Tonight! Ringing in 2026 with The Roots at Disney Hall

CAMPBELL WELLMAN LOS ANGELES NEW YEARS EVE THE ROOTS 2025

If you are looking for the ultimate way to cap off a transformative 2025, the destination tonight is Walt Disney Concert Hall. As part of the prestigious "Deck the Hall" holiday series, the legendary Roots crew is taking over the stage for a New Year’s Eve celebration that promises to be as sophisticated as it is high-energy.

The Artists: A Masterclass in Versatility

For those who know them primarily as the Grammy-winning house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, seeing The Roots live is a revelation. Formed in Philadelphia in 1987 by Questlove and Black Thought, they are widely considered "hip-hop's first legitimate band." Their ability to blend jazz, soul, and conscious rap with live instrumentation makes them the perfect act for the world-class acoustics of Disney Hall.

The Venue: A Gehry Masterpiece

There is perhaps no more iconic backdrop for a Los Angeles New Year than the shimmering stainless steel sails of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed by local architectural legend Frank Gehry, the hall was famously built "inside out," prioritizing the intimacy between the audience and the performers.

Tonight, that intimacy goes a step further. In a rare departure from standard concert hall etiquette, guests are encouraged to bring their drinks to their seats, let their hair down, and dance as we transition into 2026.

The Evening’s Itinerary

  • 6:00 PM: The festivities kick off in BP Hall with a complimentary champagne toast and a set by KCRW’s own DJ Novena Carmel.

  • 7:00 PM & 10:30 PM: The Roots take the stage for two distinct performances. Whether you are catching the early show before dinner or counting down to midnight in the vineyard-style seating of the main hall, it is set to be an unforgettable night.

Pro-Tip: Navigating the Downtown Closures

If you are heading to the performance tonight, please be aware that Grand Park’s NYELA celebration will result in significant street closures starting at 8:00 PM.

  • Full Closures: Hill St., Broadway, and Spring St. (between Temple and 2nd).

  • Accessing the Hall: 1st St. and Olive St. will have partial closures, but the eastbound lanes will remain open to allow access to the Conrad Hotel and the Music Center garages.

We recommend arriving early to enjoy the pre-concert champagne and avoid the 8:00 PM traffic shifts. Let’s say goodbye to 2025, and HELLO to 2026 with the energy and soul it deserves. See you at the Hall! GET TICKETS HERE >>>