Latest news with #MusicCenter


Time Out
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
You can catch a dazzling drone show over Downtown L.A. to end the summer
If you found yourself not in the mood to celebrate Independence Day last month, you weren't alone. Between wildfire concerns and the federal immigration raids, many of the city's holiday festivities were canceled, postponed or altered in some way. That included the Music Center and Gloria Molina Grand Park 's annual block party, which was set to be the largest free Fourth of July celebration on the West Coast but ended up being rescheduled due to safety concerns amid Downtown unrest. But a new date has finally been announced for the event, which has been reimagined as a love letter to Los Angeles dubbed 'Gloria Molina Grand Park's Block Party: Celebrating L.A. Culture & Community.' Just over two months from its original date, the 'park for everyone' will host a drone show, DJ sets, food trucks and art installations on September 6, taking over the park, from Grand Avenue to Broadway and surrounding streets, from 3 to 9pm. This year found several Fourth of July fireworks shows pivoting to drones for eco-conscious and fire safety reasons, but Grand Park was already ahead of the curve. It's opted for drones over pyrotechnics for the past two years. And once again, a 3-D drone show from Grizzly Entertainment will light up the night at 8pm. The 12-minute-long display will 'emphasize L.A. communities' resilience and honor Angelenos' capacity for joy amid hardships,' according to the Music Center. The party's theme of homegrown resilience will also be echoed in its art installations and activities. An area called 'Little L.A.' will re-create an interactive journey through the county's immigrant enclaves, complete with dances, storytelling, a scavenger hunt and a chalk-drawn map of L.A.'s freeways. Meanwhile, an art walk will display interactive art and intimate portraits of life in L.A. There will also be resources on-site to encourage civic action and offer legal help: You'll find booths offering voter registration, as well as legal advocacy and wellness resources from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Westside Food Bank, Las Fotos Project and more. 'Gloria Molina Grand Park's Block Party is more than a gathering—it's a powerful declaration of who we are as Angelenos,' said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of the Music Center. 'As the world has witnessed in the last few months, Angelenos possess a resounding spirit unlike any other—we persevere. This Block Party is a celebration of our roots, our resilience and our right to reclaim joy. We invite all Angelenos from the many communities across Los Angeles County to show up, speak up and shine.' But there's plenty of lighthearted fun to be had, too. KCRW Summer Nights is curating the lineup of L.A.-based DJs: Black House Radio, Discos Rolas and the station's own Boogie Boudreaux and Francesca Harding will be behind the decks. And food trucks will be on hand serving a diverse range of culinary delights, from Venezuelan to Chinese to Mexican food. (Note that alcohol isn't allowed in the park and won't be served.) Parking will be available for $10 at both the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall parking lots, but the park is quite well served by Metro, so taking public transportation is encouraged.


Business Journals
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
Here, Art is Everywhere
Strathmore is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization and cultural anchor serving the Washington, DC region and the state of Maryland. For over four decades, we've invited audiences to experience the transformative power of the arts through music, visual art, education, and community engagement. Our mission centers on making the arts accessible to all—spotlighting world-class talent, supporting local artists, and offering hundreds of affordable and free events each year. From orchestras and jazz legends to genre-defying new voices, Strathmore's programming inspires curiosity and connection across generations and backgrounds. We're proud to offer performances and programs across two unique venues: • The Music Center at Strathmore, our flagship concert hall, known for its architectural beauty and world-class acoustics. • The Mansion at Strathmore, a historic 1902 home offering intimate concerts, rotating exhibitions, and beloved Afternoon Teas. But Strathmore is more than a place to enjoy the arts—it's also a one-of-a-kind setting for memorable events. Located just five miles from DC, Strathmore offers stunning, light-filled spaces that can be rented to create elevated experiences for corporate functions, networking receptions, galas, weddings, and private concerts. The Music Center at Strathmore Our 1,976-seat Concert Hall is a state-of-the-art venue with adjustable acoustics, making it ideal for everything from non-amplified classical music to amplified pop, jazz, and world music. Designed with natural materials including white birch walls, maple floors, and aubergine velour seats, the space is acoustically precise and visually striking. The Lockheed Martin Lobby, with its soaring 65-foot fritted glass wall, creates an unforgettable impression for guests. By day, the space opens up to Strathmore's 16-acre campus and wetlands; by night, its architectural features shimmer in the soft light. The adjoining Outdoor Terrace can be tented for indoor-outdoor experiences. The Comcast Circles Lounge is a warm, curved room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private bar, and flexible seating—perfect for VIP events, cocktail hours, donor receptions, or intimate dinners. The Bernard Family Foundation Pavilion features retractable glass walls that open to the wooded campus, creating a unique open-air experience that feels both refined and relaxed. The Mansion at Strathmore This beautifully restored home provides an elegant, historic setting for both artistic programs and private events. Whether you're hosting a corporate retreat, strategy session, or evening soiree, the Mansion's Music Room, art galleries, and sculpture garden offer distinctive and memorable environments. Strathmore's mission is embedded in everything we do—from inspiring creativity to building community. Whether you're attending a concert, hosting a company reception, or partnering with us to support the arts, you're helping us make the region a more vibrant and connected place through culture.

Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Downtown L.A. curfew update: City carves out exemptions for L.A. Opera and the Mark Taper Forum
Los Angeles city officials on Thursday carved out a curfew exemption for ticket holders of indoor events and performing arts venues downtown including the Music Center, paving the way for evening performances of Center Theatre Group's "Hamlet" and Los Angeles Opera's "Rigoletto." The news comes as Mayor Karen Bass' 8 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew for the civic center area approaches its third night and arts organizations, restaurants and other businesses across the area report a drop in patrons. On Wednesday, Center Theatre Group canceled a second night of director Robert O'Hara's world-premiere adaptation of "Hamlet" at a cost of roughly $35,000 in ticket sales per night. That's in addition to what the company is spending on production expenses. "At this time, Center Theatre Group, the Music Center, and the surrounding streets have not been directly impacted by protest or law enforcement activity. Our staff and artists are already on site, and we look forward to seeing you," CTG wrote in a statement Thursday. Major protests are planned nationwide for Saturday, when Trump's 79th birthday coincides with the massive 250th anniversary military parade he is throwing in Washington, D.C., at a reported cost of $45 million. One of the so-called "No Kings" protests is scheduled to take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, prompting Center Theatre Group to cancel its Saturday matinee and evening performances of "Hamlet." Other events scheduled for that day and night have been been postponed, including a show by the rock band Ozomatli that's part of the Grand Performances series at California Plaza, and a Metro Art event called Bollywood Express at Union Station. The Broad museum, adjacent to the Music Center, said it will close all weekend. "The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff continues to be our highest priority," the museum said in a statement. L.A. Opera, however, issued a mid-afternoon news release announcing the curfew exemption and noting that "Rigoletto," scheduled to run from 7:30 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, would go on as planned. The company also is moving forward with its Saturday "Renée Fleming and Friends" concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. "Attendees will need to leave the theater immediately afterward without lingering on the Music Center campus," the release said, adding that guests may need to prove their attendance at the show if stopped by law enforcement. "All ticket holders should have their tickets with them while in the area, either printed, digital or as a screen shot of the ticket." The release also says that people should avoid driving through downtown from the south, where much of the military activity is centered. A representative for L.A. Opera acknowledged that given the circumstances, ticket holders may choose not to show up. They will be allowed to exchange their tickets for one of the remaining performances June 15, 18 or 21; or they can request a refund from the box office. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.


