Reporting Back from LA

Summer of Resistance, poster art by John Fleissner

As summer officially kicked off, WAA was privileged to participate in Grand Performances’ opening weekend, hosting a cozy gathering of WAA members and WAA-curious folks prior to the celebration of John Coltrane’s classic album, A Love Supreme.

To say it was a fraught period leading up to – and out of – the event doesn’t begin to describe the environment into which Angelenos have most recently been thrust. But similarly, ‘deeply impactful’ doesn’t begin to describe the experience of seeing Angelenos gather in celebration of the power of art in general, and this essential piece of music in particular.

WAA LA Host Committee co-chair, Secretary/Treasurer of the WAA Board of Directors, and President/CEO of Grand Performances Rafael Gonzalez introduced Executive Director Joshua Heim, who not only spoke of WAA’s role in the arts ecosystem, but how we see the arts, and the arts communities of LA, providing solace, strength. The evening’s mind-blowing performances, and the way Downtown LA came together for the event, is on display at Grand Performance’s YouTube channel.

We were heartened and inspired – and not surprised – to learn of, and experience, another community response to the recent crackdown on immigrant populations: Summer of Resistance pledged, and continues to deliver, 30 days of art, music, and direct action. We highly recommend following and participating in any way possible.

It was extremely heartening to see the city’s vibrancy on display, particularly at a moment in which a story of curfews, crackdowns, and crises paint the opposite picture. We remain inspired by the city’s resilience, but also know enough to expect it, and we can’t think of a better time to be preparing to return. We hope you’ll join us to show your love and support not only to WAA and your colleagues, but to the city of Los Angeles.