Hollywood Bowl
Categories: Performing Arts, Stadiums & Arenas, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hollywood2301 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068 (323) 850-2000
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: Yes
- Coat Check: No
104 reviews
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
"This is my absolute favorite place to see a concert in Los Angeles. It's outside, but somehow, there are no bugs! The sound is great and…" read more »
277 Reviews for Hollywood Bowl
Woo-Hoo!!! I am the 275 reviewer for the Hollywood Bowl. I saw RADIOHEAD on August 25, 2008 at the Bowl. The Radiohead concert was extraordinary. The light show, music set, and performance left me all vaclemped. I love the music. The sweet distortion, the anger, the melancholy -- Oh-beautiful melancholy -- you can bath in it, swim in it... just don't drown in it. Otherwise, you don't come out.
The Radiohead show rocked!!! The psychedelic lighting , jumbo plasma screens and bitchen LED lighting lend itself to every rich deep, depressing, and angry song. Rock on my fellow yelpers!
I wanted to save my 300th review for something life changing. Since I can't review my first deflowering, I might as well tell you all a tale of the greatest concert I've ever been to and the one venue that made it possible.
The Hollywood Bowl will forever be the venue that changed my life. It's like that rape van that used to follow you to school or that broom closet in Junior High were you first discovered the joys of auto-eroticism. They Hollywood Bowl not only has some of the best acoustics for an amphitheater, but it also caters to the bougie gourmand bastard. There's upgraded items in the consession stands, premium beers and fresh-popped popcorn. The bathroom situation that usually plagues most venues is avoided here. There are more stalls to relieve yourself that there is staff members.
I saw Radiohead here last night and the whole experience was surreal. I'm not sure if it was the gas fumes from the bus that shuttled us to the venue (at only $3, it's a bargain. Free parking, bitches!), the MDMA, the cocktails and $7.50 beer or the fact that I only had a spoonful of foul salmon in my stomach but I was on cloud nine. The lighting, the screens, Thom Yorke's whiny voice...you just gotta touch yourself a tiny bit.
I love you, Hollywood Bowl, I really do.
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I think everyone's opinion of the Hollywood Bowl is contingent upon their reason for being there. What kind of concert was it? What kind of crowd is it? etc.
I went to see Morrissey. Because Morrissey is amazing and if he was playing next to an erupting volcano I'd go. And try to get backstage. For smooches. Mmmm...
Morrissey holds the record for quickest Hollywood Bowl ticket sales. Beating even The Beatles. So there.
That being said, this is definitely my least favorite venue to have seen him in. The seating at the Bowl is such that even if your row isn't hella far back...you're still hella far back. I understand that it's technically the only way for the place to be set up, but at those prices, I was not a happy camper.
Luckily for me, I'm a charming bastard. With breasts. So I coyly got the security dudes to let me down to the lower level and just flitted about as close as I could get to the stage, which was still not close enough. I hate moats.
Seeing Morrissey is always a very intimate experience and this one left me thinking...
I want the one I can't have
And it's driving me mad
It's written all over my face
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I've just experienced the best concert of my life... is it all downhill from here?
Saturday, Radiohead. Bloody hell, that was a blast.
So I was fighting off the meanest, surliest hangover any mortal man may have ever experienced and it was on the day I was to see arguably the best band in the history of the earth. I spent most of the day passed out on the couch in a fetal position, trying desperately to man up for the night, when I started doing research by checking out the Hollywood Bowl website. I was prepared to be frustrated by a dearth of information, but holy hell what is this? Well organized, easily navigable, clear and concise, even in my puny alcohol poisoned state of mind. I checked out information on dining, parking and park and rides, and decided on my course of action.
Parking was easy. The attendants were nice, and things went smoothly. They gave out a piece of paper with "what not to bring" and I still kick myself in the ass for not bringing my camera thinking that security would be on me like brown on doo doo. Ah, regrets. Security was nice, the way in was smooth and clear, and I didn't feel like an arab at an airport.
Food options were everywhere. I wish I went to the upstairs grill because the stuff I ate was "meh", but what do you expect at a concert hall, right?
On to the performance: holy crap this concert blew my brains out.
Acoustics were amazing. We were at the R section which was a bit of a ways out but good god the audio was pristine. The light show Radiohead had was one of many innumerable highlights.
