How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Sheila E.

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Sheila E. recalls getting her first professional music job in Los Angeles while she was still unpacking after moving to the city.

“People would ask me to come work with them, like for a recording session,” the Oakland native remembers, chuckling. “It was really cool.”

She believes this was around 1980 or 1981, shortly after touring as a percussionist with jazz musician George Duke. By 1984, she had become a star in her own right with the hit song “The Glamorous Life,” a collaboration with her mentor Prince that reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

As a lifelong music fan, I’ve always been amazed by Sheila E.’s range – she’s played with everyone, from Ringo Starr to Beyoncé! But what really excites me about her recent work is that she’s revisiting her roots. She’s put out a fantastic salsa album called “Bailar,” featuring legends like Rubén Blades and Gloria Estefan. And there’s also an instrumental version with incredible musicians like Marcus Miller and Chris Botti. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment, going back to the Latin jazz she grew up playing with her dad, Pete Escovedo.

Sheila E. is heading to Europe for a tour in April. Before she leaves, she’s sharing what a typical day of rest looks like for her back home in Los Angeles.

10 a.m.: Parents in the pews

As a film enthusiast, I find I need a good start to my day, and for me, that means heading to church around 7:30 or 8 AM. I go to Believe L.A. in Calabasas – it’s a really special place. Our pastor, Aaron Lindsey, is amazingly talented; he’s a Grammy-winning gospel producer, and the music is just fantastic. Honestly, the worship experience really nourishes my soul – it’s like fuel for my creativity. I usually go in feeling pretty good, but I always leave feeling completely filled with love and peace. It’s especially wonderful when my parents can join me; they’re a huge blessing, and recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary – which is incredible!

Noon: No juice required

After church, we’re planning to have brunch at Leo & Lily in Woodland Hills. I usually get the breakfast – it comes with two eggs, turkey bacon, and potatoes. But if I’m not feeling something heavy, I’ll go for their orzo salad, which is delicious. I might also have an espresso or a glass of Champagne – I prefer straight Champagne to mimosas.

1:30 p.m.: Retail therapy

My parents and I enjoy driving along Ventura Boulevard. We often stop to browse shops, or we’ll head to the Topanga Westfield mall. After the mall, we always make a trip to Costco, but it’s mostly for my dog, Emma. I buy turkey and vegetables and cook up two weeks’ worth of her meals in advance, so it’s easy to just heat and serve. Emma’s a twelve-year-old pit bull mix we rescued when she was five months old while we were performing in Oakland. She’s a really sweet dog!

4 p.m.: Family secret

We’re big football fans, and when the season starts, we always rush home to watch the game together. We’re a 49ers family through and through, though being from Oakland, we definitely support the Raiders too when the time comes. We don’t hold any bad feelings like some Raiders fans do! I usually cook for everyone – my nephews, friends, whoever’s coming over. I love to grill, so I’ll make things like steaks, lamb chops, or chicken wings. My mom always makes her famous potato salad – it’s a family recipe passed down from her mother, who was Creole. And let me tell you, those Creole women take their potato salad seriously!

8:30 p.m.: Games after the game

I don’t ever ask anyone to go home. It’s usually pretty casual, and people often stay overnight – think of it as an open house. If we have the energy, we might play board games or cards. Just be warned – we really get into poker!

11:30 p.m.: Steam time

To unwind before sleep, I like to relax in the sauna and sweat a bit. Then I take a shower, usually with some calming jazz or spa music. I might do a little stretching beforehand, but I generally don’t read in bed. Instead, I put on HGTV for about an hour and a half and drift off to sleep.

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2026-02-13 14:02