Grammy-nominated vocalist Batalla got her start in the music industry as Leonard Cohen’s backup vocalist, leading to a successful solo career and a friendship that lasted until Cohen’s death in 2016. Batalla was one of the first performers on our stage, in 1998—not long after she released her first solo albums. She has performed on our stage, and conducted student outreach programs, several times, since then.  This time, Batalla pays tribute to her mentor — best known for his classic “Hallelujah” — with a new selection of covers and revivals of some of Cohen’s most treasured works as well as personal stories gathered from two decades of touring and recording with one of music’s most prolific visionaries.

Batalla has been featured in films and television, and has taken her unique sound on tour in some of the most prestigious venues around the world. She has also bought her music to some of the poorest communities in the United States. The Los Angeles-born artist has also remained deeply committed to honoring her roots, and sharing with young audiences the beauty of music and the Spanish language. Batalla is the recipient of the United Nation’s Earth Charter Award for “extraordinary devotion to social and economic justice” and the Premio Fronterizo Award for “healing work in the world”. Batalla will lead a Student Outreach program, in conjunction with this performance.