Artelize - A Vibrant Tapestry of Sound and Storytelling at UCLA
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A Vibrant Tapestry of Sound and Storytelling at UCLA

UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance presents a spectacular series of events that blend music, dance, and storytelling. From the vocal harmonies of Tarta Relena to the innovative sounds of Orquesta Akokán, and the boundary-pushing compositions of Andy Akiho, this lineup promises to captivate. Additionally, performances like the Elevator Repair Service's take on 'Ulysses,' Eiko Otake and Wen Hui's dance narratives, and the story-driven music of Quetzal offer a deep dive into diverse cultural expressions.

Mar 19, 2025
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1. Tarta Relena
Tarta Relena is an innovative vocal duo born in 2016, dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of a cappella music with roots stretching across the Mediterranean. With a unique repertoire that spans from traditional oral music to original compositions, Tarta Relena weaves the distinct timbres of two voices into a complex yet simple harmony. Their music, a dance of sharp dissonances and reunions, seeks to express maximum expression in the simplest way.
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Mar 21, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

2. Orquesta Akokán
Chulo Records producer and multiinstrumentalist Jacob Plasse, along with arranger Michael Eckroth, joined forces to form Orquesta Akokán. This ensemble features a carefully curated selection of Havana’s finest musicians, polishing Cuban mambo’s golden sound with a contemporary sheen.
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Mar 29, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa

3. Andy Akiho Trio
Andy Akiho is a Grammy nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist composer whose work redefines the classical music landscape. Akiho's compositions, celebrated for their intricate patterns and boundary-pushing theatricality, have captivated audiences worldwide, with commissions by leading orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra.
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Apr 3, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

4. Elevator Repair Service
James Joyce’s Ulysses has fascinated, perplexed, scandalized, and/or defeated readers for over a century. Building on a rich history of staging modernist works — Gatz, The Sound and the Fury, The Select (The Sun Also Rises) — Elevator Repair Service (ERS) takes on this Mount Everest of twentieth-century literature.
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4 - 5 Apr, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

MacGowan Little Theater

5. Eiko Otake and Wen Hui
Wen Hui (b.1960) is Chinese and currently working in Europe. She grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution. Eiko Otake (b.1952) is Japanese and lives in New York. She grew up in post-war Japan. Both are female performers/choreographers and filmmakers.
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Apr 17, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

6. Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol
Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol is a flock of artists. Their latest project, Centroamérica unfolds from the compelling story of a Nicaraguan woman fleeing Daniel Ortega's dictatorship, sparking a deep dive into the region's heart. This project, encapsulating a play and a publication, explores Central America's rich tapestry and Mexico's overlooked connection to it. Through historical insights and a narrative centered on the present, we unveil the diversity, conflict, and resilience of these distant neighbors. From the Darien Gap's dense jungles to militarized borders influenced by the US, the project reflects on shared futures, revolutions, and the relentless spirit of its people. Join us in reimagining Central America beyond its stigmas and premonitions.
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Apr 26, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

7. Quetzal
Described as “one of L.A.’s most important bands,” by the Los Angeles Times, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Quetzal was founded by Chicano rock guitarist Quetzal Flores and joined by lead singer, percussionist and songwriter Martha Gonzalez. Forging a distinctive, multi-ethnic sound that blends Mexican, Afro-Cuban, rock and jazz influences, Quetzal creates songs that tell musical stories rooted in the complex cultural currents of life in the barrio, social activism and a strong feminist stance. Quetzal has graced stages across the US, Canada, Asia and Mexico for nearly twenty six years and continues to model how music, culture, and sociopolitical ideology come together on and off the stage.
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May 3, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

8. Cécile McLorin Salvant
Discover the multi-faceted world of Cécile McLorin Salvant, an artist whose talents span composition, vocal performance, and visual art. Lauded by the legendary Jessye Norman for her “unique voice” and deep musicality, Salvant captivates audiences by weaving together the rich tapestries of vaudeville, blues, jazz, baroque, and folk music. Her gift for storytelling shines through in her exploration of powerful narratives, forgotten songs, and cultural connections.
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May 8, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · University of California, Los Angeles

9. Miguel Gutierrez
Super Nothing, a new dance performance from internationally recognized choreographer Miguel Gutierrez, is an exploration of the intersections between art and life, featuring a diverse ensemble of performers from New York and Los Angeles, including Jay Carlon (L.A.), Justin Faircloth (NYC), Wendell Gray (NYC) and Evelyn Sanchez (L.A.).
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9 - 10 May, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

10. Celebrating Pierre Boulez 1925-2025
Celebrate the centennial of Pierre Boulez, the unparalleled French composer, conductor, and cultural visionary, with a captivating duo piano recital. Born on March 26, 1925, Boulez transformed post-war contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the 20th century. His extensive conducting career and foundational role in institutions like Paris's Cité de la Musique and IRCAM highlight his monumental influence.
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May 30, 2025
UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance

Los Angeles, CA · UCLA Nimoy Theater

Conclusion
This series at UCLA offers a compelling look into the world of performance art, celebrating artists who push boundaries and tell stories that resonate across cultures. From the harmonies of Tarta Relena to the intricate narratives of Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol, each performance invites audiences to experience art in profound and meaningful ways. As these artists share their work, they also share their perspectives, encouraging us to see the world through their eyes.
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