One low-light: Some oxford-wearing jack-ass and his GF stood up to dance a couple of rows directly in front of me. Ugh. I mean, they weren't even really good dancers. They were doing this out of beat seaweed-swaying-to-the-current thing and were completely blocking people. Boo. Thankfully the guy behind them manned up and said something. I was going to back them up but there was no need... they got the hint. I mean, balls, there's a whole aisle to stand in, people!
The rest of the show was the definition of epic. In fact, people need to stop using the word 'epic' because its impact gets diluted when actual epic stuff happens.
After the show, the walk down to the parking lot was less painful than I thought it would be, and it was actually pretty smooth going.
Good stuff all around... I can die a happy man now.
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Thank you again, Mitch! I couldn't believe I was standing there listening to Radiohead live at the Bowl.
Me: I want to slap her right now.
Friend: Me too, but unfortunately she wants to slap you too.
To be talking loud enough during a concert and then get mad when someone brings it to your attention- you deserve a big fat *bleep bleep bleep in the bleep bleep.* I don't care if he's the first guy that wants to take care of you and told you he believes in you. If I can refrain from saying "Shut the *bleep* up to you," can't you save that touching conversation for after the show? All I said was, "Excuse me, you're talking too loudly" after their relationship talk lasted 3 songs already. After calling me a *bleep* they continued their conversation! And threw something towards me and when someone touched my head, I shot a laser death stare back at them again. Please go find a concert etiquette workshop or something.
Other than that and the bee that wanted to picnic with us, trying to steal our chicken- it was a great night!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/18/2008
Some of the best summer nights start on the park and ride bus to get to the Bowl. The ride is only… Read more »
I took my girlfriend here tonight to see Radiohead, and first of all it was ammmmazing! We stopped by Bevmo first to grab miniature bottles of vodka(think airplane trial size) and then headed up there. This was around 5pm. But the Bevmo experience is a different story(see my review on Bevmo).
Instead of going and attempting to find parking in the 'stacked parking lot' right outside of the entrance, we parked at the Hollywood & Highland parking structure where they have shuttle busses every 10 or so minutes. Thats $3 a person. When we finally got there, there were people all around us sitting in the grass and on the benches having their picnics and drinking wine. There are little stands everywhere to grab some snacks.
We got into the security line for the actual entrance and it was speedy, (maybe it might be different for you?) it was a bit of a walk, not because of distance, but the hill which killlls your feet!
We went to our seats with our beer and wine and talked amongst the other patrons until the show started.
This place is so cool the way its set up. Its a huge outdoor theatre in the middle of surrounding hills on all sides and a slight view of the Hollywood sign. The way it is setup allows for better acoustics, and overall sound even though it is amazing already. The sky gets dark and a light background appears. Radiohead!!! There is a great vibe from the whole audience. Prices for food and such here are what you would expect of any venue, slightly overpriced. Except here at the 'Bowl, they dont seem as expensive, $4 Hot Dog where it might normally be $7 somewhere else, and $5 glasses of wine and such. They sell bottles too.
Now onto Radiohead, they rule!! And it seems as if they are right at home at the Hollywood Bowl, definitely a place NOT to be missed!!!!
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So I just saw Radiohead here last night, and the show just confirmed that The Bowl is pretty awesome when it comes to shows.
I'll admit unless you've got the vision of Hyperion or Power Girl it can get tough to see the stage- if you are not in the first section that is and not because someone is blocking you, simply because you are too damn far away. However, The Bowl staff really lets you slink down pretty close towards the end of the show; they tell you to go back to your seats but don't actually seem to care if you wander away and come right back.
And that's all very important.
However, The Bowl has great sound. After seeing Radiohead at Outside Lands inThe Polo Fields of GG Park in SF last Saturday-- I was elated to hear the clearness and volume at The Bowl that GG did not offer.
And for the cherry on my sundae, Radiohead's first song, " A Reminder."
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I figure that the public should know about this:
Founders of F Yeah Fest and Videothing.com Allegedly Beaten by Security Guards After Radiohead Show
by LA Weekly
August 27, 2008 12:11 PM
Monday night along the tree-lined walkway entrance to the Hollywood Bowl, as Radiohead was closing the second of their two sold-out nights at the venue, Sean Carlson and Phil Hoelting, promoters of this weekend's annual F Yeah Fest, were handing out flyers to exiting fans. Their friend Michael Reich, creator of the popular music video site Videothing.com, was recording the two for an upcoming documentary. As Reich shot, he noticed a scuffle occurring within his frame; in the background four security guards could be seen restraining a crowd member as they were ejecting him. The guards, employees of CSC Security, the company contracted by the Bowl to provide protection, were being overly rough with him, alleges Carlson. "They're strangling him - brutally. He's gasping for air." Reich turned his camera directly on the action as the CSC guards continued to restrain the man.
