The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl amphitheater nestled in the hills above Hollywood California, is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is the setting of many musical performances each year.
This beautiful setting is one of the best live music venues in the United States. It is also the largest amphitheater in the world, seating nearly 18,000 visitors per performance.
The Bowl is celebrating its one hundred year anniversary, it is a cultural landmark and as much a part of Los Angels as its beaches, movie industry and fantastic climate. It is a special part of Southern California’s life style.
The Hollywood Bowl has been a showcase for the world’s greatest musicians, renowned conductors and symphonic events. Many legendary artists have stood on the stage at the Bowl over the last 100 years from Stravinsky, and Heifets to Pavarotti and Streisand. With many legendary performances by the likes of Al Jolson, Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald to Elton John, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
The Bowl officially opened its first season in July of 1922, with conductor Alfred Hertz, known as the father of the Bowl, conducting. Frank Sinatra was the first “pop” singer to preform with the Philharmonic in 1943. At the height of Beatlemania, The Beatles first played the Hollywood Bowl in 1964, with tickets selling out in three hours. The comedy group Monty Python preformed their hilarious skits at the Bowl to legions of fans in 1982.
Dozens of movies and television shows have used the Bowl as the setting of any number of mysteries, dramas, comedies and musicals.
At the Hollywood Bowl entrance stands The Muse of Music fountain which was designed by sculptor George Stanley who also created the academy awards trophy Oscar. The 15-foot high granite fountain is a wonderful example of 1940s Streamline Moderne design.
The walkway up from Highland Avenue to the Bowl is lined with Pepper trees has long been the the main entrance to the Bowl. Along the walkway is The Hollywood Bowl museum which features many exhibits, memorabilia and artifacts documenting the Bowls glittering history. The Box office and Bowl store are adjacent to the amphitheater’s main entrance.
For those who arrive early the true Bowl experience includes picnics where families and friends can enjoy the natural setting. There are picnic areas with tables and benches under sycamore trees, pines, sage, chaparral and holly that give the area its name.
For LA Philharmonic events everyone is welcome to bring their own food and drink including alcohol. You can order food from the eateries at the venue, enjoy a glass of wine and food from the on sites wine bars and restaurants.
The additions of new benches and tables at the Bowl provides more enjoyable picnicking experience for visitors. The beautiful weather has made summer evening at the Bowl a wonderful place to enjoy good company, good food and great music.
The most common type of seating at the Bowl is bench seats laid out across the hillside of the amphitheater. The Terrace box seats , Garden boxes and pool boxes have been redone. If you’re lucky enough score box seats you’re in for a treat that affords you prime space to enjoy the venue.
Over the years the Bowl has seen five different Band shell designs. The original Hollywood Bowl Band shell was designed by architect and set designer Loyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1926, which was replaced after one season.
Loyd Wright designed a second shell in 1927 made of lumber. While the acoustics were outstanding the design style was not popular and the shell was replaced in 1928 by a 3rd shell which was not maintained and had to be replaced yet again.
The Bowl has managed to keep its original look as well as being very modern and very fun. An extensive renovation to enhance acoustics and make the experience for both musicians and the audience better was completed in 2004, including adding screens, while preserving the Art Deco / Streamline Moderne design style.
Since 1969, Fireworks have become another Hollywood Bowl tradition. With the summer sky lightning up during the dazzling Fireworks finale during the Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture and Forth of July celebrations among the biggest displays.
Most people who visit the Bowl aren’t normally Classical music fans, and the venue continues to introduces people to different types of music. With a wide variety of events from the annual Playboy Jazz Festival, and Mariachi USA Festival to pop and country concerts.
For one hundred years the Hollywood Bowl has been a popular concert going venue. It is one of the most recognized structures in the world, and has presented some of the most legendary music performances across generations.
A night at the Hollywood Bowl is one of the ultimate Southern California experiences. It is truly a destination temptation for anyone living or visiting Los Angeles.