65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

Special | 2h 55m 59sVideo has Closed Captions

The annual live event features 28 artists with past favorites and exciting new talent.

12/24/2024

65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

Special | 2h 55m 59sVideo has Closed Captions

The annual live event features 28 artists with past favorites and exciting new talent.

The 65th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns live to The Music Center and offers Angelenos of all ages the opportunity to experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the county. Enjoy a diverse lineup of L.A.-based artists including many past favorites and some exciting new talent! Hosted by stand-up comedian, visual artist, SNL alum and L.A. native Melissa Villaseñor!

12/24/2024

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Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal

65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

Special | 2h 55m 59sVideo has Closed Captions

12/24/2024

Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback

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female announcer: Los Angeles County, a vibrant tapestry woven under the sun's rays.

Illuminating cultures, traditions and stories, our collective light of 10 million people shines bright, and the holiday season glows with laughter and joy.

This is our place to remember, to belong, to raise our voices in song, to dance and play, each of us bringing something special to the party, the light that is us.

♪♪♪ female announcer: Welcome to the 65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration.

Melissa Villaseñor: Hola, hi, I'm Melissa Villaseñor.

Good to--good to be here.

I'm holiday happy to be your host for this, what will surely be a marvelous and exciting show placing a spotlight on some of LA County's most gifted musicians, dancers, singers, and performers.

It's gonna be so much fun.

Before we begin, we want to acknowledge that we're on the lands of Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kith, and Chumash peoples, and we are thankful for their many years of stewardship of the land.

And many thanks to all for being with us today.

I especially enjoy the wonderful traditions and celebrations we have during this time.

And, of course, holiday happiness includes this, the annual countywide tradition that is the LA County holiday celebration, yeah.

So, tonight we celebrate you, the 10 million people who live in Los Angeles County.

You are a VIP, a very important participant.

If you'd like to sing along, sing.

If you wanna dance, dance.

You know I will, off camera.

And you're welcome to share the show with everyone, even those outside the LA area.

I'm looking at you, Inland Empire.

It's easy to join us, because we're live streaming on PBSSoCal.org.

Now, let's get going with this extravaganza as we welcome this premier West Coast Latin music ensemble.

The band's name reflects its mission, bringing the truth with a message of we are one.

A big Los Angeles welcome to Gabrielito y La Verdad.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Can't understand.

♪ Why we treat each other in this way.

♪ ♪ Taking up time.

♪ With the silly, silly games we play.

♪ ♪ We've got our love.

♪ And no matter how it's said or done.

♪ ♪ Oh.

♪ We are one.

♪ No matter who you are.

♪ We are one.

♪ Come say from afar.

♪ We are one.

♪ And that's the only way.

♪ We are one.

♪ Sometimes I feel.

♪ That we treat each other oh so bad.

♪ ♪ The things we do.

♪ How we make each other feel so bad.

♪ ♪ We've got our love.

♪ We could all be having so much fun.

♪ ♪ Oh.

♪ We are one.

♪ Right from the very start.

♪ We are one.

♪ Deep down in your heart.

♪ We are one.

♪ And that's the only way.

♪ We are one.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ No puede ser.

♪ Nos hagamos siempre sentir mal.

♪ ♪ No se porque.

[singing in Spanish] ♪ Comunidad.

♪ Tan bien que nos podemos llevar.

♪ ♪ Oh.

♪ We are one.

[singing in Spanish] ♪ We are one.

♪ Desde corazon.

♪ We are one.

♪ Somos con unidad.

♪ We are one.

♪ No time to waste.

♪ Our time is short.

♪ We must not waste it.

♪ When it's all said and done.

♪ [singing in Spanish] ♪ No time to waste.

♪ Our time is short.

♪ We must not waste it.

♪ When it's all said and done.

♪ [singing in Spanish] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ No time to waste.

♪ Our time is short.

♪ We must not waste it.

♪ When it's all said and done.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ We are one.

♪♪♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ Martha L.Z.

Pamintuan: Dance is definitely a speech without words, transforming our audiences to be in those shoes of those dancers on stage.

We just like them to feel everything that we feel.

The program is established so that students that have never danced before come to this program and become a dancer.

Long Beach City College is a diverse campus, and we offer a beautiful dance program here, hosting all types of students from diverse bodies to disabilities.

Myself and my colleague, Stephanie Powell, as women of color, we both strive to be examples to our students.

Usually dance is considered elite, so, you know, it costs a lot of money to be able to take classes and become this beautiful dancer, so we work really hard to make dreams come true.

Brandy Factory: It gave me experiences to be able to, like, do commercial work, like the Super Bowl, and it's also helped me get into working in education.

I'm currently a program director for a high school.

Gwen Casillan: The community is really all about the dance family.

It's really like a second home to me.

Martha: We have beautiful, uplifting performances with sets, scenic design, lighting, costumes that are made exactly for their bodies.

Brandy: She loves to incorporate other cultures, other movement styles outside of just modern and contemporary, which makes her pieces very appealing to different audiences.

Gwen: Being on stage at the music center is surreal, and telling my family and friends about it is such a joy.

Brandy: It's brought my family so much joy, they're so excited to see it.

Martha: The performance that we are planning for the holiday celebration is about winter and how that goes into a deeper, darker kind of cycle, but we hope to really encourage people to see the light, to feel uplifted, and to just bring the holiday spirit and joy to their homes and then start fresh for the new year.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] announcer: And now, celebrating the universal themes of joy and fun, welcome the Musyca Children's Choir.

♪♪♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell swing and jingle bells ring.

♪ ♪ Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun.

♪ ♪ Now the jingle hop has begun.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time.

♪ ♪ Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square.

♪ ♪ In the frosty air.

♪ What a bright time, it's the right time.

♪ ♪ To rock the night away.

♪ Jingle bell time is a swell time.

♪ ♪ To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh.

♪ ♪ Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet.

♪ ♪ Jingle around the clock.

♪ Mix and a-mingle with a jingling beat.

♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell rock.

♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time.

♪ ♪ Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square.

♪ ♪ In the frosty air.

♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell swing and jingle bells ring.

♪ ♪ Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun.

♪ ♪ Now the jingle hop has begun.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time.

♪ ♪ Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square.

♪ ♪ In the frosty air.

♪ What a bright time, it's the right time.

♪ ♪ To rock the night away.

♪ Jingle bell time is a swell time.

♪ ♪ To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh.

♪ ♪ Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet.

♪ ♪ Jingle around the clock.

♪ Mix and a-mingle with a jingling beat.

♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell.

That's the jingle bell.

♪ ♪ That's the jingle bell.

♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

♪ ♪ Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell.

♪ ♪ Rock.

[audience cheering] Melissa: Oh my gosh, that was amazing.

Queen Noveen: It is, yeah.

Melissa: Hey, so now we meet our voice of goddess who will introduce some of tonight's phenomenal entertainment acts.

Hi there, Queen Noveen.

Queen: Hello.

Melissa: I'm delighted you're here with us.

Queen: And I am excited to share the spectacular show lineup.

Melissa: I'm curious, what's your favorite, your family's favorite holiday food?

Queen: You know, I'm first generation Jamaican-American, and my grandma will make porridge in the morning, so it's got that chunks, it's very sweet, it's kind of like oatmeal.

I'm getting hungry just talking about it.

Melissa: I like the chunks.

Queen: How about you?

Melissa: My favorite holiday treat is buñuelos.

I'll say it again if Santa's listening.

I love buñuelos, okay?

It's a crispy fried tortilla with sugar and cinnamon, muy rico, the best ever.

Now, tell us who's next on our holiday celebration stage?

Queen: Well, you know, right now we get to celebrate a trio of virtuoso guitarists to perform their Grammy Award-winning rendition of a Johnny Cash classic.

Give it up for The String Revolution.

Melissa: Yeah.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ Angela An: Everyone is familiar with K-pop and K-drama and Koreatown and the food, but Director Kim is very focused on preserving the traditional Korean dance.

The dance that we have at Kim Eung Hwa Korean Dance Academy is the traditional dance.

It's a piece of Korea that we have brought over.

Kim Eung Hwa: [speaking in Korean] [speaking in Korean] Heather Yang: It means a lot to me to be able to interact with my culture on a weekly basis.

That's something that's really integral to my identity.

Angela: Korean culture and performing arts has their own drumbeats, a range from gutgeori, which is a slower tempo, to hwimori, which is faster.

Heather: This is the setup of our sambuk dance.

It's usually to excite viewers.

Angela: Our holiday celebration piece, "The Sound of Drums," is a very particular and special mix of different types of drums.

Drumming in Korea is very symbolic for celebratory events.

It is a practice to ward off any negative, evil energy by beating the drums, and you kind of empty out that space to invite more harmonious and peaceful energy of it and resetting for the new year to come.

♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: That was incredible.

One more time for Korean Dance Company.

[audience cheering] So, living in Los Angeles, it warms my heart and makes my stomach happy to know that no matter where I go, to any holiday party, any gathering, there will be tamales.

All kinds, right?

With pork, with mole, and the sweet ones with chocolate and strawberries.

Oh, I'm getting hungry.

It would be impossible to count or even estimate how many tamales are consumed in our city or county.

Just in my family alone we eat about 20 dozen.

It's estimated that during this time, LA tamale vendors alone sell millions of tamales.

Just one Mexican food store reported making 1 million tamales, and while we're eating millions of tamales, in Japan for the holidays they enjoy, go figure, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

It's true.

It's not a traditional Japanese food, but it has become a widespread custom, with pre-orders reserving meals weeks in advance and blocks long lineup of people picking up their orders.

Some stores even offer a Christmas bucket, which includes fried chicken, all the sides, along with cake and champagne.

All they're missing are tamales.

Who knew?

