Latinx performer Lincka bringing new versatility OKC’s Plaza District Fest
For Lincka, the pandemic days heralded a time of personal and artistic evolution.
“I got to really just spend time with myself and realize that my value doesn't come from me entertaining people. It's one of the ways that I enjoy my life, and it brings me a lot of peace and peace of mind and keeps me happy,” said the Oklahoma entertainer whose full name is Lincka Elizondo-Sánchez.
“But I learned that there's so many different ways that artists can exist without having to entertain in live performances, whether that's writing songs for myself and then also producing music on my own. ... My intentions now are a lot more fruitful. They're a lot more genuine and honest and real when I create music.”
As the COVID-19 outbreak upended live entertainment, the Mexican-American singer, songwriter and activist said she realized on her “self-discovery journey” she has the freedom to create any type of music she desires.
“I love to sing old country songs. I love to sing boleros ... and I love to also jam out to Latino rock music. ... I've learned that whatever I do, whatever I create, is Mexican because I am Mexican. It's no longer me finding myself; now it's more creating myself,” she said.
The Oklahoma City recording artist and producer is bringing her newfound confidence and versatility to her headlining gig Oct. 2 at the 22nd Annual Plaza District Festival.
Plaza District’s fall festivities making a comeback
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 2, the free Plaza District Festival will feature 28 performers on three stages, 32 visual artists and an array of vendors, food trucks and children's activities in and around the 1700 block of NW 16 Street.
Plus, the 2021 Plaza Walls Mural Expo will be happening at the same time and place, as 38 artist teams take over the Plaza Fest to create new murals in the district.
The Plaza District Festival resumes this year after the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year's festival is significant because it's happening during a time when people need community, creative inspiration, and collective joy the most,” said Plaza District Executive Director Rachael Leonhart in a statement.
“Everyone talks about the physical and financial impact of the pandemic, but I often think about the emotional and physiological impact the past 18 months have had on our community.”
She said organizers for the festival and mural expo were intentional about choosing artists and performers and curating “a cultural experience to bring people together regardless of age, socioeconomic background, or cultural taste.”
Billed as a celebration of all things local, the festival will feature an array of artists and artisans selling their wares along NW 16, including oil painter Angel Jaramillo, John Brooks Woodworks,
candle maker Moonglow Maven and more.
Along with Lincka, the fest’s performing arts lineup includes orchestral dream punk band stepmom, saxophonist Spunk Adams and soul songstress Sarafina Byrd.
“The first time I heard Lincka was her 2019 NPR Tiny Desk submission. I couldn’t believe the sound that was coming out of this young woman,” Leonhart told The Oklahoman. “Lincka was chosen because she pours all of who she is into her performance, as does her band. They are a deeply diverse group of Latinx and Indigenous artists that represent a large part of Oklahoma that deserves a spotlight.”
Lincka bringing her full band
For the festival, Lincka said she is planning a big, celebratory hometown show.
“Headlining Plaza is a great honor, and it was definitely a goal of mine,” she said.
“Now I’m going to accomplish it, and I’m just going keep going, keep growing. I really want to represent Oklahoma City well, because there’s so much talent here ... and we deserve to be recognized all over the nation.”
Her full-band set will feature Francisco Venegas on classical guitar, Daniel Acuna on guitar, Jordan Vargas on bass, Tony Rivera on drums and Kane Kliewer on trumpet. The local dance collective Groovemeant Community will join them onstage.
“I really did dream of this ... because it was always just me and a backing track, or me with just maybe one or two people on stage, which was cool at the time. It’s so corny, because it’s like ‘believe it and you can achieve it.’ But seriously, believe that you can do it and do it. Just do it. Stop questioning if you’re good enough, or you’re talented enough, or if anybody’s going to be interested in collaborating with you,” said Lincka.
“I’m really thankful that I’ve built a career and built on my name for the past couple years. There’s been a lot of support in this community, and they want to be a part of my growth. ... I really do want to always have a sense of community in everything I do.”
Declaring independence
Although community and collaboration continue to be vital, Lincka said she is exploring her independence this year, from moving into her own place and developing a home studio to learning guitar and exploring her artistry in new ways.
“I still have so much to learn. ... Writing, recording, creating music, that is my main focus right now,” she said. I just turned 25, so it has been a very lifechanging year for me.”
Although she and her family members are now all U.S. citizens, Lincka said they still face discrimination as Mexican-Americans — and she continues to use her music not only to speak out but also to experiment creatively.
“My parents were able to cross this border that was manmade, and I was able to be born right outside of Mexico, in Eagle Pass, Texas. I was able to have a education here in the U.S., and all these things for myself that I’m very thankful for. ... With that comes exposure to different cultures. And when that happens, new music comes ... and it’s beautiful. If anything, it makes us even more Mexican, even more Latino, Latina, even more Latinx, because we are bringing our culture with us,” she said.