Five Epic Moments from 2022
Our 2022 season was filled with magical, unforgettable moments. As we look forward to our 2023 season, here’s five standout moments from this past year that are worth revisiting.
Ellas “No Me Quieras Tanto” (6/25/22)
As the final act in Boleros De Noche’s expertly curated lineup (one that also featured the talented Julian Torres), Ellas put on a crowd pleasing performance filled with original songs and reinterpretations of classic boleros. Suemy, Melinda & Nelly’s beautiful vocal harmonies and musicianship really elevated their cover of Los Panchos’ "No Me Quieras Tanto."
Romance was in the air, and it was felt by multiple generations of Angelenos that evening.
Extra Ancestral “Enate” (8/13/2022)
Extra Ancestral took us on a spiritual journey with this Afrobeat jam. The horns and vocals ease you into a deep groove while Kahlil’s explosive drumming added firecracker like energy. It was impossible not to lose yourself in dance, and the band members themselves felt the same. The song flows for a full 10 minutes, but it felt like time traveling through centuries.
M&M The Afro-Persian Experience “Kabuki” (8/21/2022)
In a special offsite Grand Performances production, we teamed up with the City of West Hollywood to host a free outdoor concert in Plummer Park featuring M&M The Afro-Persian Experience. Their unique fusion of African / African-American rhythms and Iranian string melodies earned plenty of new fans that day, many who were swept up in an impromptu and raucous dance party in front of the stage. “Kabuki” was the final song of their set, and the crowd energy was boiling over at that point.
ÌFÉ “3 Mujeres” (9/3/2022)
It’s hard to pick just one highlight from ÌFÉ’s outstanding KCRW Summer Nights set, but we’re going to go with “3 Mujeres.”
Infectious hook? Check. Booming bass? Check. Soaring vocals? Check. Hypnotic percussion? Check.
This was serious party vibes by way of New Orleans and Puerto Rico influence.
Mariposas Del Alma “La Genta a Bailar” (9/17/2022)
Mariposas Del Alma were special guest performers of Cumbiatón. Backed by Discos Resaca Collective, these three sisters hailing from Oakland, CA sang and danced with such conviction and love for the art of cumbia music, a genre that has so much joyous energy baked into it. All of California Plaza was on their feet dancing, completely enthralled. It was the perfect way to cap off Cumbiatón’s massive 5 year anniversary party at Grand Performances.