And now I'm over the luna excited to welcome our next performance.

As a Los Angeles native, I know that Mariachi is a beloved cornerstone of many festivities, right?

Yes, weddings, birthdays, parades, and I've heard some folks got mariachis to serenade as a proposal.

So, to my boyfriend, I'll be waiting in Whittier with the window open.

We love our mariachis, and I think you'll love this performance by this terrific East Side-based all string, all female mariachi ensemble.

They're really, really amazing.

And their name, Colibrí, translates to hummingbirds, and their voices sound like a choir of angels.

Feel free to sing along with the mariachi as they bring us some holiday musical cheer.

Bienvenidos a Las Colibrí.

♪♪♪ ♪ Ahhhhh, Ahhhhh, ♪ ♪ Ahhhhh.

♪ Silver bells, silver bells.

♪ ♪ Silver bells, silver bells.

♪ It's Christmas time in the city.

♪ ♪ Ring-a-ling, ring-a-ling.

♪ Hear them ring, hear them ring.

♪ ♪ Soon it will be Christmas day.

♪ ♪ City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.

♪ ♪ Dressed in holiday style.

♪ In the air there's a feeling.

♪ ♪ Of Christmas.

♪ Children laughing, people passing, ♪ ♪ meeting smile after smile.

♪ And on every street corner you'll hear.

♪ ♪ Silver bells, silver bells.

♪ It's Christmas time in the city.

♪ ♪ Ring-a-ling, ring-a-ling.

♪ Hear them ring, hear them ring.

♪ ♪ Soon it will be Christmas day.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ female: Merry Christmas, Los Angeles!

♪ Al mundo paz, nació Jesus.

♪ ♪ Nació el Salvador.

♪ Y el corazón ya tiene luz.

♪ Y paz su santa grey.

♪ ♪ Y paz, y paz, su santa grey.

♪ ♪ Al mundo él gobernará.

♪ Con grazia y con poder.

♪ A las naciones [singing in Spanish].

♪ Su amor y su poder.

Su amor y su poder.

♪ ♪ Su amor, su amor, y su poder.

♪ female: Vamanos, Los Angeles.

♪ Feliz Navidad.

Feliz Navidad.

♪ female: [speaking in Spanish] ♪ Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad.

♪ ♪ Feliz Navidad.

female: Merry Christmas, everyone.

♪ Feliz Navidad.

♪ Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad.

♪ ♪ I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.

♪ ♪ From the bottom of my heart.

♪ I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.

♪ ♪ I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.

♪ ♪ From the bottom of my heart.

female: [speaking in Spanish] ♪ Feliz Navidad.

Feliz Navidad.

♪ ♪ Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad.

♪ ♪ Feliz Navidad.

Feliz Navidad.

♪ ♪ Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año ♪ y Felicidad.

[audience cheering] Queen: That was amazing.

They were incredible, and Feliz Navidad to you all from backstage at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles at the LA County Holiday Celebration.

It's Christmas Eve, and the show team is here.

We have the camera operators, the lighting crew, the production staff, and just like Santa Claus and his elves, we're all working together and having a grand old time as we bring you this gorgeous music and entertainment show.

We've also invited our friends and families to watch the show, and we hope, fingers crossed, that when we get home, there'll be a plate of cookies and hot chocolate waiting for us.

Hah, just saying.

This next group are college student musicians renowned for their intricate handbell playing abilities and their glorious voices.

Their musicality lets us hear the magic of the season, taking us back to our childhood when the sound of bells ringing meant the holidays were right around the corner.

Join me in welcoming from Citrus Community College in Glendora, ringing Christmas bells into our hearts, The Citrus Singers.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Some folks like to hear a Christmas song.

♪ ♪ But I like Christmas bells that go "Ding-ding dong.

♪ ♪ Jingle jangle, ting-a-ling," or just "Bing bong."

♪ ♪ I love to hear them ring.

♪ Oh, ring those Christmas bells.

♪ ♪ Ring those Christmas bells.

♪ While they chime, we'll have a happy time.

♪ ♪ So ring those Christmas bells.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Up above the stars are clear and bright.

♪ ♪ While all around the snow is soft and white.

♪ ♪ Santa and his reindeer soon will be in sight.

♪ ♪ And you will hear him sing.

♪ "Oh, ring those Christmas bells.

♪ ♪ Ring those Christmas bells.

♪ While they chime, we'll have a happy time.

♪ ♪ So ring those Christmas bells."

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Ding dong.

♪♪♪ ♪ Ding dong.

♪ Ding dong ding.

Ding dong ding.

♪ ♪ Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong ding.

♪ ♪ Ring those Christmas, ring those bells.

♪ ♪ Jing-a-ling-a-ling, jing-a-ling-a-ling.

♪ ♪ Jing-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling.

♪ Jingle "A", jingle "E", jingle "I", jingle ♪ ♪ Oh, the music of an open sleigh.

♪ ♪ When every jolly jingle seems to say.

♪ ♪ "Happy, happy, happy, happy holiday.

♪ ♪ Come on and join the fun."

♪ Ring those Christmas bells.

♪ While they chime, we'll have a happy time.

♪ ♪ So ring those Christmas bells.

♪ ♪ While they chime, we'll have a happy time.

♪ ♪ So ring.

♪ Jing-a-ling-a-jing-a-ling-a -jing-a-ling-a-jing-a-ling-a ♪ ♪ -jing-a-ling-a-jing-a-ling-a -jing-a-ling-a-ring.

♪ ♪ Those Christmas bells.

♪ Jing-a-ling-a-ling-a-ring.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ Robin Deane: L, big.

Robin: My name is Robin Deane, I am the director of the Victory Praise Dancers, and we're at our dance studio located in the Crenshaw District.

I chose the name Victory because victory means to win, and I want every child that walks through that door to know that they are a winner.

Praise dance for us means we dance the gospel, and the gospel means good news.

So, for us, it means to spread joy through movement, through dance.

All of our songs are songs that encourage and songs that uplift.

Leila Powell, Jr.: Praise dancing is, like, not just about dancing.

It's about helping others.

And dancing overall has made me a stronger person physically and emotionally.

Miari Jackson: I'm capable to do anything if I put my mind to it, because I've learned a lot of things that I've haven't done before in my whole life with dancing.

Leila: When I'm dancing, I feel grateful, calm, relaxed, and it just brings you joy.

Miari: You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Robin: Seven, jump, eight.

Yes, switch legs, good job.

Robin: I feel super excited about the celebration.

We get to show the audience, you know, what praise dancers do.

Anytime you're on that stage, you're a leader, so other kids will see them being leaders, and hopefully they will be encouraged.

And this is an awesome opportunity for kids to use their gifts.

It's a sacred dance, it's a spiritual dance, and that's the way we give glory to God.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Joy to the world.

♪ The Lord is come.

♪ Let earth receive her King.

♪ Let every heart.

♪ Prepare him room.

♪ Let heaven.

Let heaven.

♪ ♪ Heaven and nature.

Heaven and nature.

♪ ♪ Sing.

♪ Everybody sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ For the Lord is come.

♪ Let earth receive her King.

♪ Let every heart.

♪ Prepare him room.

♪ And heaven and nature sing.

♪ Go tell of his glory.

♪ Go tell the good story that the Savior is born.

♪ ♪ Heaven and nature.

♪ Joy to the world.

♪ The Lord is come.

♪ Let earth receive her King.

♪ Let fields and floods.

♪ Rocks, hills, and plains.

♪ Repeat the sounding joy.

♪ Go and tell.

Tell of his glory.

♪ ♪ Go tell the good story that the Savior is born.

♪ ♪ Heaven, heaven, heaven, heaven and nature sing.

♪ ♪ Joy to the world.

♪ For the Savior reigns.

♪ And makes his blessings flow.

♪ ♪ Joyful longing.

♪ Nations rise.

♪ Join the triumph of the skies.

♪ ♪ With angelic hosts proclaim.

♪ Glory to the King.

♪ While the angels sing.

♪ Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy.

♪ ♪ Let earth receive her King.

♪ Let every heart.

♪ Prepare him room.

♪ Go and tell it.

Go tell of his glory.

♪ ♪ Go tell the good story that the Savior is born.

♪ ♪ Heaven, heaven, heaven, heaven and nature.

♪ ♪ Joy, joy to the world.

♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Everybody sing.

Joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Everybody sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy to the world, the world.

♪ ♪ Joy, joy, joy to the world.

♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Everybody sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Sing joy, joy, joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Everybody sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy, sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy to the world.

♪ Everybody sing joy to the world.

♪ ♪ Sing joy.

♪ Joy to the world.

[audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: Oh my gosh, one more time for Victory Praise Dancers, let them hear it.

They're from Crenshaw in LA County's 2nd District, which is represented by supervisor Holly Mitchell, who is joining me right now.

Holly Mitchell: Merry Christmas, everybody.

Weren't they amazing?

Melissa: They were so good.

Welcome, Supervisor Mitchell.

Holly: Thank you.

Melissa: Oh.

This celebration is a wonderful, beautiful mix of light and talent.

How are the people of our city and our communities of--the light of LA, and how do they contribute to creating and enhancing the light that is LA?

Holly: So, thank you, Melissa.

You know, first of all, I wanna thank everyone who's tuned in, people who are here in person, and let's thank the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and all of the performers and the Music Center staff, right?

As you can imagine, this isn't easy to pull together, and they pull it off year after year after year.

I see the light of LA in how the residents of LA County show up for each other.

The holidays can sometimes be a challenging time of year for many of us, and we are renewed by the volunteers who deliver meals to struggling families, as well as my fellow public servants, who help our most vulnerable residents find things like housing.

So, let us also think not just of those who look like they need help, but those who may not be willing to ask for help, because we need to show up for them too.

