With the cuatro (Puerto Rico’s national instrument) as her guide, Fabiola Méndez blends folk, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean influences into a sound rooted in tradition yet refreshingly original. Inspired by the rich musical heritage of her Puerto Rican homeland, she fills the room with warmth, rhythm, and an irresistible sense of joy. This virtuoso cuatrista has graced stages from the Met to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, both solo and with Bad Bunny, and her music has been featured on Disney+ and PBS Kids. Seeing her live is less like attending a performance and more like being welcomed into a celebration.

UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9:00 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar.