Music

DIANA ROSS

• By KEN WERTHER
• Photo Courtesy of La Philharmonic

This month, the legendary Diana Ross returns to the Hollywood Bowl for one night only and I’m excited! I’ve seen her perform live several times, but I cannot resist another opportunity to experience her magic in person! In July of 1969, I saw Diana Ross and The Supremes in concert during their farewell tour. Motown’s most successful act is also one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time. I paid just $5.50 for my ticket (you read that correctly, yes), and the opening act was Stevie Wonder! On January 14, 1970, the group performed together for the last time as Diana Ross broke away to begin a solo career. In 1993, The Guinness Book of World Records declared Ross the most successful female music artist in history.

A few little-known facts for trivia buffs: The Supremes, originally a quartet, were first called The Primettes (and two of The Temptations were first in a group called The Primes) … it was Smokey Robinson that brought Ross to Motown Records … and my favorite tidbit — neither Mary Wilson or Cindy Birdsong sang on the recording of “Someday We’ll Be Together,” the last song released by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Go ahead … amaze your friends at parties!

Now get ready to experience, under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl, one of the few genuine superstars of this or any generation … the incomparable Diana Ross!

For tickets, click here.

Classical Music Stars

• By J. Cook
• Photo Courtesy of LA Philharmonic

Peak summer is here! As usual, the LA Phil has us covered for beautiful nights beneath the stars. They always fill the calendar with diverse talent, but I cannot remember a year in which they have each genre so well represented. On August 2, we’ll start old school. Classical. Encuentros Orchestra (El Sistema musicians from five continents), performing Dvořák’s New World Symphony, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and joined by jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding. On the 4th, it’s Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 and Cello Concerto No. 1 (featuring the passionate Pablo Ferrández). Dvořák returns August 9th, this time with his cheerful 8th Symphony, but paired with the Daníel Bjarnason sonic showpiece Scordatura (LA Phil commission) and Anna Meredith’s Nautilus (considered “pure maximalist mayhem”).

Next, there’s jazz. Over at the Ford on August 5, catch saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s hard bop and spiritual jazz, then Terence Blanchard with the E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet on the 9th, which The New Yorker called, “A dramatic soundscape that calls to mind Blanchard’s career as a successful film composer.” Back at the Bowl on August 11, Trombone Shorty’s having a Voodoo Threauxdown. Finally, electronic. Be honest, you don’t know Polo and Pan and you should. Don’t buy the comparisons to Daft Punk. P&P are their own thing, and their sound is guaranteed to elevate the Bowl with happy, poppy, funky vibes. I’ve already got my tickets, so get yours and I’ll see ya there!

For the calendar, click here.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

• By Debbie Emery

Iconic ‘60s psychedelic band Pink Floyd originated in London, UK, but their experiential sound and philosophical lyrics have influenced fans all over the world in the decades since. As one of the most successful rock bands ever — having sold over 250 million records worldwide — they have also spawned countless tribute bands that perform hits such as Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 and Wish You Were Here.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show claims to be the biggest and most spectacular Floyd tribute band in the world and is performing for one night only on Aug. 6 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This also marks their first tour since the COVID pandemic halted live performances in 2020. 

TAPFS itself has sold four million tickets worldwide in 35 countries and has been described as “the most popular tribute band in the world” by Sunday Times Culture. Having formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1988, they have since performed at Floyd guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour’s 50^th birthday party. 

Like concerts performed by the original Pink Floyd, TAPFS shows are known for their special effects that include a light and laser show, video animations, and state of the art high resolution LED screen technology. 

Tickets for start at $39, to purchase click here.

MindTravel

• By Nina Sventitsky

MindTravel creates immersive music experiences in different formats and venues. Wireless headphones allow participants to be in the moment, at the beach, on a hilltop, hiking, or walking. MindTravel is the creation of composer and artist Murray Hidary, who conceived of silent piano concerts using headphones. You can expect a brief talk by the composer, a live performance of classical music, and projections of his art and photography. Each visitor ends the experience with what they needed, presumably — like meditation, you’ll emerge feeling rested, exhilarated, connected to the universe, relaxed, or energized. Or perhaps you will have simply enjoyed a lovely outdoor picnic with your significant other.

On its website, the experience is described this way: MindTravel creates the space and permission to feel and connect. It is an exploration of the notion that bringing the lessons of music into our daily lives can radically improve our clarity along with our ability to reflect and relax, and that with music as our teacher we can peel back layers of our Self yet unseen. Shades of the 1970s? Perhaps. On August 13 and 14, tickets are available for 6:30pm shows at Santa Monica Beach. On August 8, you can buy tickets to a guided walking meditation experience — bring yourself to Griffith Observatory or Topanga for that one. Recommended for all ages.

For tickets, click here.