Best Of LA - Week Of June 29
Los Angeles continues its summer tradition this week of outdoor concerts, movies, and even a night market. The Academy for New Musical Theater premieres their annual tradition of 15 minute musicals, and restaurants around the city are helping our neighbor to the north ring in their special day with a twist on a Canadian culinary favorite. But of course these are all opening acts to this week's headliner: the Fourth of July! Before fireworks displays around the city light up the night sky, check out one of the fun family festivities below.
Forks in the Road: Seven Short Musicals About Life-Changing Moments
Lonny Chapman Theater
10900 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 506-8500
www.nmi.org
The Academy for New Musical Theater's famous Core Curriculum concludes their season by premiering seven brand-new 15 minute musicals. This decades-long tradition features a collaboration of composers, lyricists, and book writers given the daunting yet thrilling task of creating an original musical written for actors they've never met, in only eight weeks. This year's musicals include: 'End of the Line', 'Can I Help You Out?', 'Fork You!', 'Queen Hamembshaput Said What?', 'Margot's Blessing', 'Have A Nice Trip', and 'Half Off'. The show starts at 7:30pm, and runs for the next two days (6/30 & 7/1). General admission is $25.
Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Screening with Live Orchestral Accompaniment
The Hollywood Bowl
2301 Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com
Great Scott! It's the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic is celebrating it by performing live alongside a screening of the movie at the Hollywood Bowl. The West Coast premiere will feature almost 20 minutes of new music by composer Alan Silvestri, and will include special appearances by cast members Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Donald Fullilove, and Claudia Wells. Three DeLoreans and a replica of Marty McFly's 4x4 truck will also be on display on the Bowl grounds.
Celebrate National Canada Day with Poutine!
Various Locations
What better way to celebrate National Canada Day than with one of Canada's tastiest contributions to our nation's culinary scene: poutine. Restaurants around town are offering a twist on the traditional gravy and cheese curd topped french fries. For an international variety on the Canadian classic, try the Chicken Tikka Poutine (masala fries topped with cheese curds, beef gravy, chicken tikka, and cilantro) at Badmaash, or the Galbi Poutine (braised short ribs atop twice fried french fries with cheese, kimchi pickled onions, and avocado lime crema) at Seoul Sausage Company. Santa Monica eatery Ox & Sons is offering a Mussel & Tomato Chorizo Poutine, or try Playa Provisions' Duck Confit Poutine with mozzarella curds and duck gravy. Now go stuff your face and celebrate like a real American, eh?
Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series
Burton Chase Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 305-9595
www.visitmarinadelrey.com
Marina del Rey's Summer Concert Series is back, and kicks off tonight with a night at the opera. The Symphonic Thursdays series opens with Opera at the Shore, featuring emerging opera stars from the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition, along with the 75-member Marina del Rey Symphony, conducted by Maestro Grank Fetta. The group will perform arias and ensembles from some of the best-loved operas against the backdrop of one of the most gorgeous waterfront settings in Los Angeles. The event is free, and runs from 7pm- 9pm.
626 Night Market
Santa Anita Park
285 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
www.626nightmarket.com
626 Night Market is open for business, and excited to celebrate its 4th season at Santa Anita Park. The largest Asian-themed night market in the United States, 626 Night Market features hundreds of food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions all in one spot. The event aims to serve as a platform for showcasing local businesses and talent, along with feeding the masses delicious local dishes. The night market runs through the weekend from 4:00pm - 1:00am (11:00pm on Sunday), and all ages are welcome. Parking is free, and admission is $3; children under six free.
Americafest
Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 577-3100
www.rosebowlstadium.com
Americafest returns for its 89th year as the Southland's largest fireworks show. Pre-show entertainment includes music by Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends and 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, as well as live motorcycle stunts and more. A special Fanfest area will have food vendors, crafts, exhibits, and inflatable rides for the kids starting at 2pm. Fireworks begin at 9pm, and a special screening of Despicable Me 2 on the videoboard will directly follow the display. General admission tickets are $13 (reserved seating $25), with children five and under free.
Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade
Sunset Blvd., between Via de la Paz & Drummond
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
www.palisadesparade.org
A favorite among locals, this year's Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade celebrates "Pride! Passion! Patriotism!" The parade kicks off at 2pm, with crowd favorite skydivers dropping in at 1:50pm. Later in the evening, after the baton twirlers, marching bands, floats, horses, and more have marched their way down Sunset Blvd., a concert and fireworks display will take place at Palisades High School at 9pm. Admission to the parade is free, with VIP parade tickets and concert/firework tickets available online.
Grand Park's 4th of July Block Party
Grand Park
200 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.grandparkla.org
Spread over eight city blocks, this year's Downtown L.A. block party will feature giant picnic areas, two stages showcasing LA-based musical artists, live DJs, and much more. Partygoers can paint giant murals at the Mobile Mural Lab, or get their groove on at one of two mobile stages. Food will be available onsite from some of L.A.'s favorite food vendors, or guests can pack a picnic. The event runs from 3pm - 9:30pm, and ends with a new, first-ever rooftop fireworks display that will light up the civic center skyline.
L.A. River Kayak Expedition - Sepulveda Basin
Sepulveda Basin Recreational Area
16101 Burbank Blvd.
Encino, CA 91436
(909) 529-2569
www.brownpapertickets.com
Imagine using the L.A. River as a river! L.A. River Expeditions is helping Angelinos get out and discover their city via kayak with their river kayak tours. This Sepulveda Basin tour explores the most natural, concrete-less setting of all the river's green stretches. Stroll leisurely along the 2.5 mile flatwater paddle and enjoy some of the river's best wildlife viewing. Staff will educate participants along the way with information on the history, politics, and nature of our hometown river. All basic equipment is provided, and paddling instruction is provided.
Champagne Brunch Cruise
Fisherman's Village
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-9900
www.hornblower.com
Wind down the week by setting sail on Hornblower's Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise. Step aboard the luxury yacht, where a bottomless glass of champagne (or cider) awaits. In addition to free-flowing champagne, the two hour harbor cruise includes a buffet stocked with classic American breakfast dishes and seasonal lunch entrees. Decadent desserts and relaxing background music round out a morning that's sure to leave you rejuvenated and ready for the week ahead. Boards at 11:30am, and departs at noon.
