Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna Bring Chilean Folk to Manny’s Live Performance Space

Manny’s Live Performance Space in State College continues its run of internationally acclaimed programming with a special performance by Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna on Thursday, April 30.

Pascuala Ilabaca is a Chilean singer, composer and accordionist whose work bridges traditional roots with modern experimentation. Drawing from Chilean folk, Latin American rhythms, jazz and global influences, her music is deeply rooted and forward-looking. Known for her expressive voice and dynamic stage presence, Ilabaca has performed across the Americas, Europe, India and Asia, and has represented Chile at major international festivals and cultural events around the world. 

Doors for the all-ages show will open at 7 p.m., and tickets are available day-of at the 101 Hiester Street venue or in advance online at mannysstatecollege.com. The concert is presented by Secret Planet, a collective dedicated to bringing global artists to communities across the U.S., including a growing presence in Central Pennsylvania

Ilabaca has received widespread recognition for her work, including multiple nominations and awards from Chile’s Premios Pulsar, and was named “Best Artist” at the Premios de la Música Independiente in Spain. Her recordings have been featured by global outlets such as NPR and BBC, further establishing her as one of the leading voices in contemporary Latin American music. 

Backed by her band Fauna, Ilabaca’s performances move between intimate storytelling and rhythm-driven arrangements. Her songs often explore themes of identity, migration, feminism and cultural memory, and the group’s sound incorporates a rich palette of instrumentation—accordion, piano, percussion, and strings—to create an immersive and transportive live experience. 

This performance is part of Secret Planet’s ongoing mission to connect Central Pennsylvania audiences with artists from across the world. Through partnerships spanning cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and beyond, Secret Planet routes international touring artists through smaller communities to foster cultural exchange and expand access to diverse artistic voices.

In State College, the initiative has brought musicians from more than 25 countries to local stages, building a reputation for adventurous, globally minded programming.