From his pioneering contributions to the foundations of Bossa nova, through the era-defining latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66; his 21st-century reinvention with Black-Eyed peas, John Legend or his Oscar®-nominated theme song from the animated hit Rio: an infectious spirit of joy pervades everything Mendes has ushered into the ears of listeners.
Simultaneously honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating the future of mariachi music, Mariachi Herencia de México presents an unforgettable experience of Mexican music and culture.
California-based photojournalist Cristina Salvador Klenz brings a collection of rare, intimate photographs featuring the Roma families living along the West Coast. Beginning in 1990 and working as a staff photographer for the Press-Telegram, Salvador Klenz spent nearly 30 years earning the trust of a number of families belonging to various “nations” of Roma and documenting their lives on black-and-white, 35mm film.
The Luckman will present the world premiere of Études by choreographer Raiford Rogers, set to Philip Glass’ Études 5 & 12, and Prophecies from Koyannisquatsi (a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance”).
Études, a coda for Rogers’ acclaimed ballet Seeds of Rain, are constantly evolving abstract narratives. Glass described them as being about the language of music itself. Performed by pianist Hui Wu.
An encore performance of Seeds of Rain will complete the program. The ballet is set to Philip Glass’ masterwork Mad Rush with Mark Alan Hilt (organ) and Czech composer Zbyněk Matějů’s Three Stones Concerto featuring pianist Helena Suchárová-Weiser and the Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra (created specifically for this ballet collaboration).
The artwork (painting progressions) for both ballets is by painter Mike Nava.
Grammy-winning La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The band is known for drawing inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music.
American folk-rock duo Indigo Girls come to Los Angeles for one night only – presented by The Soraya at Cal State Northridge and performed at The Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA.
John Waters returns to the Luckman with an all-new version of his solo stand-up performance. Waters’ joyously devious monologue celebrates his film career and obsessional tastes. A celebrated filmmaker, director, and writer, John Waters has built a reputation for shocking his audiences.
Melissa Etheridge stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which led to an appearance on the 1989 Grammy Awards show. Her astounding success that year led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996.
Saturday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. SPRING 2023 GALA CONCERT University Choirs and Student/Faculty Orchestra performing Carmina Burana composed by Carl Orff, conducted by Dr. Christopher Gravis, with faculty soloists Natalie Buickians and Robert MacNeil, and the Children’s Choir of All Saints Church in Pasadena (Luckman Fine Arts Complex Mainstage)
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