Cumbia at the Park
By: Melanie Sambrano
A DJ, a Morissey/Smiths tribute band, and cumbia musicians in luchador masks. The lineup of a spectacular concert held at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park in LA on Friday, August 21st. One of a series of summer concerts held at various LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA. 27 parks, 108 concerts, 1 county. An opportunity for musicians to share their art, organizations to spread their resources, and families to bask in the love of community.
Located next to the Dodgers Dreamfields baseball diamond, on opposite sides of the field stood over 20 canopies designated for multiple organizations, food stations, and Roosevelt Park Youth Cheer teams. A large section was dedicated to games and activities for the children, including tug-of-war and inflatable basketball, soccer, and baseball, with over 20 trophies given to the winners of these games. 10 tables adorned with multicolored tablecloths and latine-inspired runners were situated in the center of the field, highlighting the focus point of the event at the end of the field: the stage. A large production ensemble featuring multicolored lights, speakers, and magnificent instruments.
By: Melanie Sambrano
A DJ, a Morissey/Smiths tribute band, and cumbia musicians in luchador masks. The lineup of a spectacular concert held at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park in LA on Friday, August 21st. One of a series of summer concerts held at various LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA. 27 parks, 108 concerts, 1 county. An opportunity for musicians to share their art, organizations to spread their resources, and families to bask in the love of community.
Located next to the Dodgers Dreamfields baseball diamond, on opposite sides of the field stood over 20 canopies designated for multiple organizations, food stations, and Roosevelt Park Youth Cheer teams. A large section was dedicated to games and activities for the children, including tug-of-war and inflatable basketball, soccer, and baseball, with over 20 trophies given to the winners of these games. 10 tables adorned with multicolored tablecloths and latine-inspired runners were situated in the center of the field, highlighting the focus point of the event at the end of the field: the stage. A large production ensemble featuring multicolored lights, speakers, and magnificent instruments.
The musicians handling these instruments varied in their genres of music. From alternative rock and legendary tributes to cumbia and unique remixes. Sound of LA County presented DJ Shneaky, Maladjusted, and La Nueva Ola de Cumbia. The crowd also received a fun and impressive cheer routine performance by the Roosevelt Park Youth Cheer Program, the Roosevelt Sparks. Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation organized and supervised the event. Giving back to the community by providing complimentary food and beverages to the attendees, access to a variety of resources by boothing multiple organizations, and an ongoing raffle for the chance to win tickets to a Rams game.
The concert commenced with Maladjusted, a Morissey/The Smiths tribute band, celebrating and spreading the classic alternative rock tunes. Their set included many recognizable songs by the famous 1980s English band: “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”, “There Is a Light that Never Goes Out”, to name a few. The music captivated the crowd. Engaging community members, both wise and young, reveling in their shared appreciation and passion for the genre and wonderful songs.
Maladjusted is comprised of 6 members and has been a tribute act since 2011. Joey Medina of Los Angeles and lead singer of Maladjusted joined the band seven years ago and has achieved tremendous success. Recently returned from a gig in Las Vegas, Maladjusted was invited by the headlining band, La Nueva Ola de Cumbia, to perform. Individually, each member has their own side projects and solo music, but they come together to perform the live music they are strongly inspired by and love. Joey recounts his personal connection to the event, “I love the community coming together…I grew up around here, my dad bought the house when he came from Mexico, and it’s still in the family.”
“Music is a very powerful thing; it hasn’t proven us wrong that it still brings people together.” Joey Medina, Lead Singer of Maladjusted
Out of the 12 booths designated for community resources, ranging from Spectrum Wireless to Inner City Visions, one in particular stood out: LA County Department of Mental Health. Three women sat at the booth providing their multitude of accessible resources to the concertgoers. Elia Colmenero of Los Angeles, a representative of LA County Department of Mental Health, shared the department’s favorite aspect of the event: “I like the collaboration, the community coming together, the kids having fun…” At their booth, DMH provided information about their services, including therapy programs, youth shelter programs, and accessing need-based resources.
The headliner of the concert was a cumbia band with their accessory of choice being luchador masks. La Nueva Ola de Cumbia. Making music and entertaining for over a decade, comprised of 6 members: Chelyn Dion, Primitivo, Luzio, Tacho, Hipolito, and Werekeke. They have graced the stage at notable venues, such as the Honda Center in Anaheim and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where they are based. Experienced the opportunity of a lifetime by performing with legends in the Latino music world: Los Tigres del Norte, Los Angeles Azules, and the beloved “La Diva de la Banda” Jenni Rivera.
Performing a mix of original music, cumbia covers, and genre-mixing remixes, La Nueva Ola de Cumbia gave a spectacular show. Bathed in purple, pink, and blue light, the band spread their upbeat and dancing energy to the crowd. Families and couples got up from their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to dance the night away to the magic of cumbia. Between the cumbia music, the crowd was surprised by a Spanish rendition of “In the End” by Linkin Park and a cumbia remix of “Clocks” by British rock band Coldplay.
Whether sitting with their families at the center tables, waiting in line for food, or relaxing on the grass on their own picnic setups, everyone relished the amazing auditory experience of this concert. Music is the glue that binds a community together; it’s universal and the pride of LA County.
Check out the performers!
La Nueva Ola de Cumbia: @lanuevaoladecumbia
Maladjusted: @maladjusted_official
DJ Shneaky: @officialshneaky
