Category: activities

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Home Tips: The Perfect Backyard Fete

Want to throw the perfect party but you have limited to no experience? No worries! Follow our five steps to a stylish backyard party, and the only things you’ll have to worry about are keeping your own glass full and avoiding mosquito bites.

  1. Raise the Bar: The ideal drinks setup is streamlined, well stocked, and self-serve. Case in point: A batch of freshly squeezed lemonade will please practically everyone. Ice it down in a four-gallon stainless-steel dispenser and no one will get stuck manning the bar. Kids can help themselves; adults can punch theirs up with vodka and citrus and herb garnishes, which double as decor.
  2. Refine Your Table: Dinner outdoors can be just as gracious and comfortable as one you’d host inside. To encourage guests to sit back and stay awhile, set a table with sturdy ceramic plates and flatware, hefty (but unbreakable) glassware, and colorful linens. To anchor your tablecloth in a breeze, clip a fishing sinker onto each corner.
  3. Uninvite Pests: Run an electric fan and cover food with mesh domes to keep bugs away. This artistic deflector, inspired by a Mexican street vendor trick, shoos flies naturally: Sunlight reflecting off the water-filled glass bulb confuses and repels them.
  4. Turn on Tunes: Connect a few Bluetooth speakers via wifi, and anyone with a smartphone can DJ. This sleek model with surround sound emits a warm, campfire-like glow. Queue up a few songs, or create a fun playlist.
  5. Light the Way: Once the sun sets, create ambience with generous, well-placed lighting. Oversize lanterns lit by flameless LED candles can hang or perch along any path that needs brightening. String battery-powered, outdoor-safe bistro lights between trees for extra illumination sans outlets.
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Out and About: The L.A. County Fair

Summer in Los Angeles may be officially over come September, but the fun has just begun for LA County Fair-goers. Every year, thousands of people make the trip to the Fairplex in Pomona to eat fried foods, take a plunge on a carnival ride and maybe win a prize at one of the many game booths. Before you start making your plans for fall, enjoy one last summer hurrah at the LA County Fair and make the most of it with this guide!

When:

The L.A. County Fair runs from August 30–September 22. Hours are Wed noon–10pm, Thu noon–11pm, Fri noon–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight and Sun 10am–10pm. Labor Day Weekend hours are extended, and the fair will be open that Monday.

Where:

1101 W McKinley Ave. in Pomona – If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take the 10 East, get off at the Fairplex Drive exit, turn left and follow signs to the Fairplex. Another option is to exit at White Avenue, turn left and follow signs to the fair.

Expenses:

The admission ticket breakdown is as follows: On weekdays, tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for children (6–12), and $10 for adults 60 and over; on weekends and holidays, adults are $20, children $12 and seniors $15. Children under 6 are always free.

Parking:

General admission parking is $15 and VIP parking is $25

Bands:

This year’s performers include the O’Jays, Pitbull, WAR, Juanes, 38 Special and more. Click here for the full lineup. https://lacountyfair.com/entertainment/concerts

Food:

This year, the L.A. County Fair makes this gluttonous bounty affordable via a new Route 66-themed menu—in keeping with the fair’s general 2018 theme, Route 66—and items cost only $6.60. Game on. The Route 66 lineup that includes more than 90 dish specials, ranging from classic state-fair foods to a few LA favorites.

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Out and About: Art Shows Not to Miss!

With the sunny season passing us by the time to view LA’s best art is also fleeting. Here in the city of stars, our options for museum picks and art walk displays is plenty. But from season to season, the exhibits we grow to love make quick exits. That’s why we rounded up the best art shows and exhibits on display that depart this summer. Along with our recurring art joke that you should Van Gogh before they’re gone!

Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop

Location: Annenberg Space for Photography

Due to popular demand, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop – is extending its run through Sunday, August 25. Free and open to the public, the exhibit includes photos of hip-hop icons like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. This along with an interactive record shop, and a documentary on the history of this popular music genre.

