photo: GRAND PERFS location : BUNKER HILL
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ARTWALK NEWS
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DTLA Vegan Weekend 2023 transformed Downtown Los Angeles into a vegan paradise for three glorious days. The event, presented by Downtown Weekly LA, celebrated the growing popularity of a plantbased, crueltyfree lifestyle alternative.
From fine dining to fast food, Downtown establishments embraced the vegan movement, offering special promotions and events that catered to numerous DTLA Vegan Weekend Warriors.
Participating locations like Âu Lac Restaurant in Bunker Hill showcased the beauty of fine plant-based dining. Visitors savored the restaurant's aesthetic dishes, healing teas and vegan mocktails.
Donut Friend on the Broadway Corridor delighted visitors with their wide assortment of delicious vegan donuts and vegan ice cream. During DTLA Vegan Weekend, visitors enjoyed a special offer of receiving a free sprinkle donut with minimum purchase.
Hart House, located in the Expo/USC area, contributed to the transformation with its plant-based fast-food menu.
As part of their grand opening celebration, patrons had the chance to participate in the Hart House Scavenger Hunt, with the opportunity to win a VIP experience with Kevin Hart.
Naturewell Vegan Juice & Smoothies, nestled in the Historic Core, offered a wide range of nutritious juices, açaí bowls, and smoothies. Daring vegans ventured to Naturewell to enjoy BOGO Face Melter wellness shots.
Tulsi Indian Eatery in the Old Bank District wowed eaters with their unique vegetarian and plant-based Indian cuisine. During DTLA Vegan Weekend, guests enjoyed BOGO curry bowl combos at 50% off. Vegans relished the vibrant flavors and cultural richness of Tulsi's regional Indian dishes.
Veron, situated in the Historic Core, offered a touch of sweetness with their vegan macarons made with natural ingredients. Macaron fans were treated to a complimentary macaron with minimum purchase.
As DTLA Vegan Weekend came to a close, once again one tenacious vegan earned the title of “DTLA Vegan of the Year” with a grand prize: free meal for two at Au Lac Restaurant.
This year’s title went to vegan Influencer Bill Muir a combat veteran, otherwise known as Sergeant Vegan (@sgt_vegan), for his commitment to living a cruelty free lifestyle. Thank you for your service Sir.
The new managing chef at LA Mission has turned his back on traditional can donations and is now leaning towards making meals for the unhoused from living foods straight out of the produce section. Embracing his role as a catalyst for change, Chef Supreme Dow has just introduced a whole new vegan menu.
With plant-based donations and chops of creativity, Chef Dow has been combining compassion, health consciousness, and sustainability in every plate he creates. Fruit, Salad, and meats made from mushrooms now take priority as the Chef brings years of vegan culinary good deeds to downtown Los Angeles.
“Food is either medicine or poison” says Dow.
Founded in 1936 by Reverend I.L. Eldridge, the Los Angeles Mission has stood as a pillar of support for the homeless and disadvantaged. Throughout its long history, the Mission has grown to become one of the nation’s largest service providers, addressing the immediate and long-term needs of individuals and families in need.
Their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact has allowed them to create lasting change in the lives of countless individuals, providing essential resources, care, support and now, healthier eating habits.
Reimagining the American way, Downtown L.A.’s largest free Fourth of July celebration at Grand Park will be ditching the fireworks to introduce a spectacular drone show instead, marking a first in the park’s decade-long history.
This year, L.A.’s ultimate July 4th neighborhood party will sprawl across the six city blocks of Gloria Molina Grand Park.
Traditionally alcohol is not allowed in the park and will not be sold during the event, however, attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic or indulge in a delectable array of food and snack options available for purchase from D.T.L.A.’s beloved gourmet food trucks.
The gates to Gloria Molina Grand Park will open at 4:00 p.m., and access to the park’s grounds can be obtained through four specifically marked entrances:
Olive and 1st Streets
Hill and Temple Streets
Main and 1st Streets
Hill and 1st Streets
Spanning nearly six hours, this festive celebration is designed for the whole family, including their furry friends. Two stages will showcase a diverse range of music performances, highlighting L.A.’s global sounds.
