Skip to Content
Music

Michael Jackson and James Brown on stage in Los Angeles, 1983

In August 1983 James Brown and band were playing the Beverly Theatre in Los Angeles with legendary blues man B.B. King for what was already a formidable pairing of music royalty. Then halfway through the set that evening James Brown introduced a very special guest to join him onstage - a 25 year old Michael Jackson, hot on the heels of his Thriller album at the time, inconspicuously watching the show from the audience. Michael wowed the crowd with a spontaneous song and dance performance that was spectacular and all too brief.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Weekend Eats: Sinaloan Hot Dogs Vs. Sonoran Dogos? You Can Have Them Both In L.A.

Plus Chinese-Jamaican cooking in Hollywood, a new torta ahogada specialist, and chef Daniel Patterson's return to fine-dining on Melrose.

May 8, 2026

L.A. TACO Neighborhood Guides: The Fairfax District

Fairfax has Tyler the Creator's preppy emporium, breakfast burritos with smoked potatoes, a Guns N' Roses museum, legendary 3 a.m. pastrami, and one of L.A.'s last remaining newsstands. Plus a neighborhood history by artist Adam Villacin.

Daily Memo: A Push for ‘Quieter’ Immigration Raids and An Increasing Use of Force at Detention Centers

We are also exactly a month away from June 6th, when the Border Patrol arrived in Los Angeles and began the raids that terrorized so many around the country.

Here’s Every Single Death Linked to Immigration Enforcement Since Trump’s Raids Began in 2025

We hope this register offers a moment to remember the names and stories of the victims. For each one, we’ve included the backstory we were able to gather alongside the official account from government agencies.

From Florida to SoCal: The Vietnamese Creator Spotlighting Hidden Gem Restaurants for Millions

Moving to California felt healing—and almost like entering "a new country," says Soy Nguyen. For the first time, she saw Vietnamese and Asian cultures openly embraced, a stark contrast to Florida.

May 5, 2026

Los Dorados And Los Cholos Are The Big Winners At TACO MADNESS 2026

Over 2,000 of you packed Gloria Molina Grand Park and completely sold out multiple taquerías.

May 4, 2026
See all posts