Paloma Ximena

Paloma Ximena is a jazz artist originally from Sacramento, California, now based in Lansing, Michigan. Self-taught, Paloma's career began after performing at the 2022 Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival in New York City. She quickly garnered the attention of musicians in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which led to Paloma studying with Wynton Marsalis and other members of the orchestra. Since then, Paloma has furthered her jazz studies with many artists across the country including Jon Faddis, Rodney Whitaker, Walter Blanding, Ingrid Jensen, and Melissa Aldana.

In 2024, Paloma was selected for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra, where she toured South Africa. Paloma has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and at National YoungArts Week in Miami, Florida. Today she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University.

Suffering 6 concussions at the age of 15 has been an integral part of shaping who Paloma is as a person and musician. With this disability she has been able to look and think about art through a different perspective than most. Focusing her music to be mediums of healing, expression, and love is what she values most.

Paloma is passionate about expressing all aspects of life through her music while paying homage to her musical idols. She has been extremely fortunate to have received great mentorship at such a young age. With this foundation, she explores and honors all sub-genres of jazz; starting with the music of New Orleans which eventually leads to the music being made today.

Paloma has big dreams of sharing her music with the world while also carrying on the tradition her mentors have taught her; paying it forward. She hopes to bring joy and unity to as many people in the world as possible with her music.

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