Click here for more info.

Poolside: Immersive Experience

Location: Rhythm Visuals Gallery, DTLA

Poolside is a new immersive abstract painting show at Rhythm Visuals gallery in Downtown L.A. The exhibition features multiple rooms and visual experiences, including one where guests throw water balloons at a white wall to reveal a hidden painting. The exhibit is open Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. through September 5.

Click here for more info. 

OPEN HOUSE: ELLIOTT HUNDLEY

Location: MOCA Grand Avenue

MOCA will begin this new exhibition series with Open House: Elliott Hundley. Multimedia artist Elliott Hundley will explore the architecture and origins of collage, exploring how the visual and material logic of this technique has informed artists in MOCA’s collection, as well as his own practice. Open House runs through September 5th.

Click here for more.

Soul of a Nation

Location: The Broad

On view at The Broad from March 23 to Sept. 1 is Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983. The exhibit celebrates the work of Black artists made over two decades beginning in 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement. The exhibition showcases communities engaged in robust artistic dialogues. Artworks in the exhibition are both figurative and abstract, and range from collage, assemblage and photography to painting, sculpture and performance.

Click here for more.

PLUMB LINE: CHARLES WHITE AND THE CONTEMPORARY 

Location: California African American Museum

Charles White: prolific painter, printmaker, muralist, draftsman, and photographer whose career spanned more than half a century. White’s artistic portrayals of black subjects, life, and history were extensive and far-reaching. The Exhibit runs through August 25 and features contemporary artists whose work resonates with White’s profound and continuing influence.

Click here for more info.

The Riddle Effect & ON THE INSIDE

Location: Craft Contemporary Museum, Los Angeles

The RIDDLE Effect presents a survey of artist John Riddle’s (1933–2002) sculptural work. The exhibit also examines his influence as a foundational member of the Black Arts Movement in Los Angeles. Running through September 8, it highlights Riddle’s innovative art practice with several works exhibited for the first time in LA. Works by his students and colleagues will also be presented alongside Riddle’s to honor his expressive practice and impact on the LA arts community.

On the Inside is a group exhibition running through September 8, of LGBTQ+ artists who are currently incarcerated. The artworks are made from basic materials the prisoners have access to behind bars. Things like letter-sized paper, dull pencils, ballpoint pen ink tubes. There are also unlikely innovations such as an asthma inhaler filled with Kool-Aid to create an airbrushed painting.

Click here for more info.

Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich 

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Los Angeles fashion designer Rudi Gernreich introduced unisex clothing, pantsuits for women, and enough inventive clothing to earn him a worldwide reputation. His democratic and dynamic fashions continue to resonate today. On display until September 1, Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich explores the visionary and progressive fashion ensembles that trespassed rigid social expectations and liberated those who wore his clothing.

SARAH LUCAS: AU NATUREL

Location: Hammer Museum

Over the past 30 years, Sarah Lucas has created a distinctive and provocative body of work. Subverting traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and identity her exhibit runs until September 1. The first American survey of one of the UK’s most influential artists, Sarah Lucas: Au Naturel will have more than 150 works in photography, collage, sculpture, and installation.

Click here for more info.

The Huntington’s Centennial Celebration

Location: Huntington Garden, Pasadena

Opening this September, Nineteen Nineteen, is a major exhibition that draws from the library, art, and botanical collections. The exhibit will examine that historic year across the globe and the founding of The Huntington in the context of international events. Throughout the celebration year, The Huntington will present special programs. These programs will look at the collections in new ways and explore their potential impact into the future.

Click here for more info.

