What we’re about
This group is for people who appreciate music and other forms of art beyond the mainstream, with a particular focus on the avant-garde or otherwise odd. Free Jazz, Musique Concrete, Atonality, Noise Music, Outsider Art, Surrealism, Dada, Junk Art, ...you name it! Not all events will necessarily be "weird", but simply off the beaten mainstream path.
This is intended to be an oasis from crass commercial banalities.
I'll post events that interest me, but I am also interested in hearing from artists, musicians, and other creative types about their events that I can share with members. Post your events and ideas in the "Discussions" section. I want this group to also be a vehicle that helps support artists and organizations that are doing interesting creative work.
The only requests are that we keep things friendly and civilized. MAGA not welcome.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Rhiannon Giddens: American TunesHollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Journey through the evolution of folk music with some of its biggest stars in this one-night-only celebration of American music.
Date: Wed / June 18, 2025 - 8:00PM
Venue: Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068Tickets: $13.00 to $199.00
https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3583/2025-06-18/rhiannon-giddens-american-tunesPark & Ride info here - much cheaper and fewer hassles than parking at the Bowl. We will take the Park & Ride from Lakewood.
Artists
- Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue
- Justin Robinson (from Carolina Chocolate Drops)
- Dirk Powell
- Jason Sypher
- Amelia Powell
- Demeanor
- Steve Martinspecial guest
- Ed Helmsspecial guest
- Our Native Daughters
Leyla McCalla special guest
Amythyst Kiah special guest - Alison Brown special guest
- More guests to be announced
About this Performance
Rhiannon Giddens takes audiences on a journey through the evolution of folk in this one-night-only celebration. From the old-time and string band traditions that laid its foundation, to the rise of bluegrass, the folk revival, and beyond, the evening showcases how these genres have shaped and continue to shape the heart of American musical identity. Featuring a rich tapestry of voices and instruments, the concert honors folk music's deep cultural roots, highlighting both its historical significance and modern-day relevance.Led by Giddens and her own Old-Time Revue (Dirk Powell, Jason Sypher, Demeanor, Amelia Powell, and Justin Robinson of the Carolina Chocolate Drops) alongside Our Native Daughters (Leyla McCalla, Amythyst Kiah), Steve Martin, Alison Brown, Ed Helms, and more, American Tunes emphasizes folk’s ongoing impact on the American soundscape, drawing attention to its stories of struggle, resilience, and the beauty of shared heritage.
Singer, fiddler, banjo player, and composer Rhiannon Giddens has won two Grammys, a MacArthur “Genius” grant, and a Pulitzer Prize. She’s the Artistic Director of the Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble, composer of opera and ballet, has hosted TV shows and podcasts and recorded with everyone from Beyoncé to Iron & Wine to Yo-Yo Ma to Ben Harper. With her group Carolina Chocolate Drops, she helped to make the Black roots of American folk music better known to generations of music fans and expanded that through her solo work and her work with Our Native Daughters. She’s been called one of the 25 Most Influential Women Musicians of the 21st Century by NPR and “one of the most important musical minds currently walking the planet” by American Songwriter. All of that and she’s never lost touch with the simple idea that folk music is meant to connect everyday people to one another.
- Hammer Museum Conversations: pianist Jason MoranThe Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA
We have seen awesome pianist Jason Moran several times. Jason Moran, jazz pianist, composer, educator, and artist featured in Performance on Paper, discusses his creative practice that explores the intersection of the visual and performing arts.
Date: Sunday Jun 22, 2025 3:00 PM
Venue: Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
90024
(310) 443-7000
info@hammer.ucla.eduLunch at LULU restaurant in the Hammer Museum at 1:30. Please confirm if you will join for lunch, so I can make a reservation.
Ticketing: Admission is free. Your seat will be assigned to you when you pick up your ticket at the box office. Seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Box office opens one hour before the event.
Jason Moran is an American jazz pianist, composer, and educator involved in multimedia art and theatrical installations. Moran recorded first with Greg Osby and debuted as a band leader with the 1999 album Soundtrack to Human Motion. Wikipedia
Member Benefit: Subject to availability, Hammer Members can choose their preferred seats. Members receive priority ticketing until 15 minutes before the program. Learn more about membership.
Parking: Valet parking is available on Lindbrook Drive for $15 cash only. Self-parking is available under the museum. Rates are $8 for the first three hours with museum validation, and $3 for each additional 20 minutes, with a $22 daily maximum. There is an $8 flat rate after 6 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
Press: If you are a member of the press and are interested in attending and covering the program, please email Scott Tennent at stennent@hammer.ucla.edu for accommodations.
Read our food, bag check, and photo policies.
All public programs are free and made possible by a major gift from an anonymous donor.
Generous support is also provided by Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, the Elizabeth Bixby Janeway Foundation, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, an anonymous donor, and all Hammer members.
Digital presentation of Hammer public programs is made possible by The Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Foundation.
Hammer public programs are presented online in partnership with the #KeepThePromise campaign—a movement promoting social justice and human rights through the arts
- Space Rock OperaThe Cat’s Crawl, Los Angeles, CA
One woman + 1 meteor + 1 band + 7 original songs = 1 last shot at stardom.
It's 1954 and a meteorite has crashed through the roof of Mrs. Hughes apartment, crushing her radio and ricocheting to hit Mrs. Hughes. The event skyrockets her to fame. But the landlord and the Smithsonian stop all that. Not to be deterred, Hughes and her rock go on the road for some country singing fame. But she is sometimes possessed by the meteoric spirit of the Space Rock to sing songs more psychedelic and jagged than her conscious mind knows how to process. $20 Hollywood Fringe
- El’Zabar Murray Duo Sonic Motion Tour (Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray)Zebulon, Los Angeles, CA
We've seen saxophonist David Murray twice and him and percussionist Kahil El'Zahar at the final Jacaranda concert. I saw this duo several years ago and they were great! Recommended! Watch the video in the link below.
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 8:00 PM
Doors 7:00 PM Show 8:00 PMVenue: Zebulon
2478 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA
https://zebulon.la/
They have a cafe that serves food.Tickets: $26.78 The price you'll pay. No surprises later.
https://dice.fm/event/l86w7w-elzabar-murray-duo-sonic-motion-tour-sir-kahil-elzabar-david-murray-25th-jun-zebulon-los-angeles-ticketsAbout:
Bandcamp: https://spiritgroove.bandcamp.com/album/kahil-elzabars-spirit-groove-ft-david-murray
Downbeat article: https://downbeat.com/news/detail/kahil-elzabar-david-murray-friendship
David Murray & Kahil El'Zabar at Bop Shop Records | 2018, first set
El’Zabar Murray Duo Sonic Motion Tour (Sir Kahil El’Zabar & David Murray)
El’Zabar & Murray have captivated audiences worldwide for over 40 years, selling out venues across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their deep synergy, forged over decades of collaboration, creates an electrifying, once-in-a-lifetime concert event that resonates with audiences across generations, blending deep-rooted jazz traditions with forward-thinking innovation.
