Los Angeles is gearing up for Calibash 2024, a major celebration of Latin music’s diversity. This popular event, known for highlighting various Latin music styles, will be back at the Crypto.com Arena on January 12–13. Expect two days packed with energetic music, cultural displays, and top Latin musical acts.
Organized by Mega 96.3/FM, SBS Entertainment, and LaMusica, this year’s Calibash is introducing a new feature: Calibash MX. This segment, focused solely on Mexican live concerts, is a first for the festival. This addition marks a significant moment in the festival’s evolution, highlighting the rising prominence of música Mexicana within the broader Latin music landscape.
“Calibash 2024 celebrates the diverse layers of Latin music while spotlighting música Mexicana,” says Christopher Martinez, Director of Business Affairs at SBS Entertainment. He emphasizes the genre’s current dominance in the Latin community, noting, “With the music explosion that we have been witnessing coming out of Mexico, it’s hard to deny that música Mexicana is the moment when it comes to the Latin community.”
The event’s first evening, January 12, will feature an impressive lineup, including Feid, Farruko, Yandel, Prince Royce, Young Miko, Maria Becerra, and Darell. These artists represent a cross-section of the dynamic and evolving sounds of Latin music, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees.
In a departure from its traditional format, the second day of the festival, January 13, will be dedicated to the inaugural Calibash MX. This new part of the festival focuses on Mexican-American groups such as Grupo Frontera and others, as well as popular Mexican artists like Edgardo Nuñez and Yng Lvcas of the hit “La Bebé” featuring Peso Pluma.
This year, the event will feature just seven acts each day. This change aims to create a closer, more engaging atmosphere. It also means longer performances, letting fans get into each act.
For 17 years, Calibash has been a major Latin music festival on the West Coast, evolving from a single-evening event into a multi-day extravaganza. Its long history shows its strong ties to the Latin community, with many famous performers and surprise guests like Justin Bieber and Cardi B.
Reflecting on the festival’s journey, Martinez remarks, “Since the formation of Calibash, the core of our mission is the audience experience and bringing the Latin community together. Our goal is always for the audience to walk away knowing they heard their favorite songs from some of the best Latin artists out there.”
Adding to the excitement, Calibash 2024 will host a free pre-festival event at the Gilbert Lindsay Plaza starting at 4 p.m. This event, open to everyone, will include live music and refreshments. Performers like Jenny 69, Mariah Angeliq, Ninjaa, Marilyn Odessa, and others will be there.
Martinez encourages everyone to join in the festivities, stating, “We highly encourage fans who have tickets for the big show to come out and make it a full-day affair, and even for those who weren’t able to get tickets, you can still take part in the fun during the day.” Whether you’re a die-hard music enthusiast or just looking to experience the lively spirit of Latin music, Calibash 2024 is an event you won’t want to miss.
