Living in our area puts residents within close proximity to a whole lot of special outdoor music performances…many of them free. These early, hot temperatures give us extra motivation to take a look at what’s out there for Summer 2014! Performances start in June.
Grand Performances
Mission Statement:Â Grand Performances presents free performing arts that reflect the best of global culture and inspire community among the diverse peoples of Los Angeles.
Schedule: Grand Performances 2014 Season
Where: California Plaza |Â 350 S. Grand Ave | Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tickets: Free!
Parking:Â 351 S. Olive St | Los Angeles, CA 90071 ($7.50 starting 90 minutes before evening performances)
Metro: Red or Purple Lines |Â Exit at Pershing Square and leave by the North stairs leading to 4th and Hill streets
LarchmontBuzz Picks: Angelique Kidjo (6/20); Panoptica Orchestra/Federico Abuele (6/21), The Spirit of Cesária Évora (7/11), Yuna (9/6).
Tips: Bring a picnic – plus drink. And don’t forget the folding chairs and blankets for cool nights.
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Levitt Pavilion – MacArthur Park
Mission Statement: Programming is designed to appeal to all tastes, bringing people from all walks of life together to share an evening of great music. As music fills the park, so do families, friends, and Angelenos from all over the city creating community through music. Admission is always FREE, making live music and the arts accessible to all. The concerts feature a diverse lineup of artists from acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning performers.
Schedule: 2014 Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park Concert Calendar
Where:Â Northwest corner of MacArthur park, near the intersection of West 6th Street & S. Park View Street, across from the Park Plaza Hotel.
Tickets: Free!
Parking: $5-$10
- 623 S. Carondelet Street – parking garage located between West 6th Street & Wilshire Blvd. Open 24 hours.
- 2509 Wilshire Blvd. – parking lot located at the northeast corner of Coronado Street & Wilshire Blvd. (entrance is on Coronado Street) Open until 12 am.
Street parking surrounding MacArthur Park and within walking distance to the Levitt Pavilion is available. Please be sure to read all posted signs.
Metro:Â From Wilshire & Western Station, Koreatown, & surrounding areas take the Purple Line towards Union Station, exit at the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, cross Alvarado Street and enter the park on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard. Or, take bus line 18 east on 6th Street; bus line 20/720 east on Wilshire Boulevard.
Larchmont Buzz Picks: Ozomatli (6/8); Louden Wainright III (7/17); KPOP Night (8/8); Young Dubliners (8/22); Quetzal (8/29)
Background:Â The Mortimer Levitt Foundation supports the national network of Levitt Pavilions for the Performing Arts. There are six Levitt Pavilions throughout the country (the original in Westport, Connecticut brings back childhood memories for me) – all designed to build community through music. There are two locations in Los Angeles – MacArthur Park and Pasadena. The MacArthur Park band shell was renovated and opened in 2007. The line-up that this group puts on for free is a real gift for our greater community. Website.
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Grand Park – The Park for Everyone
Mission: To provide Angelenos of all walks of life a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and shape the future, in one central gathering place.
Free Events
Grand Park Salsa Session
Memorial Day gets a spicy kick with THE SALSA SESSION, bringing legends RICARDO LEMVO & MAKINA LOCA and Grammy award-winning, the SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA to your favorite PARK FOR EVERYONE! Monday, May 26 from 2p-6p on Grand Park Event Lawn.
Grand Park Sunday Sessions
Electronic Music Performances on four summer Sundays. June 1, July 13, August 10 and September 14
4th of July Block Party!
Launching the biggest rooftop fireworks display in DTLA and expanding festivities from Temple to Second Streets, Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party is bigger, better and FREE FOR ALL!
NOTE: Doors open at 1pm for early birds (no prior admittance). Entertainment begins at 4pm. Prepared food picnics encouraged in the park. Grilling and cooking prohibited. Visitors may not bring alcoholic beverages into the event.
Paid Event (that everyone will be talking about)
Made in America Festival | August 30-31
John Mayer and Imagine Dragons will headline Jay-Zs curated Made in America Festival over Labor Day Weekend. Tickets are $215 for the two day event and include a full line-up of bands. Â Check out more via BuzzbandsLA website.
