Forget Coachella. The coolest arts festival in Los Angeles is happening at the Greek Theatre. It’s LACHSApalooza!
Before the lights go up at the Greek Theatre this weekend, there’s one thing organizers want people to understand about LACHSApalooza:
This isn’t just a concert. It’s a love letter to arts education in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts is celebrating 40 years of shaping the next generation of performers, musicians, filmmakers, and creatives with a massive benefit festival at the iconic Greek Theatre. The lineup feels more like a Grammys afterparty than a school fundraiser.
Anthony Anderson returns as emcee for the night, alongside performances from Ozomatli, Fitz and The Tantrums, Jon B., D Smoke, Gerald Clayton and Gretchen Parlato, all while current LACHSA students share the stage with the alumni who once sat in the same classrooms dreaming big.
And that’s really the point.
Forty years ago, a group of arts advocates believed Los Angeles deserved a world-class public arts conservatory where talented young artists could train regardless of income level. Today, LACHSA alumni work across film, television, music, theater and visual arts around the world.
Now the school is asking Los Angeles to help guarantee the next 40 years.
Starting at 5 p.m., guests entering the Greek Theatre will walk into an immersive arts festival featuring live performances, student art installations, interactive experiences, food, drinks and pop-up galleries showcasing work from young artists across all five arts disciplines.
Then, at 6:30 p.m., the main-stage celebration begins.
But beyond the celebrity appearances and performances, some of the night’s most emotional moments are expected to honor the teachers who helped shape generations of artists.
The late Pat Bass, affectionately known as “Ms. B,” will be remembered through a special Gospel Choir performance celebrating her impact on the LACHSA community. Longtime Theatre Department Chair Lois Hunter will also be honored ahead of her retirement after more than three decades at the school. And beloved social studies teacher Jerry Freedman, who has taught at LACHSA since 1986, will be recognized for nearly 40 years of mentorship and dedication.
Organizers say the celebration comes at a critical time.
Only about half of LACHSA’s arts education budget is funded by the state, with the rest supported through fundraising and donations. School leaders say continued support is essential to maintaining conservatory-level arts training, master classes, performances and mentorship opportunities for students across Los Angeles County.
In a city built on creativity, LACHSApalooza is both a celebration of what Los Angeles artists have already accomplished. It’s also a reminder of who might be next.
Because somewhere backstage this weekend is probably a future Grammy winner, Oscar nominee… or the next kid from L.A. who just needs a stage and someone to believe in them.
Recent Comments