At the opening of the newest Loteria Grill location at Figat7th last weekend, Wonderfox and La Santa Cecilia put on the musical touch on this special event held for the media and invited guests.
Jimmy Shaw, founder and executive chef of Lotería! Grill opened its first location in 2002, at the Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles, and Lotería! Grill has grown from the open-air stall at the Farmers Market to locations in Hollywood, Studio City, the Promenade at Westlake, Santa Monica and now Figat7th.
Loteria Grill has become known for its award-winning, regional specialties and slowly cooked guisos served with handmade corn tortillas and Mexican favorites like the Chicharrón de Queso, and the Probaditas, a mini-taco sampler of its signature guisos.
After being offered samples of the delicious food and drinks prepared by the Loteria Grill staff, the guests enjoyed the music of Wonderfox, one of the most exciting Latin alternative bands to come out of the L.A. music scene. Lead by the talented voice of lead singer and guitarist, Isabel Valencia, Wonderfox delighted the crowd with songs from Wonderfox’s self titled EP and to end their amazing performance, they played a rock cover version of “El Triste” from 70 and 80’s Latin pop icon, Jose Jose, which left the audience asking for more.
To close out the festivities, Grammy nominees, La Santa Cecilia (LSC) put on a riveting performance that had people dancing to their addicting rhythms and lead singer, La Marisoul’s passionate voice, made the audience feel as if they were in some Mexican “plaza” listening the music of their roots, especially when they sang Jose Alfredo Jimenez’ classic, “En El Ultimo Trago”.
Earlier this year, La Santa Cecilia released their first full length album, “30 Dias”, which has received great positive reviews by the music critics and the band has been nominated for the upcoming Grammys in the “Best Latin Alternative Rock Album” category; LSC was also named “Best New Alternative Band” by LA Weekly and their video for the anti-deportation video, “ICE (El Hielo)” was nominated for best video by Premios Lo Nuestro.
Written by Angel Aguilar
Photos by Angel Aguilar