Adrian Quesada & the Black Pumas to Perform at This Year’s BeachLife Festival

The tide is high for Adrian Quesada

The 45-year-old Mexican American Grammy-winning producer and guitarist and his Black Pumas band mate Eric Burton will be performing at this year’s BeachLife Festival, Los Angeles County’s coastal three-day immersive experience.

Adrian Quesada, Black PumasTaking place the weekend of May 13-15, the third edition of the eclectic beach-focused lineup for the event featured more than 55 artists across the spectrum of rock, indie, jam, reggae and more.

The Black Pumas are scheduled to perform on Friday, May 13, alongside Weezer, 311 and Cold War Kids, among others.

Meanwhile, Ozomatli will be taking the stage at the festival on Sunday, May 15.

The six-piece band, which plays primarily Latin, hip hop and rock music, will perform on the same night as the Steve Miller Band, Sheryl Crow and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.

This year’s acts will be performing on four stages.

The boutique, family-friendly destination event debuted in 2019 and focuses on philanthropy, as well as eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives.

BeachLife was co-founded by entrepreneurs Allen Sanford and Rob Lissner and is partially curated by Jim Lindberg from the famed South Bay punk rock band Pennywise, who books the festival’s SpeakEasy Stage.

This year’s festival will support many organizations in Southern California’s South Bay community and beyond, with the help of the LA Kings and a number of national and local nonprofit organizations including Surfrider, Heal The Bay, Walk With Sally, Life Rolls On, Wyland Foundation, Redondo Beach Education Foundation, Redondo Beach Police Foundation and the Rob Machado Foundation.

Also making a return is the Daou SideStage Experience, providing foodies the opportunity to be seated onstage and served a four-course meal by celebrity chefs while their favorite musicians perform.

BeachLife will offer various food and beverage options including a massive craft beer bar with local breweries, and multiple bars, lounges, food vendors, and food trucks across the venue, accessible to all festival goers.

All tickets for BeachLife Festival are on sale here.

La Santa Cecilia to Take Part in This Year’s Virtual Edition of LA’s “El Grito” Benefit Telethon

La Santa Cecilia are getting into the grito game…

Los Angeles’ El Grito has gone virtual for its 2020 edition amid the global coronavirus pandemic, but that won’t stop the Latin American band from taking part.

La Santa Cecilia

Traditionally held at the steps of City Hall, the first-ever virtual telethon will feature musical performances and highlight the many contributions that the Latino community has made to Los Angeles’ culture, history and economy.

In addition to Los Angeles-based La Santa Cecilia, this year’s diverse lineup will include the participation of Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Ozomatli, and El Conjunto Nueva Ola, to name a few.

Presented by the City of Los Angeles and Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the benefit telethon will also provide relief to Angelenos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and raise funds to support Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO’s), Undocu-Indigenous Fund.

In addition, as unveiled in an official statement, “the City of Los Angeles will join the Consul General of Mexico in re-enacting the historic Cry of Dolores and ringing of the bell, which commemorates the call to arms pronounced by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 which launched the Mexican War for Independence.”

Co-hosted by Telemundo 52 Los AngelesElva Saray and NBC4’s Belen de Leon, the El Grito livestream officially kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, airing from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15 via El Grito’s official website.

Kate del Castillo Among Artists Participating In “Cuídate y Cuéntate” Virtual Concert

Kate del Castillo wants you to be counted…

The 47-year-old Mexican actress and telenovela star is joining fellow Latin stars and personalities for the upcoming Cuídate y Cuéntate virtual concert.

Kate del Castillo

The online event is set to raise awareness on how Latinos count, contribute and come together for civic actions during a global pandemic, while completing the Census 2020.

Produced by UNO Productions and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, the two-hour live stream event hosted by Nour Milla and Rafael Sigler will shed light on Latino civic power and their participation in the census.

Confirmed artists include Lupillo RiveraOzomatliNinel CondeDiego VerdaguerAna VictoriaAngélica MaríaAngélica ValeArthur Hanlon, and Horóscopos de Durango, to name a few. 

In addition screen and radio stars like del Castillo, Edward James OlmosEl Piolin, and many more will participate.

Angélica Salas, CHIRLA’s executive director, and Diana Colín, its political director, are expected to take part in the conversation on how to ensure civic power in the COVID-19 era.

“The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated two major realities: how much immigrants and Latinos contribute to our society, especially in challenging times, and how important participating in Census 2020 is so we can challenge all the inequality that still exists,” Salas said in a statement. “The beauty that these artists make as they come together for the Cuídate y Cuéntate virtual concert is a sign of hope that as we all complete Census 2020, the nation flourishes.”

