Impressions: Estelle + Tarrus Riley at Boomyard LA

Words by LargeUp Crew
Photos by Farah Sosa

A surprise performance from Estelle and Tarrus Riley capped off another month of pure vibes at Boomyard LA, Los Angeles’ best and only outdoor bashment party. This month, Boomyard popped up at the Shops at Adams Gateway, just down the road from the usual location at Delicious Pizza. The new space had a true, Caribbean-in-LA vibe, with its pastel-colored shipping containers, plus JJ’s BBQ serving up jerk chicken. Selectors Kali Madden, DJ Daneekah, Shacia Payne Marley and DJ Rampage Global brought the sounds, alongside host DJ Crooks. Meanwhile, guests included singers Daniel Bambaata Marley and Rocky Dawuni, producer Ape Drums, Jamaican pro surfer Shama Beckford and Jamie Strong and Chris Haycock of The Do-Over fame.

Boomyard is about as close as you’ll get to Jamaica inside of the state of California. And, just like in yard, the dancers who turn out monthly bring as much to the party as the DJs and performers. Boomyard regulars Tango Leadaz, Betty Rox, Zagga Zo, Bad Gyal Shellee, Maaki Freedom, Shawna Pops, Jason Facey and the Roxstarz Dance Crew were among the dancers who rolled out to this month’s edition, keeping energy levels turned all the way up, all afternoon. This is just one of the ways Boomyard is filling a void for culture in L.A. It’s a monthly meet-up for the many dancers of Caribbean descent who make the city their home.

Of course, Sunday’s energy peaked when R&B queen Estelle turned up to deliver her modern lovers rock classic “Come Over,” followed by an appearance from her “Love Like Ours” collaborator Tarrus Riley. Here’s all of the highlights in photos, via photographer Farrah Sosa.