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Weekend Events: August 23-25

Honestly, we are a little shocked that August is almost over when we are pretty sure it just started. Fleeting summer aside don’t let the hustle and bustle of LA cause you to miss out on this weekends fun. There is no shortage of exciting events around the city. Whether you are on the westside, in the valley or Downtown, we have just the thing to do for you! Read our weekend events and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, August 23
L.A. Food & Wine 2019

Location: Barker Hanger, Santa Monica

L.A. Food and Wine Fest kicks off on Thursday with a selection of special dinners at restaurants across the city! August 23-25 the focus shifts to the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. This foodie fest is only for three days of themed-out events and tastings hosted by top chefs. Don’t miss out on summer’s best cuisine enthusiast festival!

Click here for more info.

Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop

Location: Annenberg Space for Photography

Due to popular demand, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop – is extending its run through Sunday, August 25. Free and open to the public, the exhibit includes photos of hip-hop icons like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. This along with an interactive record shop, and a documentary on the history of this popular music genre.

Click here for more info.

Heritage Square Summer Concert Series

Location: Heritage Square, Oxnard

Oxnard’s Heritage Square Summer Concert Series returns in 2019 for another 12 week run. Don’t miss the last two weekends of music at this historic spot.  Concerts start at 6pm and end at 8:30pm, with a half hour break at 7pm. The concerts offer entertainment to suit every musical preference. These styles range from Reggae to Big Band and from Latin Jazz to Rock.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, August 24
Retro Roller Rink

Location: Union Station, DTLA

Union Station is transforming the historic ticket course into a Retro Roller Rink from August 24-25. The 3200 square foot pop-up rink will be soundtracked by a DJ spinning classics from the 70s, 80s and right now. As an added bonus, the renowned LA Roller Girls will be on hand giving hot tips to skaters of all levels. And showing off their moves…presumably.

Click here for more info.

Chinatown Cinema: Kung Fu Hustle

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

Chinatown Cinema will be debuting their first movie screening on August 24 featuring Kung Fu Hustle. The series aims to highlight diversity and inclusivity in movies. There will be a food truck, bubble tea, free photo booths, giant games and a short film before the main feature begins.

Click here for more info. 

Endless Summer Beer Fest

Location: Rancho Simi Community Park

Presented by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset, Simi’s Endless Summer Beer Fest kicks off this Saturday. The event will feature over a dozen craft breweries with over 20 beers to taste. Enjoy unlimited beer tastings featuring local breweries, enjoy music and food trucks. Proceeds to benefit local charitable, educational and humanitarian causes. 21 and over only.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, August 25
Park After Dark

Location: Paramount Ranch

Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Click here for more info.

4th Annual BBQ Day

Location: Smorgasburg LA, DTLA

The 4th Annual BBQ Day at Smorgasburg LA is coming and they’re brining the best BBQ. From Texas-style brisket to Memphis style rib sandwiches and even vegan BBQ, it’s too delicious to miss! Cool down at Ice Cream Alley, a special area dedicated to awesome scoop vendors. Enjoy one-of-a-kind collaborations plus its own dedicated beer garden.

Click here for more info.

Poolside: Immersive Experience

Location: Rhythm Visuals Gallery, DTLA

Poolside is a new immersive abstract painting show at Rhythm Visuals gallery in Downtown L.A. The exhibition features multiple rooms and visual experiences, including one where guests throw water balloons at a white wall to reveal a hidden painting. The exhibit is open Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. through September 5.

Click here for more info. 

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Home Tips – 6 Affordable Renovations That Will Increase the Value of Your Home

Selling your home can be an emotionally difficult process—not only are you parting with a place that holds so many memories, but you’re also hoping that someone loves it as much as you do. The goal is to turn your home into a blank slate so that prospective buyers can see what their own vision would look like. But you don’t have to make big, expensive changes to your home in order to sell it at a higher price. That is why we’ve selected a few tips to make the home reno process as easy as a summer day. 

 

  1. Soften the Front Yard with Landscaping

Some simple updates to your current landscaping can make a house seem so much more inviting. Native grasses, wildflowers, and herbs can be a welcome change to the archetypal lawns that require so much upkeep. Opt for dark soil that will foster that soft, earthy aesthetic instead of red mulch which looks “big and bricky.”

