A chorus of nine domestic workers will take the stage of the Dance Mission Theater on Saturday to perform and celebrate the release of a songbook and a CD composed of songs written by day laborers and domestic workers telling their immigrant experiences.
The five songs, accompanied by bass, drums, guitar, and other instruments, tell stories of those making the journey to the United States and the work immigrants have to do when they get to this country.
The songs highlight the pride immigrants feel in contributing to the U.S. economy.
The Nueva Era or New Era chorus has had a rotating roster of members since its inception in 2018. Most of the original composers will not be present on Saturday as some have passed away, moved on or returned to their countries.
The songs in the CD are composed of stories most immigrant workers relate to, said Andreina Maldonado, the chorus’s musical director and producer.
Each found the group through different organizations, often when they needed an escape from the pandemic or illness.
Mayeli Grijalva was battling cervical cancer when she came across the chorus at the Women’s Collective. That was two years ago and since then she has been an avid participant.
“It makes me feel really good to be part of this group. I feel like I represent courage, sacrifice and the dream of a life with dignity, giving voice to resistance against injustice,” said Grijalva in Spanish.
Born in Mexico, Grijalva has lived in the United States for 18 years, all of those as a domestic worker.
“I feel like these songs seek to recognize migrant’s efforts and dedication as we sometimes leave everything behind to come in search of a new future for our families.”
Grivalja still remembers how she felt when she heard the song Caravana or Caravan in English. The song talks about a caravan of migrants who make their way together toward the United States.
“I was able to see that it was my story, but not only mine,” said Grijalva. “I told myself ‘I’m from here and I’m staying here’.”
Maldonado, the director, started the program by playing music and dancing with day laborers and domestic workers at the Women’s Collective and Day Laborer’s program.
“The goal was to provide a space for them to dance and to kind of coexist together while they waited for work,” said Maldonado about the initial project in 2018. “Many of them were natural musicians. One of the things that surprised me is how much of an artist each of those individuals were. They already had an inclination [for music.]”
The following year, the group also started collaborating with the Dance Mission Theater. During the pandemic, Maldonado and other members of the collective organized online classes in breathing exercises, yoga and music.
Maria Ochoa found the chorus during the pandemic. She had heard about the yoga classes through the Women’s Collective and joined after losing her job as a cook. She never imagined that joining would take her to a stage as large as the Dance Mission Theater.
“I like it a lot. It’s motivated me and I’ve even lost the fear of public speaking,” said 67-year-old Ochoa in Spanish. “It’s really nice … it doesn’t matter how old I am. I can always start learning something new.”
Ochoa has been living in the United States for 30 years. She first migrated, fleeing domestic violence in Guatemala. She stayed here for two years before returning to her four children. A few years later she found herself migrating again, and has been in San Francisco ever since – now with three of her children.
Ochoa hopes the music on Saturday will send two messages: that immigrants are honest and hard working. She would like others to recognize the contribution that domestic workers make.
“The album is our stories,” said Ochoa. “I want people to know that domestic workers can do more than just clean and take care of children.”
Sandra Ramirez, a domestic worker and Salvadoran national, met Maldonado two years ago at Nuevo Sol Day Labor and Domestic Worker Center. A survivor of domestic violence, Ramirez said she was hoping to find something to occupy her mind when she received the invitation to join the chorus.
“I feel excited. I’ve never thought about making it to this place and knowing people in music,” said Ramirez in Spanish. “I’ve always been a music lover, but I never thought I’d be able to sign with my own voice. It’s the greatest feeling.”
Raíces y Voces: Canciones de Lucha y Esperanza is on Saturday Sep. 6, 2025 at the Dance Mission Theater at 3316 24th St. from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available here.