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» Performing Arts Los Angeles
Music, dance, theatre, and performance art headline the cultural calendars in all of Night+Day’s cool cities. We combed through dozens of annual performing arts festivals worldwide, and here are the best of the best.
The Draw: Innovative cocktail concert series breaks down social barriers to bring classical music to the masses. The Scene: This isn’t your grandparents’ LA Philharmonic. Think of these chilled-out concerts as an outreach kick to lure a new generation of classical-music connoisseurs. The musical sets are shorter, and the dressed-down musicians interact with the audience, sharing personal experiences about that night’s music. Afterward, there’s an informal Q&A with the artists and a meet and greet over drinks in the café. The popular format began in 2003 and often sells out when hot, young, buzz-worthy Gustavo Dudamel and legendary Esa-Pekka Salonen lead the orchestra. Hot Tip: Learn more about the music, and get up-to-date programming by signing up for “Fast Notes” (laphil.com/fastnotes). The free email service streamlines program notes to you about a week before your show. You’ll also get information about the music, composers, performers, and specially compiled playlists on iTunes.
The Draw: Trendsetting KCRW (89.9 FM and kcrw.com) hosts this “Sunday Funday” concert series, which is the hottest and coolest ticket of the summer. The Scene: KCRW is the “it” tastemaker for breaking new music acts from around the globe. Nic Harcourt of “Morning Becomes Eclectic” and influential DJs such as Jason Bentley preside over the evening’s festivities, pairing contemporary stars (Thievery Corp., Gnarls Barkley, Feist) and traditional legends (Sergio Mendes, UB40) with fresh talent (Sharon Jones & the Daptones, Los Amigos Invisibles). The regularly sold-out, six-concert series from June to August is split into two separate three-show packages, ranging from $300 (garden box seats) to $110 (benches). There are few, if any, cooler places to see a concert than the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Even better, you can bring in your own food, beverages (no alcohol), and beach balls for an unforgettable picnic party under the stars with 2,000 of your closest friends. Hot Tip: Avoid the mad rush going in and out of the tandem parking lots by using Park & Ride (14 locations from Pasadena to Sherman Oaks). Tickets are only $5 roundtrip and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. There’s also a $3 shuttle from Hollywood and Highland, which starts two hours before concert time.
The Draw: Laugh and learn from the best improvisational comedians in showbiz at this weeklong laugh fest. The Scene: Can’t wait for Sacha Baron Cohen’s next movie? Think Larry David is a comedic genius? Or maybe you’ve got Dave Chappelle dreams and Ricky Gervais wishes? If you simply like to laugh, this six-day comedy fest in early June is a must. Not only will cast members from The Office, SNL, Mad TV, and Reno 911 perform, but they will also teach you the art of thinking on your feet—an important survival skill in this YouTube era. The hands-on workshops ($21 per class) cover topics such as musical improv, sketch writing, stand-up, and impressions. Hot Tip: Improv luminaries such as Mr. Show’s Bob Odenkirk and Monty Python’s Eric Idle have headlined, but it’s often the fresh faces from the Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Second City who steal the show. Better yet, these shows are usually free or $5.
