Friday Flamenco Night at Grand Performances
Ed Fuentes
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Straight out of Barcelona, Ojos de Brujo made their U.S. debut at Grand Performances Friday evening with their mix of hip-hop, flamenco guitar and congos; world music sampling modern and traditional Spanish folk-pop music influences. Already with a following, OdB also made new fans in the Watercourt at California Plaza as concert-goers of all ages were dancing, some bustin' a modified flamenco move.
The crowd level was just right as people lined the top deck one deep and the arena below was filled without being overly packed. Keeping the venue clear for people to pass through were earnest staffers. Several businesses remained opened so if you didn't bring your own refreshments, you were not left out . . . or gouged. For the money you save from that, donate $5 in any of the official buckets if you attend tonight, or anytime this summer.
Tonight's 8pm show is the Grand Performances "fundraiser" with the 70s' World-Funk of Mandrill. Go early to grab a piece of concrete, keeping in mind the aisles are marked by tape. If you go to the steps in front of the small arena to sit, stay above the 6th row so your view won't blocked by people dancing. And, if you plan to walk from the Historic Core, the steps along Angels Flight are closed by 5pm.
Even with people from all over Los Angeles and Southern California attending, this series makes everyone a Downtown local.
cc on June 23, 2007, at 11:52PM – #1
This is going to be a dumb question. Where is the Grand Performance? I tried to look at their web and I'm still not quite sure where is it. Is it at the Omni Hotel?
Dennis Smith on June 24, 2007, at 08:27AM – #2
The Grand Performance events are held in the Water Court, a multileveled plaza just south of the Omni Hotel set among the buildings of California Plaza. Watercourt features a stage set between a large reflecting pool and a waterfall fountain that shoots up jets of water, often choreographed to accompany the music being played. It is easily accessed from Grand Avenue or by an escalator and stairwell at the northwest corner of 4th and Olive.
If you can find the Omni Hotel on the night of a concert, just follow the music and the crowds to Water Court. At last night's show, people were encouraged to visit the bar on the Omni's ground floor to buy their potent potables.
David Kennedy on June 25, 2007, at 12:27PM – #3
Here is the review in the L.A. Times. I've found Agustin Gurza writes well and provides excellent coverage of the Latino cultural scene. In my opinion, he's the best thing going for the sad-sack L.A. Times. Always worth reading.
www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ojos25jun25,1,3320609.story
Ed Fuentes on June 25, 2007, at 01:17PM – #4
Good link, David, and thanks Dennis.