Being there for our fellow Angelenos adds rich meaning to the diverse holiday traditions that are celebrated on stage today.

This holiday season, let's reflect on what it means to come together, honor our shared humanity, and give back to all of our communities.

We can show them kindness, compassion, and generosity.

We can make meaningful this time of year that many Angelenos call the season of hope and kinship.

So, may this coming year bring blessings of good health, wellbeing, new possibilities for all of us.

On behalf of all of my colleagues in the LA County Board of Supervisors, we wish you a wonderful and prosperous holiday season and a great new year.

Melissa: You should be the host.

You speak so beautifully and well.

Holly: Thank you, Melissa.

If this day job doesn't work out, I may be back here next year.

Melissa: So good.

Thank you, Supervisor Mitchell, and to you and all the LA County supervisors, I wish you a happy holiday season.

Holly: And same to you, Melissa.

Melissa: Thank you.

Oh.

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it's that during this season we all love to hear voices raised in joyful singing, unless you're my Tia Olga.

Please, no more.

Sorry.

Our next presentation is a choir composed of singers from many faiths, including Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Mormon, Methodist, and Presbyterian.

And their voices are splendidly joyful.

Please welcome the Christian Fellowship Chorale.

♪ Hark, the herald angels singing.

♪ ♪ "Glory to the newborn King!

♪ Peace on earth and mercy mild.

♪ ♪ God and sinners reconciled."

♪ Joyful, all ye nations rise.

♪ Join the triumph of the skies.

♪ ♪ With angelic host proclaim.

♪ "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

♪ ♪ Oh, hark, the herald angels singing.

♪ ♪ "Glory to the newborn King!"

♪ Oh, hark, the herald angels singing.

♪ ♪ "Glory to the newborn King!

♪ Newborn King!

♪ Newborn King!"

♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪ Shepherds sleeping, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Shepherds keeping, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Vigil till the morning new.

♪ Till the morning new.

♪ They saw the glory, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ They heard the story, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Tidings of the gospel.

♪ Sing the gospel true.

♪ They were rejoicing, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Praises voicing, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Hear the words.

♪ Why don't you hear the call?

♪ Hear the call.

♪ Free from sorrow, oh yeah.

♪ Greet tomorrow, doo, doop.

♪ Christ the babe.

♪ Christ is Lord of all.

♪ And now, oh.

♪ Angels from glory.

♪ Fly o'er the earth.

♪ The angels from glory.

♪ Proclaim our Savior's birth.

♪ Well, the shepherds ♪ were abiding over the flock by night.

♪ ♪ And yonder in heaven shines.

♪ Shines a wondrous light!

♪ Infant holy, doo, doop.

♪ Say, the infant holy, yeah, doo, doop.

♪ ♪ Hear the words.

♪ Why don't you hear the call?

♪ Hear the call.

♪ Free from sorrow, oh yeah.

♪ Greet tomorrow, doo, doop.

♪ Christ the babe.

♪ Christ is Lord of all.

♪ Oh, Lord of everything.

♪ Angels from glory.

♪ Fly o'er the earth.

♪ The angels from glory.

♪ Proclaim our Savior's birth.

♪ Well, the shepherds.

♪ Were abiding over the flock by night.

♪ ♪ And yonder in heaven shines.

♪ Shines a wondrous light.

♪ Infant holy, doo, doop.

♪ Hey, infant holy, doo, doop.

♪ Hear the words.

♪ Why don't you hear the call?

♪ Hear the call.

♪ Free from sorrow, oh yeah.

♪ Greet tomorrow, doo, doop.

♪ Christ the babe.

♪ Christ is born.

♪ Oh.

♪ Yeah.

[audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: One more time for the Christian Fellowship Chorale.

Oh my gosh.

That was so beautiful.

They joined us from the city of Carson, and, you know, I just love that our show places the spotlight on talented musicians, singers, and dancers from all over the county.

I have to say, I recently had the honor to entertain our military through USO.

And it was during the traditional Bob Hope holiday week, and it was one of the most enjoyable and heartwarming experiences of my life.

We traveled to military bases on Greece, to Italy and Spain, and I got to ride on a jet carrier ship.

It was pretty cool.

The best part though for me was that every day I got to have lunch with the service members, and every night we put on a show for them, and I'm really proud that I got to do that.

And we're sharing this show with our active military personnel around the world via the American Forces Network.

To those stationed overseas during the holiday season, we're very grateful to you for all your service, and we hope our show makes you feel like you're home for a little while.

We wish you--yes.

We wish you all a safe and happy New Year.

The holiday season though, in Los Angeles County, it's just the best.

I mean, you can visit an enchanted forest in La Cañada or cruise down Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena.

We have, yeah, we have parades and floats in Hollywood, parades with boats in Marina del Rey, and, of course, a world famous parade in Pasadena with roses and daisies and petunias, yeah.

We certainly know how to celebrate the holidays with a fiesta, don't we?

Mm-hmm.

Ignacio Delgado-Carrasco: Put them out there.

Right, left, go.

Left, right, go.

Ignacio: My name is Ignacio Delgado-Carrasco, and I am the founder and director of Ballet Folklórico Esperanza at Esperanza College Prep, and we're located in the heart of East Los Angeles where the Chicano movement stood.

I was born in Mexico, and I always wanted to become tied to my community, to my culture in one way or another, which is what inspired me to do what I do now.

Finding a sense of belonging and a sense of connection in our culture through cultural dance.

Ignacio: Good morning, everyone, buenos dias.

Folklórico is mandatory here at our school.

It's pretty unique.

I think that this is really powerful, because they get to reintroduce themselves to parts of their roots that they lost touch with.

Anna Herrera: My family is Mexican, but I never really grew up with much culture.

Didn't feel like I knew much about my cultural past.

Ignacio: The research shows that when students feel like they belong, they are more likely to graduate high school.

And so, in our program, we hope that our students are feeling a sense of connection with one another so that they are more likely to feel that sense, again, of power and identity when they leave here and when they go off to college.

All seniors have been college accepted four years in a row.

The piece that we'll be performing is from the state of Sinaloa, a piece of that history is also present in our choreography.

For us, it's really important for our audience to understand that there's a sense of appreciation and value through our choreography.

Manuela Esparza: I'm so proud to be part of this school, to help me celebrate my culture.

Anna: When I was younger, I always had trouble expressing myself, but once I came into this space, I felt openly able to express who I really was.

Ignacio: What I want Angelinos to know when seeing our company group perform, I want them to see what's possible.

They're capable of doing things that maybe they never thought they were capable of becoming and doing.

And I also want Los Angeles to take away a sense of pride in their youth and know that the future is bright and that there's value in our culture.

We're here, we're present, and we're thriving.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: Oh my gosh, that was the best.

That makes me so happy.

One more time for Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza.

I just love their zapateando, which translates to stamping your feet and derives from the Spanish word zapato, which means shoe.

Sounds so much prettier in Spanish, doesn't it?

And, you guys, I have been learning Spanish the last couple of years, and I have to tell you, my life sounds a lot better in Spanish.

♪♪♪ Melissa: It's my comedy song, I hope you like it.

♪♪♪ ♪ Me despierto con una alarma.

♪ Melissa: I wake up with an alarm.

♪ Como avena sola, todos las mañanas.

♪ Melissa: I eat plain oatmeal every morning.

♪ A veces me miro al espejo y pienso que ♪ ♪ así que esto todo bueno?

Melissa: Sometimes I look in the mirror and I think, so this is it, huh?

All right.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish.

♪ ♪ In English it totally sucks.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish.

♪ ♪ But it's actually boring as heck.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Bueno son las 11:00 de mañana.

♪ ♪ Supongo que dormiré la siesta.

♪ Melissa: Well, it's 11 a.m.

I guess I'll nap.

♪ Me gusta cuando viene el cartero.

♪ Melissa: I like when the mailman comes.

♪ Como mi cena sobre el fregadero.

♪ ♪ Por que hago eso?

Melissa: I eat my dinner over the sink.

This is true.

Why do I do that?

I have a table and a chair.

Why don't I sit?

I love to sit.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish.

♪ ♪ In English it totally sucks.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish.

♪ ♪ But it's actually boring as heck.

♪ ♪ Nice tuna list de mis pan favorites.

♪ ♪ Esta masa madre, trigo, centeno, ♪ ♪ y pumpernickel.

Melissa: I made a list of my top favorite bread.

It goes sourdough, wheat, rye, and pumpernickel.

Mm.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish, oh yes it does.

♪ ♪ In English it totally sucks.

♪ My life sounds better in Spanish.

♪ ♪ But it's actually boring, ♪ super annoying as heck.

[audience cheering] Melissa: Thank you, thank you.

These next performers could probably perform us up a zapateando with their wooden shoes click-clacketing across the stage as long as their strings are pulled in the right direction.

These marionettes have been performing for over 60 years at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

It's the best, a cherished part of Los Angeles holiday traditions.

This legendary theater was founded in the heart of Echo Park and now makes its home in Highland Park, proudly standing as the longest continuously operating puppet theater in the United States.

That's pretty--I didn't know, that's pretty cool.

So, please help me welcome to the wonder and whimsy world of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me.

♪ ♪ Been an awful good girl, Santa baby.

♪ ♪ So hurry down the chimney tonight.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing.

♪ ♪ A ring.

♪ I don't mean on the phone.

♪ ♪ Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

♪ ♪ Hurry down the chimney tonight.

♪ ♪ Hurry tonight.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Santa Claus: Merry Christmas!

children: It's Santa Claus!

Santa Claus: Indeed, it is.

You don't know anybody else who runs around in a bright red suit?

Ho, ho, ho.

And now, before I go on my way, let's all sing one of my favorite Christmas songs.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ all: Merry Christmas, everyone.

