Meet Patricia Ligia | Bass player, composer, educator & entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Ligia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I always try to listen to my intuition. I do practice a lot to be in touch with it so that when I make an important decision or take a risk I have the certainty that it’s the right thing to do at that moment. Taking risks has played a huge role in my life and career! I have always pushed the limits of my confort and moved forward expanding that confort zone and very aware of what I was doing.
There are many aspects to consider as international student in a country like the US, and later on as an immigrant. On one hand nothing is granted for anyone really. So I try to always keep my expectations low, I want to accept and embrace any outcome. I came to Boston in 2018, to study at Berklee College of Music, with a very decent scholarship but didn’t really know if I was going to be able to graduate mainly because of my financial situation. As time passed and I made things work, one way or another I was able to do so. But back then I was already happy of doing a one or two semester experience and knew that if I had to go back to Uruguay I had to be okay with it.

Then I figured I wanted to stay in the US and keep on building my career as a musican. One step at a time.

I think planning and patience are key ingredients of taking risks. I always try to create a plan … I may or may not follow it and that is also part the plan for me  For the most part if something changes I also have a plan B, or come up with something that ends up being the actual right plan for that time.

Life is a lot like Jazz, we have to interact with constant changes and make adjustments without loosing our direction. To me that way of living is the highest art form.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am very proud of being able to make a living of what I love doing. I am currently on tour with Colombian singer Karol G. We are in Venezuela, on our way to Peru, then Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. We have been in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic.

Last year was my first big tour with her, in the US. To perform for thousands of people in the crowd it’s another level! I have to remind myself to stay calm and focused in order to deliver a great performance…for this type of shows there is real difference between good, very good and excellent which actually counts every night.

To be part of such a huge production has taught me a lot about excellence, performance and hard work. I got to this gig, not knowing exactly what was expected from me. I have to play bass and MOOG (a bass synthesizer) and this made my refine my skills as a performer. Sometimes this type of shows seem to be easier because everything is so programmed but it’s actually a huge challenge. To come together with a large team in order to power through a show of this calibre makes me super proud.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To me a must in Miami is to see the sunrise in Surfside, go skating along the beach and grab a churro in Manolo’s to start off a good day  I also love going to the waterfront park and drink Mate or a coffee and enjoy the view of the bay, mostly in the sunset.

The South point is also lovely, on Sundays there’s a cool drum circle that takes place, a lot of people gather to dance, play or just enjoy the vibe.

I am always checking out whats going on in Laggniappe, the music is TOP every night. The Rhythm Portal on Wednesdays is a cool event that takes place at The Understory. Also good music on Thursdays with the Jazz at the Jungle series, that I know it’s taking place in the Miami Botanical Garden now.

Grab and ice-cream and walk around Wynwood, enjoy the street art and checkout some nice stores.

There’s a coffee place that I love in North Miami, actually two! Neverland and Bread and Book, great music, excellent environment, and delicious food.

I am more an art/music driven person I love to check out what’s happening in the local scene, places like Savage Labs, Brewery 13 , Casa Tua or Faena LivingRoom. Also, check out the schedule of The Bandshell and beautiful open air auditorium that hosts very cool performances of local and international artists.

To do a full Miami experience you cannot miss Calle Ocho. Have a drink and dance <3

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I love this question! Well…a book that really inspired me and changed my perception of everyday life is Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. It taught me about allowing myself to make major changes in my life with the faith that I am becoming a better person; and not to fear to let go and old version of me, knowing that I am getting closer to my goals…or that I am moving in the “right” direction.

I have recently been thinking about my mentors. I can mention many instructors and professors that I have had the fortune to learn from. Some from Uruguay or Brazil, later on here in the US. But my closest people have also been super important in my path. My mom and my sisters have supported me and helped me develop in unmeasurable ways.
My mom is a doctor, neuro pediatrician, I grew up seeing her passion for her work and putting all her intellect and heart to it. I witnessed her joy for medicine everyday growing up, the love and care for her patients and colleagues. She has always stay truthful to herself and her convictions. I have learned from her to follow my own path, my call, and to find out ways to make it work. I feel very grateful because this lessons are crucial for life and to follow her example gave me the confidence that I can pursue and create my career/life as I wish.
She inspires me until this day, she is retired but still works honorary in advising health commissions, I’ve seen her re-invent herself in amazing ways; she shows me that this is an ever-evolving path that we can innovate anytime and stay creative along the way.

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@patricialigia2224

Image Credits
Ryze Henry Hwu Chris Cornejo Felipe Orvi