Sounds of L.A. 2007

Date: Saturdays and Sundays, January 27–28, February 17–18, March 3–4, and April 14–15, 2006
Time: 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, 3:00 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
Admission: Free; reservations required. See individual concert listings below for details.

Join us for Sounds of L.A., an annual concert series that explores our city's varied musical geography, celebrating the work of masters as well as up-and-coming musicians from around the globe.

		January 27–28: Paula Morelenbaum
		February 17–18: Liän Ensemble
		March 3–4: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
		April 14–15: Celso Duarte Ensemble

Paula Morelenbaum
Saturday, January 27, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 28, 3:00 p.m.

With her glowing stage presence, mesmerizing vocal talent, and effortless mastery of the Brazilian musical repertoire, Paula Morelenbaum is one of today's world music stars. Her interpretations of classics by bossa nova legends such as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Gilberto Gil have earned raves for staying true to tradition while creating a rich contemporary sound full of acoustic instrumentation, electronic grooves, and brilliant improvisation. In this performance she presents songs from her recent hit album Berimbaum, a tribute to the sumptuous melodies of poet and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes that reveals the depth of "one of Brazil's most sensuous and beautiful voices" (Le Monde).

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "Briga Nunca Mais" from Paula Morelenbaum's CD Berimbaum (2004, Universal).

Liän Ensemble
Saturday, February 17, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 18, 3:00 p.m.

Acclaimed as "absolutely soulful" and named as "the best of world music" (L.A. Weekly), the Liän Ensemble blazes a bold new trail in Middle Eastern music, fusing the traditions of mystical Persian music with the contemporary sensibilities of postmodern jazz. The six-member group of virtuoso multi-instrumentalists presents an exhilarating mix of melodies and musical styles played on traditional and modern instruments including flamenco guitar, Cuban box drum, and Middle Eastern lute and flute.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "Sarebaan" from Liän Ensemble's CD Bewildered Earth (2004, Liän Records).

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
Saturday, March 3, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 4, 3:00 p.m.

Called the "Sgt. Peppers of Cajun music," Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys produce an exuberant swamp-pop comprised of ancient ballads, twin fiddle tunes, zydeco, and venerable new songs. Their unique Louisiana Gulf Coast sound—a seamless blend of preservation, discovery, and invention—draws on a broader repertoire than is typically heard on Louisiana dance floors and shows that this band, more than any other, simultaneously summons Cajun roots while pushing the music into the future.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "Tu Peux Cogner (Keep A-Knockin')" from Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys' CD Dominos (2005, Rounder Records).

Celso Duarte Ensemble
Saturday, April 14, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 3:00 p.m.

Sounds of L.A. 2007 closes with a performance by virtuoso harpist Celso Duarte. Best known for his stunning work with the celebrated Lila Downs, Duarte is considered one of Mexico's finest young musicians. Duarte is joined by an equally talented and innovative group of tradition bearers for a concert celebrating the vitality and continued resonance of son jarocho, music from the very soul of Veracruz.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from a live performance by Celso Duarte of "El Zapateado" ("The Footwork").

How to Get Here
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Parking is $8. See Hours, Directions, Parking for maps and driving directions.