GP BlogBloghttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2012-02-06T23:17:10ZSquarespaceAlyssa <3's GPhttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2012/2/6/alyssa-3s-gp.htmlGrand Performances2012-02-06T23:16:00Z2012-02-06T23:16:00ZAlyssa and our Artist Relations Intern, Phyllis, grooving and movingWe've been able to connect with so many folks over the past 25 years, it's about time we spotlight you, our one and only GPeeps. Do you <3 GP? Tell us about it here. This week's GPeep is our former Development Officer, Alyssa. She knows how to keep the party going in the donor reserve section, with or without a dance partner. 

We know you <3 us, but why we should feature you as one of our GPeeps?

Working at GP for four seasons made me the ultilmate #1 fan. I even got married at Grand Performances... that's true fan spirit!

Who are you?

Alyssa Pacaut <3 GP and I'm a nonprofit marketer, a lover not a figher, and half Guamanian. My friends would say I'm happy-go-lucky and cultured. I've been coming to GP for 4 years with my amigos; and when I'm not busting a move on the plaza, you can find me trying to score seats in the reserved section from the Development gals.

Where are you?

In DTLA, only the best barrio in Los Angeles.

I would like to see Caravan Palace, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Ojos de Brujo, and Son de Madera back on the Watercourt stage.

My go-to picnic goods:

Tomme de Savoie cheese from Trader Joe's, a baguette, heirloom tomatoes, and some dark chocolate for dessert. Oh, and wine. Lots and lots of wine.

Here's how I discovered GP:

My friend interned at GP and said I would really like it. She was right! With my music and travel-loving background, it was love at first sight.

]]>Music Research/PR Internship Available!http://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2012/1/25/music-researchpr-internship-available.htmlGrand Performances2012-01-26T01:23:04Z2012-01-26T01:23:04ZHey GPeeps -

Even though it's only January, we're already getting ready for another fantastic summer season. One of the first things on our to-do list: finding a superstar Music Research/PR Intern to help gather artist intel, manage media listings and develop killer editorial for this summer's shows.

The position is unpaid, but is a fantastic opportunity for currently enrolled undergrad/grad students looking for a credit-only internship this spring. Fringe benefits: great parking in DT, working with the GP staff, lots of cupcake runs and exposure to some of today's best music.

Feel free to pass this along to anyone who might be interested; thanks in advance!

xoxo

__

<<<Full Listing on idealist.org here >>>

Music Research/PR Internship

This is a CREDIT ONLY internship; 8-10 hours/weekly, flexible scheduling

A great opportunity for someone who loves music, culture and L.A. – and wants to make a difference! Grand Performances (GP), L.A.’s premiere outdoor summer performing arts presenter, is looking for a Music Research/PR Intern. GP is known for providing Angelenos with FREE high-quality performances by world-renowned artists across all genres, and our 26th season (set to place June- August 2012) will be no exception. But we need a highly motivated, culturally curious, creative thinker to help us gather research and prepare content for the summer.  This is an unpaid internship located on Bunker Hill in Downtown L.A.                                      

To apply, please send resume, brief cover letter and one short writing sample to marketing@grandperformances.org, subject line: Spring Intern.

                                                                 

Duties include:

  • Compiling & creating artist fact sheets
  • Updating & expanding (traditional and new) media distribution lists
  • Managing editorial calendars
  • Improving outreach to current GP stakeholders and identifying new audiences, partners and collaborators
  • Generating story ideas for monthly GP Newsletter
  • Writing proactive pitch letters & updating media kit

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong work ethic
  • Excellent written and editorial skills
  • Great researcher with a willingness to learn
  • Able to produce quality work with minimal supervision
  • Can successfully engage others, both online and offline

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with Non-profit or start-ups
  • Academic concentration on music, marketing or PR
  • Fluent in Spanish

 

]]>Amanda and Kate take on APAPhttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2012/1/25/amanda-and-kate-take-on-apap.htmlGrand Performances2012-01-25T18:53:52Z2012-01-25T18:53:52ZWe started off 2012 with a trip to the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference in New York City. Our Executive Director, Michael, and  Programming Director, Leigh Ann, are both regulars at this yearly conference, but this time around Kate, the Development Assistant, and Amanda, the Marketing Assitant, wanted in on the experience too*.

