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Starting this week, the unprecedented California Festival: A Celebration of New Music begins a two-week run on stages throughout the state, including multiple concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall taking place from November 7-19.

The series is, first and foremost, a celebration of innovation and collaboration. More than 100 participating organizations and ensembles, including symphony orchestras, chamber music groups, jazz ensembles, opera companies and choirs will be presenting music written within the past five years. All told, the California Festival features over 180 works, including 36 world premiers.

Concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall include several programs led by Gustavo Dudamel, highlighted by the return of Canto en resistencia as well as world premieres by Miguel Farías and Gabriela Ortiz. Other programs include an organ recital by James McVinnie, a Green Umbrella concert of new music by California composers conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni, and a new project from cellist Alisa Weilerstein.

Get tickets and more information on concerts on the LA Phil’s website here.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

John Williams’ unparalleled career has influenced generations of music lovers and film fans alike. In fact, it’s safe to say that for many, the compositions of Williams are inextricably tied to the movies that shaped their childhood. Hear a note, and it instantly takes back to a special time and place in your life. Now, the magic of those memories will be brought to life at L.A.’s most iconic music hall.

As part of a multiyear retrospective, the legendary composer has curated a series dedicated to film music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, David Newman, and Thomas Wilkins. Highlights include live-to-picture performances of Williams’ complete scores to Superman and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a family-friendly program featuring a magical suite from Harry Potter, and a concert that celebrates the musical legacy of Hollywood.

Check out the schedule of events and links to get tickets for all John Williams Spotlight Series concerts below.

Nov 2-3, 2023: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert – Dudamel leads John Williams’ timeless score for Spielberg’s enchanting story.

Feb 2-4, 2024: A Century of Film – David Newman conducts a journey through cinematic history and the soundtracks that scored Hollywood’s greatest moments, as curated by John Williams.

March 15, 2024 – Superman in Concert – It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s live and in concert.

May 18-19, 2024: Dudamel Conducts Harry Potter – Dudamel leads a magical and family friendly program featuring a Grand Suite from John Williams’ Harry Potter score and an animated exploration of the symphony orchestra.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

How do you cap off an incredible summer of programming at the Hollywood Bowl? How about a mix of smooth grooves and spectacular fireworks to put an exclamation point on the season!

This Friday to Sunday, Three-time Grammy winner Maxwell sets it off at the Bowl’s Fireworks Finale, hooking his supple and soulful R&B—and three decades of hits—to elegant backing from his veteran touring band.

The three-night event also features special guests Pink Sweat$ (Sep 8), SiR (Sep 9), and Raveena (Sep 10). If you want to finish off the summer in style, you won’t want to miss it!

Get tickets and more information here.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

The 2023 season at the Hollywood Bowl has seen some stellar performances, from Janet Jackson’s unforgettable opening night to a touching tribute to the brilliant career of Stephen Sondheim. But they’re not done yet.

As we lean into this last leg of the summer, the Bowl schedule wraps up with a variety of vibrant offerings, including multiple movie nights, classical concerts, R&B shows, Blues greats, and two KCRW Festival dates.

September starts with back-to-back evening screenings of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Sep 1-2) backed by a live-to-picture performance of John Williams’ iconic score by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the month you’ll find Mozart Under the Stars (Sep 5), Sing-Along Sound of Music Sing (Sep 16), Pixies, Modest Mouse and Cat Power as part of the KCRW Festival series (Sep 17), and John Legend performing alongside a full orchestra and gospel choir (Sep 24).

There’s plenty to choose from, which why we’ve included the complete September schedule below. Just remember that whatever you decide on, we hope you end your summer on a high note!

September Shows at The Bowl

Sep 1-2: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

Sep 3: Air Supply • Michael Bolton

Sep 5: Mozart Under the Stars

Sep 6: Buddy Guy • Christone “Kingfish” Ingram •

Sep 7: Bach and Mendelssohn

Sep 8-10: Fireworks Finale: Maxwell

Sep 12: The Planets

Sep 13: Jacob Collier with the LA Phil

Sep 16: Sing-Along Sound of Music

Sep 17: Pixies • Modest Mouse • Cat Power (KCRW Festival)

Sep 20: Promises

Sep 23: John Legend featuring orchestra & gospel choir

Sep 24: Los Fabulosos Cadillacs Los Auténticos Decadentes (KCRW Festival)

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

An eclectic lineup. An intimate setting. No bad seat in the house. There are lots of reasons to return to The Ford for 2023, and with an unparalleled lineup of programming slated to run through the end of October, summer under the stars is just getting started.

