A Message of Solidarity from GP’s President Rafael González
“At a time when fear and division are being weaponized, our response is rooted in presence, creativity, and connection.”
The backdrop of uncertainty has made the past few weeks at Grand Performances all the more meaningful.
Despite the challenges and postponing our season opener with Ozomatli, beauty bloomed these past weeks. Our stage became a sanctuary, filled with poetry, music, and collective joy. From the 60th anniversary tribute to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme”, to an unforgettable symphonic celebration of Dr. Dre’s legacy, these events reminded us why we do this work. Each night affirmed the healing and transformative power of live performance and expression.
The last two Friday nights were anchored by poetry curated by the incomparable Consuelo Flores, whose vision brought together voices of women that lifted us to a higher plane. The City of Los Angeles (COLA) Artist Fellows illuminated the stage with fearless creativity, inspiring reflection and hope.
Over 3,000 people joined us during our default opening weekend and more than 4,000 gathered the following weekend. These numbers aren’t just statistics, they are proof of a community’s hunger for connection, culture, and shared experience.
We recognize that during these turbulent times, especially with the federal government’s actions and the threat of ICE raids on our communities, we cannot guarantee absolute safety for all. But symbolically, and as much as we can physically, we offer a space of welcome, solidarity, and care. Our commitment is unwavering.
We will continue to find ways to ensure that all Angelenos across Los Angeles County, regardless of immigration status or life circumstances, can experience the joy, the smiles, the rhythms and body-shaking movements that Grand Performances brings to our people. Whether in person, virtually or in unexpected spaces, we remain dedicated to showing up for our communities through music, art, and culture.
At a time when fear and division are being weaponized, our response is rooted in presence, creativity, and connection. This is what resistance looks like. This is what solidarity sounds like. And this is why Grand Performances continues to show up, year after year...and we're not done yet. We have many more performances ahead, each one designed to carry forward this spirit of inclusion, joy, and cultural richness.
Now through August 23rd, our season continues to celebrate Los Angeles as a space for all. We invite you to join us, stand with us, and be part of what makes Los Angeles truly extraordinary.
I thank you all for your support and understanding our context. Now more than ever if you can support through discretionary funds that would mean the world to GP. If you have friends that would join us as GP members that would make a major difference.
In my many years of community service I have not experienced anything like this. It's been difficult and we will make it through this nuanced year. Hobbled but standing.
Thank you.
Rafael González | President & CEO | Grand Performances