Making Memories Festival 2021

colorful illustration of Los Angeles skyline, music stage, food trucks and Ozomatli logo

Making Memories Festival 2021

A Celebration of LA Food & Music

Sunday, November 14, 2021  |  12PM–6PM
LA State Historic Park

2021 marked our 40th Anniversary, and to celebrate, we are hosted the Making Memories Festival: A Celebration of LA Food & Music on Sunday, November 14th. This outdoor multicultural festival featured delicious cuisines from LA’s best food trucks and local bands loved by our community, as well as informational booths focusing on brain health and other healthy lifestyle opportunities.

Highlights from Making Memories Festival 2021:

Brain Health Block Party

simple illustration of people inside a heart shape

Community

cartoon of a brain and a heart connected by an electrical plug

Brain Health

simple illustration of a glowing lightbulb

Resources

simple illustration of an apple on a stack of books

Education

Music + Food

simple colorful illustration of a guitar

Live Music

simple colorful illustration of a food truck

Food Trucks

Don’t miss this bold and energetic headline performance by Grammy Award-winners Ozomatli!

Ozomatli standing in dry basin of the Los Angeles River
Ozomatli logo

Ozomatli

Ozomatli’s music is as multifaceted as its members and influences. Meeting as young political activists and musicians, the original band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 to play a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— all while following a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around Los Angeles.

Their music has been recognized and celebrated widely – having won four Grammy Awards, serving as official US Cultural Ambassadors playing to audiences around the world, and here in the City of LA, April 23rd is designated Ozomatli Day in recognition of their immense contribution to the cultural life of our city.

Over the course of Ozomatli’s 25 year career, the group has sold hundreds of thousands of albums, consistently sold out concerts around the world, and performed on high profile TV shows like The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Tonight Show w/Jay Leno, and Austin City Limits. The band also stars in Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed and has been featured on PBS Kids.

With special guests Egyptian Lover, ELLAS, No Small Children and Quinto Sol

Egyptian Lover holding a Roland TR-808

Egyptian Lover

The Egyptian Lover has been bringing you that sound you have enjoyed for over 35 years. Some call it Electro, some call it Hip Hop, some call it Old School, some call it Rap, but he calls it “Dance Music”. Egyptian Lover makes music to make you dance.

He started out as a DJ in 1978-79 and became the headlining DJ for Uncle Jam’s Army in 1982. He has been in the music business all of his life. His first time in the studio he recorded the “Breakin’ & Entering” soundtrack. A true “Electro” recording and the first of its kind.

Getting his style from Kraftwerk and enjoying the Roland TR-808 drum machine, programming it like a mad man, he loved beats and no one was making beats back then. You could only get a (bonus beat) at the end of a song on a 12″ single. So He made his own. After that He went into the studio with Uncle Jam’s Army and recorded “Yes, Yes, Yes” with beats that sound like that “Breakin’ & Entering” soundtrack and “Dial-a-Freak” one of his all time favourites.

The Egyptian Lover wrote all the lyrics, he said “it was easy”. Because he was making rap tapes for people at his High School 1978-1981 (James Monroe in the San Fernando Valley) he was doing pretty good for himself as he was selling many many tapes. The Egyptian Lover became a local celebrity.

When asked about his experiences he stated, “It was so much fun in the studio I had to go back and record some more. I booked the studio time and grabbed my notebook of raps and went to the studio to record my solo project “Beast Beats”. My mother and sister read the title of my song and said, “You better not make that song, Don’t play with the Devil”. So I went to the studio and changed my mind and programmed the beat to “Egypt Egypt”.

He did not think this song was going to be a big hit, he had just wanted a song to play at the dances while he was DJing. He wanted a song that said his name in it (he admits, I was kinda vain).

The Egyptian Lover continued to explain what happened when he started making the beat for Egypt Egypt, I did the music the way I had mixed other music, arranged the song like a mega mix of all the songs I had mixed at the dances and took out my notebook of raps and put together a song. It was all pieces that was mixed together. When the song was completed… I took the tape to 1580 KDAY (the local L.A. radio station) and they loved it.

After this initial success he was spurred on and went back to the studio and recorded “And My Beat Goes Boom”, “What is a D.J. if He Can’t Scratch?” and “The Ultimate Scratch”.

When prompted to let us know what changes this brought to his life he continued, I did not know what I was in for. I started doing concerts and having more fun than I ever dreamed. I have been all over the U.S. and thanks to all my fans all over the globe, I am still doing shows and keeping the party HOT!!! I love my job. Thank you!”

members of No Small Children standing in front of school lockers

No Small Children

No Small Children’s animated, edgy and break-neck live show both invites you in and calls you out, all while you sing along to the fresh, yet familiar, refrains of their carefully constructed songs. Their glamorous matching dresses and bona fide command of the stage will have you leaving at the end of the night a little hoarse, with a smile, and with a warm fuzzy feeling.

