The complex life and powerful voice of Los Angeles native Etta James, whose musical journey through gospel and blues turned her into a rock ‘n’ roll innovator.
October 14, 7:30 pm
October 15, 7:30 pm
@ Westminster Presbyterian Church
October 19, 3:00 pm SOLD OUT
@ Skirball Cultural Center
October 19, 7:30 pm
@ Skirball Cultural Center
MUSE/IQUE
Pop-Up Exhibit
ABOUT
MUSE/IQUE Presents
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ETTA JAMES?
The Guts and Triumph of An American Icon
The complex life and powerful voice of Los Angeles native Etta James, whose musical journey through gospel and blues turned her into a rock ‘n’ roll innovator.
Etta James’s commanding voice, iconic bleached blonde up-do, and timeless records have cemented her as a true legend.
But to look past the mythology is to realize that much of Etta’s career required tenacity and transformation. When mounting one of her many comebacks, Etta called small clubs pretending to be her own management and asked, “Have you ever heard of Etta James?”
MUSE/IQUE celebrates the legacy of the woman who reinvented herself time and time again, and blended grit and beauty like no one else. With songs that showcase her mastery of genre, from “This Little Light of Mine” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” to her opus “At Last,” you’ll leave the show with a triumphant story, determined to be your best, most authentic self.
Vanessa Bryan (vocals)
Vanessa Bryan has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ most commanding and versatile vocalists. Vanessa has shared the stage at Madison Square Garden and completed two world tours with Broadway icon Idina Menzel, electrified crowds at Coachella alongside RAYE, and headlined the legendary Glastonbury Festival with The Killers.
Gaby Moreno (vocals)
Gaby Moreno is an award-winning singer-songwriter and producer. Since moving to Los Angeles from her native Guatemala, Gaby has released nine albums, won a GRAMMY and earned GRAMMY nominations for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album and Best Latin Pop Album. She won two Latin GRAMMY Awards for Best New Artist and Best Traditional Tropical Album.
LaVance Colley (vocals)
LaVance Colley fuses the range and fervor of a gospel singer with the versatility of jazz and the heart of R&B to develop a style all his own. His credits include working with legends like Beyoncé, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, and Diana Ross. LaVance is known for his role as lead vocalist and emcee on tour with Postmodern Jukebox.
.png)
DC6 SINGERS COLLECTIVE, VOCALS
DC6 Singers Collective (vocals) are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra. They frequently collaborate with longtime partners like MUSE/IQUE and local arts organizations that amplify the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Proudly sponsored by Classical California KUSC
Classical California KUSC is the #1 classical music radio station in the nation. KUSC and Muse/ique share a mission to broaden musical perspectives and expand access to transformative music experiences. Listen to KUSC on the radio at 91.5 FM in Los Angeles and Orange County, online at kusc.org, and our free smartphone apps on Apple and Android. And check out our streams online and on our website including our exclusive video game music stream called Arcade, a move music stream and more.
MUSE/IQUE is proud to partner with Skirball Cultural Center for our October 19 performances of “Have You Ever Heard of Etta James?”
ADMISSIONS
MUSE/IQUE is a member-driven organization. Membership gives you admissions to 12 months of MUSE/IQUE events, beginning the moment you sign up! The more you give, the more you support us in our mission to bring life-changing live music to all.
Click here to find a membership level that best suits you.
PRESHOW
October 15 @ Westminster Presbyterian Church
It’s KUSC Night at MUSE/IQUE: Meet our special guest from Classical California KUSC
Be sure to stop by before showtime and say hello to Classical California KUSC host, Jennifer Miller Hammel, who will be making introductions on October 15th!
Jennifer Miller Hammel moved to Los Angeles to become an opera singer and landed a starring role behind the mic on KUSC and KDFC. She has been performing professionally as a vocalist, recording artist, and pianist for over 20 years, with career highlights that include Gounod’s Faust, Ragtime, soprano soloist in Carmina Burana, Poulenc’s Gloria, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
October 19 @ Skirball Cultural Center
Exclusive for MUSE/IQUE audiences: Explore the museums before the show!
In collaboration with Skirball Cultural Center, we invite you to explore the museum before the show—free of charge! Exhibit highlight includes Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity.
Skirball Cultural Center’s museum will be open 10 AM - 7 PM.
VENUES
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1757 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Note:
Our Westminster Presbyterian Church performances of “Have You Ever Heard of Etta James?” were originally scheduled to take place at The Huntington. Due to rain, we have moved The Huntington Performances indoors at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Zimmerman, Tom, Los Angeles Public Library