The latest edition of the ever-evolving Mega 96.3/FM, SBS Entertainment and LaMusica’s annual Calibash will include the unveiling of Calibash MX, the event’s new Mexican live concert brand.
The two-day event returns to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Jan.12-13 and will include all-day activities and activations as it also shines a spotlight on the diverse tapestry of the Latino community and celebrates música Mexicana.
“With the music explosion that we have been witnessing coming out of Mexico, it’s hard to deny that música Mexicana is the moment when it comes to the Latin community,” Christopher Martinez, director of business affairs at SBS Entertainment said in a recent phone interview. “This genre coming out of Mexico has taken over, so it was important for us to represent that at Calibash.”
Breaking away from the customary inclusion of reggaeton artists on its second day, the inaugural Calibash MX will takeover on Jan.13, with performances by Mexican-American groups Grupo Frontera, Conexión Divina and Yahritza y Su Esencia. Mexican artists Edgardo Nuñez and Yng Lvcas — the latter of which is known for the hit “La Bebé” featuring the Regional Mexican superstar Peso Pluma — are also set to take the stage.
This year, promoters also more carefully curated the event, pairing down the number of acts to just seven performing on each day to create a more intimate experience. In previous years, Calibash has featured a dozen-plus acts per day. This deliberate selection ensures longer set times, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the performances, Martinez noted.
Artists performing on the first evening on Jan. 12 include Feid, Farruko, Yandel, Prince Royce, Young Miko, Maria Becerra and Darell.
For 17 years, Calibash has stood as a titan among Latin megafests on the West Coast, consistently bringing together the biggest names in Latin music. Over the years, it has evolved into a celebration of Latin culture, renowned not only for its star-studded lineups, but also for guest appearances, which have included artists like Justin Bieber and Cardi B.
Calibash began as a single evening event held at Honda Center in Anaheim with Pitbull, Ying Yang Twins, Wisin Y Yandel, Tego, Toby Love and others. It was a hit. As time went on, the fans demanded more and it expanded to a two-day party. The event reached new heights with a special three-day, sold-out edition in 2022, marking a return to live entertainment post pandemic and reaffirming its deep relationship with the Latin community.
“Since the formation of Calibash, the core of our mission is the audience experience and bringing the Latin community together,” Martinez said. “Our goal is always for the audience to walk away knowing that they heard their favorite songs from some of the best Latin artists out there and to bring that to the heart of Los Angeles is a testament to where the culture itself is going.”
Adding to the festivities taking place inside Crypto.com Arena, Calibash is elevating the experience by hosting a free pre festival event with life music, refreshments, activations and more that’s open to the general public. The daytime activities will take place on the perimeter of Crypto.com Arena at the Gilbert Lindsay Plaza starting at 4 p.m. with performances Jenny 69, Mariah Angeliq, Alex Favela, Ninjaa, Marilyn Odessa and more.
“We highly encourage fans who have tickets for the big show to come out and make it a full-day affair and even for those who weren’t able to get tickets, you can still take part in the fun during the day,” Martinez said. “Either way, we just wanted the community to take part in anyway that they can.”
When: 8 p.m. Jan.12-13
Where: Crypto.com Arena, 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Tickets: Single-day admission starts at $102 at AXS.com.
