For rising star Andy Allo, the natural life is where it’s at. In a world of over-produced and over-processed everything, the Cameroonian-born singer/songwriter, actor and model takes the be-who-you-are stance and through her music, tells the story of a thoughtful, focused young woman trying to find her way in a crazy world.

Her debut album, UnFresh, is a reminder that trying to be cool and fresh is not as cool as being authentic; that being un-fresh is the freshest thing around.

Often compared to contemporary, soul songbirds such as Corrine Bailey Rae, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and the like, Allo brings her conscious perspective, keen intuition and questioning outlook to her music that’s catchy, soulful and full of head-nodding grooves. Her simple yet expressive guitar playing provides a sweet backdrop for her autobiographical songs rich with stories of love, longing, loss and the search for a life with meaning.

The multi-talented Allo has also caught the attention of the advertising and screen worlds and has appeared in numerous advertisements and projects, from ads for the U.S. Postal Service and Toyota to a repeating role on BET’s The Game.

Oakland-based Mara Hruby is a relative newcomer to the music world—she started performing in the Bay Area in 2001—but she’s already caught the ears and attention of the soul scene, local and beyond. Her debut EP, From Her Eyes, is a catchy collection of songs written by Bob Marley, Jamiroquai, Mos Def and more, reworked and redelivered from Hruby’s perspective, complete with a crystal-clear voice, an engaging style and a groove that is all her own.

Andy Allo and Mara Hruby perform on Friday, Feb. 18 at the Pagoda Lounge at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.

Get Tickets and More Info on Andy Allo and Mara Hruby at the Pagoda Lounge