artists at dignity health

Celebrating 35 years of music and wine times, new musical program director Azul Amaral has changed the usual programming just a tad, ya think?

After years spent fortifying the underground urban dance scene in Los Angeles, Azul seems to have pledged to bring the funk!

Grand Park now has a new leader in their mission to celebrate diversity and unite downtown L.A. with free access to global performing arts.

Noticeable Changes at GP The fantastic water bed that once separated the audience from the main stage featuring world-renown bands of musicians is replaced now with a more playful grassy knoll, perfect for picnic blankets and lite bites.

Concrete stairs wide enough for reserved seating lead the way to the top of the amphitheater for a view as crisp as the new sound system.

Up to 7000 people can now attend Grand Perfs, and there are 350 amphitheater seats. Yet again, they don't allow pets or outside alcoholic beverages and persuade visitors to support the local venues, including an on-site bar. August 7 begins a new lineup of special guest D.J.s and live hiphop performances backed by smooth electronic soundscapes and moody textures that set contemporary music lovers on a vibe of peace and oneness.

Avocado Ale Meet Summer!

Avocado Fest is BACK at Angel City Brew, celebrating the 9th-year release of their avocado-infused brew and all-new GuAvacado Ale, two crisp and refreshing Kolsch-style ales.

Which foods taste best with avocado, music, and fun games? DTLA will soon find out as we celebrate all things grown here in California with select vendors and savory food items brought in by mobile kitchens. GuAvocado Ale still has the same kölsch-style attributes with the subtle flavors of lime, cilantro, and avocados but with an added tropical guava fruitiness.

Skid Row Jamaican Festival

DTLA's most beloved annual free music festival and block party in Skid Row is back, celebrating freedom, resilience, and the Skid Row community!

Hosted by Unkal Bean with Special Guests, plus performances by Urban Voices Project, Street Symphony, The Archivist (DJ Set), and Ase Ashe Drummers. Free food, music, art making, wellness booths, and more! The event takes place Friday, August 6th, 5pm - 8pm at Gladys Park.

At Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), volunteers have the unique opportunity to utilize art therapy to help patients through their healing process.

Art has the unique ability to draw us in and spark our imaginations by stimulating our minds and calming our moods. In a clinical setting, art therapy can have a significant impact on patient recovery, specifically reducing cortisol (stress hormone) and enhancing endorphins (“feel-good” hormones).

One particular volunteer, 20-year old Sophia Pei, a pre-medical student at the University of Southern California (USC), spends time at CHMC spreading kindness and bringing smiles to patients. Sophia has returned to CHMC to harness her passion for painting and drawing, as she knows it can help patients feel better.

“Many patients do not have family members or visitors at this time, and being alone can make feeling better harder,” shares Sophia.

“The collaborative art projects often distract the patients from the pain and stress they are going through.”

Sophia leads the art therapy session by painting and coloring with each patient that she meets. Many times, the patients draw or paint their own artwork, and the two exchange works.

"The importance of having art therapy in a healthcare setting is remarkable, since it offers our patients a unique experience during their healing journey, says Alina Moran, CHMC President.

The Art Therapy Program allows our patients to bond and interact with volunteers, such as Sophia, in a soothing environment.