Mexican-American singer Lila Downs is voting in her first US election. That may surprise some of her fans, as Downs is known for her politically-charged music.

For almost two years now, Cubans, like Harold López-Nussa, have witnessed enormous changes taking place in their country. Diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States have been restored. And for the younger generation, the future sure looks bright. López-Nussa has witnessed that change personally. Not only is it easier to travel, but he's been signed to a record label here in the States.

Composer Mehmet Ali Sanlikol is a Turkish-born Muslim American. He says his latest album is "Sufi-influenced contemporary jazz."

Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and others are taking part in an 11-date tour that they hope will raise money and awareness about global refugee crises.

This Sunday, Colombians will vote on the peace agreement signed by the government and the FARC guerrillas, ending 50 years of war. At the annual music industry festival known as Bogota Music Market, young musicians there were eager to talk about the prospect of peace.

It's the second anniversary of the disappearance of 43 students from Ayotzinapa, Mexico. The group El Changui Majadero is based in LA and recorded a song about it for their self-titled, debut album.

The island of Crete is a crossroads for migrants and refugees. It's there that musician Stelios Petrakis finds his inspiration.

It's much more than just a bunch of gray-suited politicians taking swings at each other. Although it's that, too.

Adrian Quesada grew up in Laredo, Texas — minutes from Mexico. He's a bilingual musician with his Latin rock band, The Echocentrics, performing tunes in Spanish and English.

A pop performer known for his flamboyancy on stage, prolific songwriting and bestselling tunes, Juan Gabriel died over the weekend of a heart attack. He was 66.