Cuídate y Cuéntate will take place at 7:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, May 23 via a nationwide broadcast on LATV Network with a simulcast on YouTubeFacebook, and IGTV. The show will also air on Meruelo Media‘s KWHY 22.

Ozomatli & Beto Hale Team Up for Empowering Song “Tesoro”

Ozomatli is sharing a special treasure…

The Los Angeles band has joined forces with Mexican multi-instrumentalist Beto Haleto release the empowering song “Tesoro.”

Ozomatli & Beto Hale

The single fuses retro, alternative and jazz elements while touching on the theme of self-worth.

 “The song was a great collaborative effort about an important issue to Beto and us,” Ozomatli’s Raúl Pacheco said about the song. “The human drive for a better life is often shackled by laws that are inhumane.” With motivating lyrics like “my color doesn’t define me” and “no one can tell me what my value is … my heart is a treasure of the world,” the uplifting song becomes that self-love anthem the world needs. 

Ozomatli Giving Latin Classics a Reggae Twist on New Album “Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica”

Ozomatli is mixing things up…

The Latin hip hop and rock band is giving classic and iconic Latin songs a reggae twist on their upcoming album Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica.

Ozomatli

The album is a collection of re-imagined versions of songs like “Bésame mucho,” “Noa noa” and “Tragos amargos.”

Teaming up with other Latin superstars like Juanes, Régulo Caro and Gaby Moreno for the new versions of the “oldies but goodies,” the album pays tribute to music and artists Ozomatli members grew up listening to.

“Anyone who is 8 or 80 will recognize ‘Sabor a mi‘ or ‘Bésame mucho,’ and with these new renditions, these classics become reborn, allowing a whole new generation to sing, dance and keep the legends alive,” Ozomatli’s percussionist and MC Justin “El Niño” Porée says.

Following a career spanning 21 years, Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica will be the Los Angeles-based band’s first album that will include mostly all-Spanish songs.

“This record is yet another stop on a journey that shall be continued … It seems that our natural tendency to embrace difference is being challenged and we want the world to know we stand in solidarity with those that see diversity as a beautiful blessing for all.”

Blacc to Perform at This Year’s Playboy Jazz Festival

Aloe Blacc is a playboy

The 35-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter has been selected as one of the headliners for the 37th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Aloe Blacc

Taking place June 13-14, the two-day lineup includes appearances by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ledisi and Terence Blanchard.

Blacc, who has the most Shazamed song of all time, will perform on Saturday, June 13.

Other Latino/a artists/acts include Ozomatli and the Eddie Palmieri Afro-Caribbean Jazz Band.

In addition, the slate includes Jason Moran‘s Fats Waller Dance Party, Snarky Puppy and Blue Note 75th Anniversary Presents: Our Point of View featuring Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Kendrick Scott, Lionel Loueke, Marcus Strickland and Ambrose Akinmusire. The legacy of late jazz icon Gerald Wilson will be saluted by the Celebrating Gerald Wilson Orchestra under the direction of Wilson’s son Anthony.

Returning for a third consecutive year as host is comedian/actor George Lopez.

Additional information about the 2015 Playboy Jazz Festival is available at HollywoodBowl.com/PlayboyJazz.

Here’s the complete schedule:

PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015
Saturday, June 13, 3-11 p.m.

Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and the Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble
Eddie Palmieri Afro-Caribbean Jazz Band with special invited guests Ronnie Cuber, Alfredo De La Fe, Donald Harrison, Joe Locke
Aloe Blacc
Tower of Power
Jason Moran’s Fats Waller Dance Party
Celebrating Gerald Wilson Orchestra under the direction of Anthony Wilson
Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio
Morgan James
A Sacred Steel Love Supreme:  The Campbell Brothers Present “A Love Supreme”
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Pat Bass

Sunday, June 14, 3-10:30 p.m.
Ledisi
Terence Blanchard E-Collective
Ozomatli
The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band under the direction of John Lee
Snarky Puppy
King Sunny Ade and his African Beats
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Blue Note 75th Anniversary Presents: Our Point of View featuring Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Kendrick Scott, Lionel Loueke, Marcus Strickland and Ambrose Akinmusire
The Jones Family Singers
The LAUSD/Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band under the direction of Tony White and J.B. Dyas

Gilberto to Perform During the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Series

Bebel Gilberto is preparing to bring a little bossa nova to Brooklyn…

The 47-year-old Brazilian American singer, who was born in New York City, has been added to the list of headliners for the Celebrate Brooklyn! performing arts series, one of the nation’s longest-running free summer festivals.

