Sun, Sounds, and No Strings Attached
Everyone loves to hear the word free, especially Angelinos. Luckily, summer in LA is one of the best times to take advantage of everything the city offers without having to pay for it. Who says summer adventures have to cost a fortune? All it takes is a little searching and you’ll find that there are free concerts every week! These shows bring both well-known artists and up-and-coming musicians from every genre, so people are sure to find a concert that they’ll love.
Hollywood Bowl - Photo credit: Adam Latham
We’ve been fortunate enough to catch some great shows already, and we’re hoping that everyone is in the loop! Also, the venues are often some of the coolest spots to visit in LA. Amoeba Music in Hollywood is a great place to catch short but sweet shows. The artists performing are often in support of their latest album release, so there is the possibility of getting a signed album! Also, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is another great mini-concert destination. Fans can request free tickets for the outdoor concerts and listen to music along with the excitement of being on a TV show.
The Grove has recently returned with their Summer Concert Series with indie pop bands The Mowgli’s and Cayucas on July 8. The Grove will continue to put on new shows every Wednesday. Also, The Getty Center celebrates talented artists by bringing “soon-to-be favorite bands” for their series Saturdays Off the 405. Recently, we were able to catch the rock band WATERS give an energetic performance at The Getty while also checking out one of our favorite museums.
Waters playing a show at the Getty - Photo Credit: Maximilian Ho of L.A. Record
LA public radio station KCRW is responsible for putting on free concerts every week in their Summer Nights concert series. They produce shows in various locations all over the LA area, including One Colorado in Pasadena and Annenberg Space for Photography. One of their popular spots is Santa Monica Pier, where their Twilight Concert Series just kicked off July 9th with funk and soul band Morris Day and the Time! Every Thursday evening, people can catch a free show with their feet in the sand, eating ice cream as the sun is setting.
KCRW Twilight Concert Series in Santa Monica - Photo Credit: Carl Pocket of Spaceland Presents
It may seem surprising that there are countless free concerts, but in a way it makes perfect sense. LA is filled with talented musicians and it’s the home base for the music industry, so of course there will be shows that highlight some of the best the industry has to offer and connect Angelinos to music and artists. LA is where artists travel to get inspired, write music, and record songs. Sharing their music is just as meaningful and getting their songs out there for the public to enjoy is what artists strive to do. These concerts showcase what LA is all about–celebrating art and diversity. Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of free concerts? Don’t worry, LA Weekly has an ultimate guide to free music in the area, so mark your calendars. Summer is halfway through, so don’t let it go to waste and hop in the car and get your dance moves on at one of the many free shows!
