SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER
Sure, they’re already advertising for back to school clothes, and even Halloween, but summer just wouldn’t be complete without a night at the Hollywood Bowl. And there’s still plenty of time to pick up your picnic basket and a couple of blankets and take in a great show or two.
In keeping with tradition, this season has something for every musical taste, from rock to folk, classical to soul, and even sing-a-long.
Malibu’s Andrew Ruben took in the “Grease Sing-A-Long.” Although not a fellow you might expect at such an affair, he found it to be a delightful evening that was “kitschy and fun.”
The Bowl officially opened its 91st season with the 13th Annual Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame gala. The star-studded event honored “Queen of Country” Reba and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. Guests and presenters included Lily Tomlin, Randy Jackson, Melissa Peterman and host, the legendary “Mary Poppins” star Julie Andrews.
Reba and her band took the stage, accompanied by Thomas Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Together, they performed “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun,” from “Annie Get Your Gun,” as well as “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” from “South Pacific,” and “I’m a Survivor.” She closed with “Fancy,” one of her favorite country hits.
Julie Andrews then took the stage to speak about the importance of the L.A. Phil’s music education programs.
The Hall of Fame inductions resumed with Randy Jackson introducing his longtime pal Chaka Khan. Khan played percussion with her band, along with the HBO and Wilkins, and launched into a medley of “I Know You I Live You” and “Tell Me Something Good,” accompanied by her dancers. Khan, her band, the HBO and Wilkins continued with her famous “Ain’t Nobody,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Through the Fire.”
Khan’s granddaughter, Daija Holland, and nephew, Tyler McCrary, came onstage to present her with the Hall of Fame award. Khan, Wilkins and the HBO continued with “Earth Song,” and closed with her powerful anthem “I’m Every Woman,” accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.
A few days later, Malibu’s Rhinestone Cowboy Glen Campbell performed one of his “Farewell” concerts. He was followed by acts like oh-so-smooth Smokey Robinson, pop star Barry Manilow, Joshua Bell and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
But there’s much more to come. Sultry songstress Diana Krall will work her magic for two nights on Aug. 24 and 25. Also in August, you can catch jazzy Herbie Hancock and maestro John Williams with some of his most memorable movie scores. The season wraps up in September with the legendary blues master B.B. King, a Tchaikovsky spectacular complete with fireworks, a sing-a-long to “The Sound of Music” and a “Totally ‘80s” evening with The Go-Go’s and The Motels. So get out and celebrate the summer before it’s over.