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View Winners → Archive Jun 18, 2013
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One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is the abundance of free outdoor concerts during the summer. There’s nothing quite like drinking a crisp beer (or swigging from your stealthy flask) as a cool breeze brushes past you and you imagine the lead singer of that obscure indie band you love is actually giving you a private show, gazing directly into your eyes from under that unwashed mop of hair. Très Romantique.
Whatever your fantasy, music is very much a part of the cultural grain here in Los Angeles; as a cultural hub of the world, some of the best musicians launch their careers in this city, and many return as full-fledged stars. Whether you like Jazz or Folk, we’ve gathered up the deets on some of our favorite spots to catch a live performance. Best of all, they won’t cost you a penny to attend.
JAZZ AT LACMA
LACMA’s series showcases leading Southern California Jazz musicians. With over 20 years at the LACMA, this program has featured Jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project, and Ernie Watts.
Up next: The Jazz Leaders, Inga Swearingen, Larry Nash & The Jazz Symphonics, Cameron Sextet.
More info: Website
TWILIGHT SERIES AT SANTA MONICA PIER
Come early, stretch out on the sand and grab a tan before catching an eclectic lineup of musicians at Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Concert Series. They’ll be there every Thursday, beginning July 11, from 7-11pm. Beautiful sunset views and an ocean breeze make this a classic Southern California experience. Past performers include: Wildcat! Wildcat!, Haim, and even Circque du Soleil.
Up next: Surfer Blood, Meshell Ndegeocello, No Age, Xavier Rudd
More info: Website
SATURDAYS OFF THE 405 AT THE GETTY
Gather up at the Getty Museum’s courtyard for expansive city views and performances from up-and-coming musicians. Danish electro-soul duo Quadron recently performed as well as LAC-featured Robert DeLong. Others include such names as Poolside, Allen Stone, Thundercat, Dengue Fever, Aloe Blacc and Mayer Hawthorne. No outside alcohol is allowed, but a cash bar is available, as well as seven food stations if you get the munchies.
Up next: Pickwick, Geographer, La Santa Cecilia,
More info: Website
GRAND PERFORMANCES AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA
Catch everything from latin alternative to classical at the California Plaza. Reduce your carbon footprint by biking to the event and they’ll provide free bike valet services. Past performers such as Ozomatli and Novamali will return again this year, and while most performances are in the evening, occasional performances will be at noon. If you work in the area, it’s the perfect way to spend your lunch break.
Up next: A Nina Simone tribute, John Tejada, Ozomatli, Las Cafeteras
More info: Website
SUNDAY SESSIONS AT GRAND PARK
Happening every last Sunday of the month, Grand Park hosts a serious of Sunday Sessions with the best in electronic music performance curated by Eduardo Castillo of Eclectech. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic but no outside alcohol is allowed. For those who are thirsty or who are not quite handy in the culinary department, food trucks will be present and there will be cocktails from Pattern Bar.
Up next: Audiofly, Droog, Scissor + Thread Showcase w/ Francis Harris
More info: Website
KCRW SUMMER NIGHTS
The music experts at KCRW venture out of the studio and into the community to partner up with local organizations to rovide free, all-ages outdoor shows all over LA, from Pasadena to Chinatown, to UCLA’s Hammer Museum, including some of the shows listed in this round-up.
Up next: Mr. Little Jeans, Jason Bentley of Morning Becomes Eclectic, Raul Campos, Jeremy Sole
More info: Website
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