Meet the Artists Performing at the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration
For 65 years, a line-up of L.A. based artists and community groups have gathered at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage to showcase a wide range of artistry, talent and cultural traditions at the annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration. From grammy winner Daniel Ho with Hawaiian hula dancers Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani, to all-female Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas, this year's performers offer up a slice of L.A.'s vibrancy and rich diversity. Get to know the 28 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies slated for this year's performance.
The 65th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration can be enjoyed live, for free, at The Music Center on Dec. 24, 2024 or watch it on air or stream it on PBS SoCal.
Afro-Peruvian Experience
Afro-Peruvian Experience is an artistic company based in Los Angeles which integrates art from a holistic perspective, resulting in the RESISTANCE and cultural RESILIENCE of African ancestors in Peru who are presented on stage. The Afro- Peruvian Experience is under the direction of professional Peruvian Folk Dance artist Nadia Calmet.
Andre Cruz
An energetic, joyful performer with a passion for connection, singer-songwriter Andre Cruz is dedicated to showcasing his SoCal roots through his soul music. In addition to his collaboration with Chris Lujan, Cruz has shared stages with artists, including as Booker T, Lee Fields, Thee Sacred Soul, Los Yesterdays and Kelly Finnigan. Cruz’s debut solo album, "Colors," is anticipated in Summer 2025. Performing with Cruz for this year’s "L.A. County Holiday Celebration" is Goldnote Records’ L.A.-based soul/R&B band The Silvertone, led by Alfredo Fratti.
Anjin Tan & Friends
Anji Tan is celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and rich storytelling, drawing from musical theater, opera, Filipino pop and jazz. Known for captivating audiences, her standout renditions of Filipino classics like "Dahil Sa'Yo" and "O Ilaw" highlight her cultural roots. Her latest original jazz-soft rock fusion "Guessing" showcases her unique artistry in OPM (Original Pilipino Music). Tan’s recent achievements include headlining Pepperdine University twice, with her live November performance now streaming. She was a semi-finalist in the Unsigned Only International Music Competition,a regional finalist in Michael Feinstein's American Songbook Competition and a winner the popular vote in Sarah Vaughan's International Vocal Competition.
Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza
Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza, led by Ignacio Delgado-Hernandez, is a vibrant dance ensemble from Esperanza College Prep in East Los Angeles. The program preserves Mexican folk dance traditions while fostering cultural pride and inclusivity. Students master intricate movements and reconnect with their heritage, inspired by the legacy of the 1968 East Los Angeles Walkouts. Delgado-Hernandez, trained in Ballet Folklórico and various styles, brings years of performance and choreography experience, including his involvement with the prestigious Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company.
Bloco Obini
Bloco Obini embodies resilience and empowerment, using the drum not just as an instrument but as a unifying force that heals, educates, uplifts and serves communities both locally and abroad. Their drumming carries the essence of the Yoruba spirit "Ayan Agalu," symbolizing the drum’s deep power to bring strength, unity and healing to individuals and communities alike. The all-women ensemble brings together educators, nurses, activists, dance instructors, mothers, students and healers dedicated to defending and promoting cultural heritage. Bloco Obini celebrates African and Afro-Brazilian traditions with a mission to address societal challenges and raise awareness through art and rhythm. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian bloco-style drumming, their performances affirm that "we are all royalty" and share a vision of family and solidarity in a fractured world.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, founded in 1963, is an iconic Los Angeles institution and the longest continuously operating puppet theater in the United States. Established by legendary puppeteer Bob Baker, the theater has delighted audiences with its unique marionette performances for over six decades, becoming a cherished part of L.A.’s cultural landscape. Known for its whimsical storytelling, detailed marionettes and open stage-style that lets audiences see every movement, the theater creates a captivating experience that has drawn generations of Angelenos, particularly around the holiday season. Now located in Highland Park, the theater continues to honor Bob Baker’s legacy, sharing the timeless magic of puppetry with a new generation and remaining a beloved space for imagination, community and family traditions.
Christian Fellowship Chorale
Christian Fellowship Chorale is a non-denominational gospel choir formed over 14 years ago by group leader Tim Williams with singers and musicians he met during his many years of music leadership at multiple churches in Los Angeles.
