Ozomatli | Ep. 5

In this episode, we sit down with renowned visual ethnographer Farah Sosa, who has spent decades capturing the essence of concerts, club nights, and cultural moments in Los Angeles and beyond. Farah reflects on her journey behind the lens, the gift of her first camera, the bittersweet experience of watching her subjects evolve over time, and how Grand Performances gave her first opportunity to pursue music photography professionally. Through it all, she reminds us that, in the end, everything comes back to love.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(03:05) – Identifying as a Visual Ethnographer(07:02) – The Certainty of Being a Visual Artist(11:40) – Early Memories of Grand Performances(17:14) – The Sky is the Limit(23:54) – Advice for Up-and-Coming Artists(30:35) – Why It's Important to Care(36:36) - CloseFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

In this episode, Grand Performances President Rafael González and Creative Director Hector Flores take us behind the scenes of Ritchie Forever: An Ode to an American Dreamer. They discuss the inspiration behind the event, why celebrating Ritchie Valens’ music, legacy, and spirit is so important, and the significance of having the Valens family in attendance.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Follow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Kahlil Cummings is a longtime collaborator of Grand Performances, having graced our stage many times throughout the years—beginning when he was just a pre-teen. In this episode, Kahlil chats with Anthony Valadez about his early curiosity for music, educating audiences through performance, being a defender of culture, and how it felt to perform alongside Bad Bunny as part of Super Bowl LX. Listen to this impactful conversation ahead of Kahlil’s side project, Bloco Obini, perform as part of Grand Performances’ 40th season finale.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Follow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Father-and-daughter musicians Todd and Ruby Simon join host Anthony Valadez ahead of Ethio Cali celebrating 15 years at Grand Performances. Todd reflects on his longstanding relationship with Grand Performances, coming of age as a musician in Los Angeles, and maintaining his artistic integrity in an ever-evolving music industry. Ruby shares her own musical influences, what she's learned from her father, and how she's forging a creative path that's uniquely her own.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Follow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Jimetta Rose explores the legacy of Sun Ra, her musical roots, how The Voices of Creation was born and why music remains a source of healing and transformation.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Follow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Famed photographer, DJ and event curator Eric Coleman explains how California Love: An Orchestral Celebration of Dr. Dre came about, his iconic hip hop photography, and how he hopes to move audiences.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(02:05) – The Making of California Love(07:20) – Dr. Dre's Legacy in LA(13:40) – The Singularity of Sly5thAve(17:00) – Coleman's Photography Work(22:55) - Mochilla(27:10) - Audience Takeaway(28:28) - OutroFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Grammy award winners Ozomatli chats with Anthony Valadez about what makes Downtown Los Angeles special, performing across the globe, and what it takes to keep a band strong for over 30 years.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(04:45) – The Band's Creative Process(07:59) – Rocking the Party(13:50) – Having an Adventurous Spirit(17:05) – Why DTLA Stands Out(19:38) - Ozo, The Gumbo of LA!(22:20) - Collaborators(28:30) - OutroFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Grammy winning producer, guitarist and songwriter Adrian Quesada delves into the importance of trust in the creative process, Texas as a cultural soundscape, and finding identity through music.GP360 A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(04:00) – Exploring Identity Through Song(10:05) – Trust as Part of the Creative Process(14:53) – The Rise of Instrumental Music(18:45) – The Cultural Soundscape of Texas(23:40) – The importance of Geography When Performing(27:53) - CloseFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

Acclaimed artist Thes One reflects on the origins of his iconic hip hop group, People Under the Stairs, doing life alongside renowned rapper Double K, and the significance of performing “Farewell, My Friend” live.GP360 - A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(02:00) – Time Travel to 1990s LA(05:45) – The Formation of People Under the Stairs (09:00) – “Farewell, my friend” Live (15:39) – Honesty in the Music(18:00) – Grand Performances, a Heart with Arteries(21:05) – A Message to Double K(22:05) – Bonus Track(24:40) - CloseFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube:

We sit with Grammy nominated artist Ciro Hurtado, one of the first artists to ever grace the Grand Performances stage. We talk to Ciro about his Peruvian origins, marching to the beat of his own drum, and what continues to inspire him.GP360 - A Grand Performances Podcast explores the past, present, and future of free, public access to the performing arts at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA.Timestamps:(00:00) – Introduction(02:55) - Growing up in Peru(07:00) - Arriving in Los Angeles(12:33) - An Evolving City(18:30) - The Singularity of Grand Performances(22:08) - What Inspires Ciro Hurtado(23:03) - Bonus Track(27:50) - CloseFollow Grand Performances on:Instagram:TikTok:YouTube: