Spring Concerts and Events in Los Angeles

Los Angeles experienced a record all-time high for travelers in 2011: around 26.9 million people came to the city last year, representing an increase of 4.2% more overnight travelers from 2010. Tourist spending in Los Angeles increased by 8% over 2010 as well — good for our local businesses! What did all those travelers do while they were here? Well, the beach, Hollywood and the Sunset Strip are always popular, as is the shopping. Coming to the US and shopping is especially popular, particularly for international travelers.  Not that there’s ever any shortage of things to do in Los Angeles, but some upcoming spring concerts and events should make it even more exciting for both Angelenos and those to travel to this very popular region of California. For travel planners considering a spring trip to Los Angeles, here are some non-shopping activities and events you might want to consider (the below is taken verbatim from discoverLA.com, the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau site. Go there for more information).

Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles

Theater

March 13 – April 22, 2012
Green Day’s American Idiot
Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Based on Green Day’s GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum album, AMERICAN IDIOT boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.972.7211; www.centertheatregroup.org

March 14 – April 22, 2012
Waiting for Godot
Recognized as the most significant English language play of the 20th Century, this self-described “tragicomedy in two acts” by the Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett tells the story of two men waiting on a country road: Waiting for Godot. Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.972.7211; www.centertheatregroup.org

March 24 – April 28, 2012
Naked Before God
Naked Before God romps across the intersection of physical farce and dark comedy. Written and directed by Leo Geter, this world premiere play is inspired by the works of Joe Orton, David Rabe and Neil Simon. Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood, 90068; 213.202.5858; www.fordtheatres.org

April 7 – May 27, 2012
The Bungler
The Bungler is comic genius. Moliere’s first romp written in verse, and one of the greatest hits of his lifetime. This rarely produced gem is a non-stop cavalcade of wily servants, dim witted young lovers and avaricious old men on a bumbling, tumbling, tackling, wild and woolly ride. Adjust your seats to the upright and forward position, strap yourselves in, and get ready to laugh. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 91107; 626.356.3100; www.anoisewithin.org

April 12 – June 2, 2012
Billy Elliot the Musical
Thrilling audiences worldwide and winning ten 2009 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, “THE BEST SHOW YOU WILL EVER SEE” (New York Post ) is coming to Los Angeles April 12, 2012. Billy Elliot the Musical  is based on the international smash-hit film, and is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 and the Tony Award-winning creative team – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John.  Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 90028; 213.972.7211; www.broadwayla.org

April 17 – May 13, 2012
The Convert
It’s 1895 when the convert, a teenager named Jekesai, is thrust into strange new circumstances that pit Ancient African traditions against Western culture and Christianity. When conflict erupts, she must follow her heart and make the ultimate sacrifice. With an urgent voice, both heartrending and humorous, Obie Award-winner Danai Gurira (In the Continuum and Eclipsed) brings yet another faraway world to the Douglas to enlighten, enrage and ultimately edify audiences. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232; 213.628.2772; www.centertheatregroup.org

April 25 – June 3, 2012
Fela!
Fela! is coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, April 25, 2012.  Fela! explores the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), the musical reveals Kuti’s controversial life as artist, political activist and musician.  Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 90012; 213.972.7211; www.musiccenter.org

Ongoing
Cirque du Soleil’s IRIS
Cirque du Soleil® invites you to IRIS, a Journey Through the World of Cinema™. This large-scale production – created exclusively for its permanent home at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles – offers a new take on the art of cinema as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine it. IRIS is an inventive spectacle that combines acrobatics, dance, projections and live music. The show takes the audience on a mesmerizing journey that blurs boundaries between live performance and moving images.  Kodak Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 90028; 323.308.6300; www.kodaktheatre.com

The Lakers in Los Angeles

Sports

April 10, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers Home Opener
The Los Angeles Dodgers play at historic Dodger Stadium. Since 1958, when the Boys in Blue moved from Brooklyn to palm-studded Los Angeles, the Dodgers have won an astonishing eight National League championships and five World Series titles.  Dodger Stadium, located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, opened on April 10, 1962 and is currently the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.   It has a crowd capacity of 56,000. The Dodgers’ regular season runs from April to October.  Home Dodgers games during Pow Wow are Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves, April 23, 24 and 25. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles, 90012; 323.224.1507; www.dodgers.com
April 22, 2012
NBA Basketball
When it comes to basketball, Los Angeles is fortunate to be home to two NBA Teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.  On April 22, both teams will be playing on their home court, STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles.  The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the New Orleans Hornets at 6:30 p.m.  STAPLES Center 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, 90015; 213.742.7326; www.staplescenter.com

Concerts

April 21, 2012
Bettye Lavette plus John Cleary’s Philthy Phew
Two-time Grammy nominee Bettye LaVette is an interpreter of the highest order. Whether the song originated as country, rock, pop or blues, when she gets through with it, it is pure R&B. Jon Cleary is a triple threat combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. UCLA Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr., Westwood, 90095; 310.206.8744; www.uclalive.org

April 21, 2012
Marcel Khalife at the Orpheum Theatre
Marcel Khalife’s works has been critically acclaimed both in the Arab World and worldwide. His creativity, innovations and his educational and humanitarian concerns and contributions to the promotion of arts and Culture in the Arab world has earned him tens of awards in the Arab World and Internationally. Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90014; 877.677.4386; www.laorpheum.org