Today, Christian Fellowship Chorale is an ethnically and religiously diverse choir of performers who are Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Mormon, Presbyterian and more; they are dedicated to musical excellence and coming together to perform arrangements of popular, contemporary and traditional gospel music. In addition to performing in churches all over the greater L.A. area, Christian Fellowship Chorale has performed with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and former LA Phil conductor Zubin Mehta at The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Gabrielito y La Verdad
La Verdad is the premier Latin music ensemble on the West Coast. True to its name, La Verdad is a collective of world-class musicians embodying the truth of the Los Angeles Latino experience. Collectively led by award-winning singer and songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez (Quetzal, Boogaloo Assassins), the group boasts a traditional and original repertoire that spans the scope of Latin American music, including salsa, cha, boogaloo, funk, cumbia, Latin soul and more.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA), under the leadership of Executive Director & Producer Lou Spisto and Music Director & Conductor Ernest H. Harrison, is in its 46th year of music and service. GMCLA continues to garner acclaim for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay rights movement, GMCLA spreads its message of love and acceptance with concerts across the globe and has raised its collective voice in the movement toward equality, social justice, the fight against the AIDS crisis, the fight for marriage equality and all those seeking to find their own voice.
Hālau Hula Kealiʻi o Nālani & Daniel Ho
The acclaimed Hālau Hula Kealiʻi o Nālani is renowned for preserving ancient hula and Hawaiian culture while offering innovative contemporary interpretations. With members ranging from children to seniors at various commitment levels, the hālau has flourished for 33 years, earning over 230 awards at prestigious competitions and performing at venues like The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In 2022, they made history as the first hālau hula nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category for "Live at the Getty Center." In 2025, they will participate in the esteemed Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaiʻi. Hālau Hula Kealiʻi o Nālani is led by Daniel Ho, a six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning ʻukulele player, slack key guitarist, composer and audio engineer. His album "Pōlani" made ʻukulele history with a GRAMMY® nomination in 2010. The Tiny Tenor ʻukulele he co-designed with Pepe Romero, Jr., is displayed at the GRAMMY® Museum.
Joy Kazi Unlimited
Joya Kazi is a three-time Telly Award-winning, World Choreography Award-nominated and Universal Dance Award-nominated artist. As a choreographer, producer, actress and dancer, she founded Joya Kazi Unlimited at just 16. Recognized on the DissDash Coolest South Asians list, Kazi is featured on a public mural at the Artesia Library of Los Angeles County, celebrating South Asian art and culture. A member of the Television Academy and Choreographers Guild, she has served on the SAG Awards Nominating Committee and judged at the World Choreography Awards. As CEO of Joya Kazi Entertainment, a creative production agency, Joya champions South Asian art and talent across Hollywood and Bollywood.
Her credits include Netflix’s "Never Have I Ever," Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon’s "Monster High" and performances with stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Hrithik Roshan and A.R. Rahman. She has trained actors such as Jacqueline Fernandez, Avantika Vandanapu and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Joya Kazi Unlimited’s critically acclaimed show "Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond" embarks on its second national tour this spring, blending classical and commercial dance.
Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy
Founded in 1980, the Kim Eung Hwa Korean Dance Academy is dedicated to preserving traditional Korean dance and music. The non-profit institution, based in Koreatown, enriches the community by offering performing arts training to people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Under the guidance of Director Eung Hwa Kim, the academy teaches traditional dance and music rooted in Korean history, including forms dating back to the Three Kingdoms era (1st – 6th century AD).
The academy has performed throughout Southern California at events like the Kingdom Day Parade, L.A. Korean Festival, Dodgers Korean Heritage Night and KCON.
Ladyhosen
With an authentic Bavarian frontwoman, Ladyhosen delivers the ultimate Oktoberfest experience. This four-piece band blends accordion, tuba and drums to create a lively polka feel, topped off by dazzling yodeling. Their setlist ranges from Franzl Lang’s yodel hits and waltzes to crowd-pleasers like "The Chicken Dance," Schlager tunes and even contemporary Top 40 hits. Perfect for corporate events, festivals, themed parties and private gatherings, Ladyhosen offers a spirited celebration of Bavarian culture. Los Angeles-based tubist, arranger and bandleader India Anderson brings unmatched versatility to Ladyhosen with her German roots and exceptional musicality. Drummer Alexa Brinkschulte boasts nearly 20 years’ experience performing internationally with bands like Light FM and Saucy Monky. Multilingual vocalist, accordionist and accomplished songwriter Jessica Fichot brings a global flair to Ladyhosen inspired by her French, Chinese and American heritage; her voice and accordion have been featured in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Arthur."
Las Colibrí
Las Colibri, or “The Hummingbirds,” have a passion for music, beauty and girl power. These women are flying into new territory as one of the most unique ensembles of its genre by returning to an all-string instrumentation of the early 20th century mariachi tradition and the colorful, feminine costumes of the Mexican cinematic divas of the 40s and 50s. Aside from experiencing Las Colibri’s unique interpretation of traditional sones, huapangos and rancheras, audiences will also recognize sounds of jazz, rock, oldies and R&B through the group’s innovative arrangements. With a lovely blend of vocal harmonies, beautiful smiles and traditional mariachi instrumentation consisting of a guitarrón (bass), guitar, vihuela (soprano guitar) and violins, Las Colibrí will be sure to get audiences laughing, crying, singing and even dancing to its contagious beats and melodies.
Le PeTiT CiRqUe
Le PeTiT CiRqUe® is an award-winning youth cirque company based in Los Angeles and founded by Nathalie Yves Gaulthier. Comprised of talented artist-athletes ages 5–18 from around the world, the group performs aerial arts, contortion, martial arts and music. Its global credits include the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, Netflix films ("Me Time" and "Day Shift") and TV shows such as NBC’s "Little Big Shots" (USA, Vietnam and Australia), "Kids Say the Darnedest Things" and "Wonderama." Additionally, they have appeared in high-profile campaigns, including Ellen DeGeneres' GapKids commercial and CBS network's "Jump Jive and Thrive" with Melissa Etheridge. Dedicated to humanitarian work, Le PeTiT CiRqUe has raised over $6.3 million for global causes and operates branches in Canada, Norway, the UK, Australia and Uganda, using the arts to empower youth to create meaningful change.
Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas
Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas was founded in L.A.’s Boyle Heights neighborhood in 2007 by musical director Maricela Martinez, a musician with over 20 years’ experience in the mariachi business. Martinez comes from a long family tradition of mariachi musicians from Jalisco, Mexico, where she has been a member of the most prestigious mariachis on both sides of the border. Mariachi Linda Mexicanas have performed, collaborated and been featured in several high-profile projects including a Latin GRAMMYS®’ performance with Mon Laferte, Martha Stewart’s & Snoop Dogg’s cookout T.V. series, Red Bull Music Academy, Netflix and Phillip Lim, among many others. Mariachi Linda Mexicanas aims to share this tradition with younger generations all over the world.
Martha L. Z. Pamintuan & Long Beach City College
Martha L. Z. Pamintuan is a BIPOC international dance artist, fitness professional, former athlete and dance professor at Long Beach City College. A Bay Area native, Pamintuan holds an MFA from University of California, Irvine and a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University and is co-founder and co-artistic director of LV Dance Collective. Her choreography spans contemporary, Latin, Afro-fusion, hip-hop and ethnic dance forms, often addressing immigration, human trafficking and social justice issues. Recognized for her innovative works, Martha has earned awards such as "Best Choreography" from sjDANCEco and showcased at prestigious festivals, including PUSHfest and ODC Pilot 63. The Long Beach City College Etude Dance Ensemble, under Pamintuan’s leadership, has become a dedicated group of dancers who represent the program at events and festivals. For the "L.A. County Holiday Celebration," LBCC Dance alumni join current ensemble members as part of Martha’s artistic vision, demonstrating the program's commitment to fostering talent and building a vibrant dance community.
Masanga Marimba
Masanga Marimba performs traditional and popular music from Africa and Latin America, blending African, Latin and American traditions. Featuring seven Zimbabwean marimbas, vocals, drums, percussion, trumpet and trombone, the group creates an upbeat and family-friendly sound. Founded in 2000, Masanga Marimba has performed at prominent venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Getty Center and the Ford Amphitheatre and has opened for artists like Neil Young, Norah Jones and Ziggy Marley. Led by Cal State Northridge ethnomusicologist Dr. Ric Alviso, the ensemble includes members with expertise in percussion, composition, jazz and ethnomusicology. As the only marimba group in Southern California combining Latin and African traditions, Masanga Marimba offers a unique musical experience.
