STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS
Break out those picnic baskets and blankets because it’s time to head for the Hollywood Bowl. The summer season kicks off on June 19 with a program featuring this year’s inductees to the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, which include singing sensation Josh Groban along with vocal artist Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. The two join a prestigious roster of previous honorees including Bonnie and John Raitt, Randy Newman, the Smothers Brothers, Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, B. B. King and Roger Daltry. The Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates its 10-year anniversary and will benefit the L.A. Philharmonic’s “Music Matters” program.
From classics to hip-hop, the Bowl season has something for every musical taste. Pink Panther fans won’t want to miss a tribute to legendary composer Henry Mancini. Conductor Bill Conti leads the L.A. Phil in an evening entitled “Ultimate Mancini!” joined onstage by special guests Dave Grusin, Monica Mancini and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Country cutie Jewel teams up with perky song-and-dance-man Michael Feinstein for “The Art of Song.” The talented duo is set to present snappy treasures from the Great American Songbook.
For a classical gas, there’s the beloved Tchaikovsky Fireworks Spectacular. This year’s musical extravaganza features the Russian composer’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” as well as the explosive “1812 Overture” complete with booming cannons and a brilliant pyrotechnic display. It’s also going to be a blast on Independence Day when folksy John Fogerty kicks off the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
They’ll be getting jazzy with Diana Krall, who will present some soulful tunes from her new “Quiet Nights” release as well as a selection of ballads and bossa novas. In addition to the divine Ms. D, jazz lovers have a full slate of other picks to choose from. Famed music man Sergio Mendes will be mixing it up with mambo king Eddie Palmieri and popular conga master Poncho Sanchez. There’s a swinging night of big band with Dizzy Gillespie’s All Star Big Band. The All Stars will be grooving with the Roy Hargrove Big Band and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Other notable names in the jazz series include Boney James, Patty LaBelle, Stanley Clarke and Chick Corea. There’s even a night for die-hard dancing queens and all things ABBA. A Swedish tribute band will perform the group’s greatest hits under the stars.
So, Mamma Mia! Whether you’re hitting a high note at the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long or getting down with the Beastie Boys, the Bowl’s got something to rock your world.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com