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Southland Sessions

Civic Imagination

Season 1 Episode 10

Hosted by artist and designer Rosten Woo, this episode explores how civic art and culture is changing during the pandemic and what that could mean for the future of Los Angeles. This episode opens with Carmen Argote’s “Last Light,” a meditation of walking and memory in the city. Patrisse Cullors, Alexandre Dorriz and Noé Olivas talk about the origins of Crenshaw Dairy Mart and the relationship between art and abolition. Joel Garcia, Mercedes Dorame and Sandra de la Loza discuss the long road to removing the Father Serra and Columbus statues in downtown Los Angeles, how re-thinking monuments can help the public reconcile with difficult histories and some current projects — a proposed memorial to the Sleepy Lagoon killing and trial of 1942 and a temporary installation related to “Memory is in the Present” at the park between Grand Avenue and Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. Comedian Kristina Wong speaks about Auntie Sewing Squad, a grassroots effort to sew and distribute face masks. Architect Jia Gu explains how her organization, Materials & Applications, re-organized itself to distribute water to unhoused people in Echo Park during a heatwave. Violinist Vijay Gupta discusses how he is working to keep cultural continuity in Skid Row. Finally, Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Office for the city of Los Angeles; Lyric Kelkar of Inclusive Action for the City and Tafarai Bayne, Chief Strategist at CicLAvia, discuss how the dynamics of public space are changing in the pandemic and the need to deeply think about equity in access and use of streetspace in this time of social distancing.  

Support Provided By
Audra Mae | Courtesy of the Wallis
44:06
One of pop music's great singer/songwriters finds her guiding light close to home. “Audra Mae: Songs of Joy & Peace” grew from that simple reminder that a song can mend the heart.
Barbara Morrison at the Wallis | Still from "Barbara Morrison: Standing On Their Shoulders"
51:29
Barbara Morrison pays musical tribute to the iconic jazz and blues singers, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald.
A publicity shot of André Watts sitting by a piano | Courtesy of Pacific Symphony
56:06
Join Maestro Carl St. Clair, Pacific Symphony, and some special guests as they celebrate the opening of their 42nd season with performances by five world-class pianists.
The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Finale
58:00
“Spotlight” alum Josh Groban hosts a special performance by SoCal’s most talented teens.
Aida Cuevas and La Marisoul at the Soraya | Ricki Quinn, Courtesy of the Soraya
56:05
Performers pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt. Plus, an interview with the legend herself.
Dwight Trible performing at the Watts Towers Festivals | Still from "Southland Sessions" Watts Towers Festivals sls ep11
54:37
Highlights from the Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum and Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festivals.
Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra on stage at Grand Park during a New Year's Eve celebration | Samantha Lee sls ep9 preview
59:12
Mekala Session and the "Ark" ring in the new year with a jazz music celebration.
Def Sound "Struck" collage | Still from "Southland Sessions" E3: Musical Expansions in Quarantine
52:00
Witness the creativity of L.A. music in this episode made in collaboration with dublab.
Julian Torres in mariachi outfit | Still from "Southland Sessions" S1 E3: Mariachi - from Romance to Resistance
52:22
Hosted by Mariachi musician Julian Torres, this episode explores the tradition of Mariachi music and its transformation through time and circumstance.
Woman with raised fist amid teddy bears | Still from Southland Sessions S1 E1 Change(Makers)
56:46
Key cultural leaders from around Los Angeles gather to discuss the role of arts and culture in shaping the world’s future.
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