Community Corner
Bored This Summer? How About Outdoor Theater for the Whole Family?
It's diverse, close and not expensive—much of it free!
Check out the John Anson Ford Theatre, close by in the Cahuenga Pass, for its schedule of the 20th anniversary of this unique outdoor venue.
The Los Angeles County Arts Commission announced the 2013 John Anson Ford Theatres summer season. It marks the 20-year anniversary of the Ford Partnership Program, which nurtures locally-based artists, arts organizations and community, celebrating and reflecting on stage the diversity of the people of Los Angeles County.
The Ford summer season opens June 7 and runs through October 12. Full schedule detailed below. Tickets can be purchased at FordTheatres.org or by calling (323) 461-3673.
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To coincide with the 20-year anniversary, the LA County Arts Commission presents the inaugural Zev Yaroslavsky Signatures Series. This two-concert program benefitting the Ford Theatre Foundation pairs world-renowned performers with a local treasure. With support provided by L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, the Signature Series kicks off on June 9 with Tony Award®-winner Mandy Patinkin in concert with the Pasadena POPS. The evening will dazzle with this musical adaptation of popular song and Broadway classics. On August 10, Lula Washington Dance Theatre joins Complexions Contemporary Ballet featuring Los Angeles premieres and audience favorites.
"Over many decades, the Ford has become one of our most distinctive County performing arts venues, a first-class and truly unique space," Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said. "I want to make sure that the Ford's diverse programming remains accessible to all of our Los Angeles communities."
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The Ford Theatres, owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Former L.A. County Supervisor Ed Edelman championed the theatre, supporting the creation of the first summer season, named "Summer Nights at the Ford," in 1993. The program was designed to enable Los Angeles County-area music, dance and theatre groups to produce successfully in a major venue, providing production and marketing support and often facilitating their first important public appearances.
Twenty years later, the program is more robust than ever and has served hundreds of arts organizations and producers. "Supervisor Edelman saw the Ford as a County asset that was being under-utilized," says Laura Zucker, Executive Director of the L.A. County Art Commission. "He challenged us to find a way to restore the shine to this local treasure and we responded with a program that offers a physical location, technical assistance and a way to generate revenue. We've watched these organizations flourish, building capacity and connecting to new audiences."
Highlights of the 2013 summer season include the Ford return of Viver Brasil Dance Company, with a world premiere piece entitled Intersections / Ajê celebrating the Afro-Brazilian dance company's 15th anniversary, and the Fountain Theatre, with their popular Forever Flamenco featuring a special tribute to co-founder Deborah Lawlor. Colibri Entertainment honors Freddy Fender's musical influence with ¡Viva La Tradición! A Tribute to Freddy Fender, featuring The Texmaniacs, Flaco Jimenez, Rick Treviño and other guests.New to the Ford this year is Leimert Park's World Stage Performance Gallery, bringing Jazz Masters: A Tribute to Kenny Burrell; ROCK OUT! with Wayne Kramer, a Jail Guitar Doors Benefit Concert; and MARA, the masterMIND behind it all..., an evening of Indian dance theatre performed to a mix of Indian classical music and jazz presented by the Shakti Dance Company.
The Big!World!Fun! family series offers music and dance appropriate for children ages 4 to 12 and is presented on Saturday mornings in July and August in the outdoor amphitheatre. Children are admitted FREE and adults pay $5. J.A.M. Sessions is a FREE
During the off season, the Ford completed the first phase of planned renovations. Audiences for the 2013 summer season will be greeted by new seats in the amphitheatre, making their evening of entertainment under the stars - a Southern California tradition - a bit more comfortable.
ABOUT THE FORD At 1,196 seats, the Ford Theatres creates an intimate concert experience that is a favorite among Angelenos. Each summer, the Ford hosts a diverse roster of events representing music and dance styles reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles County. Operated by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Ford summer season events are in partnership with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations and producers. Unlike a traditional presenting model, these organizations apply to be part of the season and receive significant marketing, box office and house management support while keeping the majority of box office proceeds. This historic venue was built in 1920 and is located in a beautiful County park in the Hollywood Hills, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios.
ABOUT THE LA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development, and general resources for the community, artists, educators, arts organizations and municipalities. For more information, visitlacountyarts.org.
SEASON AND SERIES SPONSORS AND FUNDERS The Ford Amphitheatre 2013 season is a program of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission with core support provided by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Additional supporters include Angell Foundation; The Boeing Employees Community Fund; Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; Discover Hollywood; The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation; The James Irvine Foundation; L.A. Parent; Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation; KPFK Radio, 90.7 FM; Tom LaBonge, City of Los Angeles 4th District; LA Weekly; LA18; Macy's; The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation; SONY Pictures Entertainment; Wells Fargo; Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; Yelp.com.
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT FORDTHEATRES.ORG OR (323) 461-3673.
For more information: www.FordTheatres.org, Facebook.com/FordTheatres, Twitter.com/FordTheatres
2013 Ford Theatres Summer Season
* indicates organizations new to the Ford.
June 7 Antics: Illuminated Manuscript*
A multimedia hip-hop dance theater performance inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh and reinterpreted through video projections and street dance choreography.
June 9 Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series: Mandy Patinkin in Concert with the Pasadena Pops
Mandy Patinkin dazzles in this musical presentation of popular song and Broadway classics, accompanied by the Pasadena POPS, an ensemble of Southern California's most sought after musicians.
June 15 Fountain Theatre: Forever Flamenco at the Ford
A celebration of flamenco music and dance and a tribute to Deborah Lawlor, featuring artist
from Los Angeles and Spain.
June 28 Culture Shock Los Angeles: Roy Meets World
A presentation of a variety of hip-hop dance styles that will explore the diverse stories of Angelenos.
