Summer 2023 is coming in HOT at Grand Performances, kicking off June 3 with an explosive free concert guaranteed to get you up and dancing to a modern mix of cumbia, salsa, Latin funk, boogaloo and more.
Son Rompe Pera: Cumbia is the new punk! Born and raised in the deep outskirts of Mexico City, Son Rompe Pera is keeping alive the legacy of cumbia and traditional marimba music with a fresh take inspired by punk and garage rock.
La Verdad is Los Angeles’ premier salsa band, led by Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez (Quetzal, Boogaloo Assassins), boasting a traditional and original repertoire that spans the scope of Latin American music.
La Papaya Club is a DJ collective featuring Eléanora and Quilo that celebrates Afro-Latin and Indigenous sounds that make up the Tropical Diaspora focusing on sounds like champeta, marimba, tropical and folkloric rhythms.
Set Times:
6pm - La Papaya Club
7pm - La Verdad
8:30pm - Son Rompe Pera
Please RSVP at Eventbrite.
For Location, Parking & FAQ, click here
Born and raised in Naucalpan, the deep outskirts of Mexico City, the Gama brothers and their band Son Rompe Pera are at the forefront of the resurrection of the marimba, the historic Mexican and Central American instrument that was omnipresent in the region 100 years ago but has basically vanished from today’s music. It can possibly be seen in a few tourist zones, with the last few abuelos keeping alive its unique sound, but there hasn’t been a popular contemporary band based around the marimba in a generation.
The marimba has deep roots in their family, since their father first brought one home and then baptized the band with an inside family joke name in 2003. While respecting it’s legacy, at the same time they have been pushing the limits of this historic instrument, making it their own and playing it in such a unique way that audiences are literally left breathless when they see the band perform. They are one of the main bands responsible for developing the genre ‘Cumbia Punk’, a wild danceable mash-up that can now be found throughout the Americas and even in Europe. The band blends the folkloric tradition of the instrument with the other legacy that runs deep through their history- punk. It’s a combination that, especially when played live, unites audiences in sweaty, respectful mayhem, and one that’s become an essential on stages across the globe.
The brothers began performing as kids at local events alongside their father, Batuco, who taught them the basics and then dragged them to weddings, quinceañras, and birthday parties to on weekends to help bring in extra cash to the family. As is typical of teenagers, they decidedly rebelled and abandoned the marimba to play in punk and psychobilly bands, embarrassed to even let their friends know they played that most un-cool instrument. But they eventually came full-circle, returning to the marimba, but taking the punk with them. The marimba became a vehicle of revival and innovation- elevating traditional cumbia songs into realms unheard of before.
“Their sound is really polished Cumbia, but their look and energy is very punk-metal — lots of tattoos and hipster haircuts and jumping around on stage. ”
La Verdad is the premier West Coast Latin music ensemble. A collective of world-class musicians embodying the truth of the Los Angeles Latin experience. Collectively led by Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez (Quetzal, Boogaloo Assassins), Keyboardist Matt Amper (Mark Anthony, Alberto Santiago) Keyboardist Joe Rotundi (Poncho Sanchez, Oscar Hernandez) Percussionist Joey De Leon (L.A Sessions, Kevin Eubanks, Spanish Harlem Organization, Queen Latifah) Bassist Rigoberto Lopez (Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son, Panchito Alonso) Bassist Ross Shodek (Poncho Sanchez, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez) Trumpeter Arturo Solar (Juan Gabriel, Marco-Antonio Solis)Trumpeter Steve Giraldo (Makina Loka, Echo Park Project) Percussionist Alfred Ortiz (Poncho Sanchez, Celia Cruz) Trombónist Humberto Ruiz Jr. (Luis Enrique, Jungle Fire) Percussionist Jose "Papo" Rodriguez (Tito Puente and his Latin Jazz All-Stars) Percussionist Giancarlo Anderson (Poncho Sanchez, Jerry Rivera).
Boasting a traditional and original repertoire that spans the scope of Latin American route music including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Boogaloo, Latin Soul and much more.
“We specialize in creating special moments. Wonderful memories. We set the sonic tone and the background music to your night, through life.”
La Papaya Club, led by founders DJ Quilo and DJ Eléanora, is a movement that celebrates the power of music and community. They blend traditional African and Latin rhythms with a modern electronic twist, creating cultural experiences that celebrate diversity. At their monthly party at Lovesong Bar in downtown Los Angeles, they dance and fundraise for BIPOC and LGBTQIA organizations.
Giving back is central to La Papaya Club's mission, and they fundraise for causes such as education, health, arts, and social justice. They work with non-profits locally and abroad to raise awareness and demonstrate their community commitment.
La Papaya Club's events are a welcoming space where people can enjoy music and each other's company. Their unique sound and unforgettable events have built a loyal following. Join the movement and experience the magic of La Papaya Club.
This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
