Los Angeles

LA gardening “rebel” Ron Finley – known for planting fruit and vegetable gardens in public parkways in South LA – empowers communities in urban food deserts to harness the power of growing food. Yo-Yo joins Ron for a visit in his garden to learn more about the intersection of culture, nature, and empowerment in Los Angeles, and specifically Ron’s “horticulture revolution” in South LA and beyond. Private.

LA Commons engages communities to create public art that tells their stories and inspires dialogue, interaction, and a better understanding of Los Angeles. This session engages their story summit model, which brings individuals together for storytelling sessions that create new coalitions and new art. Held at The Ford’s beautiful open-air amphitheater, 21 artists, poets, policymakers, organizational leaders, gardeners, food professionals, and others come together with Yo-Yo Ma to explore the question: What would a more people–centered use of land look like in LA? Five commissioned artists will create new work that reflects the stories grown and shared. In partnership with LA Commons and the LA Phil. By invitation only.

Born out of a community of East La organizers, Las Cafeteras tell modern–day stories of love in justice in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Yo-Yo Ma joins members of the group in the historically Chicano/Mexican­­­–American neighborhood of Boyle Heights–­­­­­home to the city’s mariachi community, storytellers who were particularly hard hit by the COVID­–19 pandemic – to perform songs of healing, hope, and the future. In partnership with Hector Flores.Open to the public.