From the annual festivals and big-scale concerts to its world-famous studios and jam sessions, La La Land lives and breathes music. On top of that, the city’s energy has allowed artists to experiment freely and mesh together different beats and rhythms, resulting in genre-crossing hits that have inspired generations. Just like that, a popular L.A. venue is welcoming two tribute concerts to Neo Soul and Hip-Hop favorites this summer packed with groove and storytelling.
Featuring heartfelt songs like Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”, Childish Gambino’s “Redbone” and Miguel’s “Adorn”, music fans can dive into unmistakable hits that reach into the soul and are steeped in raw honesty. These concerts are coming to Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Koreatown and tickets are selling fast.
Neo Soul and Hip-Hop hits meet a historic K-Town church
With similar cultural roots and rhythmic foundations, Neo Soul and Hip-Hop blend effortlessly. Many pioneers like Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo have blurred the lines between the two genres, crafting songs that intertwine soulful melodies with rap verses and spoken word. This stylistic approach can also be heard in the works of many contemporary artists like Childish Gambino and SZA, whose most beloved songs you’ll be able to hear this summer reimagined at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.
Located on Wilshire Boulevard, one of the oldest congregations in the city has set the scene for iconic movies and TV shows. These big-screen credits include Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), John Wick (2014), and The X Files. Similarly, the church’s beautiful French Gothic design has made it a sought-after venue for music videos as well. For instance, scenes from My Chemical Romance’s “Helena (So Long and Goodnight)”, “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” by Eminem, and “True Colors by Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles were all filmed at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, just to name a few.
When can I hear these songs this summer?
Both music lovers and ’90s kids are in luck this summer because there are two dates available to listen to your favorite Neo Soul and Hip-Hop songs: on July 11 and August 8, scheduled for 8:45 pm each day. These performances last 60 minutes and doors open 45 minutes prior to curtain so guests can arrive early and easily find their seats. Tickets are still available but selling fast so best to secure your spot now.
The tributes’ featured string quartet will be Orchid Quartet, the all-female classical ensemble and Los Angeles staple that have recorded for major record labels and performed on some of the world’s most popular stages. The music collective will reimagine Neo Soul and Hip-Hop favorites like “Good Days”, “Smooth Operator” and “End of the Road” in the classical form, offering Angelinos a unique musical journey through the genres’ diverse discography.
You can check out the tentative program and get tickets for the summer concerts here.
Adding to the city’s music legacy are these two classical tributes by candlelight, which align closely with the said fusion of genres. Thanks to their classical reinterpretation and the atmospheric glow lent by the sea of candles, these concerts make for unique, live music performances in the heart of L.A.