Brooklynite, Eli Salazar, aka XANDRA, is as passionate about sultry jazz numbers as she is about social advocacy. Her love for music is fueled by its healing properties; she celebrates its ability to connect and build community.

XANDRA studied under renowned jazz saxophonist, composer, and professor, Roy Nathanson. As a member of Nathanson’s “Subway Moon” jazz band, XANDRA performed at the Hard Rock Cafe, the BlueNote Jazz Club, Brooklyn’s Conservatory of Music, and traveled abroad to perform in Munich, Germany. 

XANDRA received the Posse Scholarship to attend Wheaton College (MA) and graduated in 2018 with a B.A. in Anthropology. She did a five year stint as a public defense paralegal where she supported BIPOC families in Brooklyn family court.

In 2023, she returned to school and studied under Tenor Steven Kroeze, previously Tompkins, at the Borough of Manhattan’s Community College (BMCC). In the last year, XANDRA founded a community Open Mic concert series, coined “AnnEli’s Speakeasy.” She graduated with Honors from the Jazz and Popular Music program at Borough on Manhattan Community College.

In April 2024, XANDRA made her TV debut on Saturday Night Live as a supporting vocalist for six time BRIT awards winning UK artist, RAYE. She has performed  locally at Perelman Performing Arts Center, Trinity Church, the Gin Mill, and Nublu.

She’s currently working on an EP to be released in 2026 focused on the nuances of self discovery and growth; to spread acceptance and love to those who take the less traveled paths in life.