Grand Performances announces lineup for ‘Audacity of Sound’ street fair

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Dexter Story, who will be among the artists at Grand Performances' one-day festival

In the wake of reconstruction and repair at the California Plaza Watercourt, Grand Performances will, in place of their summer-long program of shows, throw one huge, free, immersive and interactive street fair along Grand Avenue (between 2nd Street and Hope Place) on July 6 called the Audacity of Sound: Joy.Art.Music.

Beginning from 3 p.m. and lasting till 10 p.m., the all-ages event will feature live music performances in the eclectic tradition of Grand Performances, representing both local and international flair while representing the diversity in Los Angeles.

The lineup includes Cuban funkmaster Erik Iglesias aka Cimafunk; heartfelt L.A.-via-Austin singer-songwriter David Garza; Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning international singing sensations Gaby Moreno and La Marisoul (La Santa Cecilia) joining forces to honor their female singer-songwriter inspirations as Las Musas; self-described “French Afropeans” with poppy Afro-soul musicians DjuehDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson; East Canadian First Nation multi-instrumental loop artist Jeremy Dutcher; Iranian gymnast champion-turned pop star Sara Naeni; Persian lute (setar) composer Masoud Rezaei; L.A. multi-hyphenate producer/composer Dexter Story presenting, with Jae Deal and J.Rocc and a 12-voice choir, “The Gospel of Biddy Mason,” celebrating one of the city’s first African American landowners, midwives, school founders and philanthropist co-founders of the First AME Church; and the Garfield High School Marching Band. Ballet Folclórico Do Brasil and movement artist Amy O’Neal will also provide audience-interactive dance throughout the festivities.

“We are excited to be presenting this dynamic event to the people and visitors of Los Angeles,” said Mari Riddle, executive director of Grand Performances. “Audacity brings all the joy, art and music that Grand Performances is known for into one jubilant, global performing arts showcase at our 30-plus-year home on Grand Avenue in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the top of historic Bunker Hill!”

The family-friendly event will also feature a variety of food trucks, a facilitated children’s craft and reading room. Attendees are encouraged to wear green and bring their own water bottles to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.