For transportation, public parking will be available at two locations, each charging a fee of $10 per vehicle:
The Music Center – 135 S. Grand Ave. Walt Disney Concert Hall – 111 S. Grand Ave.
Additional parking lots near Gloria Molina Grand Park will be accessible.
Considering the anticipated high number of attendees, the public is strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation.
Conveniently located at the Civic Center/ Gloria Molina Grand Park station, the park can be reached via the Metro.
4th of July Block Party 2023 Line Up:
Block 4 – Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Event Lawn next to City Hall, between Broadway and Spring Street
4:00 – 4:10 p.m.: Maya Jupiter (Host)
4:10 – 4:25 p.m.: DJ Ethos
4:25 – 5:10 p.m.: The Harmony Project
5:30 – 5:50 p.m.: The GR818ers
6:10 – 7:00 p.m.: Maya Jupiter presents ARTIVISTA featuring Medusa, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Jessa Calderon
7:15 – 8:00 p.m.: Bahamadia
8:15 – 9:00 p.m.: Cut Chemist + Chali 2na
9:00 – 9:12 p.m.: Drone Light Show with DJ J Rocc of The Beat Junkies
9:12 – 9:30 p.m.: DJ Ethos
Block 2 – Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Performance Lawn between Grand Avenue and Hill Street
4:00 – 9:30 p.m.: The Beat Junkies present a celebration of L.A.’s DJ culture, featuring the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound, The Ladies of Sound, and special guests.
To enhance the Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party celebration, the park will feature a digital playground for children and families to engage in interactive digital and augmented reality (AR) experiences, along with arts, crafts, and games.
This exciting addition is made possible through a collaboration with EYEJACK, in partnership with The Music Center’s Digital Innovation Initiative
The highlight of the evening will be a dynamic 3-D drone show, provided by Grizzly Entertainment, illuminating the night sky accompanied by a live playlist curated by DJ J Rocc, founder of The Beat Junkies, the drone show will embody the yearlong theme of Gloria Molina Grand Park—”Reflections”.
Only time will tell, if the drone show will bring forth as much excitement as the sparks of colorful descending gun power, but surely the organizers will continue lighting up City Hall, won’t they?
In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, lies
Pershing Square
now gearing up to host a vibrant celebration as the Los Angeles Cumbia Festival
Taking place Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, this highly anticipated event promises an immersive experience into the captivating world of Cumbia music, featuring an impressive lineup of legendary musicians and DJs, tantalizing food trucks, and a full bar.
Headlining the event is Vilma Díaz, a legendary Colombian vocalist and an icon of popular Latin music, specifically Cumbia Tropical. Internationally recognized as THE voice of Colombian supergroup La Sonora Dinamita, Vilma’s contributions have helped shape the sound of Cumbia Tropical worldwide. Accompanied by her own group, “La Sonora,” Vilma will grace the stage and perform an extensive catalog of Sonora Dinamita hits, captivating the audience with her timeless classics that have become synonymous with the genre.
Joining the lineup is Grupo Soñador, a renowned Mexican cumbia ensemble known for their distinct flavor of Mexican Sonidero cumbia. With a stellar catalog of dance floor favorites, Grupo Soñador is set to deliver an electrifying performance, infusing the festival with their infectious energy and showcasing their status aspioneers of Mexican cumbia.
Representing the future of Colombian cumbia is Yeison Landero, the grandson of the legendary Colombian Cumbia pioneer, Andrés Landero, often referred to as “The King of Cumbia.”
Carrying on his grandfather’s legacy, Yeison Landero embodies the Vallenato tradition and showcases his talent as he makes his highly anticipated Los Angeles debut at this year’s festival. With his fresh approach and deep connection to his musical roots, Yeison Landero is poised to bridge the gap between the rich history of Colombian cumbia and its vibrant future.
The Cumbia Fever DJs from Mucho Music will curate an entire day of beloved CUMBIA anthems. With a diverse selection spanning across various subgenres, these legendary DJs will take attendees on a musical journey, ensuring that the energy remains high and the dance floor is always packed. Whether it’s classic hits or the latest cumbia remixes, The Cumbia Fever DJs provide an electrifying soundtrack pulsating with rhythm and joy.
