KCRW Summer Nights with Grand Performances
About the Event
KCRW Summer Nights returns to Grand Performances for a free, all-ages outdoor concert in the heart of DTLA. Mariachi El Bronx headlines the night with their electrifying blend of punk spirit and traditional mariachi, following an opening set from Tijuana Panthers, while KCRW DJ LeRoy Downs keeps the energy flowing throughout the evening. Pack a picnic and come ready for a memorable night of music under the open sky.
Member Perks
Access to a VIP onstage viewing area
20% off at the bar
Special pricing on limited-edition KCRW & Summer Nights merch
Schedule
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
KCRW DJ Leroy Downs
- 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Tijuana Panthers
- 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
KCRW DJ LeRoy Downs
- 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Mariachi El Bronx
About Grand Performances
Grand Performances is a non-profit organization that provides free access to the global performing arts. Our mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. 2026 marks Grand Performances’ 40th year of providing free, outdoor, live concerts in the heart of DTLA. In honor of our anniversary, we’re excited to partner with KCRW Summer Nights to welcome two ground-breaking musical acts, Mariachi El Bronx and Tijuana Panthers.
Lineup
Mariachi El Bronx
What started in 2008 as The Bronx's creative experiment became Mariachi El Bronx's unlikely headlining career - a project rooted in their deep connection to the Hispanic music and culture of their Los Angeles home. Although seemingly different, the band doesn’t see the genres of punk and mariachi as mutually exclusive - they instead view them as spiritually entwined forces rooted in resilient storytelling. With three acclaimed albums to their name, the eight-piece has shared stages with the Foo Fighters and the Killers, performed everywhere from Letterman to NPR’s Tiny Desk, and lit up festivals from Coachella to Glastonbury. They even lent their sound to TV, recording theme songs for Weeds (“Little Boxes”) and Aqua Teen Hunger Force (“Aqua Something You Know Whatever”). Despite nearly two decades of success Mariachi El Bronx still considers themselves lifelong students of the artform.
Tijuana Panthers
In one form or another, Tijuana Panthers have existed most of its members’ lives. Daniel Michicoff (bass/vocals), Chad Wachtel (guitar/vocals), and Phil Shaheen (drums/vocals) became friends when they were teenagers in Long Beach, California, and started playing music together soon after, eventually becoming one of the shining stars of the twenty-first century garage-rock revival scene—a (relatively) chill surf-rock-inspired complement to the ruckus of acts like Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees. But while many of their initial contemporaries have gone through lineup changes or thrown in the towel, the Panthers are hanging tough—and, in a sense, just hitting their stride.
KCRW DJ LeRoy Downs
LeRoy Downs has been an icon in the jazz industry for the past twenty years. The Los Angeles jazz radio program & festival host, journalist, television producer, curator and concert series producer began his career with station 88.1 FM KKJZ and has continued to contribute to the art form as a broadcaster on several Los Angeles radio stations.
Special Thanks to Our Programming Partner
With Support from Our Sponsors
FAQs
- What can I expect at this event?
Golden hour grooves under the open sky. Bring a picnic, find a spot, and let the music take it from there.
- How do I get to the venue?
Arrival information coming soon! RSVP to get arrival details sent to your email ahead of the event.
- Are pets allowed?
While service dogs are welcome at California Plaza, dogs, cats, and all other pets must stay at home.
- Will there be food and drink available?
Food and drink will be available for purchase from food trucks, vendors, and on-site bars. Guests are also encouraged to pack a picnic or grab a bite at the nearby Grand Central Market to bring over. No outside or personal alcoholic beverages are permitted.
- What items are allowed and prohibited at this event?
Check out Grand Performances Event Policies, Amenities, and FAQs.
- Still have questions?
We can answer them! Please email events@kcrw.org.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
