This season features ensembles lauded for their energizing and meticulously crafted performances.
“Sounds of L.A. has long been a reflection of the cultural diversity found throughout the City of Angels,” explains Laurel Kishi, performing arts manager for the J. Paul Getty Museum. “In doing so, the series continues to celebrate extraordinary resident musicians as well as those from other parts of the globe who have connections to local communities. We’re proud to be able to present these truly world-class events free of charge.”
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
The season kicks off on January 19 and 20, 2013, with local favorites Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, who never fail to delight with their signature mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Angolan semba, and Congolese soukous. Lemvo, a Congo-born artist of Angolan ancestry, is the embodiment of the Afro-Latin diaspora, which connects back to Africa via the Cuban clave rhythm.
Lemvo has refined his craft and vision, raising his joyous voice with strength, singing songs that celebrate life, and most importantly, inspiring his audiences to let loose and dance away their worries. Ricardo and Makina Loca will help you shake off the winter blues at this high-octane concert featuring new music from their latest release.
The Holmes Brothers
On February 16 and 17, The Holmes Brothers bring their moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and country. Over the course of their 30-plus year career, The Holmes Brothers (bassist/vocalist Sherman Holmes, guitarist/pianist/vocalist Wendell Holmes, drummer/vocalist and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon) have been feeding the souls of their devoted and ever-growing fanbase. Their amazing three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell’s gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy’s soaring falsetto and Sherman’s rich baritone, brings the soul and spirit of gospel music into everything they perform.
Equally gripping is the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman’s bass playing and Popsy’s drumming, perfectly complimenting Wendell’s blues-soaked guitar solos and church-inspired piano playing. The band easily blends Saturday night’s roadhouse rock with the gospel fervor and harmonies of Sunday morning’s church service.
Alliance for California Traditional Arts
Sounds of L.A. 2013 closes on March 2 and 3 with a concert celebrating the richness of California’s folk and traditional arts. In collaboration with the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, which just opened a new office in Los Angeles, the performance features some of the finest tradition-bearers the Golden State has to offer.
“Sounds of L.A. continues to surprise and delight, both in terms of the remarkable caliber of artists who grace the Getty’s stage as well as the genuine affection shown to them by our audiences,” said Sabrina Lynn Motley, longtime series curator. “Although each concert is unique, in so many beautiful ways they share an ability to illuminate the region’s fascinating cultural landscape.”
Sounds of L.A. 2013 Schedule
All events are free, unless otherwise noted; reservations required. Limit of four seats per reservation. Get tickets online or by calling (310) 440-7300.
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7pm
Sunday, January 20, 2013, 3:30pm
Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center
Free; reservations required. Reservations available beginning Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at 9am. Reserve online or by calling (310) 440-7300. Limit of four seats per reservation.
The Holmes Brothers
Saturday, February 16, 2013, 7pm
Sunday, February 17, 2013, 3:30pm
Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center
Free; reservations required. Reservations available beginning Thursday January 17, 2012, at 9am. Reserve online or by calling (310) 440-7300. Limit of four seats per reservation.
Alliance for California Traditional Arts
Saturday March 2, 2013, 7pm
Sunday, March 3, 2013, 3:30pm
Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center
Free; reservations required. Reservations available beginning Tuesday February 21, 2012, at 9am. Reserve online or by calling (310) 440-7300.