Los Angeles Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Downtown L.A. curfew update: City carves out exemptions for L.A. Opera and the Mark Taper Forum
Los Angeles city officials on Thursday carved out a curfew exemption for ticket holders of indoor events and performing arts venues downtown including the Music Center, paving the way for evening performances of Center Theatre Group's 'Hamlet' and Los Angeles Opera's 'Rigoletto.' The news comes as Mayor Karen Bass' 8 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew for the civic center area approaches its third night and arts organizations, restaurants and other businesses across the area report a drop in patrons. On Wednesday, Center Theatre Group canceled a second night of director Robert O'Hara's world-premiere adaptation of 'Hamlet' at a cost of roughly $35,000 in ticket sales per night. That's in addition to what the company is spending on production expenses. 'At this time, Center Theatre Group, the Music Center, and the surrounding streets have not been directly impacted by protest or law enforcement activity. Our staff and artists are already on site, and we look forward to seeing you,' CTG wrote in a statement Thursday. Major protests are planned nationwide for Saturday, when Trump's 79th birthday coincides with the massive 250th anniversary military parade he is throwing in Washington, D.C., at a reported cost of $45 million. One of the so-called 'No Kings' protests is scheduled to take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, prompting Center Theatre Group to cancel its Saturday matinee and evening performances of 'Hamlet.' Other events scheduled for that day and night have been been postponed, including a show by the rock band Ozomatli that's part of the Grand Performances series at California Plaza, and a Metro Art event called Bollywood Express at Union Station. The Broad museum, adjacent to the Music Center, said it will close all weekend. 'The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff continues to be our highest priority,' the museum said in a statement. L.A. Opera, however, issued a mid-afternoon news release announcing the curfew exemption and noting that 'Rigoletto,' scheduled to run from 7:30 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, would go on as planned. The company also is moving forward with its Saturday 'Renée Fleming and Friends' concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 'Attendees will need to leave the theater immediately afterward without lingering on the Music Center campus,' the release said, adding that guests may need to prove their attendance at the show if stopped by law enforcement. 'All ticket holders should have their tickets with them while in the area, either printed, digital or as a screen shot of the ticket.' The release also says that people should avoid driving through downtown from the south, where much of the military activity is centered. A representative for L.A. Opera acknowledged that given the circumstances, ticket holders may choose not to show up. They will be allowed to exchange their tickets for one of the remaining performances June 15, 18 or 21; or they can request a refund from the box office.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Curfew Shuts Down Movies, Concerts in Downtown Area
As Mayor Karen Bass implemented a curfew in the downtown area of Los Angeles, entertainment venues such as the Music Center and the Alamo Drafthouse theaters canceled evening programming Tuesday night and for at least the next day or two. Bass said that a one-square-mile area would come under the curfew starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday night and could continue for 'several nights.' The Alamo Drafthouse posted,' Heads up, we're closed for the evening because of the curfew. Tickets for this evening's remaining shows will be refunded automatically. (Note that it may take a couple of days to show up.).' More from Variety Reimagining 'Hamlet' as a Lynchian L.A. Story: Director Robert O'Hara on Doing Shakespeare With a Noir/'Mulholland Drive' Twist at the Mark Taper Patrick Ball on Playing 'Hamlet' at the Mark Taper by Night, While Shooting 'The Pitt' Season 2 by Day: 'They're Both Disgraced Princes... I'm in My Prince Era Here' Alamo Drafthouse Strike Ends With All Laid Off Staffers to Be Rehired Also on Tuesday, an FYC event featuring the music of 'Cobra Kai' at the Grammy museum was cancelled. Bass implemented the curfew after mostly peaceful daytime protests against recent ICE raids turned more destructive, with several stores looted. Although other events in the L.A. Live area were canceled, Regal's L.A. Live multiplex appeared to still be selling tickets for Wednesday night. L.A. Live is within the curfew area which extends to the 10 freeway on the south side, the 110 on the west and the 5 on the east. There are exceptions for those who live and work downtown, but Bass emphasized that those who did not belong in the area would be arrested. On Tuesday night, the LAPD arrested 25 people for curfew violations, according to the L.A. Times. In addition to entertainment venues, the closures will seriously impact the business of hundreds of downtown restaurants and clubs. Among the cancelations Tuesday and beyond are: Tuesday's performance of 'Hamlet' at the Mark Taper Theater was also canceled, the Center Theatre Group announced. Walt Disney Concert Hall's Seoul Chamber Music concert was canceled Tuesday. Friday's Fly High fest at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live is of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week