SUMMER 2014 IS OUT OF THIS WORLD AT GRAND PARK

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Blockbuster Fourth of July Celebration Returns, Bigger and Better, with Downtown’s Largest Fireworks Display –

– Line-up Includes North American Premiere of Universe of Sound: The Planets –

 – Grand Park will captivate, surprise and delight guests this summer with a multi-faceted programming line-up for all ages and interests and a number of spectacular events in the “park for everyone.” The park’s free summer programming includes the return of Grand Park favorites, including concerts that showcase Los Angeles’ dynamic electronic music scene, family-friendly movie nights, exercise sessions and more. Three major events will cap the season – an expanded July 4th block party that builds on the success of last year’s event, the west coast’s flagship commemoration of National Dance Day and the North American premiere of Universe of Sound: The Planets, a dramatic, highly experiential installation that immerses people in the world of an orchestra.

“The audiences for Grand Park continue to grow and so too does the sense of community and camaraderie that Grand Park guests experience when they visit this beautiful central gathering place,” said Grand Park Director Lucas Rivera. “From music to dance to grand-scale celebrations, Grand Park’s summer season – July through September– will give Angelenos the opportunity to appreciate the talent and excellence of Los Angeles’ artists and to join together to enjoy the most memorable Grand Park summer ever.”

“Grand Park is the place to be this summer and especially on the Fourth of July as we celebrate our nation’s independence with a spectacular downtown L.A. fireworks show,” said Supervisor Gloria Molina. “You won’t want to miss it.”

Grand Park’s summer programming line-up includes:

SUMMER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party
Friday, July 4
From 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

In true Grand Park style, Grand Park’s second annual 4th of July Block Party will continue its collaborative community vibe while it grows even bigger and better than ever with downtown’s largest fireworks display. Festivities will extend from Temple Street to Second Street and from Grand Avenue to Main Street with fireworks visible from all over Downtown Los Angeles. Park visitors will enjoy live bands, DJs and emerging artists, who will perform on two stages in the park, with a focus on celebrating the soulful sounds of America’s musical roots. Picnics and music, along with light projections and dramatic pyrotechnics, make this a celebration not to be missed. 

National Dance Day
Saturday, July 26
From 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The Music Center partners with Grand Park and The Dizzy Feet Foundation to present the west coast’s flagship free celebration of National Dance Day with stages and activities in both Grand Park and on The Music Center Plaza. Dancers of all skill levels are invited to participate in hip-hop and jazz dance routines shared online in advance by some of today’s most popular dance choreographers and performers. This year’s event, an all-day dance extravaganza, will showcase Los Angeles’ amazing dance talent, provide aspiring dancers the chance to learn from Los Angeles’ best dance companies, and highlight the health and wellness benefits of moving and exercising through dance. Grand Park fans of all ages will appreciate the informal dance party in the park’s historic fountain along with a dance film screening in the park after sunset. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Universe of Sound: The Planets
Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, September 28
From 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Music Center Presents partners with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen to offer Angelenos of all ages a once-in-a-lifetime experience to conduct, play and step inside a virtual orchestra with the North American premiere of Universe of Sound: The Planets. Set in a giant tent in Grand Park, this interactive digital installation invites guests to explore an orchestra from the inside out, joining 132 musicians as they perform the spectacular music of Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Giant visual displays, touchscreens, movement-based interaction and planetarium-style projections pique the imagination and help audiences observe, discover and engage as they become musicians, conductors, arrangers or composers. In its first-ever North American engagement, this radical, ambitious project will captivate musicians and non-musicians alike.

MUSIC 

Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions
Sundays: June 1| July 13 | August 10 | September 14
From 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Featuring the underground sounds and beats of top LA DJs, Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions present the best of the Southern California EDM (electronic dance music) scene. Guests can get their grove on in a safe, responsible setting. Food trucks will be on-site with cocktails available for purchase from Pattern Bar.

Drum Downtown
Saturdays: July 12 | August 9 | September 6
From 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

This free do-it-yourself musical activity, part of The Music Center Presents series of fun DIY (do-it-yourself) participatory programs, lets Grand Park visitors make music in the moment in an outdoor group drumming experience. All skill levels are welcome with drums and other percussion instruments provided by event sponsor, REMO. Drum Downtown is first come, first served with no RSVPs or tickets required. 

July 12 | Afro-Brazilian: Explore the rhythms of Afro-Brazilian drumming
August 9 | Middle Eastern: Discover the sounds and techniques of Middle Eastern percussion
September 6 | West African: Make the drums talk with West African beats and medleys

FILM SERIES

Grand Park and Street Food Cinema Present Movies in the Park
Saturdays: August 2 | August 9 | August 16 | August 23 
“Doors” open at 5:00 p.m./First screening begins at sundown; Second screening begins at approximately 11:00 p.m.

Grand Park partners with Street Food Cinema to bring back the fun of the drive-in movie double feature (but without the cars) with free screenings of family-friendly (PG-13 and under) movie favorites. In anticipation of the U.S. debut of Universe of Sound: The Planets in Grand Park in September, movie themes will include space, science, exploration and adventure. Audiences will also enjoy games, contests and trivia competitions along with fun giveaways. While a small group of food trucks will be present for the evening, picnics are encouraged.

GRAND PARK FAVORITES

Lunch Á la Park
Wednesdays and Thursdays
Coffee truck between Broadway and Spring Street from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch trucks on Olive Court (between Grand Avenue and Hill Street) & the Marketplace (between Spring Street and Broadway) from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Grand Park spices up the lunch options on Bunker Hill by providing downtowners and park visitors a range of food trucks two days a week. Trucks are parked in two locations in the park: on Olive Court, between Grand Avenue and Hill Street, and in the Marketplace, between Broadway and Spring Street, which also features a coffee truck. Those looking for a sweet treat during the day will enjoy the new dessert truck located on Olive Court.

Grand Park’s Downtown Farmers’ Market
Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Farmers’ market lovers will enjoy locally grown produce, fresh flowers and prepared food vendors.

Grand Park’s Bootcamp 
Tuesdays July 8-August 26 
From 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Grand Park visitors can explore the entire park and get a free workout at the same time at Grand Park’s Bootcamp, presented by Grand Park in partnership with Operation Bootcamp. This free fitness series is designed for all fitness levels and open to all, making an end-of-day workout accessible and fun.

About Grand Park
A vibrant outdoor gathering place, Grand Park is a beautiful public park for the entire community in Los Angeles County. With expansive green space for gatherings large and small, Grand Park celebrates the county’s cultural vitality and is host to community events, cultural experiences, holiday celebrations, and many other activities that engage and attract visitors from all communities. The 12-acre Grand Park stretches from The Music Center on the west to City Hall on the east, and is easily accessible by Metro via the Red/Purple line to the Civic Center/Grand Park station. The park was named one of American Planning Association’s 10 “Great Public Spaces” in the U.S. for 2013. Grand Park’s transformation is a credit to the leadership of Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and the Grand Avenue Committee, established to create and implement the vision for Grand Park and commercial developments on Grand Avenue. The $56 million for the construction of Grand Park was comprised of $50 million in pre-paid rent for ground leases from Related Companies—a key condition Supervisor Molina was instrumental in securing—plus other city funds and interest. Under the direction of the county, Grand Park was developed by Related Companies with an award-winning creative team, including landscape architect, Rios Clementi Hale Studios; general contractor, Charles Pankow Builders; environmental graphic design firm, Sussman/Prejza; and fountain design consultants, Fluidity. Working closely with the county, The Music Center is responsible for the programming and operations of the park. For more information, visit http://grandparkla.org/