Santa: Merry Christmas, everyone.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] Melissa: Oh my gosh, that was so amazing.

Wasn't that incredible?

I--oh my--what?

Oh, this is my dream come true, to just hang out with puppets.

Hi, Rudolph, good to see you.

Oh, oh, hot.

And you are Scruffy?

Cute, maybe you--do you need a little bath?

Oh, you're so cute.

Hey, question, can you both fly, yeah, Rudolph, Scruffy?

Woo-hoo, yeah.

Hey, Rudolph, I have a question.

I always wanted to know, how do you sleep with that light on, hm?

Silly.

I noticed, you know what?

Hi, so cute.

I actually do a little Rudolph impression from the classics.

[as Rudolph] Why am I such a misfit?

I'm independent.

Melissa: Oh, that's it, I guess that's it for me.

I have to wrap it up.

Okay, hey, thank you so much for being so sweet and hanging out with me.

Great job, one more time for Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

[audience cheering] Melissa: Our next performance takes us on a journey through the diversity of the African Diaspora in Peru.

During the holiday season, Afro-Peruvians celebrate Navidad Negra with unique traditions and customs that welcomed the arrival of baby Jesus.

The festivities include dances with African, indigenous, and Spanish influences that represent fertility, the harvest, and the celebration of life.

In this performance the dancers are accompanied by a percussion ensemble featuring traditional instruments, such as la cajita, the little box, which is a repurposed church offering box.

Based in Lincoln Heights, please welcome The Afro-Peruvian Experience.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ En nombre de Dios comienzo.

En nombre de Dios comienzo.

♪ ♪ Porque es bueno comenzar.

Porque es bueno comenzar.

♪ ♪ Y en el nombre de María.

Y en el nombre de María.

♪ ♪ Sin pecado original.

Sin pecado original.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio, sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio, sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Señor caporal por Dios.

Señor caporal por Dios.

♪ ♪ Achiquenos la tarea.

Achiquenos la tarea.

♪ ♪ Sino la quiera achicar.

Sino la quiera achicar.

♪ ♪ Ahí se queda.

Ahí se queda.

♪ ♪ Ahí se queda.

Ahí se queda.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Ya rayó la luz del día.

Ya rayó la luz del día.

♪ ♪ Compañeros ya a la carga.

Compañeros ya a la carga.

♪ ♪ En una hoja rezumbó.

En una hoja rezumbó.

♪ ♪ Propiamente con su lampa.

Propiamente con su lampa.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Ahí viene mi caporal.

Ahí viene mi caporal.

♪ ♪ Con su chicote en la mano.

Con su chicote en la mano.

♪ ♪ Enseñandono a rezar.

Enseñandono a rezar.

♪ ♪ Para ser buenos cristianos.

Para ser buenos cristianos.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪ Panalivio, malivio sal.

Panalivio, malivio, sal.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Un gallinacito volando bajó.

Un gallinacito volando bajó.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Desde el alto pino volando bajó.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Zancudito me picó.

Zalamanqueja me mordió.

♪ ♪ Zancudito me picó.

Zalamanqueja me mordió.

♪ ♪ Eh, malaya sea ese zancudo.

Malaya sea ese mosquito.

♪ ♪ Eh, malaya sea ese zancudo.

Malaya sea ese mosquito.

♪ ♪ Desde el alto pino volando bajó.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ En busca de la mulita.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ ♪ Y muerta la encontró.

Y muerta la encontró.

♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] Kathryn Barger: Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

I'm supervisor Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Whether you're in person at the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or are cozy at home, I'm so glad you've joined us for the Music Center's annual holiday celebration.

This is Los Angeles County's gift to you.

For 65 years, this special tradition has spotlighted some of the very best talents we have across the county.

You'll spot some familiar favorites, like the Palmdale Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers and the Citrus Singers, both from the great 5th District.

You'll also get to know some incredible new talent with first of their kind performances.

No matter how or where you're celebrating this holiday season, the music from these 28 performers is sure to bring you good cheer.

Los Angeles County is passionate about providing residents with access to live performances here at the Music Center and out in our communities all year long.

The talented groups you'll enjoy today are an incredible reflection of the artists across our diverse county.

I hope that after this amazing celebration you'll come see another of the Music Center's performances soon.

Whether you want to be dazzled by dance, overjoyed by orchestras, or star struck by singers, you'll be mesmerized by music at every show.

Thank you for joining us for the 65th annual holiday celebration.

I hope you and yours have a very happy holiday season, with joy, magic, and memories that extend into 2025.

♪♪♪ Kathrin Jakob: Our name, Ladyhosen, is really just derived from the word lederhosen, which is the traditional outfit that usually men wear at Oktoberfest.

A friend of ours had the idea to just change it slightly and make it Ladyhosen, so it ended up being the perfect band name for us.

[yodeling] ♪♪♪ Kathrin: Yodeling used to be a form of communication actually before it became an art form.

People would communicate from one mountain to the other with a sort of yodel, because that's the sound that carried the most.

The way that it came to America is that some immigrants came, and the Americans heard it, and they liked it, and they ended up putting it into the blues and country music.

Yodeling is breaking from chest voice into head voice without finding a smooth transition.

So, you'd want it to be abrupt, and that's what makes that yodel sound, like a, A-E--so it kind of snaps.

[yodeling] ♪ E-I-E-I-E-I-O, E-I-E-I-E-I-O ♪ ♪ E-I-E-I-E-I-O Alexa Brinkschulte: I had no idea until we started this band that there were so many Oktoberfests.

I was like, oh my God, like, they really love Oktoberfest here.

India Anderson: Sometimes when we do those yodel songs, people are like, yeah.

It's like, oh my God.

Jessica Fichot: Well, I think it's something people don't hear that often, so it's special, but also you hype it up quite a bit.

Kathrin: I think the main thing that I would love for people to walk away with is to feel that upbeat energy that the yodeling brings and feel uplifted.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Manchen netten Kerl den hab ich gut gekannt.

♪ ♪ Und mein Herz schon hundertmal riskiert.

♪ ♪ Doch weil ich bis heut noch nicht den rechten fand.

♪ ♪ Heb ich in der Zeitung inseriert.

♪ ♪ Ich wunsch mir einen Jodlerprinz.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Der jodelnd dann mein Herz gewinnt.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Und wenn er auch noch kussen kann.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Fang ich voll Freud zu jodeln an.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Augenblicklich war ich glucklich ♪ ♪ wenn ich ihn nur hatt.

♪ Weil man stundlich kusst und grundlich jodelt im Duett.

♪ ♪ Und wenn mein lieber Jodelprinz.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Mich in seine starken Arme nimmt.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Dann kommt mir etwas in den Sinn.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Wird mein lieber Jodelmann.

♪ Der so richtig jodeln kann.

♪ Eh er sich versehen kann.

♪ Mein JodelBrautigam.

[yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Wo find ich den herz-charmanten Jodlerprinz.

♪ ♪ Der es wirklich ehrlich mit mir meint.

♪ ♪ Gern war ich mit ihm im 7 Himmel drin.

♪ ♪ Wo nur fur uns zwei die Sonne scheint.

♪ ♪ Ich wunsch mir einen Jodlerprinz.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Der jodelnd dann mein Herz gewinnt.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Und wenn er auch noch kussen kann.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Fang ich voll Freud zu jodeln an.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Augenblicklich war ich glucklich ♪ ♪ wenn ich ihn nur hatt.

♪ Weil man stundlich kusst und grundlich jodelt im Duett.

♪ ♪ Und wenn mein lieber Jodelprinz.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Mich in seine starken Arme nimmt.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Dann kommt mir etwas in den Sinn.

♪ [yodels] ♪ Wird mein lieber Jodelmann.

♪ Der so richtig jodeln kann.

♪ Eh er sich versehen kann.

♪ Mein Jodel-Brautigam.

[yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] ♪♪♪ Kathrin: Happy holidays, everyone.

Let's speed it up a little bit.

[yodeling] ♪♪♪ ♪ Klingeling, klingeling, klingeln Wald und Feld.

♪ ♪ Welch ein Spass ist Schlittenfahren durch die ♪ ♪ weibe Welt.

♪ Klingeling, klingeling, klingeln Wald und Feld.

♪ ♪ Welch ein Spass ist Schlittenfahren durch die ♪ ♪ weibe Welt.

♪ Auf den Winter hell und klar freu'n wir uns ein ganzes Jahr ♪ ♪ In der schonen weiben Glitzerwelt wer den ♪ ♪ Kindertraume wahr.

♪ Wenn die weiben Flocken fall'n und verzaubern Berg und Tal.

♪ ♪ Dann zieh ich meine Stiefel an, ♪ ♪ holden Schlitten aus dem Stall.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

♪ ♪ Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

♪ ♪ Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.

♪ ♪ Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh.

♪ ♪ O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way.

♪ ♪ Bells on bobtails ring, making feelings bright.

♪ ♪ What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

♪ [yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] [yodeling] [audience cheering] Queen: That yodeling was amazing, wasn't it?

And, you know, this is Ladyhosen's first appearance on this stage.

Christmas, you know, it is the most celebrated holiday in Filipino culture, and honoring Filipino heritage with a traditional favorite, "O, Ilaw," and offering a jazzy rendition of "This Christmas," welcome Anji Tan and Friends.

♪ O, ilaw, ♪ sa Gabin maladif.

♪ Wangis mo'y ♪ bituin sa langst.

♪ O, tanglas, ♪ sa gabing taximik.

♪ Larawan mo, Neen.

♪ Nagbigay pasakst, ay.

♪ Gising at magbangon.

♪ Sa pagkagupiling.

♪ Sa pagkakatulog.

♪ Na lubhang mahimbing.

