Daymé Arocena's distinctive Caribbean style drew concertgoers of all ages to downtown Los Angeles' California Plaza over the weekend.
To celebrate a night of live Latin music, De Los teamed up with Grand Performances on Saturday as part of their weekly summer concert series. The show, hosted by KCRW’s DJ Wyldeflower, featured several subgenres of Latin music through Pan Dulce’s reggae-focused set and Arocena’s new foray into Latin pop.
Wyldeflower kicked off the evening with a medley of classic Cuban anthems. As the songs played throughout the night, members of the crowd rose from their picnic blankets and joined the casual dance floor. Every few songs, Wyldeflower provided insight into each song, emulating a radio DJ set.
Since 1987, Grand Performances has been organizing free outdoor shows. The organization's goal is to offer a platform for both local and global artists. Previous artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aloe Blacc and Ana Tijoux have participated in its programming.
“We strive to represent the city we support, which is over 50% Latino,” said Canyon Cody, director of marketing and communications for Grand Performances. “For me, that means featuring Latin music like cumbia, salsa and mariachi, all of which we will be doing this year, but also featuring Latinos performing all types of music.”
John Moody, 56, says the Grand Performances concerts are something he looks forward to every year.
“The music is always good, and if I don’t know it, then it’s something I learn as I expose myself to it,” Moody said. “I’m glad the city invests money into events like this. It’s what makes the city worth living in. When my tax dollars go toward this, I’m all for it.”
After Wyldeflower finished their set, Pan Dulce, featuring Alan Lightner, kept the tropical feel alive. Focusing on the use of the steel pan, their performance brought together the sounds of reggae, cha-cha and jazz.
By dusk, bright spotlights had begun to illuminate the surrounding skyscrapers. The sounds of African spiritual chants began to play. Those sitting in the crowd hesitated to stand, but when Arocena took the stage, their minds changed. Wearing a sparkling skirt, the singer took command with her powerful voice, which echoed all the way to the street.
Born in Havana, Cuba, the lead artist was interested in music from a very early age. From her classical training as a choir director to her search for freedom in jazz, Arocena’s musical inspirations can be heard on her latest album, “Alkemi,” a project focused on bringing the black perspective to Latin pop.
“It's usually a religious experience with her. I always say that she is Orisha just like Aretha [Franklin]“said Erica Sewell, a longtime Arocena fan. “She has the vibrato of a gospel church lady, but she always reminds me of a Yoruba priestess.”
Throughout her performance, the Cuban singer-songwriter kept asking the audience to give her more energy, and the audience obeyed her. By the end of the performance, the entire audience was not only standing, but also dancing.
