Latest news with #Ozomatli
Los Angeles Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Adrian Quesada, Ozomatli and more. Grand Performances announces 2025 free concert series lineup
Grand Performances, one of Southern California's longest-running outdoor concert series, has announced the musical lineup for its 39th season. The free concert series kicks off at its summer-long venue — the California Plaza in downtown L.A. — with a performance by L.A. band Ozomatli on June 14. 'We're going to be celebrating 30 years of Ozomatli and this was the stage that catapulted them,' Grand Performances President and CEO Rafael González told The Times. 'We've played stages all over the world, but GP always feels like coming home,' said Ozomatli in a statement. 'Thirty years later, L.A. still dances with us — and we're bringing everyone with us to celebrate.' That show is followed up by a tribute to John Coltrane's seminal album 'A Love Supreme,' which is celebrating 60 years since its release, on June 21. Neo soul singer Baby Rose will join singer-songwriter Angélica Garcia on July 26 as part of 'KCRW Summer Nights.' '[Garcia's 2024 album] 'Gemelo' is a fascinating mix of the mystical and the feminine, of self-love and grief, that glides effortlessly from synth-pop to cumbia to trip-hop,' The Times wrote in a review of Garcia's most recent project. 'Songs like 'Color de Dolor' or 'Juanita' slink and shimmy infectiously, even as they channel generational trauma or commune with the dead.' On Aug. 2, Grammy winner Adrian Quesada will play a show in promotion of his forthcoming album 'Boleros Psicodélicos II,' the follow-up to his 2022 Latin psychedelic release 'Boleros Psicodélicos.' Quesada was also nominated for original song at this year's 97th annual Academy Awards alongside Abraham Alexander for writing the track 'Like A Bird,' as featured in the Colman Domingo-led film 'Sing Sing.' (Disclosure notice: De Los is co-presenting Quesada's Grand Performances set.) The annual series comes at a moment when many arts organization are facing budget cuts and being defunded, as was recently seen with NPR and PBS. 'In many instances, the arts is one of the first areas that is cut, and many of my peer organizations across L.A. County are definitely feeling the impact,' González said. 'We're so fortunate because there are so many artists out there that recognize that they need to contribute. Not only do they love playing at Grand performances and being free to experiment and to take risk, but they're also very aware that this is a free service for the community.' The series closes out with a show by Dominican merengue group Oro Sólido on Aug. 23. The music collective is best known for its classic house party track 'El Beeper,' which has collected hundreds of millions of streams across all music platforms. 'We're bringing merengue to Grand Performances,' González said. 'When we have the neighborhoods around the downtown area, you have the mom and pops coming out here.' That community experience is what González believes makes the work of Grand Performances stand out. It's these folks who are coming to celebrate, to hear the music of their lives, to dance, to be with each other,' he said. 'You see folks that you don't necessarily expect to see on Grand Avenue, come to Grand Avenue and make it home.' Since 1987, Grand Performances has hosted free outdoor performances. The organization's focus is on giving a platform to both global and local acts. Previously, acts such as Stevie Wonder, Aloe Blacc and Ana Tijoux have participated in its programming. You can find the full lineup here.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
L.A. Weekend Guide: Ozomatli Get Amplified at the Museum, CicLAvia Rolls Out, 'The White Lotus' Ends With a Bash
Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best events in and around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule with our Weekend Guide to L.A., and don't forget to sign up to have the guide delivered to your inbox every week by clicking at #FirstFridays at the Natural History Museum — April 4Celebrating Earth Month, this thematic 'Sound and Nature' party is a real "night at the museum" with after hours fun including a live performance by hometown heroes Ozomatli (celebrating their 30th anniversary) in the NHM Nature Gardens. Tropa Magica, DJ Sleepwalk of Chulita Vinyl Club and DubLab's DJ PayRay spin throughout the night. There's also UMAKYAT sound and energy healing, art activities hosted by Nova Community Arts and guest speaker Jeff Rice with moderator Dr. Yewande Pearse talking about natural soundscapes inside the new NHM Commons Theater. Food trucks and cocktail bars will also be on site from 5-10 p.m. One of the most important authors of our time, Tolle's books The Power of Now and A New Earth have helped millions of people overcome the challenges of life. Dealing with stress, living in the present, and thinking and feeling with perspective, are just a few of the concepts covered in his books (which Oprah Winfrey has championed for years) and public appearances. This L.A. event will see the writer and thinker bring humor, clarity and catharsis to the self-help space. The multicultural all-girl L.A. teen band have grown up a lot since they went viral for their online L.A. Public Library set, which featured the timely tune, 'Racist, Sexist, Boy." An appearance in Amy Poehler's Netflix movie Moxie, a popular Tiny Desk set, a stellar Coachella performance and opening slots for Green Day at SoFi Stadium and Paramore at the Forum followed, helping them hone their punky sound and stage show. Hear cuts from their latest, No Obligation, and early faves at this hometown tour stop with openers Be Your Own Pet and Pinkshift. Combatting cinematic stereotypes about girlhood, this new series presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive at the Billy Wilder Theater, showcases alternative female narratives on film. Screening movies mostly from women filmmakers across the globe, the series seeks to transcend the tropes and male-dominated takes on film about what young women want, instead focusing on female self expression, empathy and multi-dimensional storytelling. Series runs through June flyers, photography, oral histories, and ephemera make this exhibit a transportive flashback to the San Fernando Valley punk scene in the '90s. The bands and the people behind the underground events space called Cell 63, pay tribute to the era and subculture it supported and promoted with this audacious art show. This weekend marks your final chance to see it person. Presented by MUBI and Mezzanine, this fest highlights new independent premieres. Narrative film highlights should include Amalia Ulman's Magic Farm starring Chloe Sevigny, My Dead Lover by Grace Glowicki and Tim Robinson's Friendship co-starring Paul Rudd (pictured). Panels and parties are also part of the movie marathon held at venues including Vidiots in Eagle Rock and the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Marking its 59th car-free community gathering, the popular outdoor event takes over L.A. neighborhood streets to promote health, local business and traffic-free fun. This Sunday's edition, called Koreatown meets Hollywood, invites citizens to walk, bike, skate or board through its designated route from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. There'll be four main hubs to hang out at with activities and programs, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free bike repair, bike parking, first aid and more. Local drag king superstar —and one of John Waters' favorites— Mo B Dick, celebrates their birthday with a rip roarin' variety show featuring drag, comedy and magic. Performances by Charles Galin King, Kit Tapata, Morgan Wood, Precious Julz And Christopher Wonder and hosted by the Bday Boy. There's even a signature drink for the evening, 'the Burly Temple,' made with tequila, bitters, soda, lime juice and a cherry. Ketel One and Tanqueray join forces for this grand finale screening party of the buzziest show on television. Open to the public on a first come first serve basis, the hotel's screening room will offer a public viewing of the hit MAX show — and a complimentary cocktail! There'll also be lots of commiserating with fans about what it all means and how much we miss Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge)! RSVP HERE.