"The guy was screaming," remembers Reich, "and trying to tell them that he would leave peacefully if they let him go."
"The guard walked up to [Reich] and said, 'What the fuck do you think you're filming?' and grabbed at the camera," says one eyewitness who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. According to the witness, Carlson walked over to intervene, whereupon the security guard pushed Carlson to the ground, sending the flyers scattering across the pavement. Reich filmed this, as well. The eyewitness and his wife, not wanting to get involved, continued toward their car, but notified the L.A. police officers -- "at least six or seven of them," he says -- stationed at the Bowl entry that there was trouble up above. He says that they did nothing.
Reich and Carlson began to leave the premises, says Reich, certain he had captured the use of extreme force on tape. Hoelting, who had stayed behind, then overheard a guard say, "That shit's going to be on YouTube. We gotta get that tape."
Carlson and Reich turned around to see the men running toward them. "Three giant security guards were barreling after me," recalls Reich, so he and Carlson started to run along Highland. As the guards gave chase, Reich ran into traffic to try and elude the guards, who were grabbing at his backpack.
"He's running through traffic, dodging cars, on people's hoods as two guards are chasing him," recalls the eyewitness. "He's saying, 'Please help me, please help me' with two or three security guards running through traffic trying to catch him."
"They were running after him saying, 'That's the guy with the camera,'" recalls another witness, Zachary Dawes. He knew Reich from the music scene, and had chatted with him and the two others up near the Bowl. Dawes watched as Reich made his way through the Highland traffic, get hit by a car, recover and continue to run away from his pursuers. Carlson and Hoelting by this point were following.
As Reich headed south on Highland, he spied one of the many police officers who patrol the Bowl. "I cut across and headed that way, thinking, 'He will prevent these guys from taking my tape.'" The guards caught up to him and allegedly tackled him in front of the officer. Another guard restrained Carlson, who was trying to help Reich secure the tape. Reich spotted bystander Dawes, and threw it to him. "I knew that then at least we'd be able to get the tape later," reasoned Reich. "I figured, there's no way that the security guards are just going to assault this random dude in front of a cop."
He was wrong. Remembers Dawes: "It landed within five feet of me. I leaned down to pick it up and I got tackled by two of the dudes. They threw me into that ivy-covered wall and I was trying to get them off me. At one point there were three guards on me. I threw the tape to Sean, and that's when it got really ugly." Dawes alleges that one of the security guards threw Carlson into an electrical box. "He hurled him into it, then threw him onto the ground -- at this point there are two or three officers there. [The security guards] smashed his head into the pavement as they're trying to cuff him, the cops aren't doing anything. I'm yelling, 'Officer, this is your jurisdiction -- this isn't Hollywood Bowl property anymore. Don't let them do this.'" Dawes recalls that the officers replied that they "give event staff leeway."
"They beat the shit out of him in front of a cop," says Reich, "and the cop was like, 'What do you mean? We didn't see that.'" He adds that despite the officers witnessing Reich get hit by a car, they did not call an ambulance or offer any support.
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So this is how this is how Hollywood Bowl's security treats it's patrons?
Here's the link to the rest of the story: http://blogs.laweekly....
i'll admit, i'm biased. i work at the greek, so comparisons are tough.
the hollywood bowl is an amazing place to see shows, no doubt about it. when it becomes not so amazing is when you're stuck in anything above the beginning of terrace seating, because then you're trapped looking at ants on a stage and keeping your eyes slewed left or right to take in what's happening on the big screens. since it is so big there's often a delay in sound when you're up in those higher sections, and it can be kind of disconcerting.
the rules and regulations are a LOT more lax than those at the greek. for example--you want to bring wine into the bowl? no problem. just make sure it's in a box or you stick it into an empty smart water bottle, because glass is no good. want food? sure! bring all you can eat buffets. the bowl does not mind you having a good time on your own terms as far as food and drink go, and i think this is definitely to their benefit.
my favorite thing to do on a slow night or when i'm feeling bored is to see the LA phil there. we go and get the $2 seats up in the nosebleed section and pack up our little picnic basket backpack and have a relaxing night under the stars.
best shows ever seen at the bowl? basement jaxx, dj shadow and cut chemist, radiohead (last night). lots of fun and i've had insanely good seats for all three shows.
a plus for all you motorcycling kids--parking is free if you're on your bike and you escape the wait time hell of stacked parking.
