Los Angeles is reviving a small local live music event.
The right case is a rehearsal (not to be confused with a TV series of the same name), showing musical talent from around the world in a cozy, locally oriented setting.
Its setting is Mercadra Paloma, located on Grand Avenue, near the Figueroa corridor in South La. It is packed with restaurants (including Michelin Star Winner Holbox) and shops, and there is also space for nonprofits and community events, including volunteer-driven programs where artists can perform and receive feedback.
The Weekly Southla Residency, which the event founder described as a “music first experience,” was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times, and also supports artists with other aspects of the creative process.
Rehearsal event at Mercadra Paloma (KTLA) held on June 6th, 2025
“Rehearsals are more than just a showcase of music,” the event founders Yesika Ortiz-Dodson, Shani Gaines-Bernard, Levi Downey and David Tam said in a press release. “Our space goes beyond live performance, providing live streaming, event production, sound engineering, lighting design, stage setup and education for full-scale event organizations.”
The event is designed to be the opposite of many other music showcases, according to co-founder Levi Downey.
“It’s actually really hard in LA to find a place to do something that doesn’t cost a lot of money or is not just a miserable experience,” Downey explained. “In most venues, you’re hustling, hustling on stage, you have to sell tickets or borrow money.”
“We wanted to create a space for actually music and artists playing,” he added. “It’s a chance to really do it the way we want to do it for us.”
Rehearsal event at Mercadra Paloma (KTLA) held on June 6th, 2025
The musician seems to agree with Downey’s feelings.
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Bruno Romano, who performed at the showcase on June 6th, said: “In a world where people are consuming content so quickly… these kinds of events bring people together, create communities, and open up spaces for artists and songwriters to showcase their music.”
“I’m really happy that people aren’t in random bars just singing while people aren’t paying attention,” he added. “This is actually a place where people listen.”
Rehearsals will be held every Friday night until July 18th, except on July 4th. In addition to fundraising from sponsors such as Liquid Death, the organization also accepts donations to continue the event. Click here to donate.
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