Katie James Brings Bajo mi Corteza Tour to Colombia
Expats & Nomads · Colombia
Katie James, the Colombian-Irish singer-songwriter, is bringing her new album ‘Bajo mi Corteza’ to stages across Colombia this year, offering expats and nomads a rare chance to hear a truly bilingual folk voice in an intimate setting.
Who Is Katie James?
For foreigners who have not yet discovered her, Katie James occupies a unique space in Colombia’s music scene.
Born to an Irish father and a Colombian mother, she moves fluidly between English and Spanish in her lyrics, weaving together the folk traditions of both countries.
Her sound is acoustic and sensitive, built around guitar and voice, but it draws deeply from Colombian rhythms like cumbia and vallenato as well as Irish melodic sensibilities.
This cultural duality makes her work immediately accessible to English-speaking audiences while remaining authentically rooted in Latin American soil.
The ‘Bajo mi Corteza’ Album
Released in March 2026, ‘Bajo mi Corteza’ translates to ‘Under My Bark’ and marks a mature chapter in her career.
The album contains 10 original compositions that travel across a map of Latin American styles.
Listeners will encounter bolero, cumbia, vallenato, tonadas llaneras from the eastern plains, and even Argentine zamba, all filtered through her signature acoustic approach.
The title suggests a journey inward, peeling back layers to reveal something raw and personal.
For digital nomads working from Colombia, this album provides a beautiful soundtrack that bridges the familiar and the new.
The Cali Concert: An Intimate Night at Bellas Artes
The most anticipated date on the tour for many is her Cali show on July 31, 2026.
She will perform at the Sala Antonio Maria Valencia, a well-known concert hall within the Bellas Artes complex, a cultural landmark in the city dedicated to arts education and performance.
This venue, whose full name is the Instituto Departamental de Bellas Artes, sits in the heart of Cali and is easily reachable by taxi or ride-hailing apps.
The concert promises a full-band format, meaning Katie James will be accompanied by musicians who bring the album’s diverse rhythms to life.
Organizers describe the evening as an intimate concert featuring new songs alongside highlights from her career.
For expats based in Cali or nomads passing through, this is a chance to experience a high-quality live performance in a respectful, seated venue rather than a crowded bar.
National Tour Dates and Other Cities
The ‘Bajo mi Corteza Tour’ is not limited to Cali.
Katie James is taking the album to other Colombian cities, with confirmed dates including Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander department known for its parks and modern vibe.
While the full itinerary is still being rolled out, expats in Medellín, Bogotá, and Pereira should watch her official social channels for potential additions.
Tickets for the Cali date are available through Tuboleta, one of Colombia’s primary ticketing platforms, which foreigners can access online with an international credit card.
If you are new to buying tickets locally, Tuboleta allows you to purchase digitally and present a QR code at the door, avoiding the need for physical pickup.
Practical Tips for Expats and Nomads Attending
Attending a concert in a Colombian city like Cali requires a bit of local know-how.
The Bellas Artes venue is located in a central area, but it is wise to arrange your return transport in advance, as hailing a taxi on the street late at night is not recommended for safety reasons.
Use apps like Didi or Uber, which operate widely in Cali, and expect a short wait after the event.
Ticket prices in Colombian pesos have not been officially confirmed for this show, but similar cultural events at Bellas Artes typically range from COP$60,000 (~US$15) to COP$120,000 (~US$30).
Doors usually open an hour before the listed showtime, and seating is often assigned, so check your ticket for a specific chair number.
The concert will be conducted primarily in Spanish, but Katie James often addresses her bilingual audience in English as well, making the experience welcoming for non-Spanish speakers.
Consider dining before the show in the Granada or San Antonio neighborhoods, both popular with expats and offering a range of international and local cuisine.
Why This Tour Matters for the Expat Community
Live music is one of Colombia’s greatest gifts, but language barriers can sometimes make local concerts feel inaccessible to foreigners.
Katie James bridges that gap naturally, offering a cultural experience that does not require fluent Spanish to appreciate.
Her music also serves as an entry point into Colombian folk traditions, from the accordion-led vallenato to the hypnotic gaita flutes of cumbia.
For digital nomads seeking authentic experiences beyond coworking spaces and expat bars, this tour represents a genuine connection to Colombia’s creative soul.
It is a reminder that the country’s cultural calendar is rich and varied, and that some of its most compelling artists speak directly to an international audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets for Katie James in Cali?
Tickets for the July 31 concert at Sala Antonio Maria Valencia are available through Tuboleta, Colombia’s major online ticketing platform. You can purchase them with an international credit card and receive a digital QR code for entry.
What musical styles does Katie James perform?
She performs a blend of Colombian and Irish folk music. Her new album ‘Bajo mi Corteza’ includes bolero, cumbia, vallenato, tonadas llaneras, and Argentine zamba, all delivered with an acoustic, sensitive sound.
Is the concert suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Yes. Katie James is bilingual and often speaks to the audience in both Spanish and English. Her music’s emotional delivery and diverse rhythms make it highly accessible even if you do not understand all the lyrics.