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The Bowl may just be the most amazing spot to watch a performance. It's outdoors and breathe-taking. You totally do not feel like you're anywhere near the Hollywood Highland clusterfuck. Instead, it's as if you're nestled between rolling green hills in some enchanting location that is not smog-filled. You get to sit underneat the stars (or what you can see of the stars through the hazy smog).
Hubster and I were invited to watch "A Night in Old Havana -- Mamba Style." We were given box seats!!! Yes, I said BOX SEATS. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think we could have had a better view of the stage. We were dead center. I felt hella cool.
Hubster and I took a leisurely stroll from our house to the Bowl. I know, to Angelenos walking 1+ miles is unheard of. But who the hell wants to deal with the Bowl parking?? It's expensive and crowded and just plain mizzy. Plus, we got got to hold hands and whisper sweet nothings while we walked over for a sexy night of Havana music.
The best thing about the Bowl is you get to have a picnic. Bring as many bottles of vino as you like! Hubster and I are never that prepared. Thankfully, our gracious hosts were and the Bowl sells food. We sipped on champers and munched on snacks. The popcorn at the Bowl comes unbuttered and is a must have -- full of flavor and salty goodness sans the butter.
I don't know much about orchestra music besides the fact I always wanted to learn how to play the violin. But let me tell you, the guest conductor Thomas Wilkins was such a sweetheart. He had a smile on his face as he waved his arms at the orchestra. He was down to earth and funny. Essentially, I wanted to hug the man b/c he was literally adorable.
Not only did we have live performance on stage, we had it near our seats. A voluptuous silicon babe got up and shook her money makers at the crowd as she danced towards the stage. I believe there were 3 or 4 empty bottles of wine near her seat.
The Bowl is a must for visitors and Angeleno natives.
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Truly a legendary venue. My friend Paul and I went to the POLICE here in May of 2008, it was a beautiful night and what a setting. This place is what the Comcast Centers (3rd incarnation of the name of the outdoor arena in Mansfield Mass....it will always be Great Woods to this guy!) of the world are based on, but you really can't beat something that is built into the side of a hill. Except for Red Rocks in Colorado I guess, that is built into a huge mountain!
Anyways, only 4 stars because the crowd at the Police show was weak. We were standing up and these jerrrks behind us were like "hey, can you sit down guys?" It's a fukking rock concert, not a movie premiere. Just because you're wearing jeans and a corduroy sports coat doesn't mean you're better than me, it only means that you're a Hollywood jerk-off with a job in tv or movies whose favorite band is Five For Fighting, or maybe Jason Mraz.
George is getting upset!!!
I met David Spade as we were going into the show. What a great random B-List star to meet.
Also, being able to crush beers in the little picnic area outside is great....kinda crowded, but fun to shoot the breeze with other concert-goers. After walking over with a backpack full of food and brewdogs procured at the hollywood / highland intersection (yeah I talk like a local, WHAT!!!??!!?!) I was sweaty and bought an ice cold Coors Lizight from the vendor outside to quell my thirst before breaking into my own stash of Bud Heavies.....wow I don't think Coors Lizzy has tasted better!!
Recipe for an extraordinary night at the Hollywood Bowl:
- Have a friend give you an extra Garden Box Seat for the first night of Radiohead at the Bowl.
- Promise to name your firstborn child after this friend when he refuses to accept money for the ticket.
- Pack bottles of wine, assorted cheeses, bread, salads, tri-tip, fruit, and dessert.
- Pick up a couple of your friend's friends on the way to the Bowl; grumble when they aren't ready on time.
- Park in Lot D, on the east side of Highland (not your preference, but your friend is driving, so what the hey); note that the traffic guy takes his job *way* too seriously.
- Find a secluded bench on the hill to the east of the lot, unpack, and dig into the food and wine.
- Check the time, finish the picnic, and head over to the Bowl.
