LA’S WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC CLOSING EVENT AT SANTA MONICA BEACH

Click here to read article in The Argonaut

 

Venue Comments

As part of the World Festival of Sacred Music, the Stefani Valadez Ensemble anchored a wonderful Music Celebration that introduced audience members to the eclectic and diverse range of her artistry. Their performance was truly entertaining and mesmerizing.  The audience appreciated the way she introduced them to Ladino music.We were thrilled to see an audience of 600 people of all ages, from the very youngest children to the older audience members, clapping and dancing to the wonderful music.  It was a memorable experience. On behalf of the Performing Arts Center and Music Academy of Santa Monica College, we would like to thank you for the fantastic concert that we all enjoyed at the Santa Monica Pier. We couldn’t have picked a better group to represent the kind of World diversity we intend to bring to our Performing Arts Center.  Their performance was a great success.   We will invite them again!
— Adam Philipson - Assistant Director PACMA (Santa Monica College)
Stefani Valadez performed at my Venue, she and her Band captivated the audience with some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. People were clapping, crying and calling out for more. I was one of them! Since the show I’ve heard nothing but praise for Stefani and the band. People are asking when I will invite her back. I recommend her for any other venues that present quality world music. I hired Stefani because I’ve had the pleasure of attending numerous concerts over the years that highlighted her tremendous artistry  and breathtaking vocal talent and stylings. She delivered far more excitement and entertainment than any of those who were hearing her for the first  time had ever expected. The band was a virtual who’s who of Los Angeles top-drawer musicians, and perfectly complemented Stefani’s presence with power, drive, and brilliant rhythmic and melodic subtleties. Viva Stefani Valadez! 
— Sincerely, Marc - Marc Bachrach Presents
I have had the pleasure to produce concerts featuring Stefani Valadez and her band on several occasions in the last couple of years. Stefani puts on one of the most captivating concerts I have ever seen. Each song seemed like an angel was singing through her speaking in different languages. Her songs gripped the audience and held them tight and the music touched their hearts. Then she broke out into a real upbeat groove and instantly everyone was up dancing like children. I would guarantee that Stefani and her band would blow away any audience you put her in front of.   And, as the producer, the best part is that she is a delight to work with.  Caring, focused, professional and a good listener.  Easy to please.  Can’t wait to work with her again. 
— Warmly, Peggi - Peggi Sturm & Associates 
Her music ascends to a spiritual level we often dream must exist. Her voice and spirit blend exquisite tones with storytelling, weaving our lives with haunting sounds from our past that help to shape where we are headed. She infused our daughter with a passion for Sephardic music, transferring sounds from one generation to the next. When Stefani sings my heart and mind open.
— Carol Burger-Kaye
 
 

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Press Comments

The palate of Deshar is indeed lush and sensuous and distinctly Latino, yet there is a melancholy to the passionate physicality of the choreography, heightened by raw, earthy vocal performances by Stefani Valadez.
— On Stage, Chicago SunTimes

Audience Comments

Stefani’s music has touched my heart and moved my soul. There is no other voice like hers.
— Arlene Berry
Stefani’s music is enchanting, uplifting and enriching, a journey through time to ancient cultures and traditions.
— Rina Daly
Stefani’s renditions of Sephardic songs are absolutely haunting. One moment you are transported to the Golden Age of Jewry, the next you are reminded of the bittersweet suffering of love and prejudice in an unforgiving time.
— Bob Israel
Listening to her music I find myself in new places, each one with its own sounds and smells and experiences, which somehow feel familiar. Stefani’s voice takes me “Home” in the deepest sense of the word.
— Eva Nathanson
Stefani’s haunting, soulful voice and melodies transport you to another time and place.
— Ruth Sharone
Stefani’s music is an important part of our Spiritual preparations. We are purified as we are reminded that we are all One, that at the deepest levels all music and all prayer and all life flow out of the same Source.
— Dov Geller
This morning I put on “Other Voices”. With the 1st song I began to weep with love and felt the music flow into my body, into my soul. From weeping to dancing sensually, the songs evoked my being to love myself, love G-d. Harmonies resonated from my throat and my body fluids thawed and flowed releasing pain, receiving love. I am grateful.
— Moriyah Colaine