Grand Performances at California Plaza
In Los Angeles, summer means free outdoor summer concerts are in full force, beckoning visitors to get outside and enjoy LA’s epic music scene. From blowout shows to Sunday afternoons in the park, the following free summer series in Los Angeles ought to keep you tapping your feet. So get out there, enjoy the weather and tune into the music.
Farm Fresh Summer Music at Farmers Market
When: Thursdays and Fridays through September
Where: Farmers Market, West Patio
The Groove: It's all about jazz and wholesome family fun at this annual summer music series. Combine great food from LA's original farmers market with groups hailing from traditions such as Latin jazz, country swing, funk jazz and more.
Grand Performances Summer Festival
When: Mid-June through mid-October
Where: California Plaza
The Groove: At lunchtime, hundreds of Angelenos put down their work and take a cultural break with a bit of fresh air. Grand Performances presents 40-plus free performing arts events — music, dance and theater — as multicultural as their audience, giving local talent a chance to shine and bringing global stars to this center of government, business and culture.
Ford Amphitheatre Summer Season
When: June to mid-October.
Where: The Ford Amphitheatre
The Groove: Imagine watching dance, comedy, film and music performances in the midst of California weather, cypresses and chaparral, courtesy of The Los Angeles County Arts Commission. The best part: this 1,241-seat outdoor amphitheater guarantees that no person is more than 96 feet away from the stage.
Pershing Square Summer Concert Series
When: June through late September on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Where: Pershing Square, Downtown LA
The Groove: In the high-rise heart of Downtown is a palm tree oasis known as Pershing Square where the summertime brings neighbors, tourists and professionals together for lunchtime concerts, films on Fridays, kids events and sizzling Salsa Sundays. On Wednesday nights, the stage will host a variety of bands.
Live Music at Hollywood & Highland
When: June through late August on Tuesdays
Where: Babylon Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland Center
The Groove: Wine, jazz and moonlight…what more could you ask for? This summer series gives you a chance to hobnob with the coolest cats of jazz while sampling the gifts of Bacchus and helping to end world hunger, all at the same time. Although it is a free event, wine tasting donations benefit Project Angel Food.
Twilight Dance and Music at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Late June through late August
Where: Santa Monica Pier
The Groove: Hawaii, Jamaica, Britain, Argentina, Africa…these are just a handful of the exotic locations represented by the Twilight Dance and Music concert series this summer. So when you are finished taking in the city lights on the Pier’s famous Ferris wheel, check out the rock, pop, jazz, blues and plenty of dance music rocking the boardwalk. Due to limited parking, the Santa Monica Pier is offering a bike valet starting at 6:30 p.m. on concert nights.
Summer Sunset Music Festival in Culver City
When: Mid July through early September
Where: City Hall Courtyard, Culver City
The Groove: The sun’s not the only thing that’s going down in Culver City during the summer. When the day ends, the music begins, bringing you an eclectic array of musical offerings including classic rock, bluegrass and even zydeco. Steps away from convenient parking and plenty of restaurants, this series gives you no excuse to miss out on the music.
Also I Like to Rock at the Hammer Museum
When: TBD
Where: Hammer Museum
The Groove: Indie 103.1 hand-picks local upcoming bands to perform at the Hammer’s outdoor courtyard. In the past, bands such as Sea Wolf and Tokyo Police Club have played to a packed crowd. 2009 dates haven’t been posted yet, but check their site for updates.
Saturdays Off the 405 at the Getty Center
When: May to September
Where: Getty Center
The Groove: “Saturdays Off the 405” (formerly “Fridays Off the 405”) takes over the museum’s courtyard, which boasts incredible nighttime views of the city. Grab a drink at the cash bar and then check out the musical guests, curated by Flavorpill magazine. Past shows have included Monsters are Waiting and DJ Adam 12.
