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 extended concert series over the summer. For single weekend music festivals constult the Los Angeles Music Festivals Guide.
1. Summer Season at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic and other performers are scheduled throughout the summer at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
When: June through September
Where: 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Cost: Varies
Info: (323) 850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com
More: Hollywood Bowl Visitors Guide
2. Grand Performances Summer Festival
Grand Performances' summer series at California Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles presents world-class, world-renowned artists along with some of the finest homegrown talent. Food and beverages available for purchase.
When: June through October
Where: California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: FREE
Metro: Red Line to Pershing Square
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
Five weeks of free outdoor evening concerts and films four days a week on Prshing Square featuring a variety of musical genres and performers. Concerts are free with lawn seating.
When: Late June through late August, Wed, Thu, Sat concerts 8-10; Friday movies at dusk
Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. Downtown Los Angeles
Metro: Red Line to Pershing Square
Cost: FREE
Info: 1-888-527-2757, www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/
More: Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
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.santamonicapier.org
More: Things to Do in Santa Monica
6. LA County's Free Concerts in Public Places
LA County's Free Concerts in Public Places is a diverse schedule of free public concerts in community venues in all the districts of Los Angeles County.
When: May through October, (click on each month on the website)
Where: Various locations throughout LA County
Cost: FREE
Info: http://lacountyarts.org/free.html
7. Live Music at Hollywood & Highland
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
Metro: Red Line to Hollywood & Highland
Info: www.hollywoodandhighland.com
More: Hollywood & Highland Visitor Guide
8. Sizzling Summer Nights
LA's top Latin bands performat the Autrey National Center in Griffith Park starting at 6:30 pm; There are salsa lessons during intermission; children's dance floor
When: Every Thursday in July and August, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
Cost: $5 (to be confirmed); Free for members
Info: 323-667-2000, www.autrynationalcenter.org
9. Levitt Pavillion Free Music Under the Stars
The Levitt Pavillion in Pasadena hosts free concerts during the summer at the historic band shell at Memorial Park in Old Pasadena. The free concerts are in a variety of musical genres, with Wednesdays reserved for special children's performances.
When: Mid June through August, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Wed 7 pm Children's Night
Where: Levitt Pavillion, Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St, Pasadena, CA
Cost:: Free
Metro: Gold Line to Memorial Park
Info: www.levittpavilionpasadena.org
10. S.A.M. Summer and Music in Long Beach
A compilation of 13 festivals and musical events in Long Beach over the three months of summer. S.A.M. includes the Long Beach Funk Fest, Gospel Fest, Busker Fest, Battle of the Tribute Bands, and musicians performing from farmers markets to various outdoor venues.
When: June through August
Where: Various venues in Downtown Long Beach
Cost: Mostly Free
Metro: Blue Line to 1st Street Station
Info: www.summerandmusic.com
There are lots More Summer Concert Series on Page 2
Information was accurate at the time of publication, please check with the venues for up to date information, or contact the Los Angeles Travel Guide with changes.