We Like L.A. was fortunate enough to attend one of the first concerts of the season this past weekend (Mac DeMarco!), and we’re happy to report back that when it comes to the best parts about The Ford, nothing has changed. There is, however, something new to try for this year.

Fresh Food Offerings

One thing that had us excited to return to the The Ford was the delicious new food setup. The Bodega at The Ford has curated a lineup of street food-ish delicacies envisioned by chefs Jason Kim, Jason Winters and the Mercedes Rojas (all alums of Chef Suzanne Goin’s kitchens at the acclaimed a.o.c.).

There wasn’t time (or space in our stomachs) to try everything but we want to call out to two of our favorites: The Venezulean-style arepa made with braised beef brisket, black bean puree, fried plantains, cotija cheese and cilantro is a perfect handful. We also devoured a sourdough crusted pizza topped with spicy Calabrese salami, crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, Grana Padan, and fermented fed Fresno hot honey. That sweetness really hits the spot!

Plus, you can wash it down with a tight selection of selection of hyperlocal craft beers and natural small-production California wines (by the glass or bottle) handpicked by award-winning restaurateur Caroline Styne.

Needless to say, if you decide to show up a little early just to get a bite… not a bad idea.

The 2023 Lineup at The Ford

Of course, we know the reason you’re headed to The Ford is for the show, and through the years the theater has staked a claim to hosting perhaps the most eclectic lineup of arts and culture programming of any venue in Los Angeles. 2023 is no exception. Just looks what’s on tap!

As we breeze into the second half of July, JAZZ Re-EVOLUTION (Jul 22) hits the stage for an unforgettable evening of stories, songs, memoir and music, bringing some of jazz’s most iconic luminaries to life. That’ll be followed by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor/singer Darren Criss (Jul 23) then the theatrical spontaneity of The Improvised Shakespeare Company (Jul 28).

August features the 7th Annual Boleros de Noche (Aug 5), Comedy Under the Stars (Aug 9), a musical performance by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Aug 13) as part of the LA Soundscapes series, and live opera with The Barber of Seville (Aug 25), produced in partnership with Pacific Opera Project.

Heading into September, you’ll find a Noche de Cumbia (Sep 1), spoken word performances at the Flypoet: Summer Classic (Sep 9), along with Canciones de Mi Madre (Sep 30), a tribute to Linda Ronstadt’s iconic 1987 Mariachi album featuring a slew of Los Angeles-grown Ranchera artists.

And don’t forget that The Ford’s programming extends all the way until the end of October, highlighted by the Los Angeles Folk Festival (Oct 7-8) and capped by a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct 28) co-produced by Street Food Cinema.

In all there are more than three dozen performance dates on deck, and you can see the complete 2023 lineup here.

Make The Most of Your Visit

Remember that if you’re planning to attend a show this year, The Ford has a handy 2023 venue guide that gives you details on parking, ticket packages (savings!), public transit, and pre-concert picnicking. Basically, it’s everything you need to make sure you have the best experience possible.

The only question now is… which date(s) do you want to attend?

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

We’re on the doorstep of summer and opening night at The Hollywood Bowl is just days away. The big question is, are you ready?

A little bit of planning goes a long way, so we want to prime you for the upcoming season by asking five key questions, starting with the most obvious.

Which Shows Do You Want to See?

There are more than six dozen performances/events presented by the LA Phil this summer at The Bowl, beginning with Janet Jackson and Ludacris on opening night (Jun 10). As we cast our gaze to the coming months, it all comes down to one word: preferences.

Perhaps you’ll grab a ticket for the The Game Awards 10–Year Concert (Jun 25), where the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Tenacious D will pay tribute to the past decade of video game music while looking ahead to its future.

