Erykah Badu Warms LA3C 2023 With Neo Soul Classsics

Erykah Badu helped the LA3C Music And Food Festival warm up the brisk weekend in downtown Los Angeles’ Historic Core. The annual event created by Penske Media Corp. returned for the second consecutive year from Friday, Nov. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 12, with a refreshing approach to celebrating L.A. culture. Initiated last year with performers like Lil Baby, Snoop Dogg, Seventeen, and Maluma, this year’s event focused on empowering Black businesses and the local film scene, while highlighting R&B, jazz, and soul music.

Across four venues—Theatre at the Ace Hotel, Los Angeles Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and Palace Theatre, the eventful weekend hosted a sold-out crowd eager to taste local eateries and indulge in the creative scene.

Kamasi Washington and a team of musicians and vocalists kicked off the festival at The Los Angeles Theater with a high-energy performance blending live instrumentation with powerful messaging, colorful staging, and interpretive dance. His set followed an easy-listening Hip-Hop set from DJ Battlecat. Additional showcases on LA3C’s first day came from headlining acts Flying Lotus and Fred Armisen.

Saturday’s major act, Erykah Badu, brought a rowdy crowd to a sense of peace with soulful renditions of fan-favorite tracks like “Apple Tree,” “Next Lifetime,” and “Green Eyes.” With beaded braids that swept past her ankles, the Dallas native brought the Orpheum Theatre’s ticket holders to their feet and changed the show’s pace with a promised performance of “Tyrone.”

“I’m gonna go back to my bus and you’re gonna remember this for the rest of your f**king lives,” announced the singer before exiting the stage in front of the applauding audience.

The entire weekend included additional features from Terrace Martin, Questlove Aja Monet, Sudan Archives, Paulie the PSM, and the legendary Herbie Hancock. LA3C pass holders also had the opportunity to visit the Bazaar on Broadway which featured an open-air record fair presented by In Sheep’s Clothing, as well as Black Market Flea, a uniquely curated experience for Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and community.

Take a look at moments from the 2023 LA3C Music And Food Festival below.

LA3C is owned and operated by VIBE’s parent company Penske Media Corporation. 

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