Zona Libre spotlights Latino Angelenos in a day of free music, dancing and conversation

The Skirball Cultural Center, Grand Performances, and Zócalo Public Square will honor Latino Angelenos with deep ties to Mexico and Central America through Zona Libre, a day of community-building activities and live music performances.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Latino L.A. alongside two distinguished institutions,” comments Marlene Braga, vice president of programs at the Skirball Cultural Center. “The Skirball offers our city the opportunity to join in community and enjoy a day of respite and rejuvenation.”

This summer has been particularly challenging for many Angelenos, with communities disrupted by ICE raids and deportations, while others cancel cultural events to keep the community safe. Zona Libre will offer a free space to honor the community's past and stand strong in the present, while creating a more equitable, joyful and just future.

This free cultural celebration will also feature a Zócalo Public Square conversation with the twenty-four-time Latin Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera and activist, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” and Chicanx-Latinx studies professor Martha Gonzalez about whether music can change minds. The panel will be moderated by La Banda Elástica magazine founder and publisher Emilio Morales.

“Music and the performing arts are a lifeline for Los Angeles, especially for our Latino communities whose stories have helped shape this city,” says Rafael Gonzalez, president & ceo of Grand Performances. “When local and global artists share their narratives, they offer more than entertainment; they offer healing, pride, and a bridge between cultures. These moments on stage remind us that our histories are intertwined and our future is strongest when we celebrate them together.”

Zona Libre’s additional family-friendly programming includes:

• Musical performances by Vivir Quintana, Renee Goust, La Verdad and DJ Sizzle Fantastic (Cumbiatón)

• Sounding a New World, a collective songwriting workshop led by Martha Gonzalez

• Moving Fear Into Joy, a dance workshop led by CONTRA-TIEMPO

• ¿En qué les apoyo? Legal experts available to answer questions regarding immigration-related matters

• El Mercado farmers’ market, featuring Latino products and antojitos for purchase

• El Marchante record shop

• Access to the Skirball’s museum exhibition “Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity”

• Face painting, temporary tattoos and crafting activities

“Los Angeles has become the center of fierce debates about immigration and what it means to belong in this city and country,” says Zócalo executive director Moira Shourie. “Our goal with this event is to connect people to the ideas and inspirations behind the songs we hear on our streets and on our radio stations. By bringing together some of the most important players in the music world today, we hope to show that there is power in song and in joining our voices as a city and community.”

When: Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049