The annual NYELA celebration, which will be held virtually, will include light projections on City Hall. (photo courtesy of Grand Park’s Facebook account)

Grand Park’s NYELA will ring in the new year with a live, one-hour special broadcast and streaming event on Friday, Dec. 31, from 11:00 p.m. to 12:01 a.m.

The event will honor the resilience of Los Angeles County residents and in particular, those who inspired hope during 2021.

While Grand Park’s NYELA celebration will be closed to the public this year due to the pandemic, Grand Park will still hold a live event for a special by-invitation-only audience of city and county frontline and essential workers. The program, which will feature joyful musical performances and Grand Park’s signature video projection countdown, will be broadcast on Fuse and livestreamed on Grand Park’s YouTube channel, providing the opportunity for people around the world to experience the park’s grand New Year’s Eve celebration.

In line with Grand Park’s commitment to featuring L.A.-based talent, Grand Park’s NYELA will feature a dynamic line-up of performances beginning with the Afro-Dominican rhythms of songstress Esty, followed by the R&B-influenced alt-hop beats of South L.A.’s DUCKWRTH. A Latin icon for alternative electronic music worldwide and known for popular hits such as “Mas,” “Hasta Quemarnos” and “Soun Tha Mi Primer Amor,” Kinky will close out the hour-long program with a high-energy set. With back-to-back DJ sets, Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of independent Stone Throw Records, and J.Rocc, one of the original turntablists, will keep the party atmosphere going between main stage performances.

The celebration will culminate with Grand Park’s signature midnight countdown created in a new partnership with Xitelabs, featuring an exciting showcase of 3D graphics and light displayed on Los Angeles City Hall.

“With a special invitation-only audience and an event that everyone can also enjoy from home, Grand Park’s NYELA is our way of saying thank you to the many whose personal and professional sacrifices kept us safe,” Grand Park director Julia Diamond said. “In partnership with the city and county of Los Angeles, these essential workers embody the resilience and heart found in all Angelenos that will carry us into 2022. This year’s celebration keeps with Grand Park’s tradition of presenting the best homegrown talent, highlighting forward-thinking artists, embracing diverse backgrounds and helping to further connect each of us to one another. Audiences, no matter where they are celebrating, can expect upbeat performances and dance floor beats, hallmarks of every Grand Park’s NYELA.”

Viewers can livestream the event on Fuse (check local listings for channels) and Grand Park’s YouTube channel. For information, visit nyela.grandparkla.org and musiccenter.org.