MUSIC.

I was surprised to find that a friend’s friend posted on their Facebook page that a band from the 1980s was playing in downtown Los Angeles.  So were others, thinking it was a gag or not real.  I even went so far as to check the LA Times on line calendar of events.  Guess what?  It was listed.  “The Romantics” did indeed play this past weekend.  I took pictures, but according to the site, I kind of was not supposed to. (See the link at the end of this post for information on rules and regulations.)  Oops.

It turns out Pershing Square downtown is a center of free artistic events.  Every Saturday night in July and the first 3 Saturday’s in August from 8:00 – 11:00 PM.  I’m sad I missed ”A Flock Of Seagulls.”  Concerts are free and it is in a very nice part setting. 

In addition those local to Los Angeles may know of “Spaceland.”  Well this alternative music production company is hosting a series of alternative music concerts on Thursday nights in the park from July through August.  Pershing Square is a part of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and Spaceland’s partnership with the park has encouraged bands to offer their services allowing for new and established bands the opportunity to give free concerts to their fans in a town where many bands have to pay to play.   I could not find a listing for times for the Thursday night concerts.

If that is not enough music for you, beginning mid July through August on Wednesdays Pershing offers a series of lunch time concerts from noon to 1:30 pm, covering a range of music from classic to country to jazz to rock.  As it turns out, there is also a Farmer’s Market in the square at this time so one can shop for groceries or lunch while being entertained. 

MOVIES.

If you are not the music lover, or do not like the selection of bands, but love movies.  Well Pershing Square also offers Friday Night Flicks!  Every Friday from mid July through to October 28th at 8 PM this summer you can find a selection of classic films ranging from “Close Encounters” to “Young Sherlock Holmes” to one of my favorites “Money Python & the Holly Grail.” (I also love Sherlock.)  The Calendar also includes some rather recent releases like “Cloverfield” and “Sixth Sense” and some classics like “Mommie Dearest.” 

SINGING.

Do you like to sing?  You could join the Pershing Square Community Chorus.  One does not need to be a professional singer to join, just a desire to make friends and to be involved.  Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at The Mezz (inside the Alexandria Hotel), 501 S. Spring St. L.A. 90013.  The Director is one Ebony Fay and she can be reached at soulfire.dtla@gmail.com or 323-535-1730.  The chorus performs not only at Pershing Square events, but at events through out downtown.

PAINTINGS/ ART.

Finally, Pershing Square is the home of the “Art-Squared Outdoor Cityscape Gallery.”  It is a partnership between paintings can be seen on display in the fountain and orange grove areas of the park.  The first show opened June 26.  Many of the works are on sale and proceeds go to a Foundation for the Gallery.  All art work is donated by the artists. 

YOUTH.

The park also offers free events both at the Square and as part of a mobile day camp, including crafts, drama, mime & magic.  Check out the information below for dates, times, and locations.

In addition the part itself is adorned with a beautifully crafted fountain and is a public display of artistic creativity in and of itself. 

INFORMATION

For a full listing of events and details check out the Pershing Square City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks website. 

For a full list of the shows this summer, see here.  Pershing Square is located at 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013.  For information about the concerts call 213-847-4970, fax 213-485-0985.