In partnership with Broadway Night Lights, Grand Performances presents an unforgettable night of free, family friendly fun, in two of LA’s most historic theaters on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles.
At the Los Angeles Theater, GP will showcase talent from LA’s most vibrant dance communities: Subsuelo and Soulnic DJs. With multi genre collabs between DJs and live instrumentalists featuring an all star lineup of the city’s finest musicians.
At the Palace Theater, GP presents one of the most exciting band ensembles in Los Angeles. The Neighborhood Orchestra will be joined by Duain Richmond and Sandra Izsadore for a birthday celebration of the life and legacy of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
Venue Info:
Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Palace Theatre, 630 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Schedule
6:00pm, Tom Kenny & The Hi Seas at the Palace Theatre
7:00pm, Subsuelo at the Los Angeles Theatre
8:00pm, The Neighborhood Orchestra at the Palace Theatre
8:00pm, SOULNIC DJs at the Los Angeles Theatre
9:00pm Subsuelo at the Los Angeles Theatre
10:00pm, SOULNIC DJs at the Los Angeles Theatre
Palace Theater
The Neighborhood Orchestra ft. Duain Richmond with special guest Sandra Izsadore
The Neighborhood Orchestra Collective, nestled in the vibrant musical landscape of Los Angeles, is an independent & pioneering music ensemble renowned for its unique and innovative approach to music, community engagement, and cultural diversity. With a rich tapestry of performances that bridge genres and communities, NOC has established itself as a formidable presence in the current music scene, known for its collaborations with music industry icons and talented artists.
The Neighborhood Orchestra is proud to present an evening that connects the vibrant legacies of Lagos, Nigeria, and Los Angeles, California through the universal language of music. “Lagos x LA” is not just a musical concert production; it’s a cultural narrative that celebrates the transformative power of Afrobeat, pioneered by the legendary Fela Kuti, whose birthday month we honor in October.
This year’s event is special as we feature Fela’s former partner and influential figure, Sandra Izsadore, alongside Broadway star Duain Richmond, known for his role as Fela Kuti in the critically acclaimed musical Fela!. Their insights and performances will weave the historical and heartfelt stories that are foundational to the story of Afrobeat.
Musical Direction with Deep Roots and Broad Visions
Under the guidance of Director Guillermo Tejeda and Arranger/Publicist Leah Concialdi, “Lagos Meets LA” explores the thematic and rhythmic elements that Fela Kuti once fused during his transformative stay in Los Angeles. Both Guillermo and Leah bring years of experience and passion to the stage, having been deeply involved in Afrobeat through significant projects like Mexico 68 Afrobeat Orchestra led by Martin Casillas in Los Angeles and ATOMGA in Denver, Colorado.
Tom Kenny & The Hi Seas
Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas are a Los Angeles-based Rock n Roll/ Soul /R&B band that “brings the party” wherever and whenever they perform. They are the embodiment of no-holds-barred, all-in rocknroll. Simply put, their mission statement can be summed up as follows: “Hey, let’s have as much fun as humanly possible!”
Drawing on influences ranging from Sam Cooke to The Shangri-Las to The Righteous Brothers, their rockers cause dance floor mayhem and their soulful ballads induce swooning.
Los Angeles Theater
SOULNIC DJs
Born in Barbados, KG SuperStar brings the rhythmic and vibrant pulse of the Caribbean to his music. After moving to New York as a teenager, he was exposed to many of the music industry's finest musicians and performers, which influenced his production, vocal abilities, and diverse DJ sets.
KG is a well-traveled and gifted Master of Ceremonies known globally as "The Voice of a Great Time" for his ability to connect with people and elevate live performances. He currently holds residencies around Los Angeles, including his latest curation "Utopia" at Mama Shelter in Hollywood.
Drack Muse is an international DJ who has left a positive impression in both mainstream and underground music communities. While in college, he created a legendary "invitation-only" hip-hop night that was exclusive and almost always sold out. This led to a career in radio and at Universal Music Group in Los Angeles.
He has performed at countless high-profile events around the globe, including Essence Fest, Amsterdam Dance Event, NBA All-Star, and Super Bowl Weekend events, and opened for iconic artists like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and DMX. Drack is also a co-founder and Creative Director at SOULNIC and Extra Mild Sauce.
About SOULNIC
SOULNIC Music Festival was founded in 2010 by a collective, known as Extra Mild Sauce, who wanted to create a free day at the park for family and friends. SOULNIC has been celebrated by thousands annually, showcasing the global expansion of House music and its ability to bring people together through diversity, inclusion, and unity.
Being produced by The Soulnic Foundation, since 2022, SOULNIC Music Festival features a curated mix of dance music from Chicago House to Amapiano, Afrobeats, and beyond, aiming to create an inclusive atmosphere where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to enjoy the unifying power of music. Since its inception, SOULNIC has become a staple in the Los Angeles music scene, attracting a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts, families, and dance lovers.
Subsuelo
Subsuelo has performed on major stages from Coachella to Lightning in a Bottle and Red Bull’s Soundclash, but the crew is most at home on the astonishingly small, always tightly packed, open-air patio at Caña Rum Bar in downtown L.A.
For seven years, the revered global bass crew has been packing in dancers for Subsuelo Sundays, a daylong summer-only dance party that features everything from created-on-the-spot cumbia cuts to reggaeton and amapiano remixes, hip-hop turntablism and edits of classic Mexican party anthems with live instrumentation. While Caña’s small stage may be a who’s-who of musicians and DJs — guests have included everyone from DJs Vikter Duplaix and KCRW’s Anthony Valadez, to Son Rompe Pera and Buyepongo — Subsuelo Sundays is incredibly unpretentious, welcoming and boundary-pushing.
Joining the subterranean dance party with Subsuelo are members of Buyepongo, a dynamic collective known for their infectious blend of Latin funk, cumbia, and hip-hop. With their high-energy performances and unique instrumentation, Buye adds an extra layer of rhythm and flavor to the night. Their signature fusion of tropical sounds and funky grooves will perfectly complement Subsuelo’s eclectic mix of beats, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
About Broadway Night Lights
On Saturday, October 12th, from 3rd Street to 8th Street on Broadway in DTLA, immerse yourself in a vibrant festival that transforms historic theaters and entertainment venues into bustling hubs of activity. Enjoy live music, captivating circus performances, thrilling wrestling matches, stunning art installations, delicious food, and more. With two main stages and two small stages, Broadway Night Lights will showcase local talent, creating an unforgettable night of culture and entertainment.
As part of Broadway Night Lights, three of Downtown Los Angeles’ most iconic theaters will open their doors from 3 PM to midnight. This is your chance to tour these historic venues and experience their grandeur firsthand. Throughout the evening, each theater will host a series of special performances, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry that defines our city. Whether you’re a lover of the arts or simply looking to explore, don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of LA’s theater scene
Broadway Night Lights is presented by Kevin De León, Council Member 14, Uno Productions, Sueño Building Bridges, and Next Fest