FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
June 20 2008, 8:00 PM
The youngest son of Nigerian world music icon Fela Kuti makes his Los Angeles debut. Since his father’s death when he was 15, lead vocalist/saxophonist Seun Kuti has led the legendary Egypt 80, the band his father had forged into one of Africa’s most exciting ensembles. Seun continues to propel the sounds and rhythms of Afrobeat – a pungent blend of funk and jazz with a Nigerian sensibility, reminiscent of James Brown but grittier – with socially conscious lyrics. Egypt 80 is as explosive as it was under Fela, combining horns, keyboards, percussion, guitars and vocals in a an overpowering blend that is always insistent.
Grand Performances (GP) is Southern California’s largest presenter of free performing arts programs and a landmark nonprofit arts institution established with a primary focus on bringing together the diverse peoples of Los Angeles, in unique settings, for concerts celebrating the cultural contributions of our community’s peoples.
Grand Performances summer series takes place on two stages at California Plaza the Watercourt stage and the Marina Pavilion.
This unique outdoor venue is the only one of its kind in Southern California. First-time evening attendees are often mesmerized by this extraordinary location – cradled between two high-rise towers, with water features (including the Watercourt) and the night time sky as a beautiful, natural canopy.
