Michelle Alany

Violinist and vocalist, Michelle Alany, is a dynamic international performer & ambassador of world folk traditions.

Deeply inspired by traditional music, she draws from a wealth of diverse influences and creates original folk songs in the vein of her fresh interpretations of Sephardic, Klezmer, Balkan as well as American folk music explorations. Her writing and performance also bring years of collaborative experience with singer-songwriters while living in Austin, Tx and both coasts, continuing to the present in Portland, Oregon.  Michelle enjoys sharing songs as cultural vehicles for celebrating differences and appreciating similarities. Michelle’s versatility and depth as a performer will stir your soul, delight your senses, commune with your ancestors and ignite your spirit.

michellealany.com

illegal son

my name is denzel mendoza, a trombonist and an undocumented immigrant. born in singapore, raised in las vegas nv, studied in new york city ny, and based in portland or.

to understand what i do, you must understand who i am – an undocumented musician faced with an unnerving sense of hope.

i’ve been living in the united states of america since 2000, i speak english, i pay taxes, i work a decent job, i even own a home with a real mortgage yet here i am seen as illegal and criminal.

i am american as apple pie but on paper, i am far from it.

as a trombonist, i have played with a multitude of artists ranging from different genres. from touring the united states of america with haley heynderickx in support of her debut album “i need to start a garden” to recording with john daversa’s big band for their multiple grammy award winning album “american dreamers: voices of hope, music of freedom”.

through the years of study and understanding of life under the umbrella of an undocumented individual, i have developed a voice through music and noise that reflects a life that is ever adapting and conflicting.

illegal son is my story of chaos, trauma, and hope.