WILLOW knows how to translate her vision to fit any mood. The 23-year-old star has shown her skills in neo-soul, psychedelic folk, and pop-punk, while her 2022 album COPINGMECHANISM found her collaborating with Yves Tumor on experimental, Deftones-influenced hard rock. On her forthcoming album empathogen, she comes back down to Earth, spinning up a meditative mix […]
The late James Dewitt Yancey—better known as J Dilla—was one of the most celebrated and influential record producers of all time. Before his passing in 2006, he created beats for A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Janet Jackson, the Roots, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Ghostface Killah, Common, and pretty much any other rapper looking for […]
Three podcasters examine pop culture and politics from a Black queer perspective. Morning Becomes Eclectic host Novena Carmel opens up the night with a DJ set.
Drawing inspiration from the deep history of folk festivals around the world, The Milk Carton Kids invite some of their favorite songwriters to gather at the Ford and share their songs and stories. It’s a two-day celebration of intimate songcraft and the city of Los Angeles’ historic role as an epicenter of modern folk music. […]
Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble and Bang on a Can All-Stars perform "MEMORY GAME" at the Ford on Thursday, August 31. The Experimental trailblazers join Meredith Monk for a supercharged musical ride celebrating her 80th birth year. MEMORY GAME is both a look back at a pivotal point in Meredith Monk's storied career, and a richly layered […]
José James is one of the most daring jazz singers of his generation—or as Pitchfork called him, “one of the suavest vocal improvisers on the scene.” His arrangements and approach are in deep conversation with funk, R&B, and hip-hop, so it’s no surprise to find him paying tribute to one of the greatest multi-genre talents […]
WORDTheatre, in partnership with The Ford, presents JAZZ Re-EVOLUTION, a one-night-only electrifying fusion of stories, songs and jazz under the stars. Featuring 25 acclaimed actors – including Keith David, Tracie Thoms, Lisa Edelstein, Jason George, Leslie Grace, Gary Dourdan, Antonique Smith, Miguel Sandoval, Joseph Marcell, and Glynn Turman – and musicians Terrace Martin, Starr Parodi, […]
Indie-folk darlings Zoey Deschanel & M. Ward, aka She & Him return to The Ford for a dreamy night of songs under the stars. Photo by Chantel Anderson.
For over 20 years, Calexico has highlighted the unique social and linguistic intersections at the US-Mexico border and imagined the possibilities of a borderless world. That's true in a political sense, but in a musical one, too: Together with their collaborators, Joey Burns and John Convertino have long been hailed for their windswept, desert-hewn rock […]
Multi-instrumentalist Niia guides listeners through a noir journey soundtracked by nocturnal jazz and haunting pop. She's joined for this show at The Ford by R&B rollicker Ian Isiah, and KCRW DJ Novena Carmel on the decks. Produced in partnership with Mixed Feelings. Photo courtesy of the artist.
From the earliest days of her career, Patti Smith has woven poetry, emotion, and humanity into her work. Alongside guitarist Jackson Smith and her longtime bassist Tony Shanahan, she presents an evening of stripped-down songs, making this an emotionally intimate encounter with one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters. Photo courtesy of theford.com
LA Phil presents Devendra Banhart, live from the Ford Amphitheater. This will be Banhart’s first in-person concert since the onset of the pandemic. LA-based Banhart has made a career of absorbing an incredibly broad range of musical styles. Over the course of ten studio albums, the singer-songwriter has forged an idiosyncratic but instantly recognizable sound. […]
The Ford presents Tune-Yards, with an opening set from Salami Rose Joe Louis. Tune-Yards began as the lo-fi experimental folk project of Merrill Garbus. The duo fuses indie-pop and global elements into uniquely vibrant music. They recently released their 7th studio album sketchy. via 4AD. Photo courtesy of theford.com
The Ford presents Bedouine with Steady Holiday, a free event for essential workers, fans, and community organizations across LA county. As Bedouine, Azniv Korkejian writes folk songs informed by a nomadic life. Born in Syria to Armenian parents and raised in Saudi Arabia, she’s lived all over the United States in her adulthood. Her music […]
