Raise your hands if you love outdoor concerts!
(Credit: Spencer Weiner)
While we do have the benefit of the endless summer here in the Southland, there’s still something special about the slew of open-air venues that make the months between May and October L.A.’s live music sweet spot.
From the BYOP(arty) policy at many Hollywood Bowl events to chilling on the beach at the scenic Malibu Inn, Los Angeles boasts some of the best outdoor concert spots in the country. Here are just a few of our favorite places to crack a cold one (or four) with the crew and take in the soundtrack of summer 2008. And don’t forget to pack an extra bottle of Pinot Grigio. It’s just good form, and always comes in handy. Cheers!
2301 North Highland Avenue,
Hollywood
(323) 850-2000
It’s the granddaddy of American outdoor concert halls, and this summer is looking to be one of their best, with dates from top acts like Gnarls Barkley, Feist, Devandra Banhart, Beck and Nick Cave. We really love the Bowl because you can bring your own food and drink most nights (barring lease events — call ahead to make sure it's cool before toting your picnic basket). Pack plenty to share, since you're bound to run into someone you know.
We cosign with Radiohead’s request that fans reduce their carbon imprint when hitting the Bowl. Besides, parking your car can be a hassle, since traffic in the area on show nights is heinous. You can always park in the Hollywood and Highland complex and hoof it up the hill or take the super-cheap shuttle service. Investigate public transportation, and there’s always the carpool option. Think green, people!
2700 N Vermont Ave.,
Los Angeles
323-665-5857
While the worthy Hollywood Bowl gets all of the hype as LA's premier outdoor venue, the far more intimate (5700 seats) Greek gives it a run for the top spot. Set in lush, tree-enclosed canyon in Griffith Park, the Greek is absolutely amazing, from the organic feeling of being in the woods to the incredible bands they regularly book, like the Radiohead show that found dozens of fans climbing trees behind the benches to get a peek. This summer, take in shows from the likes of Erykah Badu, Rilo Kiley and the Swell Season when they provide the soundtrack to a stellar night out.
Like the Bowl, getting to the Greek can be challenging. Parking is stacked, so carpool if you absolutely have to drive. You can also park down around the Vermont corridor and take a nice stroll up to the spot. You’ll want to pre-party though, as picnic baskets and coolers are strictly prohibited!
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East,
Hollywood
323-461-3673
OK, this shining gem of a concert spot is a runaway winner in the category of “Most underused/underappreciated venue in Los Angeles.” We’ll never understand why a lot more shows aren’t booked at this amazing and intimate (only 1241 seats) natural wonder that’s literally across the street from the Hollywood Bowl. The stage area is literally carved out of the hillside, creating an effect akin to being fully immersed in nature there. We’ve had the good fortune to witness amazing shows by Zero 7 and Corinne Bailey Rae at the Ford, and we’re always longing for more events along those lines to come here. We also love the fact that most shows at the Ford are general admission, so a great seat is only a queue away. Not that it matters, as no seat is more than 96 feet from the stage. Find any reason to go, and discover your new favorite venue in L.A.
380 Santa Monica Pier,
Santa Monica
You've seen it used as the backdrop in a million movies and TV shows (I swear the SMP Ferris wheel was featured on "Beverly Hills 90210" every week), but it's a very real place. A most colorful mix of Los Angelenos head here for everything from corn dogs to arcade games to fishing over the pier. It’s also the site of all kinds of fun (and often free) events and concerts, like the recent Green Apple Earth Day Festival that featured Ziggy Marley and Juliette Lewis & The Licks. Keep an eye out for cool Indie 103 shows there this summer.
2969 Pacific Coast Hwy.,
Malibu
310- 456-6060
Open since 1923, this restaurant and live music venue across the street from the Malibu Pier has become a Malibu institution. The action really heats up after dark when locals come for smoked baby-back ribs and rock 'n roll. Big-timers like Kid Rock have been known to play surprise sets, but you’re more likely to catch acts like local rapper Shwayze gracing the stage.
We especially love the Malibu Inn on Sundays though, when DJ Native Wayne sets up shop for his weekly “Smoke In” party with the best in international reggae acts performing between Wayne’s wicked sets. Easily one of the best ways to “burn” a Sunday afternoon…
8808 Irvine Center Dr.,
Irvine
(949)855-8096
In some ways, this place could be considered Hollywood Bowl South. Although it's not nearly as opulent, they more than hold it down with an impressive calendar of shows by the likes of Iron Maiden, John Mayer, Tom Petty and traveling festivals like the Warped Tour and Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom HuckJam at this classic concert amphitheatre. It can start to feel a little like you’re an extra on “The Hills” with all of the blinding blondeness and youthful energy running rampant around this place, but that’s actually a part of the charm. Swinging singles and their wingmen do big business here, so make sure your game’s tight (and that there are breath mints at the ready!) when you’re making the rounds. Play on, player.
4800 Hollywood Blvd.,
Los Angeles
888-527-2757
Located just where Hollywood Blvd takes its sharp southern turn and disappears into Sunset, Barnsdall Park is small enough that it could be missed from the road without too much difficulty. Although the steep hill should be a dead giveaway, there is much to explore at this park that's based around a Frank Lloyd Wright sculpture. The awesome park got a huge boost last summer with the outstanding Swerve Festival, which boasted a solo performance by St. Vincent and the premiere screening of the Joy Division biopic "Control" at the nearby Vista Theatre. We're looking forward to this summer's edition with much anticipation...
That should be enough to keep you up to your knees in Ticketmaster fees, sunscreen and BevMo "frequent flyer" points from now until October. Don't hesitate to let us know about your favorite outdoor places to see bands bring the noise under our perpetually sunny skies. Inquiring minds want to know!