“I was struck not only by their musicianship but by how well they engage an audience. Lisa and Joanie are a powerful pair of front women” -Alice Bag Razorcake Mag

No Small Children is an all-girl band, or as they call themselves, a band. They were born on the playground in the spring of 2012. Elementary schoolteachers by day, guitarist and singer Lisa Pimentel and drummer Nicola Berlinsky decided to start the band while covering recess duty. Three months later they had an EP, countless shows behind them and an east coast tour booked. By October 2013, bass player and singer Joanie Pimentel had moved to Los Angeles to join the group. With all three teaching at the same school, lunch breaks became band meetings, after-school times became rehearsals and holidays were reserved for touring.

Over the years, No Small Children has released four albums, eleven singles, and countless music videos. They have placements and appearances in film, TV, and radio including; Ghostbusters, A Simple and Favor, NPR, Santa Clarita Diet and many more. NSC have toured all over the country and also love being part of their vibrant Los Angeles music community.

“It’s not unusual for kids to wear a T-shirt to school with their favorite band on it. But at this school, that T-shirt may also have a picture of their teacher — actually, three of their teachers.” NPR –Secret Lives of Teachers, 2014.

These ladies eat, live, and breathe music. You can feel it in their songs. They create it, perform it, and then pass their love of it onto you.

Quinto Sol in front of Los Angles skyline

Quinto Sol

Music can be contagious, inspiring, and poignant. Quinto Sol (QS), or Fifth Sun, caries that type of emotion and sound – deeply rooted in community and roots music – from the Americas, to the Caribbean and Africa. Having emerged from the artist/activist community of East Los Angeles in 1994, Quinto Sol is roots-reggae at its core woven seamlessly with Latin rhythms like Cumbia, rumba, and son. Quinto Sol is a collective of musicians, inspired to use music as a tool for awareness of socio-political and economic issues facing their community. They do this by translating their own urban realities in every day life and the struggles of indigenous communities in the world, through conscious lyrics and powerful live performances.

Ellas band members holding their musical instruments

ELLAS

This triple threat from Los Angeles, California has been dazzling audiences around the world with their unique blend of mariachi and modern music. Simply with a guitar, guitarron, violin and their angelic harmonies, Ellas reached #7 on the iTunes Latin charts for their debut album “Primerafila.” The young trio is composed of Suemy Gonzalez (violin and vocals), a graduate of USC’s prestigious Thornton School of Music, Nelly Cortez (guitarron and vocals), a fourth-generation mariachi musician and recreational pilot, and Melinda Salcido (guitar and vocals), who has toured with the likes of Joan Sebastian and recorded with Marco Antonio Solis.

Suemy, Nelly and Melinda have also earned Grammy nominations and a Grammy award in their own musical careers. Ellas has performed at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Dolby Theater, and the “nest” for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The mixture of their own musical upbringing along with some of their favorite musical genres such as gypsy jazz, pop and country inspires audiences, leaving them wanting more.

DJ Monalisa adjusting a turntable at walk4ALZ 2019

DJ Monalisa

Monalisa Murray has been associated with quality music and events in Los Angeles and across the country for over 20 years. She supported various DJs, artists and musicians as both a music promoter and a fan before taking her love of music to the turntables 13 years ago. Her music format is described as “anything with a groove,” ranging from soul, funk, & hip hop to rock, pop, jazz-funk & world music but also includes less familiar and undiscovered gems & jams of all genres. Monalisa has a monthly show on Dublab called Paths of Rhythm, where she explores various styles of music. She is a member of KPL All-Stars, Ladies of Sound and Prism DJs, and is currently a rotating resident DJ at LA’s Motown On Mondays.

SCHEDULE

The festival will be held outdoors, rain or shine!

Gates open at 12 pm

12:00 pm – DJ Mona Lisa

12:30 pm – Quinto Sol

1:30 pm – No Small Children

2:30 pm – Egyptian Lover

3:30 pm – ELLAS

4:45 pm – Ozomatli

The Brain Health Block Party will be open from 12-4pm. Make sure to visit our vendors for free resources and information!

Health + Safety

The health and safety of our community, staff, and volunteers is our first priority, and we will continue to follow local and national recommendations. We have recently updated our health and safety protocols to adhere to LA County Public Health guidelines.

We are requiring all attendees to provide proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the festival. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks while near the concession area and while waiting in line for food trucks.