  1. Make the Foyer Take Their Breath Away

Whatever you see when you first walk in the door should be impeccable. The foyer is like the introduction to the home so you want it to represent the style or mood that translates throughout the rest of it. Shelton recommends schoolhouse-style sconces or pendants with matte finishes.

  1. Establish Continuity Between Rooms

Moving through rooms with different features or styles can be disorienting, so reduce the variety as much as possible. In order to ease the transition, try ripping out old carpeting and replacing it with jute rugs so that it matches the foyer and feels more intentional.

  1. Pay Attention to the Details

Weighty doorknobs and sleek faucets will appeal to their sense of touch as well as their eyes. For the same reason, consider replacing plastic wall plates with something made of wood or metal.

  1. Neutralize the Space with White Paint and Transitional Design

Personal touches are what make a house a home, but they can disrupt the buyer’s vision of what theirs would look like. Installing decorative paneling is also surprisingly cheap and simple to install.

  1. Make Temporary Changes to Foster Ideas

While you don’t want to go too crazy with ornamentation, adding subtle details can help spark the imagination of prospective buyers.  Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are inexpensive and easy to install within a matter of hours. You can use them to add a backsplash to the kitchen or to give a bathroom some layers, and simple to remove if the buyer is planning their own remodel.

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Back 2 School: Tips and Tricks

To set yourself up for a successful school year, establish some standards and guidelines to follow through the entire year. A great plan may start with a simple conversation which will lead to clear family communication, and could include tools like checklists, which will help you stay on track and prepare for any situation.

Establish a morning routine

Figure out how much time you need everyday to get dressed, do your makeup, eat breakfast, etc. That way, you will know exactly when to wake up, if you’re truly an early bird try to sneak in a work out, or keep it low key with a walk in the park.

Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast

Kick off your morning with a healthy breakfast that will keep you going throughout the day. Try an omelet, or oatmeal topped with some fruit. Something that will fill you up and fuel you up at the same time.

Set Goals

Protip: Save the easiest task for last

Make a list of your goals before the school year gets started so you can keep checking back to see how your progress is going. When work piles up, figure out the hardest thing, then tackle it first while you’re focused. Once it’s off your plate, you’ll breeze through the rest.

 

Rest Up

As fun as it seems to scroll through Instagram at all hours of the night, you’re going to regret it the next morning. Start your year off feeling rested and ready to conquer everything thanks to a good night sleep.

 

Get a Cute Backpack & Organize it

You will use your backpack every day, so find a bag that totally fits your personality and you might even be excited to lug it around all day. An organized backpack will make it so much easier to grab what you’re looking for.

Organize Your Closet

Organizing your closet will make getting dressed in the morning so much easier. Plus, the start of the school year is the perfect time to get rid of anything that’s too small, ruined, or you never wear.

 

De-Clutter Your Room

When all the stuff you no longer use is all gone, you’ll have a place for everything, and when you’re not worried about finding what you need, your brain will feel clearer too.

 

Organize Your Planner / Start a Bullet Journal

One of the best parts about organizing is getting a new planner. If you haven’t jumped on the bullet journal craze, now is the perfect time. A bullet journal is a fun way to stay organized this year and track your goals. There’s something about a new notebook — all the potential in those unwritten pages — that makes it exciting to write.

Keep Track of Your Favorite Motivational Quotes

Write your favorite quotes in all your notebooks, so every time you crack one open, you’ll get inspired.

Write Things Down

Do a brain dump. Take two minutes each morning to get all your thoughts on paper. Put down everything you want to do for the day. Once it’s all out of your head, it’s easier to tell what your biggest goals are for the day and prioritize from there. It’s a great way to de-stress and make the day look less intimidating.

Find Ways to Chill Out

Stress is an inevitable part of school. But you can make it more manageable by finding some stress-relieving activities you enjoy, whether that’s watching your fave rom-coms with your besties or going for a run. 

