CUCO'S HOMECOMING AT THE GREEK: A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND COMUNIDAD

The Greek Theatre has long been a place where Los Angeles comes to hear itself, where the city’s heartbeat syncs with the rhythm onstage. On September 15, 2025, the hills of Griffith Park echoed with that rhythm as Cuco took the stage. The Los Angeles born artist arrived on his Ridin’ Tour at a pivotal moment: just one day after releasing the deluxe edition of his latest album and six years since Para Mi introduced his dreamy, bilingual sound to the world. The crowd, a tapestry of longtime fans and new listeners, gathered not only to sing along but to honor a hometown hero who has carried the spirit of his community into the heart of modern music. The show became a living portrait of Los Angeles itself, diverse, layered, and deeply rooted in its Latino community. Bathed in the glow of the amphitheater's lights, Cuco’s performance became a reminder of how art can transform a venue into a sanctuary, where nostalgia and hope exist side by side. 

The Greek’s open air-stage, framed by the trees of Griffith Park, was alive hours before Cuco even stepped out. Every seat was spoken for well before showtime as fans of all ages buzzed with the anticipation of a hometown show. Many sported flannels, bandanas, and tour merchandise, including the standout Pro Club letterman jackets stitched with details from Cuco’s Ridin’ album. Merch lines were steady and long, while album-themed photo setups gave fans a chance to mark the occasion. 

Before the music began, The Greek was transformed into a comedy club under the stars, opening with the viral sensation Foos Got Talent. Hosted by Ego the Cholo, Eric Ochoa’s beloved Chicano creation, the show thrived on chaos, even going as far as inviting audience members onstage to flaunt their wild talents in pursuit of the glittering Foos Got Talent belt. The crowd roared with laughter, the amphitheater echoing with the kind of joy that felt both unfiltered and communal. Then came Felipe Esparza, a force of his own, whose raunchy, dark humor filled stand-up set teetered between shocking and irresistible. His set left the audience buzzing, their energy sharpened by laughter and perfectly primed for the music that would soon take over. By bringing these Mexican voices to the stage, Cuco made it clear that his tour was more than just a celebration of his music but also a platform to showcase the talent, humor, and creativity within his community. 

Cuco’s performance began with his four-piece band taking the stage first, dressed in blue-collar jumpsuits adorned with the flags of their origins, three Mexican and one Boricua. They launched into a swirling, psychedelic instrumental that immediately captivated the audience, setting the stage for the man of the hour. When Cuco finally stepped into the spotlight, he beamed at the crowd and exclaimed his joy at being home in Los Angeles, a sentiment that was met with an eruption of cheers. He opened with Ridin’, the title track of the tour and album, a perfect introduction that immediately grounded the night in the music that had brought everyone together. 

Cuco’s performance was a masterclass in versatility and spontaneity. Early in the set, he welcomed his longtime friend Jean Carter to the stage for a performance of Bossa No Se, followed by their newest collaboration, My 45. Sharing a personal story with the crowd, he recounted that he and Carter had met on the first day of college nearly a decade ago, a testament to the friendships that have shaped his journey. Cuco alternated between electric guitar and the trumpet, though midway through his set his trumpet fell and broke, prompting him to sing the trumpet part instead, laughing along with the audience at the mishap. The set itself was minimal, with only light panels flanking him on stage, yet it flowed effortlessly between genres, showcasing Cuco’s musical versatility while allowing his presence and the music to command full attention. From dream pop to lo-fi hip hop, bossa nova, rock, and even cumbia, Cuco demonstrated his mastery across styles. 

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of Cuco’s earliest tracks and his latest releases, seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh material to showcase his growth as an artist. He performed Lover is a Day, one of his earliest songs written in high school and now platinum-certified, a poignant reminder of how far he’s come. The set closed with the emotive Lo Que Siento, but the crowd’s chants for more led him to improvise Do Better with his guitarist, a spontaneous moment that perfectly captured the intimacy, joy, and communal energy of the night. 

What made Cuco’s performance truly magnetic, beyond his musicianship, was his humility and connection with the audience. He spoke openly about how happy he was to be home, admitting he had already been homesick despite only leaving Los Angeles a few days prior. Fans witnessed moments of genuine gratitude: he signed vinyls handed up from the pit, congratulated a fan on graduating college, and even took phones from the first few rows to film himself and the crowd, capturing memories alongside them. He remembered fans from past shows, asked how they were doing, and expressed how much it meant to him that they showed up once again. He thanked every member of his team, his band, event staff, family, and friends, reinforcing that his career exists because of the people who support him. 

The evening carried emotional and thematic weight that resonated deeply with the audience. Cuco’s show was an ode to love, unity, and togetherness, with every detail reflecting his commitment to uplifting his community and Latinos as a whole. From a Spanish medley of Under the Sun, Llora, and Negra Tomasa honoring Mexican Independence Day to his heartfelt closing speech, where he thanked his “raza” and reaffirmed his stance on social justice issues, Cuco’s performance transcended entertainment. It was a celebration of culture, resilience, and connection, leaving The Greek Theatre not just filled with music but with a shared sense of pride, joy, and belonging. 

Cuco’s Ridin’ Tour stop at The Greek Theatre was a vibrant ode to music, community, and cultural pride. Through every song, story, and interaction, he highlighted not only his music versatility but also his deep commitment to his roots and the community that shaped him. As fans spilled out into Griffith Park, it was clear that this night would linger in memory and serve as a reminder that when music is delivered with authenticity, humility, and love, it can transform a concert into an unforgettable, unifying experience, and make a city feel like home.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza