Free Sangria at sunset in DTLA

If You Want Me to Stay
A funky, soulful classic by Sly and the Family Stone, this song opens the set with irresistible groove and playful energy. The pedal steel and upright bass add a rootsy texture that blends funk with Americana warmth.

Stayin’ Alive
The Bee Gees’ iconic disco anthem is transformed into a laid-back, soulful reinterpretation. Mandolin and pedal steel give it a fresh acoustic shimmer, inviting a relaxed sway instead of the usual dancefloor frenzy.

Sugar (Stevie Wonder)
A joyful celebration of love and rhythm, Stevie Wonder’s “Sugar” gets lifted by rich three-part vocal harmonies and a smooth, acoustic soul vibe. Upright bass and pedal steel highlight its warmth and groove.

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
A timeless blues lament that speaks to hard times and resilience. The mandolin adds delicate color, while pedal steel and upright bass underscore the song’s haunting melancholy.

Georgia on My Mind
Ray Charles’ soulful ballad becomes a showcase for heartfelt harmonies and expressive pedal steel, evoking nostalgia and deep affection.

The Nearness of You
This classic jazz standard is reimagined with tender intimacy, featuring gentle guitar work and subtle mandolin textures beneath lush vocal harmonies.

Angel from Montgomery
John Prine’s poignant storytelling shines through, with the band’s rootsy arrangement spotlighting the pedal steel’s mournful slide and emotional depth.

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
Bob Dylan’s folk classic receives a fresh acoustic treatment, blending crisp guitar picking and mandolin with warm vocal harmonies that capture both bittersweet resignation and hope.

Jealous Guy
John Lennon’s vulnerable ballad is infused with soulful depth, grounded by upright bass and woven with pedal steel and mandolin’s textured layers.

Hurricane (Band of Heathens)
A contemporary Americana narrative brimming with energy and grit. The driving drums and bright mandolin propel this story of struggle and resilience forward.

Cold, Cold Heart
Hank Williams’ country standard is given a soulful, mournful treatment, with pedal steel’s plaintive tones and layered vocals deepening its emotional resonance.

I Want You Back
The Jackson 5’s upbeat pop-soul hit is reimagined with acoustic instrumentation and rich harmonies, transforming it into a heartfelt, groove-driven performance.

Besame Mucho
This classic Latin bolero brings romantic flair to the set, with mandolin and pedal steel offering delicate, expressive textures that complement the passionate vocals.

Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Billy Joel’s narrative about ambition and escape gets a rootsy twist, with upright bass and mandolin driving its rhythm and harmonies emphasizing the story’s bittersweet edge.

Kiss (Prince)
Prince’s minimal funk classic is transformed with a country-soul edge. The pedal steel adds twangy sass, keeping the groove irresistible and fresh.

Tell Me Somethin’ Good
Chaka Khan’s funk anthem shines with the band’s soulful energy. Tight rhythms and layered vocal harmonies invite the audience into a joyful groove.

House of the Rising Sun
A haunting traditional folk ballad reimagined with rich harmonies and the interplay of guitar, mandolin, and upright bass, creating a dramatic, atmospheric moment.

Rich Girl
Hall & Oates’ smooth pop-soul hit gets a rootsy makeover, with pedal steel’s warm slide and vocal harmonies emphasizing the song’s ironic storytelling.

Summertime
The Gershwin standard floats through smoky jazz vibes, highlighted by expressive guitar and pedal steel and vocals that capture both longing and ease.

Feelin’ Good
An anthem of renewal and empowerment, rendered intimate by the band’s warm acoustic sound and soaring harmonies that build to a triumphant close.

Jolene (Ray LaMontagne version)
Closing the set with emotional intensity, this raw, haunting version features atmospheric pedal steel and mandolin textures beneath deeply heartfelt vocals.

Set against the iconic skyline of Downtown LA’s historic district, this program weaves together stories as rich and layered as the city itself. Each song is a narrative rooted in the diverse traditions that have shaped American music — from the blues born in the Deep South to the folk and Americana ballads that echo tales of struggle and hope. Jazz rhythms born in New Orleans meet heartfelt melodies from across the Americas, all filtered through Free Sangria’s soulful harmonies and roots-driven instrumentation. Just as LA’s streets are a crossroads of cultures and histories, this rooftop gathering invites you to experience these timeless stories anew, creating a shared moment of connection, resilience, and celebration beneath the city lights.