Through collaboration with Adriana Rimpel of the local Cuban band Malamanya, Maria will create five original songs that trace the Afro-Latina music scene in Minnesota. In order to accomplish this, the two women will journey to Puerto Rico where they will study music and then return to Minnesota to synthesize their two experiences. Perez frequently incorporates “spanglish” into her music to represent her dual heritages, both Minnesotan and Puerto Rican. An accomplished artist, emcee, and singer, she has already released two full-length albums dealing with the politics of cultural diversity in the Twin Cities.