Celia Cruz Tribute Concert at Grand Performances  

 

Presented in collaboration with Nance Arte Productions and Fania Records and featuring performances by DJ GIA FU, CONTRA-TIEMPO and Havana Secret on August 3rd 

 

LOS ANGELES – (July 29, 2024) Grand Performances, the longest-running presenter of free outdoor concerts in downtown Los Angeles, in collaboration with Nance Arte Productions and Fania Records present A Tribute to Salsa Royalty: Celia Cruz. On August 3rd at California Plaza, Grand Performances will celebrate the life and iconic legacy of Celia Cruz with a dynamic line-up of performances by Contra Tiempo, Gia Fu and the backing band from Celia Cruz’s final US tour, Havana Secret. 

 

Born in Cuba, Celia Cruz emerged as one of the most beloved and influential salsa performers in Latin America and around the globe. Over an outstanding career that lasted more than six decades, Celia captivated audiences with her iconic voice and charismatic spirit. Throughout her remarkable career, Celia recorded more than 80 albums and songs, won five Grammy Awards, and earned 23 Gold records along with Tito Puente, the Fania All-Stars and other collaborators. As the only woman in the Fania All Stars, Celia made a significant mark in a male-dominated salsa scene. The Fania record label, integral to the salsa movement, became a platform for her to thrive and shine. Celia Cruz is a beloved salsa star as her songs, humor and historic legacy continue to uplift hearts all around the world. Though Celia Cruz passed away in 2003, her influence remains timeless as, “The Queen of Salsa.” 

 

Celia’s groundbreaking contributions to music and culture continue to inspire singers and dancers across borders and generations. Grand Performances is thrilled to collaborate with Nance Arte Productions and Fania Records to transport a bit of Cuba and New York to Los Angeles.  

 

“Celia Cruz’s stardom began in Cuba, soared in the U.S. and continues to be a universal gem in Los Angeles. Grand Performances is thrilled to present this tribute, which will celebrate Celia Cruz’s extraordinary achievements and bring together Angelenos who share appreciation of her timeless contributions,” said Rafael González, President and CEO at Grand Performances. “The tribute will feature artists and dancers that showcase the breadth of her influence on salsa music and global culture.” 

 

A Tribute to Salsa Royalty: Celia Cruz is free, outdoors and welcomes all ages at California Plaza (350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071) on Saturday, August 3 from 6pm-10pm.  

In addition to the free concert there will be food and beverage vendors available.  

 

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About Nance Arte Productions: Nancy Marie Arteaga, owner of Nance Arte Productions in Los Angeles, is a powerhouse in the music scene. Specializing in Latin, soul, and reggae, she manages and produces emerging talents like Boogaloo Assassins, The Lions, and more. She’s also collaborated with renowned acts like Hepcat and Budos Band, orchestrates popular events, such as tributes to Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, and oversees LA’s top soul and funk vinyl dance party, Funky Sole. 

About Fania Records: 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary New York label Fania Records, one of the most significant Latin labels in the world, musically and culturally. In the ’60s, Fania was a pioneer in creating and spreading the sound of salsa music from New York City to the globe. In addition to salsa, Fania is the definitive home for genres such as Latin big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, boogaloo and Latin soul. Its roster of artists includes countless music legends, such as Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Cheo Feliciano and Rubén Blades, among many others. In 1968, the creation of the international supergroup known as the Fania All-Stars, a vital force in Latin music, established the label’s signature musical style, which became known as the “Fania Sound.” Today, Fania’s legacy is just as meaningful to Latin music as Stax and Motown to soul or Prestige and Blue Note to jazz. It remains a cultural beacon, illuminating a powerful American immigrant story that is as timely today as when the label launched. 

 

ABOUT GRAND PERFORMANCES 

Grand Performances’ mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. Founded in 1986, Grand Performances has presented free live concerts featuring Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Kamasi Washington, Seun Kuti, Madame Gandhi, Ana Tijoux, Soulection, Aloe Blacc, Angelique Kidjo and countless others over the last 38 years.  

  

For more info, visit www.grandperformances.org 

 

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Media Contact: Lorena Alamillo, lorena@vpepr.com, 213-443-6953