Music of the Americas: Central American Songwriters

Tuesday, September 29, 10 am

Mar María is a a Panamanian singer-songwriter whose project was born as a sonic sanctuary where soft melodies intertwine with Latin rhythms such as bossa nova, bolero, Latin pop, and MPB, creating an intimate space born from a quest for peace amidst the chaos. "Mar" represents calm and "María" embodies the strength of Latin women. 

From Panama City, with Josué Pernett, she sent us this version of her song "Mar," which, she says, is "born from a deep need to be accepted by a loved one. At the same time, it is swept by a wave of insecurity—the silent certainty that the other person will soon leave, and that nothing one does will be enough to prevent it. Although the song carries intense emotion, it does not aim to sink you into sadness; rather, it invites you to dwell in a state of calm, contemplation, and peace—a form of meditation."

Friday, October 2, 10 am

Costa Rican singer-songwriter Laura Ureña is back on En Casa. Drawing inspiration from nature and the emotions of everyday life, her music accompanies journeys of self-love, vulnerability, and personal growth. Her sound blends Latin pop, alternative folk, reggae, and bossa nova. Her debut album, Espiral (2022), earned six nominations at the ACAM Awards, winning in two categories. She has shared the stage with artists such as Pablo Alborán, Ricardo Arjona, and Muerdo. 

From San José, with Fiorella Hidalgo Aguilar and Fernando Calvo Flores, she sent us this video of "Mi Esencia," a song that "explores that moment when something within us awakens and begins to seek truth. The song accompanies the start of a journey of self-discovery—a path of silence, intuition, and courage to uncover the voice that was waiting to be heard. Like a spiral beginning to unfurl, it invites us to inhabit life from a more authentic, present, and conscious place."

The MetLife Foundation Music of the Americas concert series is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor MetLife Foundation. 

The 2026–2027 series is also supported, in part, by the Howard Gilman Foundation, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and Mid Atlantic Arts.