Experience LA - LA's Official Cultural Calendar & Trip Planner
Home Calendar Destinations Adventures Spotlight About
Home > Spotlight > Archive > Article    

Best of Summer Concert Picks

There is an outdoor concert series being held in almost every area of LA this summer- see if there is one by you! Some are free, and all are showcasing excellent music from diverse genres. Here are some outing ideas, organized by region:

Hollywood

The Los Angeles Film Festival is starting things off June 16. The festival will showcase great films in various locations throughout Los Angeles, including Arclight Cinemas, the Directors' Guild of America, and the Laemmle's Sunset 5. Documentaries, premieres, how-to-sessions, anime shorts and more will comprise the more than 200 events happening until June 26.

The Hollywood Bowl is the summer home of the world-renowed Los Angeles Philharmonic. Weeknights are classical concerts; weekends showcase celebrated hip-hop, international, and cross-genre artists. Santa Monica-based radio station KCRW (89.9FM) presents its cutting-edge World Festival there.

Across from the Hollywood Bowl, on the other side of the Cahuenga Pass is the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, programmed by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Acts range from Lula Washington Dance Company, Levantine Festival 2, OUTFEST 2005, a Korean Dance Festival, and others.

Downtown LA

If you're in Downtown LA, catch an evening world music concerts at the Grand Performances' California Plaza series. Electronica from Mexico City, independent film screenings, and hip-hop orchestras are just some of what is offered. Pershing Square, at the corner of 5th and Olive Streets, is also hosting a concert series, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Pershing Square is now a Free WiFi Hotspot, so you can access the internet on your laptop, cell phone, or PDA. The Japanese American National Museum also puts on unique concerts, ranging from taiko to Brazilian samba in the heart of Little Tokyo.

Westside

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights the Garden Grove Farmers Market has jazz quartets and roots rock bands playing from 7-9pm. Hear great music while you shop for fresh summer produce. The Skirball Cultural Center has live outdoor music every Saturday outside of Cafe Z; July 21st commences their Sunset Concerts series, which features international artists exploring immigration and belonging in the Jewish community at-large. Towards the end of summer, look for the 2005 World Festival of Sacred Music.

Pasadena

Stop by the Levitt Pavilion across from the Memorial Park Station Metro stop for free evening concerts under the stars. Bring a picnic and blanket and make an evening out of it, Wednesday thru Sunday. Close by is City Hall and the Paseo Colorado in the heart of Old Pasadena, for those who want to enfold dining or shopping into their evening.

San Fernando Valley

For San Fernando Valley residents, there is the Valley Cultural Center's Warner Park summer series. Also in the area is the the Madrid Theatre, which will showcase everything from oldies to traditional Indian dance.

Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley

Don't miss the fabulous concert series at Central Park in Santa Clarita. It's fun and free!

For more ideas, go to the Los Angeles County Cultural Calendar for the most comprehensive selection of LA events.

Back to Top

 

 Search Site