♪ Buksan ang bintana.

♪ At ako'y dungawin.

♪ Nang mapagtanto mo a.

♪ Ng tunay kong pagdaing.

♪♪♪ Anji Tan: How you doing, LA?

Thank you so much for having us.

We got a show for you tonight.

♪♪♪ ♪ Hang all the lit parols.

♪ It's gonna be a great pasko, and better.

♪ ♪ This Christmas.

♪ And as we trim the trees.

♪ How much fun it's gonna be together.

♪ ♪ This Christmas.

♪ Fireside is blazing bright.

♪ And LA's gonna shine its light.

♪ ♪ And this Christmas will be, yeah.

♪ ♪ A very special Christmas, you'll see.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Presents and cards are here.

♪ My world is filled with cheer and you.

♪ ♪ This Christmas.

♪ And as I look around.

♪ Your eyes outshine the town, they do.

♪ ♪ This Christmas.

♪ Fireside is blazing bright.

♪ And LA's gonna shine its light.

♪ ♪ And this Christmas will be.

♪ A very special Christmas, you'll see.

♪ ♪ Oh, yeah.

♪ Oh.

♪ Break it down now.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ This Christmas.

♪ Fireside is blazing bright.

♪ And LA's gonna shine its light.

♪ ♪ And this Christmas will be, yeah.

♪ ♪ A very special Christmas, you'll see.

♪ ♪ Oh, yeah.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Anji: Thank you, have a good night.

[audience cheering] Melissa: One more time for Anji Tan and Friends.

That was awesome.

You guys, I visit my parents in Whittier all the time, and I love during the holidays my mom and dad will drive through the neighborhood and look at Christmas lights on houses.

And I gotta let you know, my mom's a pretty judgmental person about these houses decorated with lights.

She's just judging them, you know, a house that decorated maybe a little bush, you know.

And, like, we'll drive, and my mom will see that house, and she'll be like, "Pft, don't even bother.

Just how about don't do it, you know?

And my dad's like, "Hey, Lupe, it's Christmas, be nice."

She's like, "I don't like it."

And I'm like, "Hey, that's my place.

Come and help your daughter."

I have a lot of fans from Whittier, and they're all so caring and sweet, and they do make me laugh after shows.

They'll have questions for me, at--when I meet them and take photos.

It's like they have these questions prepped.

I had a guy at a show recently, he came up to me, he's like, "Yeah, yeah, we'll take a photo, but I have a question, Melissa.

How come you weren't in 'Barbie'?

Like, what happened?

Everyone was in there except you, what happened?"

I'm like, "I don't know, I-- maybe I'm not that popular or something."

He's like, "Wow, that's sad.

But a question, why weren't you in 'Oppenheimer'?"

I'm like, "Why would I be in 'Oppenheimer'?

I--that's not my thing."

He's like, "Nah, you want to.

All right, Pikachu or Jigglypuff."

"What?

I--all right, I guess Pikachu."

"I knew it."

"Hey, can you do an impression of Betty Boop?"

"Uh, no."

"Well, learn it.

Hey, Melissa, are you gonna have kids?"

"I don't know."

"Well, freeze your eggs, man."

You guys, I am a big fan of fun facts, okay?

Tiny tidbits of trivia, including these for the holiday season.

If you bought all the gifts from the "12 Days of Christmas" song, you'd have to spend a ton of money.

Just to get the seven swans a-swimming would cost you about $10,000, not to mention those five golden rings.

The total for all these 12 gifts, you wanna know, $49,263.47.

You're gonna--you're gonna get that, sir?

And did you know Toys for Tots was founded right here in Los Angeles in 1947?

I know, I didn't know, it's amazing.

And the very first gift was a Raggedy Ann doll, and during that first year about 5,000 toys were collected.

Today Toys for Tots gives over 24.4 million toys, books, and games to 9.9 million children across the nation.

Our next performance is gonna rock the house with some lightning fast-paced tap dancing.

From ages 12 to 29, this group of Southern California powerhouse dancers are fierce, and I mean, they bring their A game.

Tapping their way across the stage with the mashup of Great Gatsby jazz, some Kendrick hip hop, and a little holiday music, bring it on, The Reverb Tap Company.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Oh, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot.

♪ ♪ Just give that rhythm everything you got.

♪ ♪ Oh, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

♪ ♪ Doo wa, doo wa, doo wa, doo wa, doo wa, doo wa, doo wa, ♪ ♪ doo wa, doo wa.

♪ Oh, it don't mean a thing, thing, if you.

♪ ♪ Don't mean a thing, thing, if you.

♪ ♪ Don't mean a thing.

♪ All you got to do is swing.

♪♪♪ ♪ It makes no difference if it's sweet or hot.

♪ ♪ Just give that rhythm every little thing you've got.

♪ ♪ It don't mean a thing.

♪ If you ain't got that swing.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ They not like us.

They not like us.

♪ ♪ They not like us.

They not like us.

♪ ♪ Stand this way.

Stand and lay.

♪ ♪ Then stand this way.

Stand and lay.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ They not like us.

They not like us.

♪ ♪ They not like us.

They not like us.

♪ ♪ They not like us.

Stand that way.

♪ ♪ Then stand this way.

Stand that way.

♪ ♪ Then stand this way.

Stand that way.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Have a holly, jolly Christmas.

♪ ♪ It's the best time of the year.

♪ ♪ I don't know if there'll be snow.

♪ ♪ But have a cup of cheer.

♪ Oh, the weather outside is frightful.

♪ ♪ But the fire is so delightful.

♪ ♪ And since we've no place to go.

♪ ♪ Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] Kahlil Cummings: They're called by the drum.

Whenever you take your drum out, it should be royalty, and they can play and they can represent their culture.

They can be Black and proud.

Rachel Hernandez: Bloco Obini is here at St. Elmo's Village, which will be celebrating 55 years.

Kahlil: It's definitely a cultural hub.

Everything that I have musically, how I was able to harness my gift, it was as a result of me growing up in Leimert Park.

When I go to Leimert Park, I get the medicine which inspired me to create Bloco Obini.

Clarice Cast: Bloco Obini is an all-female drumming ensemble that supports women in expressing themselves through drumming and through the healing power of the drum.

Kahlil: In Afro-Brazilian culture, Bloco is a group of people coming together.

When you're saying Obini, it's a play on women can also drum.

Clarice: The all-female ensemble really brings a lot of empowerment and a sense of belonging.

The energy that women can create together in a space, a nurturing energy, a space where we can be celebrated for exactly who we are.

Rachel: And just feel a new wave of power when it comes to the feminine.

Something that the drum innately has is called sewa, joy, is what the drum is supposed to do, bring sewa, bring joy to community.

Clarice: When Bloco Obini performs, we want the audience to walk out of there feeling better than when they came in.

We may not have the outer light shining on us, but we can always be reminded of our own inner light.

Kahlil: Those concepts is what Bloco Obini represents.

We're bringing the light of consciousness to community.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] Lindsey Horvath: Welcome to the 65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration.

I am so thrilled you're all here as we kick off this time-honored tradition that has brought together the diverse and vibrant communities of Los Angeles for over six decades.

Today we come together not just to celebrate the holiday season, but to honor the rich cultural tapestry that makes our county truly unique.

Whether you're here in person or joining us on TV, we're grateful to have you with us for this joyful occasion.

Happy holidays, Los Angeles.

Melissa: Thank you, Supervisor Horvath, for your good words.

We're so grateful to all the LA County supervisors for continuing this great tradition.

Supervisor Horvath represents the LA County's 3rd District, which includes more than 2 million folks and portions of 10 cities, 26 unincorporated communities, and 49 neighborhoods in the city of Los Angeles.

Anyone here from West Hollywood?

All right, hello.

Encino, Tarzana?

All right, back there, good.

Canoga Park?

Okay, we don't need them.

I'm kidding, I'm joking, I'm joking.

San Fernando?

All right, any East LA in the house?

All right, [speaking in Spanish] Montebello?

Montebello Mall, that's where I had my first kiss.

La Puente?

All right, hey.

And Los Angeles.

All right.

You guys, I may have mentioned it, I'm from Whittier, where the girls are prettier.

So, our next group of performers is an activist choir with the goal to personalize and humanize homelessness.

This choir knows firsthand the healing power of the arts to improve well-being, strengthen social networks, and inspire those experiencing homelessness to be their own best advocates.

As residents of Skid Row, they are proud to place a spotlight on this marginalized neighborhood and the many vibrant artists living there.

Sharing with us the holiday classic, "Someday at Christmas," please welcome Urban Voices Project.

[audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪ Someday at Christmas.

♪ Men won't be boys.

♪ Playing with bombs.

Like kids play with toys.

♪ ♪ One warm December.

♪ Our hearts will see.

♪ A world where we are free.

♪ Someday at Christmas.

♪ There'll be no wars.

♪ When we have learned.

♪ What Christmas is for.

♪ When we have learned what life really brings.

♪ ♪ Have peace on earth.

♪ Someday all our dreams will come to be.

♪ ♪ Someday in a world where we are free.

♪ ♪ Maybe not in time for you and me.

♪ ♪ But someday at Christmas time.

♪ ♪ Someday at Christmas.

♪ There'll be a land.

♪ No hungry children.

♪ No empty hand.

♪ One happy morning.

♪ People will share.

♪ A world where people care.

♪ Someday at Christmas.

♪ There'll be no tears.

♪ When all are equal.

♪ And no one has fears.

♪ One shining moment.

♪ One prayer away.

♪ From our world today.

♪ Someday all our dreams will come to be.

♪ ♪ Someday in a world where we are free.

♪ ♪ Maybe not in time for you and me.

♪ ♪ But someday at Christmas time.

♪ ♪ Someday at Christmas, we will not fail.

