Summer is careening right at us, and one way to be sure it does not just blow past, leaving us to ask, “what was that?”, is to plan to include some of the truly fun upcoming events. Now, in the interests of full disclosure, please understand my interests skew very much to jazz and bossa nova. I like a lot of music and perform on occasion, but please understand my suggestions may not completely incorporate your tastes. That being said, what are some attractions to look for in the general area this summer?
The Hollywood Bowl The schedule runs from 22 June through 16 September, and there is a variety of everything! This is a legendary and large venue, with an iconic stage, set in a natural amphitheater, in Hollywood. The acoustics are wonderful, and you will view the HOLLYWOOD sign throughout the show, no matter what it is, whether you are sitting in the upper reaches of the bowl, or are in box seats a few yards from the stage. Picnic baskets and your own beverages are welcome, or you can purchase a wonderful box dinner at the event. On a warm and festive summer evening, it can be a party, a romantic time to share the most wonderful event, or maybe just a spectacular fireworks festival. My most memorable experiences there were enjoying Miles Davis, Sergio Mendes, Pink Martini, Oscar Castro Neves, Tony Bennet, and one of the last appearances of Cab Calloway. This year some highlights include classical music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jazz on Wednesdays, Weekend Spectaculars, and Fireworks Spectaculars throughout. Don’t miss “The Producers” or “Carmina Burana.” Please go to the website for schedules and prices (www.hollywoodbowl.com).
The Greek Theatre The schedule runs from 26 May through 28 October, with eclectic offerings. This venue, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is much more intimate than the Hollywood Bowl, and the acoustics make it a wonderful outdoor location to enjoy an event. The rules are a little more stringent here as you will not be allowed to bring outside food or drinks into the theatre (www.greektheatrela) but there are plenty available, including some elegant but pricey box dinners. The access to the stage makes this a very exciting venue, and some of my favorite experiences here have been Antonio Carlos Jobim, Basia, and Al Jarreau. This year includes Ringo Starr, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole, as well as Al Green. Please refer to the website for schedules and prices (www.greektheatrela).
The Redlands Bowl The schedule runs from 22 June through 17 August, and this is a natural outdoor amphitheater, located in Smiley Park, just off Brookside Avenue, in Redlands, CA. According to their website, this is the longest running free music festival in the park in the country! The acoustics are wonderful for the shows which are presented on Tuesdays and Fridays. Prices for all shows are a free-will offering as they pass the hat during intermission. The shows this year include: Opera, Ballet, Classical Music, World Music, Jazz, and a Musical. All seating is first come/first served, and lawn chairs and beach blankets are welcome, as well as picnic baskets and your own choice of beverage, although refreshments are available. Showtimes are 8:15 p.m., and are usually preceded by a community sing at 7:15 p.m. My favorite memories of these shows include The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Zydecats, and a production of “Guys and Dolls.” This year be sure to turn out on 29 June for “A Tribute to Benny Goodman” as the front of the stage is likely to be mobbed by jitterbuggers (www.redlandsbowl.com/concert schedule/)!
The Riverside Concert Band Founded in 1876, this band has a claim as the oldest continuously operating community band in the country, which will celebrate its 135 year existence on 4 July. I play in the trumpet section, yet cannot claim to be one of the original members. The composition of the band includes professional musicians, music teachers, high school students, college students, retirees who have dusted off that old French Horn, and anyone else who is up to the rehearsals. The band plays throughout the region with everything from Movie Scores, Classical Music, Big Band/Swing, Jazz, Marches, and Novelty pieces. All shows are low-cost/no-cost, and one interest is making sure the program is accessible to everyone. The summer series begins on Memorial Day with a concert at the National Cemetery outside of March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, CA. This is followed as we take part in the Riverside Citrus Heritage Park summer concert series on 22 June, starting at 6:30 p.m. within a natural outdoor amphitheater, a feature of the state park, located at the corner of Van Buren Boulevard and Dufferin Street in Riverside. All seats and parking are FREE, and picnic baskets are welcome (but alas, no booze, and refreshments are available). It is always fun to watch entire families delight in the Sousa marches as kids jump up and start marching around the grounds. Frisbee exhibitions with the requisite frisbee catching dog are part of the decor. I look forward to seeing you at one of our summer series shows. Please go to the website as events are added throughout the season, including a 4 July event and other shows as the schedule changes (www.riversideconcertband.org)