June 29 TAIKOPROJECT: Rhythmic Relations 2013
An evening of new and traditional Japanese taiko drumming.
June 30 Music Arts Events: All Together Now: Celebrate in Song!*
An evening of choral music celebrating cultural traditions from the Philippines.
July 6 Flypoet Entertainment: Flypoet Under The Stars - Summer Classic
An evening of spoken word, music, comedy and live visual art.
July 12-13 Grandeza Mexicana: Mexico: Mis Raices (My Roots)
10th anniversary celebration featuring Mexican folk dances from the company's repertoire.
July 17-21 Outfest: Under the Stars at the Ford
A five-night screening series that is part of Outfest 2013: The 31st Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
July 26 Kollaboration: Kollaboration Los Angeles
A talent competition showcasing Asian-American acoustic singers and musicians.
July 27 Viver Brasil Dance Company: Intersections / Ajê
A world premiere concert featuring Afro-Brazilian dance and music and celebrating Viver Brasil's 15thAnniversary.
Aug. 2 Bluegrass Association of Southern California: Bluegrass at the Ford
An evening of traditional bluegrass music with Laurie Lewis and John Reischman.
Aug. 3 Blue13 Dance Company: Fire & Powder
A modern retelling of "West Side Story" with a bollywood twist.
Aug. 10 Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series: Complexions Contemporary Ballet and
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, led by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson,
brings their breathtaking choreography and powerful dancers to the Ford stage in an
evening that includes L.A. favorite Lula Washington Dance Theatre.
Aug. 17 Ballet Folklorico Ollin: Retablos del Pasado: Stories of Passion and Revolution
An evening of traditional Mexican folk ballet performed to live mariachi music.
Aug. 18 World Stage Performance Gallery: Jazz Masters: A Tribute to Kenny Burrell*
An evening of jazz featuring a variety of new and established jazz musicians.
Aug. 23 Topanga Film Institute: Hecho en México & Musical Friends*
A screening of Hecho en México, a film by musician, music producer and Grammy®-winning producer of One Giant Leap, Duncan Bridgeman, celebrating the music and people of Mexico.
Aug. 24 Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre: The British Beat
A tribute to British music and dance styles ranging from the 1800s to the present day.
Aug. 25 Los Angeles Jewish Symphony: Cultural Collaborations
A symphonic concert highlighting music and art from the countries of Russia, Argentina, Israel and the United States.
Aug. 30 PAE Live: Vaud & the Villains - Sin & Tonic: A New Orleans Musical Celebration
A concert featuring Vaud and the Villains, a 19-piece New Orleans orchestra and cabaret that performs 1930s era jazz. ...every saint has a past, every sinner has a future...
Aug. 31 South Coast Dance Arts Alliance: So-Cal Dance Invitational 2013*
A dance festival featuring established and emerging professional dance companies from Southern California.
Sept. 6 Jail Guitar Doors USA: ROCK OUT! for Jail Guitar Doors with Wayne Kramer & Friends*
A benefit concert featuring rock musicians performing acoustic and electric sets.
Sept. 7 Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles: 2013 KOREA IN MOTION: FANTA-STICK
An evening of contemporary Korean performances featuring dance and musical
collaborations.
Sept. 21 Shakti Dance Company: MARA, the MasterMIND behind it all...*
An evening of Indian dance theater performed to a fusion of Indian classical music and jazz.
Sept. 27 Young Musicians Foundation: Gamer Jams: Music Behind the Screen*
A night of orchestral arrangements of popular video game music.
Sept. 28 Star Entertainment & Education Group: Fiesta Mexicana XI
Eleventh annual variety show featuring the rich diversity of folkloric music and dance from
Mexico.
Sept. 29 Pacific Talent Academy of the Arts*: ALOHAFEST: Kanikapila, the Polynesian Way!
A celebration of traditional and contemporary Polynesian music and dance.
Oct. 5 Versa-Style Dance Company*: Furious Beauty
Performance piece using hip-hop and street dance styles, visual images and music.
Oct. 6 Angel City Arts: Angel City Jazz Festival
A jazz festival featuring a fusion of electronic, rock and hip hop styles of music.
Oct. 12 Colibri Entertainment: ¡Viva La Tradición! A Tribute to Freddy Fender
An evening tribute to Freddy Fender, Mexican-American musician known for his influence in conjunto, country and rock and roll music, featuring The Texmaniacs, Flaco Jimenez, Rick Treviño and special guests.
J.A.M. Sessions at the Ford
These free and interactive events take place at the Ford Theatres on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
June 3
June 10
June 17
June 24
July 1
July 8
July 15
July 22
July 29
Drum Circle
African Dance and Drum
Japanese Ondo Dance
Lindy Hop Dance
Bollywood
Bucket Drumming
Square Dancing
Hip-hop Dance
Klezmer Music
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 9
September 16
September 23
September 30
Modern Dance
Kirtan Mantra Chanting
Salsa
Body Percussion
Accordion Night
Brazilian Capoeira
Middle Eastern Frame Drumming
Tango
Big!World!Fun! Family Series
These one-hour events take place at the Ford Theatres on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
July 6
July 13
July 27
August 3
August 10
August 17
Las Cafeteras (Son Jarocho/Afro-Mexican music)
Adunni & Nefertiti with Michael D. McCarthy (West African singing and storytelling)
Stories...on the MOVE! With Sheetal Gandhi and Shyamala Moorty (Indian music/storytelling)
Pacifico Dance Company (Mexican folkloric dance)
Mostly Kosher - (Klezmer & Ladino music)
Kutturan Chamoru (Dance from the Island of Guam)
Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble (World percussion and body music)
CalArts Balinese Dance Ensemble (Dance and music from Bali)
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