Help Esai Make Her First Recording with her Grandpa Don Aliquo - The Original!

Hello! My name is Esai Aliquo-Varela, and I’m a 20-year-old jazz and pop singer getting ready to create my very first EP. One of my greatest inspirations is my grandfather, Don Aliquo Sr., a legendary Pittsburgh tenor saxophonist who just turned 96. It would mean the world to me to make my first recording with him and his quartet.

We’ll be recording this fall at The Church Recording Studio with engineer Dana Cannone, and my vocal coach Phat Man Dee will be producing the project. Our goal is to release the EP by spring/summer of 2026.

To make this dream possible, I need help covering the costs of musicians, studio time, mixing/mastering, royalties, artwork, and photos. Every contribution will go directly toward bringing this music to life.

I’ve learned the value of hard work and self-expression from my mom, Viva Valezz, and the importance of planning from my dad, Wes Aliquo. Now I want to show them — and myself — that I can take this step as an artist.

Anyone who donates will get early access to hear the music first! Every gift, no matter the amount, means so much to me. Thank you for helping me share this special project with my grandpa.

Yours in song,

Esai