Pay Attention to the Positive

We know it can be super hard, but make a pact to focus on the positive this year and tune out the haters.

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Weekend Events: August 16-18

Is it just us or does summer seem shorter the older you get? Regardless of that small nuance, it’s all the more reason to celebrate the sunny season. Don’t let the summer days pass you by without some necessary LA excitement. Spend you weekend off the 405 and at one of these fun-filled events we’ve listed below. Your social life will thank you!

Friday, August 16

Jurassic Park in Concert

Location: The Hollywood Bowl

Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, the action-packed adventure of Jurassic Park arrives at the Bowl. Pitting man against prehistoric predators is the ultimate battle for survival. Experience it now, projected in HD with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Take on the Hollywood Bowl like a true Angeleno with our Out & About: Hollywood Bowl Guide!

Click here for more info. 

Jazz at LACMA: Gilbert Castellanos

Location: LACMA

Celebrate L.A.’s finest jazz musicians! Jazz at LACMA is presented Friday evenings from April to November. Southern California trumpet virtuoso, Gilbert Castellanos, makes music that sounds effortless. Recognized as a new American master by Downbeat magazine, Castellanos has established himself as one of the nation’s most inventive improvisers in stirring live performance.

Click here for more info.  

Comedy Night at Downtown LA Winery

Location: San Antonio Winery & Restaurant

Wine a little and laugh a lot – Comedy Night at The Winery is back by popular demand! Perfect for a lighthearted date night or laughter-filled evening with friends, join us for a dinner, wine, and a show in our richly decorated Vintage Room and Cellar. Both wine and laughter will be flowing. This is a night you won’t want to miss!

Click here for more info. 

Saturday, August 17

Kids Food Festival

Location: Kidpspace Children’s Museum

New York City’s famous Kids Food Fest is coming to L.A.! Kidspace and The Creative Kitchen are teaming up for this interactive weekend to inspire healthy living and to teach how to make balanced food choices. Launch the new school year with tips for healthy lunches and family cooking recipes, try some yoga poses, and register for a Future Foodie cooking class.

Click here fore more info.

KCON 2019

Location: Staples Center

KCON is the first convention dedicated to “All Things Hallyu”. The convention was created so that fans could have the opportunity to interact with Korean entertainment and culture as a community. What makes KCON a wonderfully special event? It gives fans the valuable experience of interacting with each other and established artists in a fun, personal fashion.

Click here for more info.

Steps for the Earth 2019 Tzu Chi USA Walk

Location: Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

Mark your calendars for Tzu Chi USA’s first ever annual walk. Show solidarity for and commitment to a greener Earth and more resilient communities. Whether you walk, run, or bike, they’re determined to make every step count. The event features delicious vegetarian food for purchase, music performance, exhibition, walkathon, candlelight prayer ceremony and other activities.

Click here for more info.

37th Annual Wings Over Camarillo Airshow

Location: Camarillo Airport

The Camarillo Wings Association will host this year’s 37th Annual “Wings Over Camarillo” Air Show. Presented by California Aeronautical University, this year’s event will feature aerial performances starting at noon. This year’s airshow also includes aerobatic performances from classic warbirds from the CAF, military aircraft, experimental aircraft, antique cars and motorcycles and more, as well as a variety of food and street vendors.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, August 18

Music for a Summer Afternoon

Location:1049 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village

The Westlake Village Music Society will present their concert titled “Music for a Summer Afternoon”. Featured performers will be Armen Anassian – violin, Dana Rouse – mezzo soprano, and Christine De Klotz – piano. Anassian is a concertmaster with the Los Angeles Opera; Rouse is a voice professor at Cal Lutheran University who performs regularly as a chorister and soloist. DeKlotz plays with chamber music ensembles and accompanies local choral groups, including the Village Voices Chorale.

