Southern California’s Vibrant Summer Music Scene

Categories: ArtConcertsEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Concertgoers celebrating the joy of music during Southern California's summer festival season.

News Summary

Southern California is set to host an exhilarating summer packed with musical events, from intimate Candlelight Concerts to iconic performances at the Hollywood Bowl. Highlights include tributes to well-loved artists, groundbreaking festivals, and return of the beloved Concerts in the Park series. With contributions to the local arts community and spirited events like the Spotlight competition showcasing young talent, this summer promises a diverse sonic experience for music enthusiasts across the region.

Los Angeles – Southern California is gearing up for a summer filled with diverse musical experiences, presenting an array of concerts and events that cater to various tastes and genres. From intimate candlelight performances to grand celebrations at iconic venues, the music scene offers something for everyone this season.

One of the highlights of the summer is the Candlelight Concert series, which boasts unique shows across more than 100 cities worldwide, including Los Angeles. Upcoming performances include tributes to popular artists and themed concerts. On June 6, fans can enjoy the Best of Joe Hisaishi and a Tribute to Rihanna, both taking place at the Zipper Concert Hall. The Biltmore Los Angeles will host a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole on June 13, followed by a tribute to Whitney Houston on June 14. Later in the month and extending into July, fans can catch tributes to Coldplay, and Imagine Dragons on June 21 and July 12, as well as a tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 11, all at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

In addition to the Candlelight Concert series, the Mount Wilson Observatory will host Sunday afternoon concerts in its historic dome, which is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Notable performances this summer include Peter Erskine and the Lounge Art Ensemble on May 25, and a special celebration of the first walk on the moon with violinist Sarah Gillis on July 20. Other highlights include a tribute to late violinist Ben Powell on August 17 and performances by Leelou and Friends from Paris on August 31, wrapping up with the New Hollywood String Quartet on September 21.

The iconic Hollywood Bowl is embracing a “Forever Summer” theme for its concert lineup this year. Key events include the Blue Note Jazz Festival on June 14-15, a Grease Sing-A-Long on June 27, and the exciting July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular featuring Earth, Wind & Fire from July 2 to 4. The following weekend will showcase “Jaws” in Concert with the LA Phil on July 5, while the Tchaikovsky Spectacular with fireworks will take place on July 18-19. The summer concert series will culminate with “I Want My ‘80s” featuring Rick Springfield and various other artists on July 27.

After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the Concerts in the Park series in Santa Clarita returns for its 35th anniversary, presenting free live music every Saturday from July 12 to August 30, beginning at 7 p.m. This series will feature tributes to beloved artists like Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Fleetwood Mac among others, making it a popular summer activity for families and music lovers alike.

Additionally, there are more than two dozen major music festivals scheduled across Southern California this year, despite some cancellations. Festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach will showcase a roster of prominent artists, attracting large crowds and celebrating diverse music styles.

Recognizing young talent in the arts, the Spotlight competition has announced 14 Grand Prize winners from Southern California high schools, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship. The event celebrates excellence across various categories including acting, ballet, and voice, with a finale performance set for June 6, 2025, at the Ahmanson Theatre, free to the public. This initiative contributes to the region’s rich arts community, producing celebrated alumni such as Misty Copeland and Josh Groban.

Overall, the upcoming summer promises to be a vibrant season for music enthusiasts in Southern California, offering varied performances that celebrate both well-known and emerging talents.