Ava Luna, STEFA*, and YATTA at Starr Bar
Taking the stage for the first time in five years, New York City’s Ava Luna headlined a sold out, benefit show at Starr Bar on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The group were joined by YATTA and STEFA*, with funds from ticket and poster print sales going to the The Palestinian Social Fund. The PSF “raises unconditional funding for cooperative farms in Palestine through grassroots efforts.” Nadine Fattaleh of the PSF spoke to the audience briefly before the second act began their set.
When announcing this concert, Ava Luna mentioned that they are working on a new album, and this intimate show gave audience members a preview of that forthcoming material. Carlos and Felicia of Ava Luna also worked with River L. Ramirez on movement for this show too, so it was their first time utilizing choreography rather than playing instruments.
The night began with a set from artist YATTA (ricky sallay zoker) who I saw perform live for the first time since Silent Barn’s final show in 2018. YATTA spoke eloquently to the audience about the war happening in Palestine while also seeming to have a lot fun on stage.
STEFA*, the musical project by stefa marin alcaron was up next and for their set, stefa was backed by Kaley Puckett on keys, Miles Francis on drums, and Nick Joz on double bass/electric bass. STEFA*’s lyrics were sung in both English and Spanish and alcaron joked before one song that they would translate what they were about to sing for “the gringos in the audience.”
During their set of brand new material, Ava Luna members Carlos Hernandez, Felicia Douglass, Julian Fader, and Ethan Bassford were joined by Keenyn Omari on flute for one song, plus Sarah Snider on keys and Keyanna Hutchinson on guitar and percussion. The final song of their set was “Daydream,” off their album from 2014, Electric Balloon, where Hernandez performed on guitar.
Photos of the show from Starr Bar are in the above gallery. Per Ava Luna’s Instagram post published on April 24th, the benefit show raised $3,000 USD for the Palestinian Social Fund.
Additionally, I captured Ava Luna’s last show five years ago at Market Hotel and those images can be found here.