Music Amid the Downtown Hubbub

You work in downtown Los Angeles and would like to hear some live music during your lunch hour. Easy. All you have to do is pack a lunch and walk to the California Plaza to catch an exciting series of free concerts starting today and running through Oct. 25.

Some evening concerts also are scheduled. At 8 p.m. for five straight days beginning next Wednesday, the Cornerstone Theater Company will celebrate its 10th anniversary by presenting a multilingual musical play that puts together an 11-year-old student from Watts, a 14-year-old mariachi dancer from East L.A. and a 35-year-old massage therapist from North Hollywood. What could better exemplify L.A.’s diversity?

If jazz is your thing, be at the Plaza at noon today as the Buddy Collette Big Band opens the concert series. At midday Thursday there will be Celtic music at the Watercourt, the performance area of California Plaza, which stretches between Olive and Grand north of 4th Street. The concert series is funded by nearby retailers.

In the weeks to come, dance groups, R&B; combos, tap dancers, blue grass bands and cast members from an Ahmanson Theatre production of “Carousel” will entertain. This week closes with something for those who want to add a little flavor to their sandwich: Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeo Band performing salsa, polka, soukous, R&B;, merengue, Afro-Cuban jazz and rock on Friday. So if you’re looking for a noontime lift, or a boost at the end of a hard workday, the music-filled California Plaza is the place to be. And, folks, it’s free.