Improvising in the David Geffen Galleries

We are thrilled to present Improvising in the David Geffen Galleries, the first program in a new series of members-only events designed to bring members together for special opportunities to engage with the broader Los Angeles cultural scene while experiencing LACMA’s permanent collection and special exhibitions in fresh and exciting ways. 

LACMA members are invited to encounter the art and architecture of the David Geffen Galleries as a space for listening and movement through an improvised performance featuring violin, drums, dance, and electronics. Become part of an evolving soundscape as performers and audience members create a collective experience together, inspired by artworks in the Pacific Ocean galleries. 

Improvising in the David Geffen Galleries is an original improvised performance created by:

Lisa Yoshida (Violin)

Dr. Lisa Yoshida is a Japanese-American violinist, composer, and educator whose interdisciplinary performance work has been presented worldwide at artistic residencies, festivals, and performing and visual arts venues.

Dylan Williams (Drums)

Dylan Williams is a jazz drummer and composer based in Southern California. A proficient performer across multiple genres, Dylan’s work blends traditional jazz values, rhythm and blues/soul inspiration, and avant garde experimentation. 

Eric Backus (Electronics)

Based in Los Angeles and Chicago, Eric Backus is an award-winning composer and sound designer with a portfolio including theatre, film, streaming media, immersive experiences, concert works, and sound art. His theatrical work and sound installations have been presented around the country, Off Broadway, and internationally.

Valerie Chen (Dance)

Valerie Chen is a Taiwanese American dancer with a multifaceted background in both commercial styles and classical repertoire. Formerly a company member with South Chicago Dance Theatre, she is currently a freelance artist based in Los Angeles.

Jonacy Cruz Montero (Dance)

Jonacy Cruz Montero is a Filipino-American movement artist born and raised in Daly City. Currently working as a freelance artist in Los Angeles, Jonacy is fluent in a variety of dance vocabularies, including contemporary, ballet, hip hop, house, locking, jazz, musical theater, and Polynesian and Filipino dancing.

Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Portions of this program may include standing and walking.