The Music Center Launches ‘Innovation Social’ Series with Free Art & Tech Events
The Music Center in Los Angeles will launch its new “Innovation Social” series – free, speakeasy-style gatherings blending art, technology, and community – beginning November 14, 2025, offering Angelenos a glimpse into the future of performance and digital storytelling.
The series, previously known as The Music Center’s Black Bar Social, will now take place on select Friday nights and feature a range of projects exploring the intersection of performance and technology. The inaugural iteration, “Connection Through Movement,” includes works by artists Aya Umoh, Ari Melenciano, Rashaad Newsome, and Janice Duncan, each offering unique perspectives on heritage, identity, and expression. Umoh’s “Rhythmic Wave” combines Nigerian dance with digital avatars, while Melenciano’s “Cosmeage” is a Pan-African sound and visual experience. Newsome’s short film, “Hands Performance,” highlights Black and Queer sign language, and Duncan’s “Black Bar Listening Station” presents audio narratives celebrating artists and community.
Events will be held in The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Founders’ Room & Stern Grand Hall, located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. on November 14, 2025, with additional dates scheduled for January 9 and March 20, 2026. The series is made possible by a grant from Agog: The Immersive Media Institute, with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment, signaling a growing investment in immersive arts experiences. Public transportation is strongly encouraged, with convenient access via the Metro B and D Lines to the Civic Center/Grand Park Station.
RSVP is encouraged via The Music Center’s website. Details regarding the January and March 2026 events will be announced at a later date, according to officials.
