.016 Elia Esparza

Elia is my boyfriend’s best friend, and my oh my was I nervous to meet her. The night that we did meet (at Pianos in the LES), Elia was nothing but her lively, welcoming and charming self. Elia is beautiful, and her beauty on the outside is matched perfectly with her genuine talent as a singer/songwriter, her goofball personality, and her grounded sense of humility.

I really can’t emphasize enough how impressive Elia is in her career as a singer. She has an unbelievable voice, one that is so easy on the ears and gives you goosebumps at all the right moments. She’s so much fun to be around, whether that be out on the town in NYC or El Paso, or making literally the strangest sounds and phrases in a basement apartment in Astoria. She’s never afraid to be herself and knows what she believes in and stands for. She’s playful and quirky, charismatic and a true joy.

Elia, thank you so very much for welcoming me into your life and for making me feel like part of your friend-family instantly. Thank you for giving Alejandro so much joy, both in past memories (goodness do you both have a lot of them) and with every time you talk and hang out to this day. Thank you (and Mark!) for showering us with your insane talents during my birthday fundraiser and the cocktails and conversation night over the last few months. I’m so grateful for your generosity and easygoing attitude, and even more so to have you in my life as a friend. Thank you for being such an effortless and kind person to be around, and thank you for making your mark on the world with your music, which I know will continue forever. Thank you for your lovely smile, your wonderful personality, and your amazing laugh. Thank you for being you.

-BD