- Move quickly through the nonchalant security search.
- Console your friend's friends when they realize they mistakenly bought tickets for the *second* night of Radiohead...D'OH!
- Make arrangements to meet the friends after the show; wish them luck on sorting tickets.
- Prepare to make the long hike up the hill to the benches, then realize that Box Seat tickets = short stroll to the Garden Section.
- Time arrival perfectly for Radiohead's first song, "15 Step."
- Remark incessantly that these seats are your closest to the stage in many years of going to the Bowl.
- Notice that your cerebral cortex has been rewired by Radiohead's awe-inspiring music and mind-blowing visuals.
- Walk towards Highland, reunite with friend's friends, try not to gush about the incredible show they just missed.
- Fight the urge to eat a bacon-wrapped hot dog while running the gauntlet of vendors on Highland.
- Lose the fight; buy and inhale a bacon-wrapped hot dog.
- Endure the usual stack parking exit chaos; brush it off as a small price to pay in order to experience one of the best events ever.
The Hollywood Bowl is my idea of a GREAT summer night. Maybe I'm a little biased, because I live within walking distance, so I don't have to worry about driving or parking. And the drunken walk home always tops the night off greatly!! ANYWAY, besides the parking (i feel sorry for all those who have to block park and wait until every car in front of them gets out of the way) the hollywood bowl is AMAZING.
Beautiful Scenery, Cool Stage, Warm Hollywood Weather
Its so nice to sit and enjoy the music/show while eating and drinking your own food/drinks. the benches aren't the most comfortable, but just bring your own cushion/blanket!
AND if you forget to BYO, they also sell food and drinks. BUT why would you do that?? BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOL!!! wow I can't stress it enough!!
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Spectacular music under the stars? What a wonderful thing to do on a breezy Summer's night...
I just saw Les Miserables there (my 3rd time seeing Les Mis) and absolutely loved it... again!
Our seats were pretty good, row 1 of the F1 section... and were able to put our drinks and food on the wall in front of us as well as put our feet up at times. How convenient!
Well, the cast was soooooo amazingly talented! I was brought to tears in many many scenes at the amazement of the beautiful singing (and acting).
My favorite was Lea Michelle, who played Eponine. OMG! OMG! I could only dream of having a voice like her. WOW!! She really was breathtaking! Yes, I attempted to sing "On My Own" on my drive home... OUCH! :)
I won't be quitting my day job of being a teacher any time soon... :)
J. Mark McVey, who played Jean Valjean, was great, but I LOVED Brian Stokes Mitchell (Javert) even more. What deep sexy voice!!
Overall, Les Mis at the Hollywood was unbelievably awesome!!
Ok, so why not 5 stars? Of course it's gotta be the parking situation!
We had great parking in Lot B, very close walking distance (without having to cross any streets), but of course getting out of the parking lot took 3 days... :) (maybe about 40 minutes?) Oh, and we were the lucky ones at the end of the rows too...
You would think there's gotta be a better way to organize this...
Anywho, I guess that's all part of the Hollywood Bowl experience, a small price to pay for a wonderful star-filled evening...
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Seven steps to a romantic summer evening:
Step 1: Bring your tickets & bottled water
Step 2: Pack yourself a picnic; sandwiches or sushi are easy to pick up
Step 3: Don't forget a bottle of wine (or two) and cups
Step 4: Remember to bring a blanket and a seat cushion
Step 5: Take the "park and ride" bus (only $5 roundtrip!)
Step 6: Hike to a Picnic area and have yourself a picnic
Step 7: Stroll down to your seat and enjoy the live music/show/concert
Under the stars, surrounded by thousands, streaming sound of live music..
..a wonderful summer night out.
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#900
No summer would be complete without a couple of concerts at the Bowl.
Yes, parking sucks. I suggest taking a shuttle. Unless you have complimentary parking like I did the last couple of times. Ah, stacked parking. Even so, it wasn't so bad. And I do admit, I get a certain sort of thrill of being able to shoot straight into the 101 South freeway afterward.
Part of the Hollywood Bowl experience is the picnic. What should one bring to the Bowl?
If you have a box, I think it's nifty they have wine bottle holder in the box. I highly recommend using it. I've heard quite a few empty bottles roll around.
