and culture, while celebrating and exploring the versatility of the cuatro puertorriqueño.
Recognized for being the first student to graduate from Berklee College of Music with the cuatro as principal instrument (2018), Fabiola performs nationally and internationally, and works as a composer for children’s show Alma’s Way (PBS Kids). She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022, a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023, and being selected as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards.
This residency with the Performance Series at the Williams Center for the Arts is co-sponsored by the Department of Music, The Office of Intercultural Development, The Dyer Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies.
"Negrura" Film Screening & Discussion - Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 7pm RSVP Required
Fabiola's short film "Negrura" (2022) showcases the stories of Afro-Latinx folks from Boston’s Latin Quarter. The film creates space for conversations about colorism, discrimination, and racism within our own Afro-Caribbean & Afro-Latinx community. Music connects our voices to provide a space for self reflection and healing.
Music, Identity, & Entrepreneurship | Friday, September 20, 3 pm
Join cuatrista, singer, and composer Fabiola Méndez on a chat about music and the role identity plays in developing one's artistic and entrepreneurial vision. She'll dive deep into the roots of Puerto Rican folklore, Afro-Caribbean music, and storytelling to share a bit about her composition process. Open to the public. RSVP required.
Acoustic Kitchen - Easton Public Market | Friday, September 20, 6:30 pm.
Fabiola will play a 45 min solo acoustic set at the Easton Public Market's Acoustic Kitchen.
Easton Public Market Acoustic Kitchen
Fabiola Méndez Trio | Saturday, September 21, 8 pm - Williams Center for the Arts
Fabiola will be joined by the members of her trio and perform a full evening length set featuring music that crosses the lines of genres including folk, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean, and taking the listener on a journey through identities, cultures, and roots.
Purchase Tickets
On Campus Events not open to the public
While in residence, Fabiola will visit classes in music, Latin American & Caribbean Studies and sit in with our new, student Latin music ensemble.