♪ ♪ Hate will be gone and love will prevail.

♪ ♪ Someday a new world that we can start.

♪ ♪ With hope in every heart.

♪ Someday all our dreams will come to be.

♪ ♪ Someday in a world where we are free.

♪ ♪ Maybe not in time for you and me.

♪ ♪ But someday at Christmas time.

♪ ♪ Someday all our dreams will come to be, come to be.

♪ ♪ Someday in a world where we are free, we are free.

♪ ♪ Maybe not in time for you and me, you and me, yeah.

♪ ♪ But someday at Christmas time.

♪ ♪ Someday at Christmas.

♪ Time.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪ Ah.

♪ Christmas time is here.

♪ Happiness and cheer.

♪ Fun for all the children.

♪ Call their favorite time of year.

♪ ♪ Sleigh bells in the air.

♪ Carols everywhere.

♪ Golden times and ancient rhymes ♪ ♪ and memories we share.

♪ Snowflakes in the air.

♪ Beauty everywhere.

♪ Yuletide by the fireside.

♪ And all the memories there.

♪ Christmas time is here.

♪ Families drawing near.

♪ Oh, that we should always see.

♪ ♪ Such spirit through the year.

♪ ♪ Snowflakes in the air.

♪ Beauty everywhere.

♪ Yuletide by the fireside.

♪ And all the memories there.

♪ Oh.

♪ Christmas time is here.

♪ Happiness and cheer.

♪ Oh, that we should always see.

♪ ♪ Such spirit through the year.

♪ ♪ Oh, that we should always see.

♪ ♪ Such spirit through the year.

♪ Andre Cruz: Happy holidays, y'all.

[audience cheering] Melissa: Many thanks to the sensational, soulful singer Andre Cruz and guitarist Chris Lujan.

That was awesome.

You guys, this is my dad.

And yeah, he's here, and how are you feeling about the host?

Is she doing okay?

Miguel Villaseñor: She's all right.

Melissa: Yeah.

Yeah, I wanna tell you guys my dad is a fence contractor here in LA, so if you need a gate, let me know.

It's so interesting, I know a lot about-- my brain knows a lot about chain link fence, wrought iron, and I have just so much knowledge, but I thank you for that.

Can I take over the fence business?

Miguel: Well, only if I can be a comic.

Melissa: Isn't this amazing?

This is so beautiful, this--.

Miguel: This-- all the performers and stuff is just amazing.

Melissa: This is my first, yeah, our first time here and seeing it too, so this is really special.

Has there been a favorite of yours in in the show?

Miguel: Well, the ones that are playing the drum yeah, yeah.

Melissa: Okay, we gotta wrap it up, Dad.

Good job, I'm proud of you.

Miguel: Thank you, love you too, love you too.

Love you too.

Melissa: Merry Christmas.

Oh, thank you.

And now, my friends, familia, neighbors, and fellow Angelenos, a group that showcases the broad range of talent that is LA County.

♪♪♪ Brinkley Baker: A lot of people, since we're all kids, will think it's more, like, recreational, like, a little recital.

Just because the Petit Cirque is kids doesn't mean they're not talented.

Victoria Volz: Wonderful, incredibly gifted children from all around the world.

This literally brought, like, magic into our lives.

Nathalie Gaulthier: It really speaks about community, because we really need to come together.

And these young prodigies are the best people to spread that message.

Nathalie: With a four-year-old baby angel, this is gonna be a killer.

Nathalie: Having trained in circus myself, I decided to open up a trapeze program for youth.

What I'm most proud about Le Petit Cirque is there's always these different acts of charity and kindness every show we do.

It's mandatory.

We have, I think, about 60-something presidential volunteer service awards.

We were commissioned to create a piece for the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Norway, and we had 10,000 people giving us a standing ovation.

Brooklyn Baker: Circus is a very niche art form, and I hope that this can help spread the culture of circus.

Victoria: We get to be there on Christmas Eve and to showcase the talents of literally the best children in the world.

Nathalie: I've been trying to get on for so many years.

I woke up one morning and it said, "Congratulations."

I went, "Oh my God, it's the LA Celebration."

Sophie Fatu: I'm really excited.

I'm just absolutely over the world for this.

Brianna de Veyra: Right now we're rehearsing for our number in the show.

Nathalie: The theme of light is so powerful.

The song that we've chosen, "We Glow Together," that's such a powerful word and visual.

My job as a director is to create as much light as I can on that stage and bring the power of unity and community through light.

We need to all hold the earth up together with light.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Even within the darkest night.

♪ ♪ There is a guiding light.

♪ And stars will show.

♪ Which way to go.

♪ They ignite one by one.

♪ The shadow in your heart will lift its veil.

♪ ♪ And finally fade away.

♪ And love will shine.

♪ Each step we take along the way.

♪ ♪ We glow together.

♪ We shimmer all the same.

♪ We glow together.

♪ We share the lovely name.

♪ One for all, for one another.

♪ ♪ Tis the time right now to love each other.

♪ ♪ Snowflakes fall like sacred feathers.

♪ ♪ While we glow.

♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Community, we're one family.

♪ Come put your hand in mine.

♪ This season brings.

♪ All healing things.

♪ The earth and sky will chime.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ We glow together.

♪ We shimmer all the same.

♪ We glow together.

♪ We share this lovely name.

♪ One for all, for one another.

♪ ♪ Tis the time right now.

♪ To love each other.

♪ Snowflakes fall like sacred feathers.

♪ ♪ While we glow.

♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ One step, two step.

Hold my lovey, glovey hand.

♪ ♪ On our wolly wacky wander walk.

♪ ♪ Through the winter winterland.

♪ ♪ Ey, it's in the air, it's everywhere.

♪ ♪ The wondrous shimmering snow.

♪ ♪ Let it cover, let it blow, let the winter make us show.

♪ ♪ Who we are, who we can be when we glow.

♪ ♪ When we glow, when we glow.

♪ We glow together.

♪ We glow, we glow together.

We glow, we glow together.

♪ ♪ We glow.

We glow.

♪ ♪ We glow together.

♪ We shimmer all the same.

♪ We glow together.

♪ We share this lovely name.

♪ One for all, for one another.

♪ ♪ Tis the time right now.

♪ To love each other.

♪ Snowflakes fall like sacred feathers.

♪ ♪ While we glow.

♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Together, together.

Together.

♪ ♪ Will shine, will shine, will shine.

♪ ♪ When we glow.

[audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: Oh my gosh.

That was fantastical, right?

Oh my gosh, is there-- if there even is a word, fantastical.

I mean, did you see the dancer on the stilts?

Oh my gosh.

And how about the acrobat who turned upside down and then shot an arrow at a target with their feet?

Anyone else could do it?

That's amazing.

I didn't know you could do that with your body.

I just walk.

I'm gonna try that at home later.

Dad, get the stilts ready.

I mean, come on, that was just magical.

That was incredible.

I would like to ask a special audience member a question.

What do--do you have a special talent?

male: Do I have a special talent?

I can play blind chess.

Melissa: Blind chess?

Woah, you want me to play?

male: --special talent.

Melissa: That's cool, I've never heard of that.

Great job.

Hey, and you, do you wanna share?

No, okay, too shy.

Do you have a special talent?

No, okay, all right.

Well, I have one, I have one.

I, like, I tried-- I do the the moonwalk, but I don't know if I could do in the boots.

Let me give it a whirl.

Wait, should I go this way?

Yeah.

It's too hard, it's too tough.

I do it better, I swear.

And now let's hear a little of the history of this celebration.

Janice Hahn: Hi, I'm LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

Happy holidays, I'm so glad you've chosen to spend part of your day with us.

This celebration is a special one for my family.

In the 1950s, when Dorothy Chandler wanted to build a music center, she came to each of the members of the Board of Supervisors for their support.

My dad, supervisor Kenny Hahn, said yes on one condition, that the music center be free to the public one day each year, and the Annual LA County Holiday Celebration was born.

In the beginning, the show lasted all day, for 12 hours, and my own father auditioned the acts in his office.

It has changed over the years, but this celebration has become a special part of the annual holiday traditions of families across the county.

Whether you're watching at home or in person at the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, I'd like to wish each and every one of you happy holidays.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [singing in foreign language] ♪♪♪ [singing in foreign language] [singing in foreign language] ♪♪♪ [singing in foreign language] ♪♪♪ [singing in foreign language] [singing in foreign language] ♪ No, no, no, no, don't funk with my heart.

♪ ♪ I wonder if I take you home.

♪ Would you still be in love, baby?

♪ ♪ In love, baby.

♪ I wonder if I take you home.

♪ Would you still be in love, baby?

♪ ♪ In love, baby?

♪ Oh, oh, oh.

♪ Oh, oh.

[singing in foreign language] [audience cheering] Queen: Many thanks to Joya Kazi Entertainment.

Their performance paid tribute to Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which welcomes fortune and prosperity in the new season.

The diya lights used at the top of the performance symbolize good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Our next performers are the first hula group ever nominated for a Grammy Award.

These musicians and dancers focus on ohana, their family ties, and invite all ages to join in the dance that reflects their deep commitment to Hawaiian culture.

Beginning with a Hawaiian prayer of peace and hope, ending with a familiar, fun Christmas song, please welcome six-time Grammy Award honoree Daniel Ho and Halau Hula Keali'i O Nalani.

♪ Aloha 'oe, e Malia.

♪ Piha 'oe i ka maikai'i.

♪ Pili no i ka Haku.

♪ Pomaika'i mai.

♪ Ho mai ka maika'i.

♪ Ho mai ke 'olu.

♪ Ho mai ke aloha.

♪ E mau a mau.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Aloha 'oe, e Malia.

