Gabriel Ayala

A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, Tucson’s own Gabriel Ayala is at the forefront of a new generation of Native Americans breaking stereotypes by performing classical, jazz, flamenco, and new compositions of his own.  Gabriel earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997 and went on to become an award-winning musician performing at acclaimed venues such as the Poway Center for Performing Arts, John F. Kennedy Center, National Museum for the American Indian, and Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin.  He has been honored as the Artist of the Month for the Indigenous Internet Chamber of Commerce and was the featured performer at the “Festival Internacional de la Guitarra Academica” in Venezuela. Gabriel was selected as one of ten musicians featured in “Native Musicians in the Groove” highlighting stories of musicians in their struggles while persevering with a career in music.  He also has been featured in several media publications and has had the honor of sharing the stage with Motown living legends The Four Tops, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Dr. John and many others. Currently, Gabriel is in Los Angeles recording with Taboo, rapper from The Black Eyed Peas.

Part of our venue's effort to bring quality, fun, and affordable events, concerts, and bands to 4th avenue in downtown Tucson, AZ.