Beyond the captivating performances, the Los Angeles Cumbia Festival presents a tantalizing array of culinary delights from the gathering of food trucks.
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to savor traditional Cumbia Festival fare such as
delectable tacos and irresistible empanadas, as well as an assortment of other Latin American culinary treasures.
To complement the lively ambiance, a full bar will be at hand, offering an assortment of refreshing beverages. Attendees can delight in craft cocktails, ice-cold beers, or tropical concoctions as they raise their glasses in celebration.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, The Center Theatre Group has been forced to cancel its highly anticipated Mark Taper Forum 202324 show schedule and commence laying off at least 12 percent of dedicated staff members. Grappling with serious financial turmoil due to the city’s post pandemic woes, Center Theater Group recently made the grim announcement sending shockwaves through the theater arts and Downtown LA community.
The renowned Mark Taper Forum will remain eerily dormant for the foreseeable future, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of this revered performance hall. The Forum, Downtown’s vibrant stage known for showcasing Center Music Group’s grandest productions, now stands silent, devoid of the artistic vitality it so brilliantly has exuded.
Meghan Pressman, CEO and managing director of the Center Theatre Group, candidly revealed to the Los Angeles Times that the organization’s annual budget typically ranges from $55 million to $70 million. However, this year’s dire financial landscape has inflicted a staggering shortfall of over $12 million, plunging the troupe into a state of disarray.
Pressman further lamented the abysmal state of ticket sales and corporate donations, which have plummeted to unprecedented lows compared to the thriving pre-pandemic era. The ripple effect of this financial catastrophe has forced the troupe to make the agonizing decision to lay off approximately 10% of its devoted staff, exacerbating the anguish that permeates the theater community.
Distressingly, Center Theatre Group’s plight is not an isolated incident.
Tragically, it mirrors a distressing national trend of theaters being placed on indefinite pauses or, even more harrowingly, facing permanent closure. This pervasive crisis has gripped the very heart of the arts industry, casting a somber pall over the future of theatrical expression.
As the curtains fall on the once-bustling stage of the Mark Taper Forum, the gravity of this financial catastrophe looms large. It serves as a painful reminder of the delicate nature of the arts, as even the most renowned theater groups find
themselves teetering on the precipice of irreparable loss. The profound impact of this crisis reverberates throughout the nation, leaving an indelible void in the cultural landscape.
The dedicated artists, staff members, and patrons of the Mark Taper now face an uncertain future, grappling with the profound loss of a season brimming with artistic brilliance. The absence of their creative endeavors leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who appreciate the transformative power of the performing arts.
As the theater world mourns this significant loss, it is crucial to rally behind the arts community, and Downtown’s remaining theaters, providing support and fostering a renewed sense of hope. Only through collective effort and unwavering determination can we endeavor to revive the splendor of live performances, breathing life into the hallowed halls of theaters once more. www.musiccenter.org
On July 4, Day Trip Anniversary kicks off the series with a bang. The stage will be graced by Justin Martin, Melé, and MNTRA followed by weekly returning events with similar line ups.
On July 9, Day Trip will present the soulful sounds of Tita Lau, Cloverdale, and Local Singles.
As the summer heat continues, July 16 features Black V Neck, Yolanda Be Cool, and Bryan Softwell take the stage.
LA State Historic Park has a rich history that dates back decades. Once a bustling transportation hub, it has transformed into a vibrant space where music and community converge. This summer, the park will come alive with a series of events that celebrate the power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.
At the forefront of these incredible experiences is none other than Pasquale Rotella, the visionary founder of Insomniac. Inspired by the underground dance music scene of the ’90s, he has dedicated himself to creating unforgettable moments for music lovers around the world.
The highlight of LA State Historic Park’s summer lineup is Insomniac’s highly anticipated Day Trip series with artists, handpicked by Pasquale Rotella himself.
Dancing into the sunset, Day Trip is an all-day house party that pays homage to the warehouse culture that defined the DIY music scene of Los Angeles.