Or maybe it’s musicals that stir your soul. If so, you won’t want to miss Everybody Rise!, a Sondheim Celebration featuring a note-perfect selection of special guests (Jul 30).

Do you love all things Disney? Settle in for an evening of musical selections (and clips!) from Walt Disney Animation Studios (Aug 4-5)

Is an indie or rock vibe more your style? The 2023 KCRW Festival lineup includes Portugal. The Man and Chicano Batman (Aug 6), Maggie Rogers and Alvvays (Aug 13), My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes (Aug 20), and more.

In between and all throughout, you’ll find 20+ classical performances (plenty of chances to see Gustavo Dudamel), fan favorites like the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 17-18), the Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks (Aug 18-19), and movies with scores orchestrated live to screen, including 2001: A Space Odyssey (Aug 3), Star Wars Return of the Jedi in Concert (Sep 1-2), and a Sound of Music Sing-Along (Sep 16).

We know, it’s a lot to choose from. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Then again, that’s all part of the fun! Be sure to scan the complete summer schedule to see all your options.

How are you getting your tickets?

If you’re hyper focused on a single event, that’s one thing. But if you plan to attend multiple concerts this summer, don’t sleep on the advantages of ticket packages or a Hollywood Bowl subscription.

You reduce fees, guarantee the best seats possible, and in the case of the subscription package, you also get top priority to upgrade seats, free ticket exchanges, and special discounts at the The Bowl Store. Plus, the create-your-own (CYO) packages start as low as $15 per event.

Make sure you read up on all the advantages before you decide how to purchase.

What’s Your transportation plan?

Parking is limited at The Bowl. That’s just facts. And starting in 2023, Lot A (Blue), Lot B (Yellow), Lot C (Red), and Lot D (Green) will all be available for pre-purchase. That means parking can (and in many cases will) sell out in advance. Short story: Don’t drive to the venue without a spot reservation in advance.

Our humble advice? Either park and ride at one of multiple satellite lots ($7 if you pay in advance), or better yet, Go Metro.

If you ride the B Line into the Universal / Studio City Station or the Hollywood / Highland Station, you can grab a shuttle for free (normally $6) by showing your tap card or proof of fare. It definitely takes the stress out of getting to the event and puts the focus on where you want it: Having fun!

Whatever you choose, you’ll definitely want to plan in advance, so be sure to read the venue’s FAQ page on getting to and from an event.

Do You Know What You Can Bring?

Packing a picnic to enjoy before or during a performance is a staple of going to the Hollywood Bowl. But veteran attendees know there’s rules that apply for “lease events.” Namely, no alcohol is allowed.

Alternatively, for all L.A. Phil-presented events (including all mentioned above!), you’re permitted to bring wine bottles, wine glasses and beer bottles inside.

It’s a good reminder to read up on all the dos and don’ts of what to bring.

Who Do You Want To Take?

The final (and perhaps most important) question is one we can’t answer for you. But we do know this: The Hollywood Bowl is always better with friends, so grab a few, pick a date, and settle in for some world class entertainment performed in a setting unlike any in the world.

It’s going to be a great summer.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts is the premier performing arts venue in Malibu, but if you haven’t been to the Pepperdine campus to catch a show at one of the arts center’s multiple theatres, this March is a great time to get acquainted. 

Center for the Arts March lineup offers everything from Broadway stars to world-class Flamenco. There’s a riveting neo-soul performance, an iconic Spanish guitarist, and even a FREE Family Art Day at the Weisman Museum.

The action kicks off on March 4th with Hitting New Heights, a joint performance by Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz  (both former stars of In the Heights and Hamilton). The duo celebrates Broadway’s hottest composers in a tour-de-force event featuring songs from West Side Story, Sunset Boulevard, Ain’t Too Proud, Springsteen on Broadway, Pippin, All Shook Up, Wicked, Hamilton, In the Heights, and more. 

Four nights later, Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar bring an evening of power packed contemporary gospel and Neo-soul to the Smothers Theatre, boasting a transcendent style that’s garnered millions of YouTube followers, and might just win your heart too.