For more information, please review our HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

Last updated: November 11, 2021

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Making Memories Festival is taking place at Los Angeles State Historic Park located at 1501 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, close to Chinatown and the Metro Gold Line.

The Park is located just 1 mile away from Los Angeles Union Station, making it accessible from several routes.

Driving Directions
If you are traveling northbound or southbound on the 101 Freeway, exit Alameda Street, turn right at the off ramp; Alameda turns into North Spring Street. The Park will be on your left.

If you are traveling on the I-5 Freeway, exit Broadway, go west, and stay in the left lane. When Broadway splits in two directions, take North Spring Street to the left.

Accessibility
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is committed to making our event accessible to all who wish to enjoy it.

The beautiful Los Angeles State Historic Park is entirely ground level and accessible, including four handicap parking spaces near the park entrance. Please note, the event takes place on grass.

ASL interpreters will be available throughout the program and during all live performances.

If you have any further accessibility questions, please contact us donate@alzla.org or at 323-930-6201.

Transportation
We encourage carpooling, ride services, biking, or taking public transportation to the festival. The Metro Rail Chinatown Station on the gold line is less than a block away from the park.

Parking
Event parking is at 1501 N Spring Street for $10 per car (accepts cash and credit card).  Limited free parking is available along the park’s perimeter.

map of Los Angeles State Historic park
The festival will be held outdoors, rain or shine!

Let’s Get Social!

Let your friends know where you’ll be on November 14th.
Find Alzheimer’s Los Angeles on social media:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Zenith logo
Biogen logo
Ely Lilly logo
Acadia Pharmaceuticals logo
Aetna logo
Alfred E Mann Family Foundation logo
Amoeba Music logo
Cedars Sinai logo
Covington Capital Management logo
Genentech logo
Alector logo
Deloitte logo
Eisai logo
KABC-7 logo
KROQ logo
L.A. Care Health Plan logo
Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation
UCLA Health logo
Vectis Strategies logo
Welbrook Senior Living

FAQs

We have recently updated our health and safety protocols to adhere to LA County Public Health guidelines. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the festival will be required for everyone attending. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks while near the concession area and while waiting in line for food trucks. For more information, please read our HEALTH+SAFETY GUIDELINES below.

Of course! Please visit our donation page. Thank you for supporting families facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Please make checks payable to “Alzheimer’s Los Angeles” and mail to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, ATTN: Making Memories Festival, 4221 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Tickets to the event are not tax-deductible. If you add a donation to your purchase, your donation is 100% tax deductible to the extent of the US law. You will receive separate receipts for your tickets and donation (if applicable).

Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. To transfer your tickets, please contact us at donate@alzla.org.

As long you have your wristband

Yes. Alcohol will be sold on premises to those over 21 with valid ID.

No smoking or vaping will be allowed onsite.

Limited seating will be available. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets for the lawn. Blankets will also be available for purchase. Please do not bring any tall or large items that can obstruct other’s view of the stage.

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is committed to making our event accessible to all who wish to enjoy it. Los Angeles State Historic Park is entirely ground level and accessible, including four handicap parking spaces near the park entrance. Please note, the event takes place on grass.

ASL interpreters will be available throughout the program and during all live performances.

HEALTH + SAFETY

The health and safety of our community, staff, and volunteers is our first priority, and we will continue to follow local and national recommendations. We have recently updated our health and safety protocols to adhere to LA County Public Health guidelines. Please see below for more details and information.

The following protocols are required for all attendees, staff, volunteers, talent, and crew:

  • Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the festival will be required for everyone attending.
  •  “Fully vaccinated” means it has been at least two weeks after your final dose of a vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
    (FDA).
  • Attendees will need to either bring your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record. All California residents may request a digital vaccination record at MyVaccineRecord.cdph.ca.gov.
  • Instead of a vaccination record, attendees can also present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours of the festival. Attendees will need to bring either a physical COVID-19 test result, emailed result, or picture of results showing a negative diagnosis as well as the date and their name.
  • Stay home if you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with someone known to be or suspected to have been infected with COVID-19 within the last 10 days, or if you are subject to a quarantine or isolation order.
  • Sanitize your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Attendees who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks while at the Making Memories Festival.
  • All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks while near the concession area and while waiting in line for food trucks.

The Making Memories Festival will implement additional safety protocols such as physical distancing, providing masks upon request, hand sanitizing stations throughout the park, and more.

We encourage all attendees who are able to get vaccinated, to do so, and are proud to say that 100% of the Alzheimer’s Los Angeles staff is fully vaccinated.

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Published On: November 15th, 2021Categories: Making Memories Festival, News & Events