For more information, call (805) 497-7884.
826LA@Hammer: Little Chicken Explorers: A Picture Book Workshop

Location: Hammer Museum

Why did the chicken cross the road? You’ll find the answer in this picture-book workshop. We’ll provide you with a tiny baby chicken toy model, and you’ll create an illustrated story about a freshly hatched baby chick’s grand adventure. Kim Adelman is a nonfiction author who wrote a book about chick flicks.

Click here for more info.

Syncopated Ladies

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Close out the season with the all-female tap dance band Syncopated Ladies. The Dance group was founded by Emmy Award–nominated tap dancer and choreographer Chloe Arnold. Receiving praise by megastar Beyoncé for their tap dance tribute to her hit song “Formation” is a show not to be missed! The Syncopated Ladies won the first dance crew battle on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance.

Click here for more info. 

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Out & About: Hollywood Bowl

One of the most enjoyable of summer rituals is relaxing under the stars while music fills the Hollywood Bowl! 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.

 

  1. What to Eat: Picnic Boxes

FOODLAB

Nowhere else will you find a stick of gum in your picnic box—except for this friendly family-run food shop in West Hollywood. Each box is $23 per person and includes a sandwich, vegan salad, daily side salad, a Deluscious cookie and bottled water.

http://www.foodlab-la.com/picnic-boxes.php

Cheesemongers of Sherman Oaks

This gourmet shop offers picnic boards packed for easy transport complete with napkins and utensils, two cheeses, one cured meat, cornichons, olives, dried fruit, and Marcona almonds (serves two to three, $20). Daily sandwich specials are available for $8 and can be also be prepared quickly on the spot.

http://www.cheesemongersofshermanoaks.com/picnic

Froma on Melrose

This cozy Italian café and gourmet shop on Melrose Avenue provides two types of picnics with baskets equipped with napkins, plates, utensils, and plastic wine glasses. The basic picnic for two is $40, and features two paninis, a cheese and charcuterie tray with crostini, two salads, fresh baked cookie or pastry, chips, and two non-alcoholic drinks.

https://www.fromaonmelrose.com/menu

 

  1. Parking/Rideshare – https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

Park & Ride

Park in one of the designated Park & Ride Lots and a bus will take you straight to the Bowl. Roundtrip bus ride costs $7/person when pre-purchased and $12 cash/person when purchased at the lot. Park & Ride tickets are available online until 10am on the day prior to the concert.

General Parking

Parking at the Bowl is extremely limited! Arrive early to ensure availability. All parking lots are stack parked and there is no early exit. Lots open four hours before the start of each event and prices begin at $24/car.

Bowl Shuttle near the Bowl

Drive to one of the close-to-the-Bowl shuttle lots, and from there we’ll take you almost to your seats! Parking is free (except Hollywood and Highland), and the bus ride costs $6/person round trip. Departures begin 2 ½ hours prior to concert and the last bus departs each lot at concert time.

  • Upcoming shows

Jurassic Park in Concert – Friday, August 16, 2019

Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, the action-packed adventure of Jurassic Park pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Experience it now, projected in HD with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/600/2019-08-16/jurassic-park-in-concert

Smooth Summer Jazz – Sunday, August 18, 2019

Dave Koz & Friends, The Commodores, Hiroshima the 40th Anniversary, and Adam Hawley lead the way at our annual mini-festival dedicated to the smoothest jazz sounds around. Please allot more time than usual for your trip to the Bowl this evening.

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/539/2019-08-18/smooth-summer-jazz

The Roots Christian McBride Big Band – Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The wildly versatile bassist Christian McBride opens with his Grammy-winning 21st-century big band for a set of tight, swinging jazz. The legendary hip-hop crew The Roots celebrate the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Things Fall Apart, whose revolutionary blend of live instrumentation, classic hip-hop sampling, and thought-provoking wordplay make it one of the most influential albums in rap history.

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/625/2019-08-28/the-roots-christian-mcbride-big-band

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