Hollywood Bowl is closing its doors for the first time in its 98 years. The Bowl’s summer schedule, per usual, was a fantastic lineup including Bob Dylan, Janelle Monae, James Blake, and Hall & Oates. There were jazz festivals and live screenings as well. The Hollywood Bowl is always a summer highlight. Sadly, all of the concerts presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic scheduled this summer have now been canceled.
No Major Concerts Until 2021
Due to the coronavirus, no live concerts are happening anytime soon. Live Nation doesn’t expect live concerts to return until 2021. With The Hollywood Bowl, which seats 40,000 people, it’d be possible to put on any shows this summer. Los Angeles is second to New York City in most cases of the virus.
Some Background on the Bowl
The Bowl is one of the most pleasant sights and experiences in Hollywood. The place has such a long and incredible history. There’s been camel races, providing entertainment during the depression, and legendary performances by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Monty Python. The Hollywood Bowl is one of the best music venues in the world.
The Latest on the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is already suffering from major financial losses. They’ve furloughed 25% of their employees, plus the orchestra and other seasonal employees. The CEO of the LA Phil, Chad Smith, says it’s been “painful.”
A Word from the CEO
Here’s Smith’s full statement about canceling The Hollywood Bowl’s summer schedule:
Dear Hollywood Bowl family,
I am sad to share that, for the first time in its almost century-long history, the Hollywood Bowl will be silent this summer. In response to the latest guidance of public health officials and in an effort to protect our artists, audiences, staff, and community from the spread of COVID-19, we are cancelling the 2020 season at the Hollywood Bowl. This includes LA Phil-presented concerts scheduled from June 6 through September 26.
With the loss of the summer season, the Hollywood Bowl faces unprecedented financial strain, and as a result, must now take additional steps to mitigate its impact, including the furloughing of approximately 25% of our full-time staff, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through September 30, 2020, and is laying off seasonal Hollywood Bowl Employees. Prior to this decision, we reduced all non-essential expenses, laid off part-time employees, instituted salary reductions of 35% for Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and staff, and made the decision to draw from our endowment. The decision to cancel concerts is painful, as is the impact this crisis is having on our musicians, staff, and audiences.
The Hollywood Bowl is much more than a performance venue. It is a summertime tradition for generations of families and has played a role in defining Los Angeles itself. The Hollywood Bowl, a LA County Park, is managed by the LA Phil, a non-profit organization supported by ticket sales and donations. Your support allows us to provide exceptional concerts and learning programs to our community, including YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and other educational initiatives, serving more than 150,000 youth, families, and teachers every year.
If you are able, please consider making a donation as part of our newly launched “Play Your Part” campaign. Your support helps us plan for the future of this beloved venue, while enabling us to continue enriching lives through our music, YOLA and other learning and community programs.
As you may know, this summer would have been the first season the LA Phil also presented concerts at the Bowl’s Cahuenga Pass neighbor, The Ford. The venue would have celebrated its 100th anniversary this summer, and while its season has also been canceled, we will honor this milestone, along with the Hollywood Bowl’s own centennial, in 2021.
We are fortunate to be part of one of the most vibrant and creative cultural communities in the world. While this is a difficult time for all of Los Angeles, we have every reason to look ahead with hope and confidence. We look forward to when we will next be together as a community of music lovers under the stars.
The Beauty of The Bowl
Of course, we wish The Hollywood Bowl and all of their employees the best at this tough time. So many wonderful people work for the bowl to create its iconic and friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the most relaxing places to enjoy a concert outdoors. Even if you’re all the way back in the cheap seats, the bowl is great. With an epic setting and an epic band playing, plus exceptional LA weather, The Bowl provides unforgettable nights all throughout summers. Hopefully, the Bowl can return safely next year and keep Angelenos happy.
