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Starting this Thursday, Dec. 17, you can tune in for four free live musical performances set to the backdrop of L.A.’s idyllic sunsets — momentarily escaping reality for an evening of songs and storytelling.
The “Magic Hour” livestream series, hosted by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, features local artists performing music themed around reflection, resilience and hope. Every show begins at 4:15 p.m. and broadcasts live from the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown hotel with a view of the DTLA skyline.
The performers for this weekend’s “Magic Hour” reflect L.A.’s multifaceted communities. On Thursday, the Skid Row-based ensemble Street Symphony will perform alongside Dustin Seo, director of musical programs, who will share a solo cello set. On Friday, the all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibri will accompany Nancy Sanchez’s stories of women’s empowerment.
To start off the weekend, on Saturday, Melody of China and Strauss Shi will perform traditional Chinese music, classical violin and erhu, with Shi discussing the intersectionality of the Chinese American identity and COVID-19’s impact on communities and children. And on Sunday, South Side Symphony will round out the series by uplifting Black music — and Black excellence — with the help of jazz artist Kimiko Daniels.
Each artist will share personal narratives about what their communities mean to them, as well as reflect on music’s potential to recreate a sense of belonging — regardless of any social-distancing obstacles.
This weekend’s showcase is a reprisal of the program’s debut in early spring, during which over one million people logged on to watch sunsets stream from Venice Beach. In addition to performances, Los Angeles Tourism has curated L.A.-themed digital activities: puzzles, landmark tours and mindfulness exercises among them.
For more information, you can visit Los Angeles Tourism’s website or YouTube channel, where they offer even more virtual experiences, from Hollywood-themed cooking demonstrations to magic lessons.