Sounds of L.A. 2008

Date: Saturdays and Sundays, January 19–20, February 9–10, March 1–2, and April 5–6, 2008
Time: 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, 3:00 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
Admission: Free; reservations required.

Taking its cue from Southern California's rich cultural landscape, Sounds of L.A. has hosted some of the finest musicians the city and the globe has to offer. As the Getty Center marks its 10th anniversary, Sounds of L.A. presents a characteristically dynamic season, celebrating revered favorites and showcasing original voices.

		January 19–20: Corey Harris and Paula Fuga
		February 9–10: Francisco Aguabella Afro Cuban Ensemble and John Santos Quintet
		March 1–2: Maria de Barros, Ricardo Lemvo, and Waldemar Bastos
		April 5–6: Build an Ark featuring Dwight Trible

Corey Harris and Paula Fuga
Saturday, January 19, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 20, 3:00 p.m.

Hailing from different parts of the country, Virginia-based Corey Harris and Oahu-born Paula Fuga kick off Sounds of L.A. 2008 with a reggae-drenched concert highlighting the genre's enduring legacy.

Harris, a recent MacArthur Fellowship recipient, gives a rare acoustic performance that beautifully connects America to its African roots.

Fuga opens with her critically acclaimed sound, weaving the spirit of Hawaii with the soul of reggae. Together, they demonstrate reggae's endless ability to inspire musicians—and audiences—from all walks of life.

Music Samples
Hear an excerpt from "Plantation Town" from Corey Harris's CD Zion Crossroads (2007, Telarc).

Hear an excerpt from "Lilikoi" from Paula Fuga's CD Lilikoi (2006, Pakipika Productions).

Francisco Aguabella Afro Cuban Ensemble and John Santos Quintet
Saturday, February 9, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 10, 3:00 p.m.

Master conguero Francisco Aguabella has worked with everyone from Peggy Lee to Carlos Santana. His deep knowledge of Afro-Cuban traditions, combined with an ever-present willingness to explore new realms, continues to make him an inspiration to artists around the world.

John Santos, a four-time Grammy nominee, has been called a "spark plug of musical invention" whose passion for this music is both impressive and infectious. These powerhouse percussionists join forces for an unforgettable addition to the Getty Center's 10th anniversary festivities.

Music Samples
Hear an excerpt from "Ochimini" from Francisco Aguabella's CD Ochimini (2004, Ubiquity Recordings).

Hear an excerpt from "Tercer Grado" from the John Santos Quintet's CD Papa Mambo (2007, Machete Records).

Maria de Barros and Ricardo Lemvo
Saturday, March 1, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 3:00 p.m.

Sounds of L.A. continues with the diverse melodies and rhythms of lusophone Africa.

The concert opens with a return visit by Cape Verdean singer Maria de Barros, who brings her irresistible joie de vivre back to the Getty Center. She shares the stage with Congo-born Angolan Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca. Both de Barros and Lemvo are truly multicultural polyglots, equally at home singing in everything from Portuguese and Spanish to English and French.

De Barros and Lemvo will be joined by the "great voice of contemporary Angola," Waldemar Bastos. Bastos belongs to a new generation of African artists—urbane, cosmopolitan, and able to draw from a wealth of influences to create indelible music. Definitely a not-to-be-missed concert.

Music Samples
Hear an excerpt from "Bo Ke Nha Boy" from Maria de Barros' CD Dança Ma Mi: Dance With Me (2005, Narada).

Hear an excerpt from "Habari Yako" from Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca's CD Isabela (2007, Mopiato Music).

Build an Ark featuring Dwight Trible
Saturday, April 5, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 3:00 p.m.

Stunning vocalist Dwight Trible graces the Getty stage once more; however, this time he offers a meditation on our times with bandmates Build an Ark. Founded as a post-9/11 peace project, Build an Ark is a unique local ensemble featuring some of the Southland's most revered veteran jazz musicians as well as not-to-be-missed emerging talent.

Bridging generations and genres, their timeless message of hope anchored by impassioned music making makes this concert a perfect close to Sounds of L.A. 2008.

Music Sample
Hear an excerpt from "When Ancestors Speak" from Build an Ark's CD Dawn (2007, Shaman Work Recordings).

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. See Hours, Directions, Parking for maps and driving directions.