Bebel Gilberto

The Grammy– and Latin Grammy-nominated singer will perform alongside Brazilian singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer and percussionist Vinicius Cantuaria on July 18.

Meanwhile, the Latin, hip hop, and rock bandOzomatli will also perform during this year’s event series. The Grammy-winning seven-piece band will take the stage on June 18.

As Brooklyn’s cachet as a center of musical culture has grown, the reputation of Celebrate Brooklyn! has also risen. After debuting in 1979 during darker days for New York City, in an effort to draw visitors back into Prospect Park, the festival both boosted and benefited from the renaissance of Brooklyn.

Although Brooklyn is only one of the five boroughs that make up New York, its population of 2.6 million means it would rank as the fourth-largest city in the U.S., were it independent. The borough boasts a rich ethnic mix and a tradition of home-grown musicians, the two factors that give Celebrate Brooklyn its distinctive place on the U.S. festival circuit.

Jack Walsh, executive producer of the festival, who has helped guide Celebrate Brooklyn! for more than 30 years, creates a lineup of musical genres and performing arts that reflects that diversity.

Celebrate Brooklyn! will open June 4 with a show by Janelle Monáe in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

Other performers include Nickel Creek, St. Vincent, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Amos Lee.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Lineup:

Janelle Monáe (June 4)
Soul Rebels (June 7)
A celebration of the music of Ornette Coleman (June 12)
Ozomatli (June 14)
Amos Lee (June 20)
the Dum Dum Girls (June 21)
War Paint (June 26)
Shovel & Rope (June 27)
Luciano (June 28)
The Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Talib Kweli (July 5)
Illya Kuryaki and the Valderamas (July 10)
The Alloy Orchestra (July 12)
Shen Wei Dance (July 17)
Bebel Gilberto and Vinicius Cantuaria (July 18)
Deltron 3030 (July 19)
Nickel Creek (July 24)
Screening of the 2002 film Amandia: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony, featuring Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela (July 25)
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (July 26)
Dance Theater of Harlem (July 31)
Jimmy Bosch and Su Estrellas (Aug. 1)
Kes The Band (Aug. 2)
Altan (Aug. 7)
the Asian Dub Foundation (Aug. 8)
St. Vincent (Aug. 9)

The ticketed benefit concerts to benefit the festival will be staged with Jack Johnson on June 10, the National on June 18 and 19, and Neutral Milk Hotel on July 22.

Ozomatli Releases Album of Children’s Music…

For more than 15 years, Ozomatli has been entertaining adult audiences with its fusion of diverse musical styles, including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap, cumbia, merengue and hip hop… But now the band’s going to the kids.

The Los Angeles-based band has just released a new album of music dedicated to the youngsters, appropriately named Ozokidz.

Ozomatli

The original concept arose when band members commented on the continuous absence of friends and fans from their live concerts, according to vocalist and trumpet player Asdrubal “Azdru” Sierra.

“We knew a lot of fans didn’t come to our shows because they couldn’t get a babysitter, so that’s where we got the idea of doing concerts that were kid-friendly as well,” he said.

Their idea finally came together when PBS television asked them to record some educational tracks for its online children’s programming. The band agreed, knowing they’d be recording music they would be proud of.

“My kids played their records for me and they were horrible to listen to, which is why we wanted to make a disc that grownups could enjoy too,” said Sierra.

Ozomatli may be known for its vocal activist viewpoints. But Ozokids won’t get political. Comprised of 14 songs including “Piraña,” “Let’s Go to the Movies,” “Germs” and “Changuito,” the album doesn’t sound like traditional children’s music. But each song has an educational message.

“We don’t want to get mixed up in politics but we do want to teach good manners, good behavior and the difference between good and bad,” Sierra said.

Sheila E. to Perform at the Playboy Jazz Festival

She’s worked with work with Prince, George Duke and Ringo Starr… And, now Sheila E. is set to work with… Hugh Hefner?

Sheila E

Yes, the 54-year-old part-Mexican drummer, percussionist, singer and songwriter—who performed alongside Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at the American Idol finale last May—will perform at this year’s Playboy Jazz Festival.

Other Latino artists set to perform at the festival include Afro-Cuban jazz drummer Francisco Mela, Latin rock band Ozomatli, Cuban pianist and composer Alfredo Rodriguez and Chilean cumbia band Chico Trujillo.

Legendary comedian Bill Cosby will serve as the festival’s master of ceremonies and introduce the 19 performing acts.

The 34th annual Playboy Jazz Festival will take place at the Hollywood Bowl on June 16 and 17.

Ticket information is available at Ticketmaster and the festival’s official site.

Tickets will also be available at the Hollywood Bowl box office starting May 5.