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Free & Festive: 15th Annual 'Sunset Concerts' World Music Series Kicks Off At Skirball Cultural Center
There will be no giant chipmunks. You should still TOTALLY go. (Photo by Loren Javier via Flickr)
For six consecutive Thursdays beginning July 21 through August 25, The Skirball Cultural Center will be presenting their FREE "Sunset Concert" World Music Series, now in its fifteenth year. No reservations are necessary and seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is $10 (cash!) per car, or take Metro Rapid 761 and add eco friendly to your cultured evening. Also, be advised, there is zero available street parking by the Skirball.
This year's line-up was curated by Yatrika Shah-Rais, the Skirball’s music director and includes:
MARIA DE BARROS
Thursday, July 21, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Hailing from Cape Verde, Mari de Barros explores the influence of French culture on West Africa music adding inspiration from Spain, the Caribbean, and Latin America traditions.
RED BARAAT
Thursday, July 28, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Punjabi "Bhangra" rhythm is the signature sound of Red Baraat.
YEMEN BLUES
Thursday, August 4, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
The nine-member Yemen Blues ensemble fuses traditional Jewish melodies with American blues/jazz/funk, and African groove.
NURIYA
Thursday, August 11, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Nuriya's multinational ten-piece ensemble rocks the rhumba with Spanish vocals, flamenco flair, mid-East meets Caribbean meets Afro-Cuban drumming, Arabic melodies and Gypsy brass.
THOMAS MAPFUMO AND THE BLACKS UNLIMITED
Thursday, August 18, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Thomas Mapfumo puts the protest in thumb piano music meshed with Western rock.
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MR. VALLENATO
Thursday, August 25, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Mexican American accordion virtuoso Jorge Villarreal (a.k.a. Mr. Vallenato), will end the summer program with "an accordion frenzy befitting Jimi Hendrix."
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
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