MUSYCA
MUSYCA Children's Choir, a non-profit organization supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles Department of Arts and Culture, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the California Arts Council, is a performance-based music education program for children and youth in Los Angeles. MUSYCA singers serve the community through performances, outreach events, recordings and appearances in TV and film productions. Committed to championing new musical works, MUSYCA collaborates with leading composers, artists and producers, such as Dr. Dre, Portugal. The Man, Camila Cabello, Slick Naim, Ella Mai and DJ Mustard, Joe Hisaishi, Michael Giacchino and Arthur B. Rubinstein. MUSYCA’s collaborative recordings have been nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in the Best R&B Album and Album of the Year categories. The choir is the featured artist on the "Build-A-Bear Workshop Jams" album, released by Warner Music Group. MUSYCA's televised performances on "Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show," ABC network's "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" and "Disneyland Christmas Day Parade," and NBC's "The Voice" have been seen by millions of people worldwide. MUSYCA is featured on the soundtracks of the motion pictures "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" and "Boy Erased." MUSYCA Children's Choir supports charitable causes with performances benefiting ACLU, UNICEF, Operation Smile and the Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation. MUSYCA is
Palmdale Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers
The Palmdale High School Chamber singers are a select a cappella choir ensemble and have performed nationally and internationally. The Chamber Singers are joined by the Sunday Night Singers, a select non-profit chamber choir with members from all over L.A. County and who have recorded three albums. Many of the Sunday Night Singers started as high school singers at Palmdale High School. These two ensembles have performed at 14 "L.A. County Holiday Celebration" events. The Sunday Night Singers began in 2005 when Director Mike McCullough was asked to provide singers for a birthday party. He reached out to a few of his previous students to participate, and the small group was a success! Their name came naturally as they rehearsed on Sunday nights. The Sunday Night Singers have competed in the Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, and at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati and Riga, Latvia. They have placed in multiple competitions and won the mixed chamber choir category at the 2012 World Choir Games.
Reverb Tap Company
Reverb Tap Company is based out of Southern California under the direction of critically acclaimed Artistic Director and Choreographer Leah Silva. With its fierce footwork, rich tributes and respect to the American art form of tap dance, these versatile, well-trained and accomplished dancers bring their work in a cutting-edge, vibrant and sophisticated way. Known for combining dance and film, as well as bringing down the house with innovative performances, these young powerhouse dancers from Southern California are fierce, talented, inspired and driven. Reverb Tap Company has produced its own full-length show and has been the featured entertainment for the Emmy® Awards (Governor Balls), the Official Selection for the 2018 Newport Beach Film Festival, the Young Artists Academy Awards, the American Cancer Society, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, KTLA-TV news segments and renowned dance festivals across the United States. Reverb artists have been recommended for and secured professional jobs, won gold and top placements at the International Tap Dance Championships in Germany, named finalists and Grand Champion winners of performing arts scholarship programs such as The Music Center’s Spotlight and received numerous awards and scholarships for outstanding performances and artistry.
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
Ricardo Lemvo blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles like soukous, kizomba and semba and has earned praise from the Los Angeles Times as “seamless and infectious.” Originally from M’Banza-Kongo, Angola and raised in Congo-Kinshasa, Lemvo was introduced to Cuban music through a cousin's collection of vintage LPs. After moving to the U.S. to study law, he instead pursued his passion for music and formed his Los Angeles-based band Makina Loca in 1990. Lemvo sings in multiple languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo) embodying the Afro-Latin diaspora. He has performed worldwide at festivals, nightclubs and performing arts centers, and his music has been recorded by artists like Joe Arroyo and Orquesta Revé. His acclaimed albums, including "Mambo Yo Yo" and "Rumba Soy Yo," highlight his vibrant fusion of African and Cuban traditions.