I also think it's so interesting to see what people bring to eat. I've seen people bring full on three course meals (they even bring table cloths, fresh flowers and even busts of Beethoven for the table!) and those who bring Taco Bell. Whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of...wine. Or you could be the guy I saw with his bottle of Johnny Walker. Black Label, of course. haha.
For those who don't have a box, there are picnic areas. Get there early to stake 'em out or eat on the benches or eat near the escalator standing up like I've seen people do, just eat there! Don't eat down the street at the corner market like I did a couple of weeks ago. No ambiance at all!
Speaking of ambiance, there's the Bowl Store to pick out the approved candles they allow you to burn in your box.
I've seen people also hike around the hills and during the afternoons, I've heard the orchestra rehearsing when I've gone to buy tickets in person.
Years ago, they had big giant balls on stage to help with the acoustics-- I dunno how it worked but obviously not well enough to keep! I miss those. But at least I can say I'm not that old because I don't remember a fountain in front of the stage. See pictures at the Bowl Museum which is open a few hours before shows begin.
I can't give this place five stars though because they sell programs (programs should be free!) and the restrooms though clean are really outdated and funky smelling.
I still love the Bowl though and when I hear cool shows playing there, I think it's worth all the hassle of parking. See you there for Beck/ Spoon/ MGMT in September!
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Love, love, love the Hollywood Bowl! Whether you sit in box seats or up in the back area (way up) you will have an enjoyable evening. I always pack something to eat and drink and bring a friend or two along with me.
This is especially nice for a date...and not expensive for what you are getting (unless you are in the box seat area in front).
Since I live in "the Valley"...I take their shuttle over and back...so much easier than driving and putting up with the serious parking problem.
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Where else can you lie on a blanket on the grass, look up at the stars (or satellites or whatever those lights are) while listening to live music? 8 more days til Joshua Bell... woo hoo!
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Incredible venue! No doubt. I highly suggest taking a park & ride of some sort because traffic is a mess. I went to the Reggae Fest here over the weekend, and man I got goosebumps. Barrington Levy, Beres Hammond, and UB40! Wow. you can bring pretty much anything you want into the venue (booze, wine, liquor, food, weed). Yup, that place was lit up. Like crazy I tell you! Well, what do they expect from an outdoor venue, in the hills of Hollywood. Tons of people dancing & singing. Lots of fun! You meet people from all over the place. I will definitely come back! You are guaranteed to have a good time here!
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Saw UB40 and Berres Hammond here last nite and it was one of the best venues I've been to. It dont matter where you sit, you gonna have fun. They let you bring your own food and booze. So you can get wasted for free pretty much. They dont really care if you blaze either! Me and all my friends were getting drunk and lit all nite. If one of your favorite bands are playing here then you best be goin to see em!
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I now understand why hollywood is hollywood. Man, these people sure know how to entertain.
Cool things:
Outdoor amphitheatre, chill atmosphere. you feel like you are in a wild canyon listening to music - it could be quite romantic and fun.
Bring your own booze. Lots of picnic/take out and wine drinkers. Great for large parties
Good music and coverage. Even though the place is huge, even if you are in the back there are a bunch of giant tv screens along the sides of the theatre so you can see the action close up, even if you are not quite so close.
It's quite a hike if you don't like walking (I do :P)
Not so good things:
The seats are wooden, bring your own cushions and blankets!!
They pack you in like sardines if it's a full house, so be prepared to smell your neighbor's wine breath.
Parking and traffic is a bi-@#$
I love the Bowl. So I wrote a haiku about it.
White people go here
Nice picnic basket, homeboy
I am a yuppie
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After living in LA for about 6 years, I finally made it to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert.
Park and Ride - Fuck yes.
Paying $5 to ride a bus from your neighborhood, where you can relax, not worry about traffic or parking, and imbibe any sorts of substances you want during the ride, makes me want to choke babies - in a good way.
The food is actually good here, not shitty stadium food and $10 Bud Lights. A lot of people picnic, with these fresh little bourgeosie picnic baskets, probably purchased at Restoration Hardware for around $150. I don't really like the idea of hauling a basket, drinks, glasses, and food up a hill to sit on a small patch of slanted dirt, but maybe I'll try it sometime. Hey, maybe the appeal is more apparent once I hit a certain income bracket. Who knows.
The best part of the night? Hopping on a bus outside the venue that takes me straight to where I live, while watching miserable people sit in their cars waiting for each and every person parked in front of them to exit first.
