The Ford, like the Hollywood Bowl, returns to live in-person performances this summer. This will be its first season under the stewardship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. (The Ford, along with the Bowl, is a Los Angeles County Park.) Programming this summer honors and renews The Ford’s deep and diverse connections with L.A.’s own unique cultural communities, while adding new artists, including international music legends as well as local acts.
It begins with six free performances, with indie-pop band The Marías, in their Ford debut, and the return of the CONTRA-TIEMPO dance company, joined by YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) in a special appearance. The Improvised Shakespeare Company will create an entire play based on audience suggestions on July 31, and the L.A.-based percussion group TAIKOPROJECT returns on August 1. The LA Phil presented seasons of chamber music at The Ford in the 1990s, and members of the orchestra revive that tradition August 3. Syrian-American singer-songwriter Bedouine performs August 6 with special guest Steady Holiday, both in their Ford debuts.
The opening weeks of free concerts conclude August 8 with the West African dance company Le Ballet Dembaya. But Father John Misty and the LA Phil add two more free concerts (September 22 and 23). Opera performances include a co-production of Arnold Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire and Kate Soper’s Voices from the Killing Jar with Long Beach Opera (August 14 and 15). Pacific Opera Project returns with La Cenerentola, Rossini’s spirited treatment of the Cinderella tale.
OTHER SEASON HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Boleros de Noche | August 21
Patti Smith with Jackson Smith and Tony Shanahan | September 2 & 3
Flypoet Summer Classic | September 4
Rodrigo y Gabriela | September 17 & 18
Cécile McLorin Salvant | September 24
Billy Childs, in partnership with Angel City Jazz | October 14
Moses Sumney | October 30 & 31
The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E, L.A., 323.850.2000, theford.com
Photo by Timothy Norris
