Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

Hollywood Bowl is a natural amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills and it was opened in the early 20ties. It's the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

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The Hollywood Bowl is always fun. However, around the U.S. Independence Day (4th of July) the events are special: each performance is ended with a huge fireworks spectacular. These are probably the best fireworks you can catch around Los Angeles. You might want to go to the show even if the performance is not your most favorite just to catch the fireworks. (Uhm - we sat through a Kenny Loggins concert! OK, he gave his best and the guy is extremely likeable, but the music is really a matter of taste.)

So here's the recipe for a perfect 4th of July celebration in L.A.: Buy your Hollywood-bowl tickets (well in advance); on the 4th pack a picknick basket and meet your friends at the bowl. Then have a picknick either on the grounds around the bowl, or inside the audience area. Have some munchies, a glass of wine, and then sit back and enjoy the performance. At the end of the night be dazzled by the spectacular fireworks display.

Oh yeah, the Hollywood Bowl is also a great place for people-watching. :-D

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During the summer months of June thru September, concerts are performed at the Hollywood Bowl. This Los Angeles landmark was built in 1919 and is located in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains. The famous Hollywood Sign can actually be viewed in the background. Considered the largest natural amphitheater in the world, it is a great place to listen to syphonies, jazz, and rock concerts. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and cheese or whatever because pre-concert picnics have become a tradition at the bowl. I recommend you arrive an hour or 2 early because picnic areas fill up fast. Restaurants and eateries are also available to the public, but can be quite pricey. Check out the Hollywood Bowl website for tickets and upcoming events.

I was turned off by Hollywood Bowl's congested parking and traffic so, for four years, I ignored it. However, my visiting nieces wanted to watch a performance there so I was forced to ask around. I found out that you can park at Hollywood and Vine and take MTA bus #163 to Hollywood Bowl. This is what we did. It was so convenient. We took the same bus going back.

That night, John Mauceri conducted the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. The title of the show was "La Dolce Vita: Italian Cool on a Hot Summer Night." Songs from the Godfather and songs by Frank Sinatra were among those performed. Towards the end, fireworks accompanied the music.

It was a memorable evening. At $14, the tickets were a steal, and we were able to experience a great Hollywood tradition. The next time, however, I'll bring some cushion, wine, and cheese--like the regulars do.

The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheatre used for music performances. It is said that this historic site, although really just a theater and nothing more, is a must-see. I really wouldn't spend too much time here unless you are here for a concert. Take a couple of photographs and leave. But if you are really into Hollywood's and LA's history, the Hollywood Bowl was the site of some memorable musical moments, including symphonies, opera, jazz, ballet, presidential addresses, rock concerts, etc. Although I didn't do it (next time definitely!), it would be fun to attend a concert here. Check their web site for schedules and prices.

This outdoor amphitheatre hosts everyone from Pavarotti to Tony Bennett to Jane's Addiction. It is also the summer home of the L.A. Philharmonic. Traditionally, Angelenos picnic on the grounds. Special events such as the Playboy Jazz Festival and the Mariachi Festival are held here annually.

As of July, 2005, parking at the Hollywood Bowl is $13.00.

I was at the Hollywood Bowl for a Coldplay concert last year. It is an excellent place to hear music. The acoustics are amazing. The history of the bowl is legendary with performances by the Beattles, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

The bowl is a popular destination over the summer time where people come to picnic and listen to their pick of concerts. The Bowl has fabulous concert series ranging from classical to swing to electronica and hip hop genres, along with season standars like the Playboy jazz Festival and the July Fireworks series.

If you don't mind seating location, you can pick up concert serires tickets for as little as $3 a pop. I picked up tix for the World Hip Hop concert late August for $5 each. Buy early!

Last time I was there I spent a ton of money on food. A beer cost $5!! Not worth it. Most people bring in food from outside. Picnics or take away. Do it! You can also bring wine and alcohol too, I believe, just make sure they are in a plastic container. Wine is OK.

Cons: Parking! Horrible. It took me two hours to leave the lot because it is 'stacked parking.' Better suggestion is to park elsewhere and take the Bowlbus departing from Hollywood/Highland complex, Ventura and the LA Zoo.

I saw Coldplay here last year and it was awesome. The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor stadium. We all know that they charge an arm and a leg for food and drinks so bring your own. That's what I love about this place, you can stop by your favorite restaurant and take the food to go and eat it while you listen to some great music.

Merchandise is also expensive but we all know that

Parking... parking sucks. Its hard to find and if you do find it, its the type of parking where cars sort of queue behind each other. Which means even if you get out early, you probably can't leave because you most likely have someone in front of you, behind you and and on both sides. You have to wait for all the people in front of you to leave. It took us an hour to get out I think. Just buy a delicious hot dog wrapped in bacon from one of the vendors as you wait... $3 and totally worth it.

Best thing to do is park somewhere a bit far away and take the bus to the Bowl.

You can also hire cushions for a buck or two so you don't have to sit on the hard pavement.

The Hollywood Bowl is one of the greatest cultural landmarks in Los Angeles, and it's also one of the most fun places to spend a summer evening. Pack a picnic basket with dinner and wine. Then sit back under the stars and listen to the Philharmonic or the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Many of these shows are very popular (especially the movie-themed nights, like John Williams or the Sound of Music sing-a-long) and sell out quickly, so reserve tickets in advance.

The Hollywood Bowl's first concert was held on July 11, 1922. It is one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of about 18,000. The Los Angeles Philharmonic has performed concerts here since opening in 1922-- and the Bowl is now also home to the wonderful Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. One of the most famous events here was in 1964 when The Beatles played at the Bowl! More than one million people attend concers here each summer. Come and experience the Hollywood Bowl!

Go to a summer concert at the Hollywood Bowl!
The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater that hosts concerts of all kinds. The cheap seats are $5 and you can, and should, bring food and drink (yes alcohol) into the Bowl with you. Getting buzzed and listening to great music during a balmy LA night is heavenly. Plus, you can see the Hollywood sign in the distance.