WHAT: Grand Performances will launch its Summer Series of free concerts with a grand celebration of the ubiquitous Sly Stone, his musical cohorts and the funky sounds of liberation with the tribute performance, Higher! The Psychedelic Soul & Genius of Sly and The Family Stone (1966-1983) on Friday, June 1, 2018. Exercise your freedom to be Fresh, to Dance to the Music, and to Stand by joining Grand Performances on a trip through some of the most magical and influential music moments in history. This show is exclusively produced for Grand Performances by Dexter Story, Music Director, and Rocio Wyldeflower Contreras, Novena Carmel & Dexter Story. The critically acclaimed Nelson George will host the show.
Sly Stone, who turned 75 earlier this year, pioneered the “psychedelic soul” sound that was realized by his band, Sly and the Family Stone, the first major integrated (race & gender) American rock group. Sly’s groundbreaking and revolutionary lyrics cemented the band’s legacy as legitimate with their 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From the Hall of Fame: THEY TOOK US HIGHER. Sly and the Family Stone were a brief glimpse of utopia. Their songs were more than danceable hits—they were a force for positive change. When Sly and the Family Stone played, we all got along. We were part of the family. Please visit www.grandperformances.org for full line-up.
WHO: Mari Riddle, Executive Director, Grand Performances
Dexter Story, Music Director & Producer
Rocio Wyldeflower Contreras, Producers
Novena Carmel, Producer and daughter of Sly Stone
Nelson George, Host & Creative Consultant
Señor Quiza (Museum of Traffic), Visuals
WHEN: Friday, June 1, 2018
8:00 pm
WHERE: Grand Performances at California Plaza
350 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
ABOUT GRAND PERFORMANCES: Celebrating its 32nd year, Grand Performances aims to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. Grand Performances presents high-quality music, dance, theater, and more during the summer at the breathtaking California Plaza in the heart of Downtown as well as at other venues throughout the year including Los Angeles World Airport. Follow @GrandPerformances on Facebook, @GrandPerfs on Twitter and Instagram and our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/grandperformances. For more information visit www.Grandperformances.org
