SEP 2025 16 TUE 7:30 PM
Global Music
⁠Celebrate Ameri’KANAEpstein Family Amphitheater
  • Tickets: start at $25
  • UCSD Student: Free tickets via SSO
Bites & Beverages

About

Featuring Rubén Albarrán from Cafe Tacvba, Making Movies, and La Lulu

Founded by the Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies, Celebrate AMERI’KANA is a traveling festival celebrating the diverse colors of American music. Looking to redefine “Americana,” the festival highlights the crossroads of languages and rhythms that shape the musical identity of the Americas.

This year, the festival welcomes Rubén Albarrán, the legendary frontman of Café Tacvba and one of Latin America’s most influential and innovative artists. For over three decades, Rubén has shaped the sound of Latin rock, blending traditional Mexican music with alternative rock, electronic, and experimental styles—pushing artistic boundaries at every turn. With a voice Billboard calls “a multifaceted wonder,” Rubén has captivated audiences around the world, whether delivering a piercing ballad, an explosive punk chorus, or an electrifying DJ set.

Beyond his iconic work with Café Tacvba, Rubén has collaborated with artists like Calle 13, Natalia Lafourcade, Julieta Venegas, and Gustavo Santaolalla. Under his DJ moniker Pinche Pinchadiscos, he brings that same boundary-defying spirit to the dance floor, spinning global beats with the energy and theatricality that have defined his career. From massive festivals like Rock al Parque and Ruido Fest to sold-out club nights in Berlin and Bogotá, Rubén’s performances are celebrations of rhythm, resistance, and cultural pride.

Making Movies is a band based in the United States with a sound Rolling Stone describes as “an eclectic blend of rumbero percussions, delicate organs, and grungy fuzz rock.” Led by Panamanian singer/guitarist Enrique Chi, Mexican-American percussionist and keyboardist Juan-Carlos Chaurand, and drummer Duncan Burnett, the band rose to acclaim through a decade of relentless touring in the US and Latin America.

The band collaborated with Rubén Blades on the single “No Te Calles,” which NPR included in their Best of 2019 list and became the opening track of his album Paraiso Road Gang, nominated for Latin Grammy Album of the Year. They’ve also toured alongside Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Thievery Corporation, and more.

La Lulu, a Latin Grammy-winning violinist, vocalist, and dancer whose explosive stage presence channels the soul of cumbia through a New York lens. Born in Cali, Colombia and raised in NYC, La Lulu fuses salsa, spanglish rhymes, and unapologetic energy into music that is both deeply rooted and fiercely contemporary.

Details

Gates open at 6:30 PM

Bites & Beverages

Food and drink will be available for purchase in the venue. Please note: Food vendors are cashless.

Getting Here

The Epstein Family Amphitheater is located at 9480 Innovation Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093.

Take the Trolley: The amphitheater is located next to the Blue Line Trolley, UCSD Central Campus Station. For more information about the trolley, visit the MTS website >

Parking

The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.

What Can I Bring To The Show?

You may bring in empty refillable water bottles, small personal bags (16” x 16 “ x 8”). All bags are subject to search by security officers. We encourage that you dress in layers and for those who have tickets to the General Lawn Section to wear shoes without heels. 

Prohibited Items

Additional prohibited items include: strollers, large backpacks, flags, tobacco products, alcohol, cans, bottles, ice chests, picnic baskets, lawn furniture, weapons of any kind, umbrellas, pets, hula hoops, musical instruments, laser pointers, bicycles, and skateboards.  Cameras with a detachable lens of any kind and professional recording devices are not allowed, including GoPros. Scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and other recreational wheeled equipment are not permitted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. UC San Diego is a smoke-free campus. 

If you have questions, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu

Can I bring Lawn furniture, cushions, or blankets?

For the safety and comfort of all, you may not bring lawn chairs or furniture. The lawn is quite steep and not safe for lawn chairs. You can bring in personal seat cushions, blankets, or seating, as long as they fit your personal space and lie flat on the ground (no legs, no hard structure). We encourage the same for the stone bench seating areas on both General Admission and reserved seating shows.

Fees

Ticket prices are inclusive of fees.

More Info

If you need additional information and/or assistance, please contact artpower@ucsd.edu.
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