April 21, 2012
Inti-Illimani at Beckman Auditorium, CalTech
Forged with passion and poetry, Inti-Illimani’s unique sound explores the indigenous cultures of Latin America. Celebrating 40 years of musical experience, Inti-Illimani members perform on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments. CalTech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena, 91106; 626.395.4652; www.events.caltech.edu

April 21 and 22, 2012
Sublime Schubert: Symphony No. 9
The Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 during two concerts, April 21 at 8pm and April 22 at 2pm, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Schubert’s amazing, seemingly instinctive, mastery was as apparent in songs as in symphonies; this program matches the most expansive of his symphonic works with some of his miniature marvels, performed in orchestrations by a fascinating range of later German and Austrian composers. Baritone Matthias Goerne joins pianist Christoph Eschenbach for Winterreise and Die schöne Müllerin, plus a program of orchestrated Schubert songs and the “Great” C-major Symphony, with Eschenbach conducting. There will be an all- Schubert chamber music concert with LA Phil members.  Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.972.7211; www.musiccenter.org

April 22, 2012
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Forty virtuosos perform orchestral and chamber music repertoire in intimate theaters in Los Angeles.  On this night, the orchestra will celebrate the conclusion of LACO music director Jeffrey Kahane’s 15th anniversary. Father and son Jeffrey and Gabriel Kahane appear on stage together as conductor and composer/soloist for the first time. UCLA Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr., Westwood, 90095; 213.622.7001; www.laco.org

April 24, 2012
Concerto Köln
Bach lovers will revel in this Baroque program featuring three major instrumental works by Bach, in the context of Italian composers who made such an impression on Johann Sebastian. This performance will take place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  One of the things that sets Concerto Köln apart is that it works as a “co-operative collaboration,” without a conductor. Every musician in the ensemble contributes his or her own ideas; each piece is lovingly worked through in detail by all involved. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.972.7211; www.musiccenter.org

April 24, 2012
Johnny Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday is a French singer and actor. An icon in the French-speaking world since the beginning of his career, he was considered by some to have been the French Elvis Presley.  Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90014; 877.677.4386; www.laorpheum.org

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Museums

April 14 – August 19, 2012
Mickalene Thomas: The Origin of the Universe at the Santa Monica Museum of Art
The Santa Monica Museum of Art presents Mickalene Thomas: The Origin of the Universe, the first major solo museum exhibition for the New York based multi-media artist. Best known for her elaborate paintings of African American women against the backdrop of décor recalled from her childhood, Thomas has created an all-new suite of works that examine aspects of landscape painting. She introduces a new model of trans-generational female empowerment as she explores interior and exterior environments in relation to the female figure. The exhibition opens at the Santa Monica Museum of Art on April 14, 2012 and continues through August 19, 2012.  SMMoA is located at Bergamot Station, Building G1, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, 90404; 310.586.6487; www.smmoa.org

February 22 – May 18, 2012
Discover the Real George Washington
Approximately 100 original objects associated with George Washington – including the only surviving complete set of his famous dentures – will be on display for the Reagan Library’s special exhibit.  The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 93065; 805.577.4000;; www.reaganlibrary.com

March 28 – July 9, 2012
Aphrodite and the Gods of Love
From her genesis among earlier deities in the ancient Near East to her adoption in Roman culture as Venus, this exhibition explores the realms of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, 90049; 310.440.7300; www.getty.edu

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Since its inception in 1965, LACMA has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography and represent Los Angeles’ uniquely diverse population.  Following are exhibitions that will be on display during International Pow Wow Los Angeles:

Jan. 29 – May 6, 2012
In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States

Feb. 18 – May 13, 2012
Common Places: Printing, Embroidery, and the Art of Global Mapping

March 11 – June 3, 2012
Robert Adams: The Place We Live, A Retrospective Selection

April 1 – July 1, 2012
Children of the Plumed Serpent: The Legacy of Quetzalcoatl in Ancient Mexico

LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036; 323.857.6000; www.lacma.org

Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres, the Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens is home to breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books.  Following are exhibitions that will be on display during International Pow Wow Los Angeles:

Nov. 12, 2011-May 14, 2012

Ancient Chinese Bronze Mirrors from the Lloyd Cotsen Collection   

March 17-June 25, 2012 Al Martinez: Bard of L.A.

April 21-July 23, 2012

Visions of Empire: The Quest for a Railroad Across America, 1840-1880   

Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, 91108; 626.405.2100; www.huntington.org

Ongoing: 
Dinosaur Hall Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

On July 16, 2011 the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opened its all-new, 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall, marking the halfway point of the Museum’s seven-year transformation. Twice the size of the Museum’s old dinosaur galleries, this new permanent exhibition features over 300 fossils and 20 complete mounts of dinosaurs and sea creatures. The hall rivals the world’s leading dinosaur halls for the number of individual fossils displayed, the size and spectacular character of the major mounts, including the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, and the accessible integration of recent scientific discoveries and research into the displays. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Park, Los Angeles, 90007; 213.763.3466; www.nhm.org

Of course, this is a huge city, and there are hundreds of smaller concerts, art gallery openings, and other events all season. Anyone traveling to Los Angeles should not be at a loss regarding finding some thing fun and special to experience.  Don’t hesitate to describe any of the spring events I didn’t list!