KAINA creates generational music that surpasses borders, a unified expression of her native Chicago, and her Venezuelan and Guatemalan heritage. Her newest album 'It Was A Home', released through the independent label City Slang, explores themes of community and self-reflection while pushing the production and songwriting to a new level. You can see this on a full, colorful display in her NPR Tiny Desk, in which KAINA is surrounded by the musicians, illustrators, friends, and family who had a hand in the production of the album. 'It Was A Home' is a celebration of togetherness, and collaboration while also being a project that is intended to feel like you're talking with your best friend.
Her warm and inviting brand of cultural fusion was initially illustrated on her 2019 debut full-length album Next To The Sun—a project that established her as a leader in a movement of artists whose work hinges on identity and representation. While promoting this record, KAINA went on national tours with artists from Sleater-Kinney and Cuco to Durand Jones and the Indications, effortlessly finding a home in front of adoring and diverse audiences.
From her debut EP, 2016’s sweet asl. to It Was A Home, KAINA has continued to push this narrative through her brand of sweet-hearted optimism, which she uses to uplift and build community. Over the years, she has crafted a sound that is gentle, yet full of intent, and built a songwriting practice that explores love, legacy, and ancestry.
Supa Friends is a hip-hop group founded in Madison, WI, in 2017 by five emcees; Soup The Fifth The Master Plan, Al D, SooDoNiM, Tyrel the Well Treated, Maruchan Chef; and Hardface the Pilot, the group's former in-house producer. Supa Friends were founded with the purpose of creating a unique, diverse, fun brand of Hip Hop that blends the styles and influences of the individual members to form something entirely new and experimental.
This event is free with no pre-registration required.
UW–Madison students can attend a free studio class with 18x GRAMMY nominee Branford Marsalis.
Formed in 1986, the Branford Marsalis Quartet has celebrated three virtually uninterrupted decades of existence and is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of original compositions and jazz classics.
Join DJ Nick Nice for a Nonny Silent Disco Dance Party on the Union Terrace, Thursday 1 May 2025.
This is a past event and has been archived for reference.