Los Angeles, CA – Each season Grand Performances, the free summer performance series at California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles, curates a series of programs to address important social and racial issues. For its 30th anniversary season, Grand Performances presents Evolución L.A.tino, an exploration of Latino and Chicano culture, power, influence and experiences from a local and global perspective through music, theater, film, culinary arts, and expert panels/lectures.
Supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Sony Pictures, the series includes:
Prejudice and Pride – The transformation of “Chicano” identity through activism in the 60s and 70s is documented via a screening of Prejudice and Pride, episode 5 of the PBS series, Latino Americans: 500 Years of History. The screening will be followed by a scholar led discussion. (June 10)
Soy Africano – Traditional West African complex rhythms and lilting guitars meld with familiar Latin sounds in a high-energy evening that highlights the overlooked history and widespread influence of Latin music in West Africa. Clave-based Cuban music and New York Salsa were embraced by Africans and gave birth to a thriving “Latin afro” scene in countries like Senegal, Benin, Guinea and the Congo. Featured vocalists include Afrisa International’s Wawali, Son Mayor’s Alfredo Ortiz, Chicano Batman’s Bardo Martinez, Brazilian songstress Thalma de Freitas and the legendary Lazaro Gallaraga among other surprise guests. Produced for Grand Performances by Radio Afrique and Music Director/Conductor Dexter Story. (June 18)
Chicana Moratorium: Su Voz, Su Canto – A tribute to Latina power led by Martha Gonzalez of the East LA rock band Quetzal featuring original music inspired by real-life stories Latinas shared at Story Circles, a series of events held by Grand Performances and the Los Angeles Public Library. (June 24)
The Three Louies – Part performance art, part “sitdown” comedy, and part social satire chisme featuring Los Lobos founding member Louie Perez, L.A. Poet Laureate Luis J. Rodriquez, and journalist Luis Torres in an East-L.A. riff on the joys and absurdities of life. (June 26)
Making Escabeche with Ernie Miller – L.A.’s master food preserver guides a hands-on demonstration of making the pickled carrot, jalapeño, and vegetable medley served on Latin tables. RSVP required at www.grandperformances.org (June 30)
Se Mueve: Aqui / Here: It Moves – Los Angeles artists Rafa Esparza, Maria Garcia, Yesika Salgado, and Yosimar Reyes delve into the depths of Brown creativity/identity through spoken word, movement, and performance piece created especially for the Grand Performances Watercourt stage. (July 30)
The 30th anniversary season of Grand Performances runs from June 10 through August 21, 2016. The free and open to the public concerts are presented on a stage built into the fountain at California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue.
For more information on seating, amenities, public transportation, parking, and more, visit www.grandperformances.org or call 213-687-2190.
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