Best of Downtown 2012

Of course we think so; do you? If so, consider casting a ballot for us in Los Angeles Downtown News' Annual Best of Downtown Contest.

(^ click on the above image to get a voting overview ^)

We're nominated for three categories:

• Best Music Venue
• Best Downtown Event and
• Best Free Event Series (< help us defend our crown; voters like you helped us win this category last year!)

Voting is easy - all you need is an email address, and less than 5 minutes of free time! Check out our Voting Guide Below; there are more than 100 categories, so make sure to spread the love to your favorite restaurants, bars, bakeries and businesses.

• Step 1: Click here to register your email address (the only required info is a valid email address & password).

• Step 2: When you're redirected to the Best of Downtown Ballot page, press "Click Here to Begin"

• Step 3: Entertainment nominees are found on the third page (of six). Select "Grand Performances" for questions #56 (Best Music Venue - Large), #58 (Best Free Event Series) and #66 (Best Downtown Event).

• Step 4: Hit "Next" (bottom lefthand corner of the page) twice until you see the pop up that asks if you want to submit your information.

• Step 5: Press "ok" and you're done.

• Step 6: Share with your friends!

Voting ends June 3, and winners will be announced July 18. Thanks in advance!

Hint & Seek

The wait is almost over! We've kept a tight lid on what we have in store for you this summer, but come May 1, we're ready to spill the beans. With 10 days until May 1 and 10 weeks of summer concerts, we thought it'd be appropriate to leak 10 shows. So everyday from now until May 1, we'll give you a "Hint & Seek." Take your best guess (Googling might come in handy) and leave us a comment on our Facebook page. Then, in the afternoon, we'll post the actual event. 

Ready, set, go!

Hint & Seek Day 1:

This 2012 documentary recounts the controversy sparked when a music icon traveled to South Africa to record an album. Eventually going platinum 5x over, you could say that album was a bridge over troubled water.

>>> Under African Skies

Hint & Seek Day 2:

This American poet who spent time in San Pedro pens one of the most stolen books in the country.

>>> Tongue & Groove: Bukowski  + Chalres Bukowski Self-Guided Walking Tour

Hint & Seek Day 3:

What has this British Indian NOT done? It's hard to say, but we've already ruled out producer, songwriter, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, orchestral composer, and cultural pioneer.

>>> Nitin Sawhney 

Hint & Seek Day 4:

Peace Go With You, Brother: May 27, 2011

>>> Peace Go With You, Gil 

Hint & Seek Day 5:

Bring a mojito as we pay tribute to the man who transformed the rhythm of Cuban music. 

>>> ¡Vamos al Mambo! 

Hint & Seek Day 6:

From Africa via Paris, this funky bassist and bandleader will groove your ears all the way to the moon.

>>> Breakestra | Bibi Tanga and the Selenites 

Hint & Seek Day 7:

also making Latin, hip-hop and rock music for KIDZ, these guys are some of the coolest parents in L.A.

>>> Ozokidz 

Hint & Seek Day 8:

These hip shakers coined the term, hula mua.

>>> "Hula that evokes" from SF based company, Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu 

Hint & Seek Day 9:

No place to go? Out of work? We hear Mars is an option.

>>> No Place to Go 

Hint & Seek Day 10: 

Born in 1977, she's managed to put 33 years in three minutes of song.

CicLAvia

The streets are closing down in L.A. this Sunday, and we're joining the party! Bike, skate, walk or run by the GP table at CicLAvia. We'll be playing music from our upcoming season and handing out these babies...

I am GRAND pins

Here's where to find us: 4th Street and Pecan in Boyle Heights (near the Hollenbeck Park and the 101)

Help keep us GRAND by becoming a Jewels Member

Dear Friend of Grand Performances,

Grand Performances is LA’s true gathering place where everyone is welcome regardless of ethnicity, age or economic level. Each summer, urban adventurers, neighbors from senior and low-income housing, young professionals, and families from across the region come together to share cultural experiences.

In just 10 weeks, Grand Performances will launch our 26^th season of free performing arts in downtown Los Angeles – but we can’t do it without you!

Please consider joining as a Jewel Member for the 2012 summer. You will have access to reserved seating, VIP parties at select events, and one of our newest perks – an invitation to our Season Preview Party on May 20^th. Most importantly your gift will ensure access to quality, diverse, global programming for all Angelenos.

Just 7% of our annual budget comes from government sources, so private contributions are increasingly important in order to maintain the quality of artists presented and ensure free community access. And the fact that 80% of our annual budget supports programming guarantees that your contribution is invested in the things that matter most, including the artists on our stage and educational activities for youth.

So check out the listing of benefits and make your 2012 commitment today! Please know that your contribution in any amount is greatly needed and appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you many times this summer,

Michael Alexander

Executive Director

P.S. Click here to make your gift today! And if you have already contributed, we thank you!

Join by April 20^th and be listed in our season brochure

2012 Summer Internships, here we go!

Love the arts and culture?
Love music and watching concerts?
Wanna see the behind the scenes on how it's done?
Are you willing to sacrifice most of your summer weekends? 

Grand Performances (GP), L.A.'s premiere outdoor summer performing arts presenter, is looking for three paid interns for June-August 2012. GP is known for providing Angelenos with FREE high-quality performances by world-renowned artists across all genres, and our 26th summer will be no exception.

Here's the deal. We have 3 spots open:

• Artists Relations Intern
• Public Relations Intern
• Development (fundraising) Intern, supported by the Los Angles County Internship Program of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, this position is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates who reside or attend college in Los Angeles County, and will have completed at least one semester of college by June 2012. Click link for more details!

Interested in what our 2011 interns had to say? Read their rave reviews here. 

Lisa and Laora holding down the Info CartInterns hard at work