July 30 features Lucati, Chasewest, Ms. Mada, and DZR at Day Trip.
On August 13, the stage will be set for Deeper Purpose, Torren Foot, and Bones showcasing their unique styles within this sonic journey.
September continues with a new roster of talent, including Martin Ikin, Guz, Max Low, Hugel, Tom & Collins, Carola, San Pacho, Todd Terry, Ferreck Dawn, Never Dull, Guru Reza, and Luttrell.
The park itself provides a unique backdrop for these electrifying performances with the downtown skyline in the distance.
Downtown Los Angeles is pulsating with excitement as Grand Performances now heading into its second month of sensational performances, vibrant music, and captivating poetry to the heart of the city.
June kicked off the season at California Plaza on Bunker Hill with a bang, exploding with the high energy of cumbia punk marimba rockers Son Rompe Pera electrified the stage, alongside performances by La Verdad and La Papaya Club.
The following week brought The COLA Artist Fellows partnering with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs to deliver a night of artistic brilliance.
Iranian musician and political activist Shahin Najafi captivated audiences with his powerful performance, presented by the Farhang Foundation.
And the groundbreaking West African kora master Sona Jobarteh showcased
her extraordinary talent, accompanied by Nubian Sound Group ft. Dexter Story and DJ Passionfruit.
Moving into July, Grand Performances shows no signs of slowing down as the summertime venue makes way for more exhilarating weekends filled with incredible talent and diverse sounds.
July 8: Viver Brasil and DJ Muñeka –Be prepared to immerse yourself in the infectious beats and energy of Viver Brasil and DJ Muñeka as they take the stage and create an electrifying atmosphere.
July 15: Jazz is Dead presents Garrett Saracho – Rediscover the magic of
Chicano jazz pioneer Garrett Saracho as he delivers a captivating performance, presented by Jazz is Dead.
July 22: KCRW Summer Nights
– Prepare for a magical night of performances curated by KCRW, featuring a lineup of talented artists who will leave you spellbound.
July 29: Martha Redbone – Experience the unique blend of folk, blues, and gospel as Martha Redbone graces the stage and captivates the audience with her soulstirring music.
Grand Performances’ Legacy: Grand Performances has a proud history of showcasing exceptional artists. Since its inception in 1986, it has brought legendary performers to the stage, including the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Kamasi Washington, Seun Kuti, Madame Gandhi, Ana Tijoux, Soulection, Aloe Blacc, Angelique Kidjo, and many more. The stage has become a platform for renowned talents, leaving audiences in awe of their remarkable artistry.
All Grand Performances events are free and open to all ages, ensuring that everyone can partake in these captivating experiences. The California Plaza, located at 350 S Grand Ave. on Bunker Hill, serves as the vibrant backdrop for these extraordinary performances. The events typically take place from 6 pm to 10 pm unless otherwise noted. It’s always advisable to check the schedule for specific start times and any updates.
Acclaimed Los Angeles tour company Esotouric is set to unveil a fascinating new walking tour that delves into the rich tapestry of gay cultural history in Downtown Los Angeles. Dubbed “The Run: Gay Downtown History Walk,” this tour promises to uncover hidden stories and landmarks, shedding light on a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that thrived even during a time when homosexuality was criminalized.
Founded in 2007 by married cultural historians Kim Cooper and Richard Schave, Esotouric has made it their mission to unearth lesserknown tales of Los Angeles, champion historic preservation, and foster a sense of community. Their dedication to “Looking Out For Los Angeles” has been showcased through various endeavors, including chartered coach bus tours, walking tours, forensic science seminars, webinars, blogs, podcasts, social media channels, and historic preservation campaigns.
Esotouric’s commitment to preserving history and promoting unique tours recently caught the attention of Virgin Atlantic’s VERA Magazine, which featured a story on their tours and historic preservation advocacy in its May 2023 issue. The article showcased the company’s passion for unearthing untold stories and preserving the heritage of Los Angeles.
Responding to popular demand, Esotouric is thrilled to announce the launch of their newest cultural history tour, The Run: Gay Downtown History Walk, which will take place on Saturday, July 8.