Later in the month, the style of Spain comes into focus with a performance by Flamenco Vivo (March 21) followed by the virtuoso guitar work of Pablo Sáinz-Villegas (March 23). Oh, and let’s not forget about the free family art day held at the Weisman Museum on March 11.

Needless to say, there’s a lot happening in Malibu next month. Take a peek at the full schedule below, and make sure to grab your tickets!

March 2023 at Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts

Saturday, March 4 – Hitting New Heights

The Broadway stars of Hamilton and In the Heights join voices to celebrate Broadway’s hottest composers, from Stephen Schwartz to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Tickets start at $32.50. More info here.

Sunday, March 5 – Adam Sadberry, Flute

Memphis Symphony Orchestra acting principal flutist Adam Sadberry brings evening of radiant, lyrical playing to the Raitt Recital Hall. Sadberry will be joined on piano by Nathan Cheung, Tickets start at $28. More info here.

Wednesday, March 8 – Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar

The transcendent style of Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar has garnered millions of loyal YouTube followers, and they’ll be bringing their inimitable gospel/neo soul style to the Smothers Theatre for a one-night-only event. Tickets start at $27.50. More info here. 

Saturday, March 11 – Family Art Day at the Weisman Museum 

The Weisman Museum’s Family Art Day offers an all-ages extravaganza of nature walks, crafts, readings, gallery tours, and kid-friendly food, all held in conjunction with environmentally-focused exhibition To Bough and To Bend. Free to attend! More info here.

Wednesday, March 15 – Pepperdine Music: Pepperdine Wind Ensemble

The Pepperdine Wind Ensemble is comprised of the most talented wind, brass and percussion students on the campus. Its repertoire ranges from traditional band literature, one-on-a part chamber works, world premieres, to contemporary works for wind band. Free to attend! More info here.

Saturday, March 18 – Miscast 

Pepperdine’s annual musical theatre review features 12 of the musical theatre artists performing solos, small and large group numbers from contemporary musicals. This year’s theme is MISCAST – people singing roles they would never be cast in real life. Free to attend! More info here.

Tuesday March 21 – Flamenco Vivo 

One of America’s premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana has dedicated 40 years of dazzling performances to honoring, invigorating, and expanding the art form. Tickets start at $25. More info here.

Thursday, March 23 – Pablo Sáinz-Villegas

Iconic Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas returns to Pepperdine after winning the coveted gold medal at the inaugural Parkening International Guitar Competition in 2006. The New York Times calls Sáinz-Villegas “the soul of the Spanish guitar” who dazzles with “virtuosic playing characterized by irresistible exuberance.” Tickets start at $25. More info here.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, make sure to visit arts.pepperdine.edu.

The following is a paid collaboration between BELLATOR MMA and We Like L.A.

We Like L.A. is proud to announce we’re continuing our partnership with Bellator MMA this month, and you know what that means… It’s giveaway time!

Up for grabs are 4 (yes, four!) tickets to BELLATOR MMA 290 at the Kia Forum on Saturday, Feb. 4.  The evening’s packed card includes two world titles on the line, headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader defending his crown against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, who will be fighting in the final bout of his storied career. Can the iconic Fedor turn back the clock for one last shot at glory, or will Bader prove once again he is a true champion. Either way, it’ll be one for the books, and you won’t want to miss it!

And the best part?  If you want a shot to go for free, entry is a snap. Just head over to this Instagram post, and drop a comment telling us your all-time favorite mixed martial arts fighter (past or present). Just be sure to tag a friend in your comment, then follow @bellatormma on IG, and you’re all set. We’ll collect comment entrants through Jan. 26, and then announce a winner the following day (see full rules below). And that’s it!

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by We Like L.A. (@welikela)

Good luck to all who enter, and we will see you at fight night

Giveaway Rules & Restrictions:

• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to qualify.
• One entry per Instagram user. Duplicate comment entries will not be counted.
• Last entry will be tallied on Thursday, January 27, 2023 at 8 p.m. PST
• Winner will be drawn at random from the list of entrants collected via Instagram.
• Winner announced via this blog post and on Instagram by noon PST on Friday, January 27, 2023.

