Every Saturday from 5-7pm during the summer in Los Angeles, The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) presents the FREE Latin Sounds summer concert series.  Begun in 2006, Latin Sounds presents world-renowned artists playing the latest sounds from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Los Angeles on Saturday afternoons from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  This Saturday (August 3, 2013) Electric violinist Susie Hansen and her Latin Band will be performing their brand of fiery Latin jazz and salsa.

A bounty of people, including folks of all ages, come out with their blankets, food, and BYOB (and strollers), and flood the park to take in the sights and sounds of a beautiful Los Angeles afternoon.  It is truly a terrific way to spend a Saturday.  And did we mention that it’s free.

On Saturday, June 28, 2013, I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with friends, food, music and, of course, drinks.  Freddie Ravel and his rhythmic keyboards lit up Hancock Park (behind the museum) and filled the air with marvelous Latin sounds while we languished in the sun sipping on champagne and eating yummy picnic style snacks, including chips and hummus, watermelon, fresh homemade black-eyed pea salad made by Apryl, a delicious turkey avocado sandwich from Mendocino Farms right up the street on Fairfax Ave, and chocolate covered almonds.

The two champagnes we enjoyed for the day were the Schramsberg Blanc de Noir and the Veuve Clicquot Rose’.   The Blanc de Noir is the counterpoint to a Blanc de Blanc, made with red pinot grapes.  It has a robust, crisp taste and is great chilled with soft, nutty cheeses, macadamia nuts, and halibut or similar white fish.  The Veuve Clicquot Rose’ is one of my all time favorites.  It has an elegant scent with fruity raspberry, strawberry notes and its flavors are intense and refreshing!

 

Sipping sensational champagne out of plastic glasses while sitting in the grass listening to live music is an experience I encourage you to take advantage of.

I’ll drink to that!

For more info and artists listing, check out LACMA Latin Sounds.