3 New Mexico residents selected to sing at Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe events including Zozobra, New Year's Eve and Fourth of July

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe searched far and wide to find national anthem singers for its community events.

They found that — and more.

According to Ray Sandoval, Zozobra event chair, Kyanna Naranjo is selected to sing the national anthem for the Zozobra celebration on Sept. 1.

Sixteen-year-old Santa Fean Lillian Dutton was selected to sing the national anthem at the New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, Albuquerque resident Jonathan Allen was selected to sing the national anthem for the July 4th celebration in 2024.

Naranjo grew up in a musical family, as her father is a musician and taught her about performing for others at a young age.

Singing became one of Naranjo’s primary experiences early in life, and she recalls jamming music and singing all day.

Naranjo says she is honored and looking forward to singing a song that she has recently discussed in school with her son — America’s national anthem, its meaning, importance, symbolism and the representation of America, all of which she feels should be taught and remembered by all who dwell here and call it home.

Dutton attends Mandela International Magnet School where she sings in the band. She plays bass, guitar, piano and ukulele, and writes original music.

Dutton is currently working on her first EP, to be released later this year with original songs that touch on societal issues.

Allen is originally from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and resides in Albuquerque.

He says he’s been singing for as long as he can remember. He used music as a respite from the daily troubles of childhood and grew up with a love for classical music, especially that of Luciano Pavarotti.

Allen has battled homelessness and addiction while trying to pursue his love of music. Music is what has helped him overcome many of the obstacles in his life, especially addiction and homelessness. He auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” season eight, and he made it all the way to the live semi-final rounds in New York City, performing on the Radio City Music Hall stage.

Allen is an activist for the LGBTQ+ community, and he is also a voice for those silently suffering with addiction.

“Just know that you’re not alone in this fight,” Allen says. “Keep fighting. It’s worth it. And YOU are worth it. I promise it does get better.”