This captivating tour will be led by Esotouric’s expert guides, Nathan Marsak and Bob Wolfe, and will explore LGBTQ+ landmarks of the 20th century. Drawing on original archival research and featuring unpublished images, The Run tour aims to bring to life the experiences and contributions of fascinating individuals who shaped the LGBTQ+ community in Downtown Los Angeles.
The tour will commence at Grand Central Market and traverse through various locations where LGBTQ+ history unfolded. From Pershing Square to the Main Street fun zone, from private encounters to political organizing, from groundbreaking legal cases to discreet bars and bathhouses, the tour will offer a comprehensive view of the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ life in Downtown Los Angeles.
One notable stop on the tour is the 1920s-era speakeasy beneath the King Eddy Saloon, a designated National Register landmark, where tour guests will have the opportunity to view scrawled hook-up messages in the only cruisy bathroom of its kind.
Adding to the allure of the tour, Esotouric debunks the urban legend of a gay uprising at Cooper’s Do-Nuts that predates the Stonewall Rebellion by over a decade. Through the extensive historical research conducted by Nathan Marsak, the tour sheds light on this imaginary incident and explains how it led to a real apology from the Los Angeles Police Department to the queer community—a significant moment in the city’s LGBTQ+ history.
The Run: Gay Downtown History Walk concludes with a delectable mystery snack, evoking the era when LGBTQ+ individuals had to engage in elaborate subterfuge to live authentically. This delightful ending serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the community during a time of adversity.
Esotouric’s upcoming lineup also includes a range of bus and walking tours catering to diverse interests. These tours encompass the Echo Park Book of the Dead Crime Bus Tour, The Run: Gay Downtown History Walk, Westlake Park Walk, Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles Bus Tour, Angelino Heights & Carroll Avenue Walk, and Charles Bukowski’s Los Angeles Bus Tour. Each tour offers a unique perspective on Los Angeles’ rich cultural and literary history, providing an engaging and immersive experience for both locals and discerning travelers.
This summer, Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles in MacArthur Park is hosting its 16th season of free live music performances, bringing the vibrant cultural mosaic of Los Angeles to the heart of the city. The celebrations kicked off on June 10 and will continue until September 3, 2023.
One of the highlights of the summer was the 40th anniversary celebration of Radiotron, a historic hip hop youth center that played a significant role in shaping the hip hop culture in L.A. Despite its demolition, the legacy of Radiotron lives on.
On June 24, the stage was set for an incredible lineup featuring King Tee, Kid Frost, Toddy Tee, and many more renowned artists. It was a night to remember, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop history.
Throughout the summer, Levitt Pavilion offers a diverse range of musical genres, catering to different tastes and preferences. From Latin Alt HD3 presenting romanticas and cumbias on June 16, to dublab bringing jazz on June 17, and Utopia Tribe’s Father’s Day celebration with house and jazz on June 18, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Other notable performances include the Boleros de Noche tribute to Mexican composer Agustín Lara on June 23, the Tropicaliente event presented by Super Estrella Online and La Tocada on July 8, and the soulful sounds of Nick Waterhouse on August 11.
The park comes alive with an array of musical styles and cultural influences, featuring salsa, mambo, boogaloo, funk, soul, jazz, house, Latin fusion, traditional Native American, contemporary Salvadoran, Tuareg desert rock, hip-hop, disco, reggae, and more. It’s a melting pot of sounds that showcases the rich diversity of Los Angeles.
As the summer progresses, Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles continues to host a series of captivating performances, including the Festival de Música Salvadoreña on July 23, a David Bowie tribute celebrating 50 years of Aladdin Sane on August 26, and the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) on September 1 and 2.
The season will come to a close on September 3 with Sunset Ecléctico’s finale, featuring Beatriz Solis and the Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra from the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), blending pop, regional Mexican, and jazz sounds.
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles has once again provided an unforgettable summer experience, showcasing the talent and diversity of the city’s music scene.
Visitors and music enthusiasts can gather in MacArthur Park, enjoy the warm summer evenings, and celebrate the power of music to bring people together.