APAP not only gives GP an opportunity to connect with other performing arts presenters from around the U.S., it's also a chance for us to discover new artists; we like to keep our GPeeps ahead of the curve (GP 2011 artists Blitz the Ambassador and Yemen Blues both turned in awesome sets at APAP this year)!

From the spinning hotel doors, to the mountains of artists' marketing materials, to the bustling Expo Halls to the explosive line up of performers, APAP NYC was nothing short of an adventure! 

A Day @ APAP

Wake up and take a five second jog through the automatic spinning doors.
 

Brochures and marketing materials galore! 

Inside the Expo Halls, artists and manager were on hand to chat and hopefully seal a deal with presenters.

Our days were filled with conference sessions and artist showcases. Below are some artist stand outs from APAP...and who knows, you might even see some of them at GP this summer..! 

Ethan Lipton :: clever and funny music from a New York singer/songwriter 

Nomadic Massive :: socially engaged hip hop group out of Montreal

Debo Band :: Ethiopian funk, are your shoulders shaking yet?

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino :: music from southern Italy

SMOD :: a Malian hip hop group with the son of Amadou & Mariam as their front man

_

* Amanda and Kate's trip to APAP was sponsored in part by grants from the Center for Cultural Innovation, the Durfee Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

]]>Angelica <3's GPhttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2012/1/3/angelica-3s-gp.htmlGrand Performances2012-01-03T21:30:20Z2012-01-03T21:30:20Z

We've been able to connect with so many folks over the past 25 years, it's about time we spotlight you, our one and only GPeeps. Do you <3 GP? Tell us about it here. This week's GPeep was our stage manager this past summer, she kept our artists in line and made sure the concerts ran smoothly. What would we do without her?

We know you <3 us, but tell us why we should feature you as one of our GPeeps.

I don't really think you should.

Who are you?

Angelica <3's GP and I'm tall, loud, and full of laughter. 

My friends would say I’m taller than them and don't like to be touched.  I’ve been coming to GP for 5 years with my crew and homies, and when I’m not busting a move on the plaza, you can find me at another job.

Where are you?

At GP

I would like to see Blitz the Ambassador, La Santa Celica, Baloji, Meklit Hadero, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, Adaawe, Shoghaken Ensemble, Caravan Palace and Zap Mama back on the Watercourt stage. 

My go to picnic goods: 

Starry Kitchen, Mendocino Farms, Starbucks

Here's how I discovered GP:

Mark (GP's Technical Director) needed help on an MTV shoot. It was definitely an adventure, to say the least. I guess the rest is history, I'm still here.

]]>A Few True Holiday Tales and Tunes from CalPlazahttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/12/21/a-few-true-holiday-tales-and-tunes-from-calplaza.htmlGrand Performances2011-12-21T21:56:23Z2011-12-21T21:56:23ZWe know a lot of you weren't able to join us for our holiday WinterStage, so we've put together a little something something- a Few True Holiday Tales and Tunes from CalPlaza. It's our gift to you, wrapped in a Sound Cloud with a bow on top. Enjoy!!!

Warmest wishes to you and yours for  a holiday season filled with music and joy.

- Your friends at Grand Performances

]]>but where do I park?http://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/12/5/but-where-do-i-park.htmlGrand Performances2011-12-05T21:58:04Z2011-12-05T21:58:04ZDid we read your mind? Parking downtown can be tricky, but we've scoutted out the best parking options that won't break the bank. So now, no excuses- we'll see you on the plaza for our holiday noon concerts. 

1. Eat lunch at Starry Kitchen (at least $5 worth, but that's easy) and they'll validate your parking ticket, 2 hours for $3.

Where: California Plaza Parking Structure | 351 S. Olive Street LA 90071

 

2. This is the best (all-day) downtown parking deal we could find: $6 on Fridays and $12 on Wednesdays! Park right below Bunker Hill and take Angel's Flight up to California Plaza for .25 cents, or if you're looking for excerise, you can trek up the stairs.

Where: Joe's Auto Parks | 338 S. Hill LA 90013

 

3. Go Metro

From the Metro Rail RED line, exit at Pershing Square and leave by the north stairs leading to 4th and Hill streets. We're located one block away at 4th and Olive streets.

