The Umbrella Concert Series in Partnership with Salt Lick Sessions
The Umbrella Arts Center is excited to expand The Umbrella Concert Series to include two casual and intimate shows spotlighting some of your future-favorite musical acts who are up-and-coming through the Salt Lick Incubator program.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025 at 7:30pm
Sponsored by Lindsey and Rob Parker
Featuring Sofia Lafuente, Farayi Malek, and Ellie Williams!
Sofia Lafuente
Sofia Lafuente is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing shapes her introspective, emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, she has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following.
Inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzy McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners drawn to vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, she is a sought-after songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. With a growing industry presence, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch.
Farayi Malek
Farayi Malek has traveled the world through music as a Grammy-nominated vocalist with Danilo Perez’ Global Messengers; and now musically, she’s going back to her own roots. From the American folk music and hymns of her childhood, to the blues and jazz she studied, Farayi brings all of the diverse sounds and experiences of her life into resonant songs that allow her effortless vocals to shine. The Salt Lick Incubator award-winner will be releasing her debut EP March 27th, 2025. When she is not performing and recording, Farayi shares her vast musical knowledge as a professor at various esteemed institutions including Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory.
Check her out on Instagram @Farayi.Malek.
Ellie Williams
Ellie Williams is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, known for her evocative blend of sounds inspired by Fleet Foxes, Maggie Rogers, and Norah Jones. With introspective lyrics, lush atmospheric production, and haunting melodies, Ellie’s music explores themes of self-reflection, queer identity, and personal growth. Her honest narratives not only shape inventive pop sounds but also create space for queer stories and voices to resonate and connect. With over 14 million streams across four singles and her debut EP Warning Signs, Ellie has cultivated a loyal fanbase and is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore EP in 2025.
Preview music from these spectacular artists on a special edition of Salt Lick Sessions on WERS 88.9 "Listen Again" up through the show!
Missed November's performance featuring Tonina, Micah Edwards, and Chance Emerson? Catch up here!
ABOUT SALT LICK INCUBATOR
Founded in 2022 by this year’s Elizabeth Cochary Gross Stewardship of the Arts recipient, Roger Brown, the nonprofit Salt Lick Incubator is reshaping the landscape for artists by providing support, grants, essential career guidance, and exposure to new audiences through such vehicles as WERS Radio’s Salt Lick Sessions and the Salt Lick YouTube channel. Led by an illustrious artist advisory board including T Bone Burnett, Jon Batiste, Patrice Rushen and more, its unwavering commitment to fostering diverse, emerging musicians is a testament to its belief in the transformative power of music.