I've seen all sorts of fantastic performances here and I'm always looking for something new. Last week I saw Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Ensemble with Willie Nelson. It was soooooo good and they did a fabulous collaboration together. I've seen Wynton many times before and I love his classical and jazz trumpet playing and who doesn't like Willie Nelson. Put the combo together along with Lincoln jazz and you have pure magic under the stars.
I like to prepare a picnic (as everybody does), bring some wine, and snacks to munch on. Live music, friends, food, wine, all under a beautiful venue. They also have a restaurant and vendors if you opt to eat or drink there instead. Parking is awful here so I like to park at the zoo, pay a couple of dollars for the bus and enjoy a stress free night.
Be sure to bring something warm or cuddle with somebody close by. Preferably, someone you know, or not. Hey, whatever works.
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Spectacular!!! I went to see my favorite band of all time, Dave Matthews Band, at the Hollywood Bowl last year. My bf bought me tickets for my birthday, so it was extra special. I love the benches instead of individual seating and the fact that you can bring your own picnic in.
The sound there was incredible and it was amazing to be at an outdoor venue and not be seated in the lawn section. Everyone at the concert was really cool and just dancing and jamming. I'm pretty sure they only serve wine or beer there, but that's ok; HB likes to keep it classy.
As for parking, we had no problem because we parked at Hollywood and Highland and took the HB shuttle to and from. It was extremely easy to find before and after the show. I believe the shuttle was either complimentary with parking or it was very cheap. As I've heard from reviews and friends, parking is a bitch there, so I highly recommend taking a shuttle of some sorts or get dropped off.
Wonderful venue, probably my favorite in the US that I've been to. Love to go to The Gorge or Red Rocks sometime!
Been to the Hollywood Bowl dozens of times...but this summer's visit may have been the best of all. Typically I'll get tickets for jazz performers...Diana Krall...Tony Bennett...Cassandra Wilson...tribute shows, like the tribute to Peggy Lee a few years ago. We've also enjoyed great shows from Van Morrison, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett...but this summer?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Yeah, he's bearded and older now...me too, for that matter. But what a great show--possibly the best I've seen. Played most of the stuff people expect, with a number of lesser-known gems.
As usual, we picnicked before the concert with a couple of bottles of wine and food on the grass outside the stadium. Unfortunately, as this wasn't a Bowl-sponsored event, we couldn't bring bottles into the park. But no problem...we enjoyed them outside first. Parking in the big lot outside the main gate is easy if you get there early enough...but it's stacked parking, meaning that you'll be blocked in by other cars, preventing an early departure. Still, we've never had a problem with that.
The staff is great, ushering hoards of aging boomers and young hipsters in and out with relative ease.
Summer isn't the same without a trip to the Bowl.
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I heart the Hollywood Bowl!
Picnics, great entertainment, beautiful views, (parking sucks but at least they have public transit), this is a great place.
A landmark that I love and makes me proud to be from L.A.
I don't know what else you can say about a legendary Los Angeles landmark like the Hollywood Bowl....the historic site where the Beatles played to a sell-out crowd in 1964. The art-deco inspired dome that has become an iconic symbol of the bowl was restored and equipped with state-of-the-art lighting that enhances any performance on stage. The open air venue has a panoramic view of the Los Angeles hillsides and the Hollywood sign in the distance.
You'd think they might get around to updating the hard wooden benches....but no one is perfect. In fact, I think it's part of the true Hollywood Bowl experience. You can easily spot experienced concert-goers who arrive wheeling a cooler filled with dinner & drinks and toting an armful of pillows and blankets.
I love that you can snack on your own treats and beverages while enjoying some of the finest music in the city. I've yet to mange to arrive early to sit at a picnic table. In fact, I have yet to take advantage of the shuttle service that buses in patrons from as far as La Puente, Downey, Lakewood....quite a deal since parking at the bowl is expensive and inconvenient if you get blocked in.
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Obviously from the 200+ opinions you don't need mine. The facilities are great and there's nothing quite like sipping wine at dusk watching and listening to a live performance. HOWEVER, I have to comment on the food outlets which are HORRIBLE and will make you scream RAPE! I ordered three sandwiches and a glass of wine and it came to $56 + tip...WTF? I understand that they have to make money, but at least serve quality food. Our sandwiches were soggy, brown and tasteless. I actually charged back my credit card because the staff refused to exchange or refund me. Oh well, I gave them the chance...putzes. All I'm saying is pack your own basket and bring your own wine and tell them to stick it!
