Powerhouse Cuban vocalist Marta Elena will kick off the 20th annual Lulaworld festival at Lula Lounge with a performance celebrating her new sophomore album Por Amor. The event features special guest Hilario Durán and highlights support from Ontario arts organizations. Doors open at 7:00 PM on the festival's opening night.
Marta Elena, a Juno Award-winning Cuban singer, composer, and bandleader based in Toronto, opens Lulaworld 2026 on May 11. The festival runs from May 11 to 17 at Lula Lounge, marking two decades of jazz, Latin, Brazilian, soul, and folk music. This opening night concert promotes her new album Por Amor, recorded at RHC Music Recording Studios in Toronto with Canadian and Cuban-Canadian musicians. The album blends salsa roots with bolero, funk, and regional Latin influences, dedicated to her supporters. Presave the first track, 'Mi Cafe Con Leche' is available now. Special guest Hilario Durán, a Latin Grammy Award-winning pianist, joins her onstage. Since moving to Canada in 2011, Marta Elena has collaborated with top artists, led a 13-piece orchestra and sextet, and performed at major venues. She regularly guests with Durán's Latin Jazz Big Band and Jane Bunnett's all-female ensemble Maqueque. The event thanks the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Creates, and the Government of Ontario for their support of Lula's programs. Tickets start at $15 early bird, $20 advance, $30 at the door, with a $79 dinner package including a three-course meal, show, and gratuity. Dinner reservations and table bookings are at lula.ca. Doors open at 7:00 PM for dinner and drinks, with the concert starting at 8:00 PM.
