The woman hailed as "the new face of fado" is en route to the Mondavi Center with her modern take on the soulful Portuguese singing tradition.

Mariza, a multiplatinum recording star in Europe, is set to perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 in Jackson Hall.

Fado, which means "destiny" or "fate," can be traced back to at least the early 19th century, when homesick travelers, sailors and slaves sang together on the docks of Lisbon to the accompaniment of the traditional, 12-string Portuguese guitar.

Mariza is considered a pioneer in bringing a greater variety of instrumentation -- as well as a more upbeat feel -- to the music.