The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is launching its first-ever standalone summer concert series, “Sounds of LA County.” The initiative will host free performances by local indie artists on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings across various regional parks, including venues in La Puente, Sylmar, and the Antelope Valley. By partnering with the indie music festival NextFest LA, the department aims to provide a festival-style experience that highlights the cultural diversity of individual neighborhoods.
Did You Know? The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation manages a vast infrastructure that includes 184 parks, 42 public swimming pools, and the largest municipal golf system in the nation, alongside iconic cultural venues like the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford.
Expanding Community Access to Local Music
According to Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the series is designed to strengthen community ties while providing a platform for local talent. The programming is intentionally varied, featuring genres such as Latin, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and indie, tailored to reflect the specific cultural identity of the host community. For instance, the department notes that programming might feature cumbia in East LA or neo-soul in Rimgrove Park to match the neighborhood’s character.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The department frames this concert series as an investment in the local creative economy. By providing working musicians with a stage and offering residents free access to live performances, the county seeks to reinforce the role of arts in daily community life. Officials suggest that when residents attend these local events, they are directly supporting the cultural fabric of their own neighborhoods.
What kind of music can attendees expect at these concerts?
The programming is diverse and spans Latin, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, reggae, country, Americana, indie, indigenous, dance, and family genres, curated to reflect the culture of each specific park community.
Where will the concerts be held?
The concerts are scheduled to take place in parks throughout north, east, and south Los Angeles County, with locations including La Puente, Sylmar, Antelope Valley, Carson, Azusa, West Covina, Palmdale, and Lancaster.
Who is producing the series?
The Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with NextFest LA, an independent music festival, to produce the series and curate the local indie talent.
Are you planning to attend a performance in your local neighborhood park this summer?
Worth a look