 


]]>Phyllis <3's GPhttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/12/2/phyllis-3s-gp.htmlGrand Performances2011-12-02T18:33:40Z2011-12-02T18:33:40ZPhyllis knows how to start the party on the plaza

We've been able to connect with so many folks over the past 25 years- it's about time we spotlight you, our one and only GPeeps. Do you <3 GP? Tell us about it here. This week's GPeep is a great ball of energy and boomerang intern, Phyllis.

We know you <3 us, but tell us why we should feature you as one of our GPeeps.

Because I'm AWESOME. And I'm always here willing to let you use me :) I love all of you in the office and on crew. I will always come if I'm in LA.

Who are you?

Phyllis Sun <3's GP and I'm friendly, ridiculous, and a humdinger. 

My friends would say I’m crazy and delightful.  I’ve been coming to GP for 3 years with my community, and when I’m not busting a move on the plaza, you can find me in the Info Cart (big blue cart).

Where are you?

On a silver table by Mixed Greens

I would like to see Caravan Palace and Rupa & the April Fishes back on the Watercourt stage. 

My go-to picnic goods:

Wine and cheese and a lot of blankets

Here's how I discovered GP:

I interned at GP during the summer of 2008. I haven't been able to stay away since. I love coming back and seeing old co-workers as well as meeting new additions to the team.

]]>We Want to Hear from You!http://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/11/23/we-want-to-hear-from-you.htmlGrand Performances2011-11-23T19:21:17Z2011-11-23T19:21:17ZWe are working on next season's line-up and we'd like your input! Tell us who you'd like to see on Grand Performances' stage next summer.

Check out these video clips and then check back on Facebook to give your favorite a shout.

Afro Celt Sound System 
A fusion of electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish (Celtic) and West African sounds

++

Miguel Atwood Ferguson
A violist known in the LA music scene for his stage and studio work with vanguard artists

++

Niyaz
An Iranian trio playing a 21st century spin on the tradional music of Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India

 

++

An Escovedo Family Celebration
A gifted musical family leading a top-notch orchestra in pop, Latin Jazz and R&B

 

++

Amadou & Mariam 
A combination of pop melodies, bluesy electric guitar and two stellar voices from Mali 

++

Lizz Wright 
A unique singer influenced by indie-rock and gospel music from her upbringing in African-American church 

]]>Calling All Artistshttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/11/17/calling-all-artists.htmlGrand Performances2011-11-17T20:10:25Z2011-11-17T20:10:25ZOur holiday noon concert line up is finally set and we're in the middle of getting the events up on the web. If you've seen our event pages in the past, we normally have an artist photo in that blue square area. The first of our three concerts is the Joey Altruda Trio performing A Charlie Brown Christmas, and while we'd love to drop in a picture of Charlie Brown, we can't - we respect Mr. Schultz's work enough not to violate copyright, but GP *is* a nonprofit...so...

Here's were you come in!

1. Draw us a picture of the infamous Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, and send it to marketing@grandperformances.org
2. GP staffers will pick their favorite
3. The wining drawing will be used on the GP website and Facebook event

Why should you send in your artistic talent?
The winning artist will receive a GP 25th Anniversary tote bag and GP website/Facebook fame 

Help! We need a picture.

]]>DJ Nnamdi <3's GPhttp://blog.grandperformances.org/blog/2011/11/11/dj-nnamdi-3s-gp.htmlGrand Performances2011-11-11T18:54:25Z2011-11-11T18:54:25Z 

We've been able to connect with so many folks over the past 25 years- it's about time we spotlight you, our one and only GPeeps. Do you <3 GP? Tell us about it here. This week's GPeep is a long time friend of GP and KPFK DJ, Nnamdi.

We know you <3 us, but tell us why we should feature you as one of our GPeeps.

My team at KPFK fully support GP and blieve in your mission and commitment to showcasing global music and dance.

Who are you?

DJ Nnamdi Moweta <3's GP and I'm the host of Radio Afrodicia, a weekly radio show on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles. We showcase music from the African continent and across the African diaspora. The music is a blend of everything from Afrobeat to Tunsian hip-hop.

My friends would say I’m always on the move and in the know of what's happening around the city.  I’ve been coming to GP for 20 years, and when I’m not busting a move on the plaza, you can find me interviewing up and upcoming musical artists and those artists who have withstood the test of time and still have an amazing impact on the face of World Music.

Where are you?

North Hollywood, CA

I would like to see Seun Kuti back on the Watercourt stage. 

Here's how I discovered GP:

I've known some of the original people behind the scenes of GP for years!

]]>