Getty Center's "Sounds of L.A." concert series starts Jan. 15

Sounds of L.A., the free weekend concert series at the Getty Center, opens its fourteenth season on January 15 with virtuosic, passion-filled music and dance performed by emerging and master artists from around the city and globe.

In January, the 2011 season begins with a performance by the Honduras-born, Garifuna singer Aurelio Martinez, whose blend of African and Latin acoustic roots music is unlike any other found in Central America. Descendants of Carib, Arawak, and West African people, Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Garifuna communities in the United States. Aurelio, with his penetrating vocals and soulful lyrics, has become an acclaimed standard bearer revolutionizing, with fresh elegance, the rich musical heritage of this unique cultural group.

Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan featuring Salar Nader, Homayoun Sakhi, Abbos Kosimov, and Humayun Khan will take the stage in February. Together, these kindred spirits on tabla, rubab, doyra, and vocals effortlessly weave diverse traditions of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and North India to evoke the startling wonders of this culturally rich region.
The series closes in March with West Los Angeles-based Halau Keali'i o Nalani. Under the direction of kumu hula (hula master) Keali'i Ceballos, the group is celebrated for its vibrant warmth and lyricism. Marking its 20th anniversary, the halau will perform a special program exploring the interconnectedness of music and dance from ancient hula kahiko to modern hula 'auana.

Over the years, Sounds of L.A. has presented artists ranging from renowned Persian vocalist Mamak Khadem and East L.A.’s alternative Chicano rockers Quetzal, to Portuguese fado singer Ana Moura and Grammy-nominated Malian ngoni master Bassekou Kouyate (for a complete list see getty.edu).

“Sounds of L.A. is the perfect series for Los Angeles, which is home to so many talented artists from so many cultural backgrounds,” says Laurel Kishi, performing arts manager for the J. Paul Getty Museum. “We’re proud to be able to present these artists free of charge to audiences who may be discovering them for the first time, or celebrating their own cultures.”

Series curator Sabrina Lynn Motley adds “From the very beginning, Sounds of L.A. has presented some of the finest musicians on the planet to audiences in one of the most diverse cities in the world. By showcasing emerging as well as master musicians, the Getty continues to demonstrate the power of world, roots, and traditional music to surprise, captivate, and delight.”

Sounds of L.A. concerts are offered free of charge in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium at the Getty Center, but reservations are required. For reservations call (310) 440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu. Parking is $15 during the day, but free after 5 pm on Saturdays.

SOUNDS OF L.A.: 2011 SCHEDULE

All concerts take place in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium at the Getty Center. The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Admission is free; reservations are required. For reservations call 310-440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu.

Aurelio Martinez
Date: Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16, 2011Time: 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 3:30 p.m. on Sunday

Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan Featuring Salar Nader, Homayoun Sakhi, Abbos Kosimov, and Humayun Khan
Date: Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13, 2011Time: 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 3:30 p.m. on Sunday

Halau Keali'i o Nalani
Date: Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2011Time: 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 3:30 p.m. on Sunday


Visiting the Getty Center:
The Getty Center is open Tuesdays through Fridays and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed Monday and major holidays. Admission to the Getty Center is always free. Parking is $15 per car, but free after 5pm on Saturdays and for evening events throughout the week. No reservation is required for parking or general admission. Reservations are required for event seating and groups of 15 or more. Please call 310-440-7300 (English or Spanish) for reservations and information. The TTY line for callers who are deaf or hearing impaired is 310-440-7305.

Additional information is available at www.getty.edu.