The Skirball Cultural Center presents the lineup for its 28th season of the free summertime live music series Sunset Concerts.
Since 1997, Sunset Concerts have created an enduring musical haven for communities of greater Los Angeles and beyond. New to 2025, each evening will showcase sets from two artists in the Skirball’s picturesque Taper Courtyard, giving music lovers the opportunity to enjoy world-class concerts while surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains.
This year’s program presents eight innovative and contemporary artists that reshape traditions, eschew conventions, and defy expectations.
Meridian Brothers, while rooted in Colombian and salsa traditions, engages with electronica, post-punk and psychedelia in their complex arrangements.
Stemming from funk, Say She She pushes the genre forward with their “disco-delic’’ sound that weaves classically-trained vocals with inventive rhythms and dense harmonies.
One may identify the Ecuadorian heritage of Helado Negro while being swept up in the ambient pop and experimental electronica of his richly composed songs.
Similar reinventions can be found in the complexly layered music of Frente Cumbiero that includes ska and klezmer in the context of Colombian music.
Rounding out the season, the high-art afro-funk of JOJO ABOT, the thoughtfully penetrative songs of Rodrigo Amarante, the electronic beats of the Dominican MULA, and the afro-latin percussion of La Perla, which draws on merengue-punk, chicha, and cumbia sonidera, all represent some of the most exciting music being made today.
“Music has long held an essential place in Jewish culture, most notably as a force for unity and healing,” notes Skirball President and CEO Jesse Kornberg. “For nearly three decades, the Skirball has dedicated itself to presenting music from traditions throughout the world, serving as a vibrant gathering place with our Sunset Concerts series. After this year’s devastating wildfires here in Los Angeles, the artistic medium’s spiritual and therapeutic powers are needed more than ever.”
“With our annual Sunset Concerts series, we proudly create a sonic oasis at the Skirball for Angelenos of all ages and backgrounds,” adds Marlene Braga, Vice President of Programs. “Guests this year will be treated to a mosaic of genres as we celebrate and reflect the multicultural tapestry of Los Angeles.”
Collaborating with the Skirball, Artistic Music Programmer Glenn Max says, “This summer, the Sunset Concert series embodies the Skirball’s commitment as a cultural institution to reflect what is happening in music right now. These eight brilliant and creatively restless artists source musical traditions to forge personal, innovative music. By doing so, they validate the traditions from which they spring.’’
For more information visit skirball.org.