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Yet another essential LA experience. The bowl is nestled in the Hollywood Hills and the atmosphere is one of a kind. People like to bring picnics but for certain events they are EXTREMELY strict about what types of food and beverages you can bring in. The security check line takes forever and they might ask you to throw out the snacks you brought so check the website for the rules before you go. Parking is another headache so again do your research and plan to park at a remote lot and take one of the low priced trams to the venue. I've seen Harry Connick Jr, Dave Matthews Band, and most recently Bright Eyes at the Bowl and it's really a great place to see live music. The philharmonic concerts are usually more reasonably priced.
The acoustics at this venue are amazing. There is a lot of charm to the Hollywood Bowl. Even the uncharming bits are somewhat charming - like the drunk girl, red plastic dixie cup full of wine in hand, dancing and screaming and singing off-key and the wrong lyrics. Yeah, that's still charming in its own way.
I'm not quite sure that I totally fit in with this crowd of angelinos - the middle-to-upper class league of citizens who can afford tickets to the bowl and organic olive pasta salad, grilled tofu patties in grilled vegetables and authentic picnic baskets or recyclable Trader Joe's bags.
Oh, and we parked at Hollywood & Highland and took the shuttle. Whatever stack parking is...it looks like a nightmare.
We're coming back for Cat Power & Nick Cave - can anyone suggest a wine for our picnic basket?
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the best venue for live music in l.a.
(especially over summer months).
i've seen the philharmonic ... mellow.
(but please remain quiet at all times)
i've seen jazz from c.wilson, c.botti & d.krall.
(all beautiful performances w/ band + orchestra)
now i plan to see blues this week w/ etta james.
and the best part is that it's byob ... gotta love that.
bring picnic basket and enjoy the show and stars.
i just wish there were a grassy knoll with a view too.
then i'd picnic, lay down and see show at same time ...
but then, they probably wouldn't be able to seat as many.
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Based on the PlayBoy Jazz Fest, I will be reminiscing at an old age (if i make it assuming I keep up thiis buttery lifestyle) about how much fun I had as a young lass. Then I'll wonder what in tarnations happened to my youthful years...
If you're coming for something chill like the PB Jazz, grab a seat in the back where you can lounge under the shade all day if you plan on maximizing your chillness utility factor. Come early, stock up your picnic basket, bring wine, beer, champagne and comfort food. You'll soon find yourself sharing with neighboring jazz fans- either that, or you'll be buzzed all day and get friendly anyway. It is completely the environment and mood that makes it all so pleasant and enjoyable The whole slurry/melting pot of people of all sorts is interesting as well.
If it werent for drinking so many bladder-provoking liquids, I would've given this place a 5 star if the restrooms, which by the way aren't the cleanest public water closets, weren't so limited for the LADIES. Yes girls, you nah mean?
Definitely a spot to be all day to night on a summer sunday.
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Finally got to experience the Hollywood bowl this past weekend with my girlfriend. It was our first time going to a hollywood bowl event and we had so much fun.
We parked at hollywood/highland and took the bowlbus shuttle to the bowl which was pretty effortless, they drop you off right at the hollywood bowl entrance and you don't have to hassle with the stacked parking problem when you want to leave. Leaving after the show was a different story but I'll get to that more later.
We arrived about 2 hours before the show which allowed us to picnic, sip wine and people watch. After hearing the mixed things about bringing bottled wine/alchohol into the venue, I wasn't taking any chances so I cleverly wrapped the bottle of cabernet we brought in a sweater and smuggled it in my backpack underneath a small cooler i had packed with sandwhiches. The security checker did a quick glance into the bag and let us in. Score!!! If you're sitting in the bench areas, I highly recommend bringing or renting seat cushions at the bowl for $.75 as those bench seats can cause some havoc on your buns.
Overall it was great and we had a good time. My only complaint is after the show, we had a bit of a problem trying to find our bus back to hollywood/highland. We went to the bus area and couldn't find our bus and after asking 3 different people working for the bowlbus shuttle service who gave us the run around, we finally asked the right person and they directed us to the very back of the lot like 100 yards away!!! At least now we know what to expect and should be a much better experience for us next time. We'll definitely be going back to see another event.
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