The Los Angeles air comes alive with the sound of music when summer concert series kick off all around the Southland. Here are some of the best.
1. Summer Season at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic and other scheduled performers at the historic Hollywood Bowl.When: June through September
Where: 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Cost: Varies
Info: (323) 850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com
2. Grand Performances Summer Festival
Grand Performances’ summer series presents world-class, world-renowned artists along with some of the finest homegrown talents.When: June through October, call for times
Where: California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: FREE
Info: 213-687-2159, www.grandperformances.org
More: Profile of Grand Performances
3. Ford Amphitheatre Summer Season
The Ford Amphitheatre presents jazz, world music, dance, classical music, theater, film, choral events, and family shows in an outdoor amphitheatre. Food and beverages available for purchase.When: May - October, See website for schedule.
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
Cost: Prices vary.
Info: 323-461-3673, www.fordamphitheater.org, Schedule
More: Ford Amphitheatre Guide
4. Pershing Square Summer Concert Series
Free concerts in the heart of downtown, featuring a variety of musical genres and performers.When: June through late September, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., the third Sunday of each month from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: FREE
Info: 1-888-527-2757, www.laparks.org
5. Twilight Dance and Music at the Santa Monica Pier
The Annual Thursday Twilight Music and Dance Series at Santa Monica Pier features some of LA's favorite hometown and visiting bands.When: Thursdays, End of June or beginning of July through August
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free
Parking: 2030 Barnard Way lot, a four to six-minute walk from the concert.
Info: (310) 458-8900, www.twilightdance.org
6. Live Music at Hollywood & Highlands
On Tuesday Wine and Jazz evenings in the Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland the music is free and bar sales benefit Project Angel Food.When: June through August, Tuesdays 7-9 pm
Where: Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland Center, corner of Hollywood and Highland, Hollywood, CA 90028
Cost:: Free
Info: www.hollywoodandhighland.com
7. Sizzling Summer Nights
LA’s top Latin bands starting at 6:30 p.m.; salsa lessons during intermission; children’s dance floorWhen: Every Thursday in July and August, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
Cost: $5; Free for members
Info: 323-667-2000, www.autrynationalcenter.org
8. Long Beach Municipal Band and Thursday Night Summer Concert Series
The Long Beach Municipal Band is the longest surviving, municipally-supported band in the country, celebrating its 100th birthday in 2009. Bring your picnic basket, blankets, and lawn chairs.Long Beach also hosts a Thursday Night Summer Concert Series with guest bands at various parks. When: July through August, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Various parks located throughout the city
Cost: FREE
Info: 562-570-3524, Municipal Band, Thursday Night Concert Series
9. Summer Festival at the Huntington
Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music, a visit to The Huntington Main Art Gallery, and a splendid concert in the most beautiful spot in Southern California.When: July through August, call for schedule, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino
Cost: $45 Loggia, $28 Lawn
Info: 1-800-726-7147 www.swmusic.org
10. Summer Sessions Outdoor Music and Garden Concerts for Kids at the Getty Center
Saturdays in July, the Getty offers its Saturdays Off the 405 concert and DJ series. Saturdays and Sundays in August, the Museum presents Garden Concerts for Kids. Food and beverages are available on site.When: July - August
Where: The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 on site until June 30, $15 after July 1, 2009, free after 5 pm, tram to museum
Info: www.getty.edu, (310) 440-7300