The following is a sponsored collaboration between Cemetery Lane and We Like L.A.

Cemetery Lane is just around the corner, and if family-friendly Halloween vibes are what you seek, you won’t want to miss it!

This year’s immersive trick-or-treat experience transforms the historic grounds of Heritage Square Museum into a spooky mid-century neighborhood filled with delightful scares and plenty of sweet surprises for visitors both young and old.

Guests can expect a roughly 45-minute to one hour experience, which includes 13 trick-or-treat stops peppered with character interactions, photo-ops, a selection of spooky vendors to shop from, and a curated selection of food trucks. All the while, you’ll find yourself transported back to a time when horror comics and magazines like Famous Monsters of Filmland flew off the shelves, when shows like the The Twilight Zone captured the imagination of millions, and the real-life fears generated by the Cold War caused many a nightmare. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Plus, good news for those who missed last year’s sold out event! This year’s Cemetery Lane will run on two weekends, first from Oct. 19-23 and then again from Oct. 27-30. Admission for all dates costs $27 before 6 p.m., and $32 after. Toddlers, age two years and under, not trick-or-treating, are admitted for free.

For more information, and to get your tickets, head over to cemeterylane.com.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

The following is a paid collaboration between BELLATOR MMA and We Like L.A.

Who wants to go to fight night? BELLATOR MMA 286 brings electrifying mixed martial arts action to the Long Beach Arena on Saturday, October 1, and We Like L.A. has a hook-up for 4 (yes, four!) FREE tickets.

The BELLATOR MMA 286 main event features featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” defending his title against Hungary’s No. 2-ranked Adam Borics. PLUS: the evening’s card runs deep with SoCal roots, including Long Beach’s own AJ McKee making his lightweight debut, as the former 145-pound champion takes on Spike Carlyle.

Whether you’re a longtime MMA aficionado, or completely new to the sport, the packed lineup promises top-to-bottom excitement that’ll make for the perfect live experience.

So you want to go? Entry for our giveaway is easy: Just head over to this Instagram post (embedded below), and drop a comment in telling us your favorite fight movie. Rocky… Bloodsport… Warrior… Enter the Dragon… The movie is up to you! Just be sure to tag a friend in your comment, then follow @bellatormma on IG, and you’re all set. We’ll collect comment entrants through Sep. 26, and
then announce a winner the following day (see full rules below). And that’s it!

Good luck to all who enter, and we will see you at fight night!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by We Like L.A. (@welikela)

Rules & Restrictions

Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to qualify. One entry per Instagram user. Duplicates comment entries will be not be counted. Last entry will be tallied on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 8 p.m. PST. Winner will be drawn at random from list of entrants collected via Instagram. Winner announced via this blog post and on Instagram by 3 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. An Instagram direct message will be sent notifying winner, who will then have 24 hours to claim the prize. If prize is not claimed within 24 hours we reserve the right to choose another winner from the pool of entrants. Prize is non-transferable. Good luck!

The following is a sponsored collaboration between FIGat7th and We Like L.A.

Summer fun skates into Downtown Los Angeles this July with a brand new event at the FIGat7th open-air shopping mall. ROLLER JAM is part skating session, part dance party, and 100% a summer vibe. The three-day event runs July 15, 16, & 17 on the outdoor Plaza and features a skating rink, dance floor, DJ music curated by the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound.

With themes like Disco night and ‘80s & ‘90s night, skaters are encouraged to dress for the era as they get down to their favorite throwback tunes. And for those who prefer sips over skates, Roller Jam also includes a beer garden put together by Crowns & Hops, featuring their BPLB hazy IPA, 8 Trill Pils pilsner, Mama’s Keys key lime gose.

Of course, here’s the best part… A FREE general admission ticket gets you access to the dance space and beer garden, and if you opt to purchase a skating session (only $12 and includes skate rental), the proceeds go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Social Justice Learning Institute, and Downtown Women’s Center.

So to recap: Roller Jam is high-energy summer fun in the heart of the city, all for a good cause. That’s a hard combo to beat.

Make sure to head over to figat7th.com to reserve your spot today.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.