In Memoriam: Zeke Luna
This past weekend, Grand Performances lost a family member and the audio engineering world lost a titan. It is with profound sadness that we say farewell to our friend and team member Zeke Luna.
Zeke was already an audio legend by the time he first joined GP as a freelance engineer for our 2021 Boogaloo Assassins show. His impeccable ear and professionalism had earned him frequent gigs at Coachella, the Hollywood Bowl, and KCRW. He engineered for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, and Jamie Foxx’s legendary after parties. Zeke was also a global brand ambassador for the industry-leading mixing console brand Digico, among many other audio gear manufacturers. If you were a venue looking to install a world class sound system, Zeke was THE guy you consulted.
*It must be said that Zeke was very humble and never once boasted about these feats, but those in his circle knew that his long list of accomplishments was unrivaled.
At Grand Performances, Zeke quickly earned a reputation for being calm and patient in even the most challenging of situations. Neither technical difficulties nor difficult personalities ever seemed to phase him. He went above and beyond to provide mentorship to the other younger members of our audio and stage management teams. He was simply a joy to work with, and brought out the best in all those around him. His expertise and connections helped us level up and fine tune our own audio equipment. You will hear his enduring impact at each one of our shows.
Zeke representing the DiGiCo booth at NAMM
Some words of remembrance from our staff:
“Zeke was a master of sound whose artistry gave texture and tone to Grand Performances and whose kindness touched every heart he met including mine. His legacy will continue to echo throughout CalPlaza, reminding us that greatness lies not only in skill but in the soul behind it.” - Rafael Gonzalez, President & CEO
“Zeke's legacy at Grand Performances is immeasurable, from helping design our concert sound system to mentoring our audio crew. His calm and professional demeanor was unmatched. I was fortunate enough to call him a close friend and colleague. We were blessed to have him on our team as our Lead Engineer. He was loved by many and respected by all. Our staff and I will miss him dearly, not to mention the audio and concert production community.” - Jack Monforte, Technical/Production Director
“It’s impossible to measure the ripple effect of Zeke’s legacy on our stage. His consistent and steady guidance—from choosing the right gear to crafting the perfect mix—lifted every performance. Even more powerful was the care he poured into his relationships: the time he gave, the knowledge he shared, the quiet encouragement he offered to those eager to learn. Zeke helped shape the very soul of GP’s live sound. Because of him, every note we send into the world carries a piece of his spirit. And in everything good we’re building, he will always be there.” - Stewart Irel, Artistic and Creative Director
You’ll be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated to the team, the culture, and the audience experience. Zeke leaves behind a legacy of love and excellence.
Thank you and rest in power, friend.