In 1956, more  than 600 African-American families, including businesses and  institutions living in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul,  lost their  homes to the construction of the new I-94 highway cutting across the  United States. Rondo's disaggregation was part of a national movement  that upended thousands of black, immigrant, and poor communities to make  room for more seamless coast-to-coast automobile transportation. Home  to such artists as Gordon Parks, August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and  Bobby Lyles, the Rondo neighborhood produced and inspired artists and  musicians who would go on to national fame. The Rondo Community Music  Series, presented by Walker West Music Academy, showcases a current  generation of artists who continue to be inspired by Rondo's history,  cultural expression, and resilience. The Rondo Community Music Series  presents a variety of musicians and artists from September through April  2024. Join us for all of the hour-long concerts and be inspired by the  power of music to convey and shape communities. All shows are FREE, but  you must register!

Luminous, multi-genre vocalist and international touring artist Katia Cardenas inspires audiences with her sultry, soulful voice and  infectious energy and presence. Possessing an impeccable range and  dynamic style, Katia grew up in a musical  family, and her professional training came largely "on the job,"  performing throughout high school with her mother's Bay Area bands and  collaborating with her Seattle-based father on numerous recording  projects. 

After graduating from Macalester College in 2010, Katia took the Twin Cities by storm, landing regular shows at The Dakota, and  performing as the Featured Artist for the grand opening of the Dakota's  St. Paul venue, "Vieux Carré." She's since appeared at such respected  local venues as Crooners, kj’s hideaway, Jazz Central Studios, the  "Saturday Night Jazz" Series, and The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, as well  as venues in Colorado, Seattle, California and Central México. Katia has also performed with Funk/Soul/R&B bands Casablanca Orchestra,  Sonically Speaking, Blue Water Kings and Boogie Wonderland.  

After  taking an almost 3-year hiatus from performing 2019-2021 to focus on her  voice health, Katia's "back at it" with a  newfound appreciation for dynamics and subtlety in her performance. Her  connection to the Twin Cities music scene dates back to the 1980s when  her dad, Mark Cardenas, played keyboards for Morris Day & The Time  on their Ice Cream Castles album and the film Purple Rain, and with Jesse Johnson's Review. Katia is passionate about education and the arts, and recently transitioned  out of her role as Executive Director of Minnesota Jazz Education  (Formerly the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education) to join Walker West  Music Academy as a Program Director.

"Katia Cardenas has long since been embraced by elders and peers alike. This is due mostly to raw talent, but she has an affability and charm that is impossible to resist."  (Kevin O'Connor, Jazz 88/KBEM 88.5 FM )

“...a  young but veteran vocalist who can cover Ella Fitzgerald and Billie  Holiday, yet is equally adept at modern folk/pop/blues.” (Jazz Police)

"[She has] the pipes to get over an R&B tune, but also has the instincts and subtlety to handle jazz standards.” (Rhythm & Grooves).

"I can honestly say that this artist, this interpreter of song, is one you won’t forget. Katia is the real deal, and will leave you wanting to hear more."

Learn more about Katia Cardenas and her upcoming projects and performances at KatiaCardenas.com.

Katia Cardenas Ensemble