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Marilynn M. Ramirez
Professor Chuy Martinez
MUS 141
June 28, 2016
Magonama : LACMA
On Saturday, June 18th, 2016 I decided to attended a concert at LACMA (the Los
Angeles County Museum of Arts). The concert was going to be held at the Handcock Park
within LACMAs facilities. I never been to this museum before so assumed it was an indoors
concert with no pets allowed kind of place, but to my contrary belief I was wrong.
Upon arrival to LACMA we had a difficult time looking for parking, which seemed odd
since there were more parking floors, but were difficult to get to. Once we managed to find a
spot on the first floor parking lot we made our way to the elevators to get to the very top floors
where the main floors to LACMA is. We had no clue where the concert was being held at, but
all I wanted was nice cool spot to rest at and enjoy some good music. Unfortunately, looking
around I noticed people in summer outwear attire with lawn chairs, and other picnic utilities.
Once we reached to the top floor there was a sign that directed us to where the concert was being
held at. So when I noticed where it was, outside, I was really disappointed. I honestly taught
this was an indoors event.
Automatically you can hear the music playing from afar, and walking up closer it only
got louder. There were people all over the place, either on the floor sitting, sitting against the
walls, at the sitting area up close front where the stage was, people dancing up front where the
band was, and people setting up campgrounds. Many people brought their own boxes filled with
food, chairs, blankets, and umbrellas to enjoy a evening out and hear good music. Sadly for me,

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I was very unprepared for everything. I thought I was prepared after reading the website, but yet
I was overly dressed, and my anxiety was up so high from the place being full and crowded, and
the lack of chairs just made it very unpleasant.
Since finding parking was difficult we managed to hear three songs before they went on a
break. They played Suavecito which is a song that Ive heard before at family outings and
other events played by other musicians. The vocalist was the daughter in law to one of the main
band members, which I couldnt get the name since it was difficult to hear anything from where I
was standing. The second song they played was called A Ci Es La Vida, or translated in
English, Thats How Life Is. This song was new to me, and it was fun to listen to. It had three
vocalist, and the main soloist was the male vocalist. It also contained a violin part in this song,
which was interesting to hear in a Latin Jazz style of music. I also discovered a new instrument
that I never seen before, so it was difficult to know the name, luckily with the help from
Professor Chuy, I learned that it was called a Guido, which was like a handheld washboard that
uses a drum stick to swipe up and down against it. The third song I heard the group played was
called Tin Marin where the male vocalist sung and the instrumental soloist in this piece went
to the electric Bass player, John Pintoff. His bass was interesting because it was an electric
version so it was capable to be heard through a speaker. I really loved hearing, especially for an
outdoor event.
The whole group consisted of eleven players whom played the violin, flute, congas, alto
saxophone, keyboard, bass, snare drums, guido, and vocals. It was a nice big band, with great
sound and color, and had many interesting instruments to play to create a Latin feel that just
makes everyone get up and dance. It was obvious that they were well known, especially since
they originated from the K.Jazz 88.1 FM radio station. I only managed to catch three tunes

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before I couldnt take the heat, the crowd, and my anxiety kicking in anymore. So once they
went on break that when I decided to leave for my own health reasons. I just didnt want to faint
at an outing with so many people around, and create a scene. I just wish that the LACMA
website clearly stated that this was an outdoor event, and animals were allowed, otherwise I
would of dressed more comfortably, and had my dogs around to comfort me when my anxiety
started to rise up. I do plan to visit again, but next time to plan better, and have supplies ready so
I can set up a campground where I can see and hear the band play clearly, while enjoying the
event. At the same time, this event was free except for the parking, which costed me $12 to
park. Overall Id give this event experience a C-

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