San Francisco’s love for La Doña is well established—just check the 2021 mural on a SoMa grocery store that combines her queenly mug with the word “resilience” emblazoned in story-high letters, created by artists DJ Agana, Robz and Vogue for the Giants. To celebrate the local music teacher and resolutely independent performer’s new Altos de la Soledad album and national tour, you just knew the city was going to show out.
Accordingly, on September 30 at Cafe du Nord, a sold-out crowd ate up the trumpet-playing chanteuse and her band’s agile maneuverings from single-lady reggaeton beats to heart-rending banda and bolero ballads. Of particular hometown pride is Altos track “Corrido Palestina,” whose live performances have already pitted the artist’s convictions against instances of audience blowback. Rest assured that on this night, with Israel’s airstrikes against Lebanon fresh on the minds of many, the song was instead received with a wave of communal grief and gratitude for artistic integrity. — Caitlin Donohue
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission 
La Doña @ Cafe du Nord 9/31/24. Photo by D.A. Mission