♪ Piha 'oe i ka maikai'i.

♪ Pili no i ka Haku.

♪ Pomaika'i mai.

♪ Ho mai ka maika'i.

♪ Ho mai ke 'olu.

♪ Ho mai ke aloha.

♪ E mau a mau.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ ♪ E ke kai mana o ka hikini.

♪ Mai ka ho'oku'i a ka halawai.

♪ ♪ Pau 'ole i ke aloha a ke Akua.

♪ ♪ Ku lua kaua i ka po mahina.

♪ E ke kai mana o ka hikini.

♪ Li'uli'u ke aloha mai ka lani mai.

♪ ♪ Na ke Akua e ho'opomaika'i.

♪ Wili i kou aloha i o'u nei.

♪ E ke kai mana o ka hikini.

♪ Hilina'i 'oe, kalele ia'u.

♪ Hilina'i au, kalele la 'oe.

♪ I neia pili wehena 'ole.

♪ Hea aku no au, e o mai 'oe.

♪ E ke kai mana o ka hikina.

♪ Li'uli'u ho'i ke aloha pau 'ole.

♪ ♪ Ma ke komo i ke kai mana, nau iho.

♪ ♪ Me ke komo kaimana, na'u iho.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say.

♪ ♪ On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.

♪ ♪ That's the island greeting that we send to you.

♪ ♪ From the land where palm trees sway.

♪ ♪ Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright.

♪ ♪ The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night.

♪ ♪ Mele Kalikimaka is Hawai'i's way.

♪ ♪ To say Merry Christmas.

♪ A very Merry Christmas.

♪ To say Merry Christmas to you.

♪ ♪ Hey!

Mele Kalikimaka!

♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ Robin Olive: Dance and music are therapy, especially with our intellectually disabled students.

It is a great way to have a voice and express themselves.

We teach over 500 dancers of all abilities, all over Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond.

Robin: What I need to see more of is--more happiness.

Robin: I feel like these are the most entertaining people I've ever been around.

They shine so bright, and so I wanted to share that with as many people as possible.

Victor Rivera: I love dancing, and when I'm in Straight Up Abilities, I feel free.

Matthew Von Der Ahe: It just makes you feel good to know that you're a part of something that brings you joy.

Becky O'Donnell: I was born half paralyzed, you know, for my entire left side, but dance is just a way to let all that go, and I feel free when I'm on stage.

John Tucker: It gave me confidence, it gave me strength, and I never had this opportunity before.

Robin: They lacked opportunities working in the performing arts world, and I felt like that was something that I could help encourage other productions to bring on disabled dancers.

For instance, we're traveling to Europe in February, we're gonna be going to dance with the Royal Ballet.

It's our mission to just spread a little love and joy throughout the world.

The world definitely needs it, and people are gonna see that they can do a lot more than what people give them credit for.

[cheering] [audience cheering] ♪ One, two, three, hit it.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] [audience cheering] [audience cheering] [audience cheering] [audience cheering] Queen: Up next, welcome Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers.

[singing in foreign language] ♪ There's a star in the east on Christmas morn.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ It will lead to the place where the Savior's born.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ Follow.

♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ Follow the star of Bethlehem.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ Follow, follow, follow.

♪ Mary had a baby.

[singing in foreign language] ♪ What did she name him?

[singing in foreign language] ♪ She named him King Jesus.

[singing in foreign language] ♪ If you take good heed to the angel's words.

♪ ♪ Oh, rise up, shepherd, and follow, follow.

♪ ♪ You'll forget your flocks.

You'll forget your herds.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow, follow.

♪ ♪ Leave your flocks and leave your lambs.

♪ ♪ Oh, rise up, shepherd, and follow, follow.

♪ ♪ Leave your sheep and leave your rams.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow, follow.

♪ ♪ Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ Follow the star of Bethlehem.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow, follow.

♪ [singing in foreign language] ♪ There's a star in the east.

Follow.

♪ ♪ There's a star in the east.

Follow.

♪ ♪ There's a star in the east, oh.

♪ ♪ Rise up, shepherd, rise up, follow.

♪ ♪ Oh, rise.

♪ Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

♪ ♪ Rise.

[audience cheering] Queen: If you'd like to be a part of next year's show, visit HolidayCelebration.org and join the Music Center's mailing list.

The mission of our next dance group is to provide American-born Chinese youth a space to explore their cultural roots through dance.

From the city of Industry, welcome the Yaya Dance Academy.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ [audience cheering] ♪♪♪ Maricela Martinez: Hi, my name is Maricela Martinez.

I'm the director and trumpet player of Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas.

I was born into a mariachi family.

That's how I learned about the culture and traditions with mariachi.

Mariachi music is historical.

You know, it represents Mexico in so many ways.

The music tells stories about love, stories of people, revolution, history, food, colors, pride, and being Mexican.

It's a full explosion of emotions.

Through the years I met girls from the groups that I performed before, and little by little they just come, and we just keep hanging.

There's a song that's called Lindas Mexicanas, so I just added Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas, honoring we're Lindas, so we're beautiful and we're pretty and we're Mexican.

Realizing where we come from and really embracing our story.

Silvia Estrada: It's a a platform to express the culture, the stories.

Cynthia Avila: See their expression, and that's the beautiful thing about playing mariachi music and representing our culture, is that we're reaching souls.

That's the love that I have for playing for our community and our audience.

Maricela: It's exciting to be a part of a celebration where many cultures get together to celebrate the holidays.

I'm honored, and I'm gonna cry and get emotional.

A dream come true.

♪ La Virgen se está peinanado.

♪ Entre cortina y cortina.

♪ Sus cabellos son de oro.

♪ Su peine de plata fina.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ La Virgen se está peinanado.

♪ Entre cortina y cortina.

♪ Sus cabellos son de oro.

♪ Y el peine de plata fina.

♪ Pero mira cómo beben.

Los peces en el rio.

♪ ♪ Pero miro cómo beben.

Por ver a Dios nacido.

♪ ♪ Beben y beben.

Y vuelven a beber.

♪ ♪ Los peces en el rio.

Por ver a Dios nacer.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ La Virgen lava pañales.

♪ Y los tiende en el romero.

♪ Los pajarillos cantando.

♪ Y el romero floreciendo.

♪ Pero mira cómo beben.

Los peces en el rio.

♪ ♪ Pero mira cómo beben.

Por ver a Dios nacido.

♪ ♪ Beben y beben.

Y vuelven a beber.

♪ ♪ Los peces en el rio.

Por ver a Dios nacer.

♪ ♪ Pero mira cómo beben.

Los peces en el rio.

♪ ♪ Pero mira cómo beben.

Por ver a Dios nacido.

♪ ♪ Beben y beben.

Y vuelven a beber.

♪ ♪ Los peces en el rio.

Por ver a Dios nacer.

♪ [audience cheering] [audience cheering] Melissa: That was amazing, one more time.

That was incredible, Lindas Mexicanas.

Fun fact, I was already following them online before knowing they were on the show, and they haven't followed me back yet.

They will, I hope.

I'm kidding.

Every time I hear mariachi though, it makes me think of my family and gatherings, and it makes me miss my abuelita, Maria de Rosario.

I miss her voice.

She had a really cute little funny voice.

I wish I spoke Spanish as a kid, because I would have loved to get to know her.

She was 105 when she passed.

And, I know, incredible.

But I wish I got to know her better, but she only spoke in Spanish, and I remember when I would hang out with her, I would just nod and smile and look at her.

"Hey, Abuelita."

And she would stare at me with her cute little voice, and she'd go, "Ay, Mira, Melissa.

Mira, bonita, mira, ay.

Chicita, mira."

"Thanks, you're bonita too."

"Ay, si, si."

Then I could tell she was starting to talk about me in Spanish, you know.

"Ay, Melissa, mira.

[laughs]."

I miss her voice.

Speaking of angelic voices, this choir has graced the holiday show stage many-a-time.

It just isn't the holiday season without hearing from these talented and accomplished singers.

For over 45 years the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles has performed throughout the country, toured Europe and South America, and, very impressive, sang the national anthem at Dodgers Stadium first LGBTQ Night.

So, joining us to sing a sugary sweet melody, welcome the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles.

♪♪♪ ♪ Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me.

♪ ♪ It's the cutest thing I swear you'll ever see.

♪ ♪ It's the best, so get dressed.

♪ ♪ I'll impress you with the colors of the rainbow.

♪ ♪ Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me.

♪ ♪ It's so magical, let's go there in your dreams.

♪ ♪ It's the best, so get dressed.

♪ ♪ I'll impress you with the lights in all the windows.

♪ ♪ Red and yellow and pink and green.

♪ ♪ Orange and purple and blue.

♪ Christmas is waiting for you.

Christmas is waiting for you.

♪ ♪ Christmas is waiting for you.

♪ ♪ Candy Cane Lane, bring a friend this holiday.

♪ ♪ Bring a friend who loves to play.

♪ ♪ We'll eat all the candy canes.

♪ ♪ Oh, Candy Cane Lane, bring a friend this holiday.

♪ ♪ Bring a friend who loves to play.

♪ ♪ We'll eat all the candy canes.

♪ ♪ Oh, candy canes.

♪ We'll eat candy canes.

♪ Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me.

♪ ♪ I'll call Rudolph down to meet us in the street.

♪ ♪ We can dance, we can dance.

♪ ♪ He can prance, he can prance.

♪ ♪ There's no can'ts, 'cause here, everything is possible.

♪ ♪ Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me.

♪ ♪ Let's get Santa out and get him on his feet.

♪ ♪ We can dance, we can dance.

♪ ♪ Holding hands, holding hands.

♪ ♪ Ain't no can'ts, 'cause here, everything is possible.

♪ ♪ Red and yellow and pink and green.

♪ ♪ Orange and purple and blue.

