Free concerts return to downtown L.A. this summer
California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles will become a hot music venue this summer with the return of the Grand Performances free concert series.
The recently announced lineup for the annual series will range from groups performing modern and traditional sounds from places like Latin America, Asia, Africa in all sorts of genres, from Afrobeat to cumbia to classic jazz to ambient electronica and salsa.
“We are going to have some spectacular performers and we are representing the many cultures that make up Los Angeles,” said Rafael González, president and CEO of Grand Performances.
The season kicks off June 1 with Grammy-winning singer iLe, who previously performed with her brothers in the Puerto Rican alternative hip-hop band Calle 13 before going solo.
Other highlights include an Aug. 3 tribute to the late Celia Cruz by the band Havana Secret, which was the backing band from her final US tour.
“I love that we’re paying a tribute to Celia Cruz. The multi-generations that have grown up with Celia Cruz is incredible and for us it’s about honoring her and moving her legacy forward,” he said.
Another tribute will take place June 22 when more than 25 musicians take the stage to honor jazz drummer, composer and bebop pioneer Max Roach. The series also includes poetry nights and classical music nights.
Here’s the complete list of performances this summer, all taking place at California Plaza through Aug. 24.
June 1: iLe / Mestizo Beat / DJ José Galván
June 8: To be announced
June 15: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band / DJ Bennett
June 21: COLA (City of Los Angeles) Artist Fellows
June 22: Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes Centennial Celebration
June 29: Cali Soul Jam
July 13: The 11th Annual International Mariachi Women’s Festival
July 20: Daymé Arocena / Pan Dulce with Alan Lightner / Wyldeflower
July 27: Okwy Osadebe / The Neighborhood Orchestra / Kevin Lincoln
Aug. 3: Celia Cruz Tribute featuring Havana Secret
Aug.10: Listen to Music Outside with Leaving Records. The concert will showcase experimental music
Aug. 17: To be announced
Aug. 24: Chucho Ponce Y Los Daddys De Chinantla / Turbo Sonidero
June 28: Poetry of Pride and Legacy with poet Jen Cheng
July 26: Music is History with Mike the Poet
Aug. 16: Home with writer Carribean Fragoza
July 12 and Aug. 9
When: 6-10 p.m. June 1-Aug. 24
Where: California Plaza, 350 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: grandperformances.org
