The hardest party to bring a backpack into just got a whole lot harder to attend. That is of course, unless you’re one of the many invited City and County frontline and essential workers who gave us hope during the pandemic.
For all others, Grand Park’s NYELA, powered by The Music Center, will ring in the new year by honoring the resilience of Los Angeles County with a live one-hour special broadcast and streaming event.
The program, which will feature joyful musical performances and Grand Park’s signature video projection countdown, will be broadcast on Fuse and livestreamed on Grand Park’s YouTube channel, providing the opportunity for people around the country and around the globe to experience the park’s grand-scale New Year’s Eve celebration.
In line with Grand Park’s commitment to featuring L.A.-based talent reflective of the “park for everyone,” Grand Park’s NYELA will feature a dynamic line-up of performances beginning with the Afro-Dominican rhythms of songstress Esty, followed by the R&B-influenced alt-hop beats of South L.A.’s DUCKWRTH.
Latin icon for alternative electronic music worldwide and known for popular hits such as “Mas,” “Hasta Quemarnos” and “Soun Tha Mi Primer Amor,” Kinky will close out the hour-long program with a high-energy set. Dropping dance beats in back-to-back DJ sets, Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of independent Stone Throw Records, and J.Rocc, one of the original turntablists, will keep the party atmosphere going between main stage performances.
The celebration will culminate with Grand Park’s signature midnight countdown created in a new partnership with Xitelabs out of Calabasas, featuring an exciting showcase of stunning 3D graphics and light shown on the iconic Los Angeles City Hall building. The midnight countdown show will meet the special moment of ringing in the new year in person for the guests and the larger home audience watching online with the themes of hope, perseverance, action, bravery, boldness, positivity, and unity.
Viewers can tune in or log on to the flagship West Coast countdown celebration on Friday, December 31, 2021, from 11:00 p.m.–12:01 a.m. PT / 2:00 a.m.–3:01 a.m. ET January 1, 2022, to watch on Fuse (check local listings) or stream on Grand Park’s YouTube channel (@grandparkLosAngeles).
“With a special invitation-only audience and an event that everyone can also enjoy from home, Grand Park’s NYELA is our way of saying thank you to the many whose personal and professional sacrifices kept us safe.
In partnership with the City and County of Los Angeles, these essential workers embody the resilience and heart found in all Angelenos that will carry us into 2022.
This year’s celebration with Kinky, DUCKWRTH, Esty, Peanut Butter Wolf, and J. Rocc also keeps with Grand Park’s tradition of presenting the best ‘homegrown’ talent, highlighting forward-thinking artists, embracing diverse backgrounds, and helping to further connect each of us,” said Julia Diamond, director, Grand Park. “Audiences, no matter where they are celebrating, can expect upbeat performances and dance floor beats—hallmarks of every Grand Park’s NYELA.”
