August Featured Artist, Lil Acevdeo

August’s Featured Artist is Lil Acevedo, a singer/songwriter for more than 25 years. She performs with the Jazz Latin trio Solstice, the ten piece salsa band K’bola and as a solo artist. She has performed in many different countries, including: Cuba, El Savador, Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, USA and Canada. She has recorded two albums and collaborated with several musicians in Canada and abroad. Her shows are a complete showcase of Latin America, from the Indigenous sounds of Mexico, El Savador, Chile and Peru to the drum sounds of the Caribbean. Lil says, “my shows are a free ticket to Latin America.”

Growing up in El Savador, Lil was first inspired by her family. She was nine years old when she started to perform and started taking singing lessons in Cuba. Shortly thereafter, she moved back to El Savador and started studying music and playing with many bands in many countries. Lil’s songwriting explores her personal experiences as a woman, artist, mother and immigrant.  Lil explains, “music has been a great way to express the feelings and words I cannot say.”

Throughout her career, Lil has been inspired by many people and artists but her family and experiences have been her muses for the most part. Included in a long list of inspiring artists are Canadians Molly Johnson, Diana Krall and Cuban/Canadian Alexa Cuba.  Lil adds, “Musicians in Ontario have many resources such as the Ontario Arts Council to apply for grants and create projects.” In 2022, Lil was approved by the Hamilton Arts Council to be part of the Hamilton BIPOC concert series.

Lil is currently working on the release of her new album “Courage, Music, Healing,” an album she produced herself during the pandemic.  This is her debut album as a producer, which she proudly made with the help of her 16 year old son. Lil adds, “He thinks it was a very interesting experience that connected him to know me better and to learn more about his Latin American heritage. The project definitely connected the family together during the pandemic since my husband, who is also a musician, participated in the project as well.” Lil actively performs in the London, Hamilton, Toronto and Niagara regions. As a resident of Branford, Lil also notes that she loves the trails, food and “the peaceful magic” she gets from the area.

When asked what tips she has to share with developing artists, Lil advises others not to give up on their dreams. “Know your resources, socially and financially, and do not be afraid to create and develop yourself in any style. After trying, you will find out what better suits you and, most importantly, believe in yourself and your project.

To keep up with Lil and her ongoing projects, visit her website, listen to her on soundcloud and follow her on Facebook @lil_americaacevedo.