World Music in Melrose: Fabiola Méndez

Join us for a vibrant afternoon of music and culture under the open sky with internationally celebrated Puerto Rican artist Fabiola Méndez—cuatrista, vocalist, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer.

Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Fabiola is a trailblazer—making history as the first person to graduate from Berklee College of Music with the Puerto Rican cuatro as her principal instrument. Her music is a powerful fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Puerto Rican folk traditions, and jazz, woven with personal storytelling and cultural pride.

Fabiola has performed on the stages of NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and collaborated with icons like Pedro Capó, Danny Rivera, and the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. Her latest album Flora Campesina (2024) continues her legacy of honoring heritage and amplifying Afro-Latinx voices.

This is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and the sounds of Puerto Rico. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and come be transported!

And thanks to the vision of Acess Culture to bring top class music to everyone, this high quality music is free - such a gift to Melrose and beyond!

____________________

RSVP if you want to be added to the mailing list for information about the rest of the concert series, future events, and Access Culture News. RSVP Not required for entry.

BIO from website:

Native to Caguas, PR, Fabiola began playing the cuatro, Puerto Rico's national instrument, at six. She got her early music training at the Antonio Paoli School of Music in Caguas and her Bachelor's in Music from Berklee College of Music, where in 2018, she made history as the first graduate to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as the principal instrument.

Fabiola's mission has always been to share and celebrate the cuatro, folk music, and collective story-telling. In doing so, she's had the honor of performing at venues such as the NPR Tiny Desk, Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, Celebrity Series of Boston, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, among many others. She has also collaborated with many local and international artists, including the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Pedro Capó, Andy Montañez, Danny Rivera, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra.

Her recordings include Herencia Criolla (2009), Al Otro Lado del Charco (2019), Afrorriqueña (2021), and Flora Campesina (2024). In 2022, she produced her first documentary, Negrura, showcasing Afro-Latinx stories on colorism and discrimination within our communities.

In recent years, she’s had the honor of receiving recognitions such as the Quincy Jones Award, ambassador for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, the Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship, and the ASCAP Foundation Lucille and Jack Yellen Award. She was also nominated for a Children's and Family Emmy in the category of Outstanding Interactive Media and won the Latin Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards. Her music is featured on the film Beautiful, FL (Disney+), on the TV shows Alma's Way, Work It Out Wombats (PBS Kids), and Mecha Builders (HBO Max), as well as indie films, jingles, and TV commercials.

Supported by grants from: Melrose Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council.

Access Culture’s mission is to bridge the gap between culture and nature by providing accessible and inclusive cultural and educational experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe everyone should be able to explore and appreciate the richness of cultural heritage, diversity, and nature.

Through our diverse range of programs, including art projects, films, concerts and outdoor school programs, and other cultural initiatives, we aim to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and promote environmental stewardship. By breaking down barriers to participation and ensuring equal access to resources, we strive to empower individuals to connect with their communities, nature cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

At Access Culture, we envision a society where everyone can engage with diverse cultural traditions, explore the wonders of nature, and develop a sense of belonging within local and global communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant future where culture and nature thrive in harmony, enriching the lives of individuals and strengthening the fabric of society.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Melrose, Music events in Melrose, Arts events in Melrose.