Straight Up Abilities
The Straight Up Abilities (SUPA) AllStar Dance Team comprises exceptionally talented individuals with disabilities who share a passion for the performing arts and dream of showcasing their talents on stages worldwide. Their creativity and dedication are evident, but support is crucial to help them achieve their fullest potential. SUPA provides a platform for these performers to shine, share their talents with the world and foster a sense of community among peers who have become like family. The AllStar Dance Team has performed at notable events such as the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles and Orlando, Walt Disney World and Disneyland. They have also collaborated with organizations like Easter Seals, OC Arts and Disability, The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival, Friendship Foundation, Ed Asner Family Center, Ability First, ShanesPlay and more. The team's mission is to challenge stereotypes about individuals with disabilities and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
The Citrus Singers
From Citrus College in Glendora, The Citrus Singers, was established in 1968 and quickly rose to international acclaim. This elite group has won numerous choral competitions, including the prestigious International Choral Festival in Spittal, Austria. Performances include the Glinka Capella in St. Petersburg, Russia; the Vienna Symposium for outstanding international choirs; Riebeld Festival in Denmark; Midnight Sun Choral Festival in Tromso, Norway; and the Republic of China’s international choral festival. Additionally, the group performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, opened the Rose Parade and appeared annually on the "L.A. County Holiday Celebration." The Citrus Singers has entertained presidents and foreign dignitaries and represented the United States throughout much of the world, presenting classical concert tours in France, Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Japan, Spain, China, Denmark, Norway, Germany, South America, Great Britain and, most recently, Romania.
The String Revolution
The String Revolution is a groundbreaking guitar band known for its innovative approach to instrumental music. Comprised of virtuosos Janet Robin (former student of Randy Rhoads and named in Guitar Player Magazine’s “Top 50 Acoustic Guitarists”), Markus Illko and Rober Luis, the group blends genres like classical, rock, jazz and world music into a captivating soundscape. Their acclaimed covers, including "Billie Jean" and "Crazy Train," and original works have garnered over five million Spotify plays and international recognition. In 2023 the band reimagined "Folsom Prison Blues," collaborating with GRAMMY®-winning producer John Carter Cash and guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. This project earned The String Revolution their first GRAMMY® Award in 2024 for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. With memorable songs, reimagined classics and stunning musicianship, The String Revolution is redefining the world of guitar music.
Urban Voices Project
The Urban Voices Project (UVP) Choir is composed of artists and performers from the Skid Row neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, currently or formerly disenfranchised by the condition of homelessness. Throughout the year, they share music and its healing power with many audiences inside and outside the neighborhood of Skid Row. Through UVP Choir’s outreach, the group shares the stories and the successes of integrating music and community singing into a holistic system for combating the homelessness crisis. Founded by Colburn School Teaching Artist Leeav Sofer, who is recognized in the Los Angeles Jewish Journal’s “30 under 30,” directs the choir and UVP programs. His co-founder, Christopher Mack, also known as “The Urban Sage,” is a singing community outreach coordinator who has been walking the streets of Skid Row for Wesley Health Centers for the past 14 years.
Kate Richards Geller, a music therapy consultant, advises the project and offers a strong foundation in healing and wellness across the organization. UVP has been recognized on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, NBC network’s "Today Show" and "Dateline" special and was featured on National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered." The choir has had the privilege to collaborate with many partners, including Street Symphony and its Annual Messiah Project, singing shoulder-to-shoulder with Los Angeles Master Chorale singers, accompanied by the LA Phil musicians.
Victory Praise Dancers
Victory Praise Dancers is a community-based dance ministry, comprised of youth who express themselves through movement. Their vision expands beyond the walls of the church and embraces a global approach to outreach. They have shared the stage with many gospel artists, were dance finalists for the national gospel music competitions tour How Sweet The Sound in 2022 and winners at McDonald's Gospel Fest competition in 2017.
Yaya Dance Academy Elite Competition Team
Based in Los Angeles, Yaya Dance Academy bridges Eastern and Western cultures through dance, helping American-born Chinese students connect with their cultural roots and identity. The academy, with campuses in Rowland Heights, Irvine and Torrance, fosters personal growth alongside technical skill, aiming to cultivate individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. The group performing at this year’s "L.A. County Holiday Celebration" consists of Elite and Junior Competition Team Members from the Rowland Heights campus. These members undergo rigorous training and represent the academy at prestigious events, including the Lunar New Year Celebration with Pacific Symphony at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall since 2017. Yaya Dance Academy has also earned recognition at the Youth American Grand Prix Finals and was recently invited to the Asian Hall of Fame Gala, marking the first inclusion of dance in the program.