♪ Christmas is waiting for you.

Christmas is waiting for you.

♪ ♪ Christmas is waiting for you.

♪ ♪ Candy Cane Lane, bring a friend this holiday.

♪ ♪ Bring a friend who loves to play.

♪ ♪ We'll eat all the candy canes.

♪ ♪ Oh, Candy Cane Lane, bring a friend this holiday.

♪ ♪ Bring a friend who loves to play.

♪ ♪ We'll eat all the candy canes.

♪ ♪ Oh, candy canes.

♪ We'll eat candy canes.

♪ Candy canes.

♪ We'll eat candy canes.

♪ Candy, Candy Cane Lane.

[audience cheering] Melissa: That was so special and amazing.

One more time for Gay Men's Chorus.

Candy Cane Lane was written by the pop star Sia, and I love Sia, guys.

I love Sia because she sounds like she's taking a nap.

That's why I love her, doesn't it?

♪ Party girls don't get hurt.

♪ Can't feel anything, when will I learn?

♪ ♪ I push it down, push it down.

♪ Melissa: I'm always like, hey-- oh thank you.

Like, Sia, you dropped your pillow.

Another favorite singer of mine is Billie Eilish.

Do you love Billie?

I love Billie.

♪ Don't you know, know.

Melissa: Where'd she go?

You know, she's so whispery.

♪ I used to fall.

♪ So you're a tough guy.

Melissa: I love Billie, I met her when I was at SNL, and I think she has a really powerful singing voice, you know, and I think she does want to sing her dark lyrics a lot louder and just let loose, but I think it must be tough, it must be awkward, because her brother's there the whole time.

You can't really let loo-- if my older brother were near me and I'm feeling myself, just singing, "'Cause I'm a bad guy," my brother would be like, "Ew, no you're not."

"Yes I am."

"No, you're not.

I'm telling mom."

"Don't, we're old."

I do a lot of singing impressions.

I also-- I love Gwen Stefani.

I grew up loving Gwen.

I even had the eyebrows.

I shaved him to look like her, you know.

But I love Gwen, and I sometimes when I'm in my car and No Doubt comes on the radio, I sing along with Gwen, which is a really dangerous impression to do behind the wheel.

I don't know if you've seen Gwen Stefani, but it's a lot of... ♪ For a long time I was in love.

♪ ♪ You're really lovely, underneath it all.

♪ ♪ Beep, beep, no hands.

Melissa: Oh, thank you, thank you.

Someday a cop's gonna pull me over and be like, "Ma'am, you know why I pulled you over?"

♪ Don't speak no just watch-- Melissa: "Ma'am, shut up.

Don't you know driving under the Gwenfluence is a ticket?"

♪ Don't tell me 'cause it hurts.

♪ Melissa: Thank you guys so much for having me.

Now, let's go backstage to Queen.

Queen: We are doing great backstage.

You know, this has been such a great gift to us from the LA County Board of Supervisors.

This show has such a fantastic history.

Decades ago, Dorothy Chandler, a civic and cultural leader, had the idea for the Music Center, a place for Los Angeles to engage and enjoy all types of music, including orchestra, theater, and opera.

It had to be for the people, and it had to be grand.

She sought the partnership of the Los Angeles County to make it happen.

The county had a stipulation: that the Music Center would be open one day a year to Angelenos for free and feature all-local LA talent.

Today, many of the programs of the Music Center are free and open to the public, and this show carries that legacy that began with Dorothy Chandler's dream.

Here's one more holiday wish from our 1st District supervisor.

Hilda Solis: Hello, I'm Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, and I represent the 1st District, which includes downtown LA, East Hollywood, East LA, the Northeast LA communities, and the San Gabriel Valley as far east as Pomona.

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, and most importantly a time of gratitude, and there's no better way to show our gratitude to one another than by coming together as a community.

The arts provide an opportunity to collectively heal and connect, whether it's through dance and music or even film.

And so, today I wanna thank all of you for joining us in promoting a deeper understanding of the essential connection between arts, health, and wellbeing.

As a supervisor for the 1st District, I'm so proud to have the Music Center as a stakeholder in moving the needle on cultural equity and inclusion.

And as we gather with our families, friends, and neighbors this evening to enjoy the 65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration, let us appreciate the many forms of art that reflect the diversity of the many cultures that make up LA County, because everyone, no matter where they live, should always be allowed to experience the arts.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

[singing in foreign language] Ricardo Lemvo: Our music is a blend of Cuban music with African music from Central Africa.

I was about eight years old in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we lived next to a bar.

And we were bombarded day and night with music, so I used to imagine myself leading a band.

I did not share those dreams with my mom, and I didn't realize my dream until I came to America.

So, when I came to America and when I decided to form my own band, I decided to create a band that blended all the styles that I listened to as a kid.

I sing in Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, Kikongo, and I even recorded a song in Turkish.

And our biggest break came in 1998 when I signed a contract with Putumayo, world music label from New York.

We traveled all over the world.

I mean, we've played in Australia, all over Europe, we played in Africa.

I am the happiest when I'm on stage.

When I see the audience dancing, it makes me feel great.

I mean, to me, it's like, okay, I've done something right.

Something--I cannot even describe this.

Electricity, you know, I-- spreading joy, spreading love is what I like to do.

Queen: Ricardo Lemvo.

♪ Oh yeah.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ O Arezú.

O Arezú.

♪ ♪ Mi Princesita de Persia.

♪ Arezú me echó bilongo.

♪ Con su burunganga.

♪ Nita kufa buré, mama.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ O Arezú.

O Arezú.

♪ ♪ Mi Princesita de Persia.

♪ Arezú me echó bilongo.

♪ Con su burunganga.

♪ Nita kufa buré, mama.

♪♪♪ ♪ Lo que me gusta de tí.

♪ Son tus ojitos de gato.

♪ Y tus labios de rubi.

♪ Ese cuerpo de sirena.

♪ Tu perfume embriagador.

♪ Que me envuelve y que me quema.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Burunganga, Burunganga.

♪ Burungang'apanazi Matanga.

♪ Ba mbengre tout baye mayanga.

♪ ♪ Ba nkebere tout bale Makerere.

♪ ♪ Shibi didon Olokum mayeye.

♪ Ayo motema mabe.

♪ Ayo mayele mabe.

♪ Makambo nay o Mbiringa Mbiringa.

♪ ♪ Sukuma!

Burunganga.

♪ ♪ Sukuma!

♪ Hey.

♪♪♪ ♪ Ricardo Lemvo y Makina Loca.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Burunganga.

Burunganga.

♪ ♪ Burunganga.

Burunganga, burunganga.

♪ ♪ Burunganga.

Burungang'apanzi Matanga.

♪ ♪ Ba mbengre tout baye mayanga.

♪ ♪ Ba nkebere tout bale Makerere.

♪ ♪ Shibi didon Olokum mayeye.

♪ Ayo motema mabe.

♪ Ayo mayele mabe.

♪ Makambo nay o Mbiringa Mbiringa.

♪ ♪ O Mayeta.

♪ Me quedé con el sabor.

♪ De tu boquita, Morena.

♪ Tu perfume embriagador.

♪ Que Vuelve loco a qualquiera.

♪ ♪ Te Busco por donde quiera.

♪ En Kilamba y Santiago.

♪ Arezu cuanto te amo.

♪ Porque tu eres mi locura.

♪ Yo Pierdo hasta la Cordura.

♪ Cuando te tengo en mis brazos.

♪ ♪ O Arezu.

O Arezu.

♪ ♪ Tu eres la vitamina.

♪ Que alimenta mi alma.

♪ O Habibi.

♪ Princesita de Persia.

♪ Arezu me echo bilongo.

♪ Con su burunganga.

♪ Nita kufa buré mama.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Ricardo: Thank you.

[audience cheering] Melissa: Queen, it's time for the finale.

Queen: Which means it is time for us to say goodbye.

We hope you enjoyed it, the gifts of love, peace, happiness, and we really, guys, hope you enjoyed tonight.

Melissa: Thank you, guys.

I had the best time ever.

May this time be happy, holiday happy.

May your light shine as bright as all the fiestas across Los Angeles County, just like this final fiesta right here.

Queen: Happy holidays.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ male: We're gonna have a cumbia party, everyone get up.

This is your last chance to dance and sing along.

Come on, here we go.

We play better and have a better time when you're playing with us.

♪ Carmen se me perdió la cadenita.

♪ ♪ Con el cristo del nazareno.

♪ Que tú regalaste.

♪ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

♪ ♪ Had a very shiny nose.

male: Come on, everyone.

♪ And if you ever saw it.

♪ You would even say it glows.

Like a lightbulb.

♪ ♪ All of the other reindeer.

♪ Used to laugh and call him names, like Pinocchio.

♪ ♪ They never let poor Rudolph.

♪ Join in any reindeer games.

♪ Then one foggy Christmas Eve.

♪ ♪ Santa came to say.

♪ "Rudolph, with your nose so bright.

♪ ♪ Won't you guide our sleigh tonight?"

♪ ♪ Then how the reindeer loved him.

♪ ♪ And they shouted out with glee, "Yippee.

♪ ♪ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

♪ ♪ You'll go down in history."

male: We're gonna speed it up.

♪ Uno, dos, tres, cuatro.

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells.

Jingle all the way.

♪ ♪ Oh what fun it is to ride.

♪ In a one horse open sleigh, hey.

♪ ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells.

Jingle all the way.

♪ ♪ Oh what fun it is to ride.

♪ In a one horse open sleigh, oh.

♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ male: We almost forgot Hanukkah!

♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ male: Thank you.

[audience cheering] [audience cheering] male: Happy Hanukkah.

Support for PBS provided by:

Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal

65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

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