I was in New England last weekend, in the humidity, and under clouds of mosquitos, barbecuing, blowing bubbles, and lighting fireworks. It's a very Americana summer back there. Back in LA, I've been all about the beach, but it seems, according to this weekend's events, that I ought to shift my leanings toward Downtown.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Grand Performances Presents a Tribute to Nina Simone
Did you know that there is a large amphitheater on a beautiful man-made pond in a plaza called California, on top of Bunker Hill to which you can ride Angel's Flight? Did you also know that an organization called Grand Performances holds free outdoor concerts there, to which you can bring a picnic, with beer and wine? If you didn't know all of this, it's probably because California Plaza is nestled between sky scrapers, with no clear pedestrian access - that is, if you're just wandering down Grand Avenue or Olive Street, you'd have no idea it's there, up those stairs and behind those buildings. In any case, Grand Performances offers a lot of great concerts throughout the summer, and tonight's is a tribute to Nina Simone, hosted by KCRW DJ Tom Schnabel.
Free
8:00pm
California Plaza
350 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles 90071
(Avoid driving, if you can since parking is a pain - take the train to 7th Street Metro.)
Friday Night Sing-a-Longs Present Soul Train Classics
Fun! Since you're going downtown for Grand Performances anyway, swing by the Walt Disney Concert Hall to admire the architecture, and the acoustics, along with the sound of your own voice. Friday Night Sing-Alongs provide an opportunity for song birds of all stripes to raise their voices with musical backing by a live band. Tonight's event will lead you through a communal belting of Soul Train Classics.
-The event is FREE. However, tickets are required for this event and are distributed beginning at 6PM on the day of event. One ticket per person waiting in line.
-There is limited seating, so come early. First come, first served.
-Easy-to-use song sheets are provided.
Free
6:30pm - 8pm
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles 90012
Once again, don't drive - take the train.
Pershing Square Friday Night Flicks Presents Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Or, since you'll be downtown for the soul train sing-along, head over to Pershing Square with your picnic (but no booze), for a screening of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Aside from being one of the best examples of Robert Redford and Paul Newman's legendary screen partnerships, this film also features one of the best (maybe the only?) cinematic uses of the song "Raindrops are Falling on My Head."
8:00pm
Pershing Square
532 S Olive St
Los Angeles 90189
