Summer brings the somewhat promise of leisure and communal activities. It also gives us an excuse to engage ourselves in the relaxation that we are well deserved of, especially as native Los Angelenos. The long commutes, the traffic, the heavy population and long work hours; we deserve to have a moment of glory, a moment of peace. Summer self love.
The smell of backyard BBQ’s, the sound of children’s bikes and skateboards clamoring the streets amongst almost every local L.A. street–whether you like it or not– summer is the season of indulgence and indulge we shall. What better than to invite music to the orchestra of summer to the party? Pun intended.
The Hollywood Bowl has one of the best reputations in Southern California for its prestigious and notable entertainment and events. The heading lead occupants that have walked the stage of this historic outdoor venue is one to be reckoned with. According to HollywoodBowl.com, “Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell.”
If the soul of Los Angeles were able to re-concrete the stage floor, leaving it to harden as the ‘wonderful’s’ of show business trampled around, it would rival the solid rock that bequeaths the legs of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre; a well defined competition.
Although the Hollywood Bowl hosts events and spectacular musical performances all year round, it is without a doubt that the summer series of performances reign supreme, sweater season is out and what is better than beating the heat, and the cold, as well enjoying a nice glass of wine and superb summer fruits while listening to your favorite artist under the summer stars?
While the Hollywood Bowl’s gifts bring flocks of patrons for the music and pomp and circumstance (pun intended once again), some find it a gem for several other reasons.
The first time that I was in attendance for one of the Hollywood Bowl’s summer concerts, that being Mariachi USA–I was more than pleasantly pleased. I was sitting under the beautiful celestial sphere, glass of cabernet sauvignon; with some of my best girls. We munched on a “deconstructed charcuterie” set that we had packed away in our ice chest. One piece of cracker, one piece of salami or prosciutto and a slice of our heart’s desired flavor of cheese … nothing like an adult Lunchable.
The Hollywood Bowl allows drinks and food depending on the event. If you decide to attend a night where that is not permitted, I extremely suggest that you check their website to make sure, as well as parking arrangments. No one likes to have to run back to the car. That being said, the Bowl also offers an on site marketplace as well as mobile ordering for you inconvenience turning to convenience.
The Plaza Market Place offers such fares as specialty sandwiches, salads, cheese, desserts, beer and wine. Soft serve cones available before and after the show. The Marketplace (East) offers fares that consist of specialty sandwiches, salads, cheese, desserts, beer and wine, Magpie’s soft serve pints and pie, Food + Wine’s Larder Board is also available at this location (includes cured meats, dried fruit, and nuts).
I suggest bringing your own snacks and drink as it can get a little pricey.
So without further adieu, here is the list of performances that will maximize your pleasurable summer experience, which are put into production by the wonderful and historical, Hollywood Bowl: Hollywood Bowl Summer Performances