L.A. Phil at the H’wood Bowl for free… whaaaaat?!?!?

No, I’m being totally serious – you can go to the Hollywood Bowl for less than the cost of something that costs a penny and watch the Los Angeles Philharmonic play their instruments and make music and everything. Now by “play” I mean “rehearse,” so if the dude on the tuba blows a flat instead of a sharp you can’t get all huffy and demand your $0 back. By the way, the dude on the tuba is named Norman Pearson and he’s been with the L.A. Phil since ’93, so probably it’s your ears wrong and not his tootin’.

You don’t have to sneak in or anything. L.A. Phil rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl are free and open to the general public. They started in July and continue throughout the summer Tuesdays, Thursdays, and most Fridays in the morning (Fridays to avoid are 7/20, 8/10, and 8/24). Parking is FREE. Entry is FREE. You can bring food & beverages; not sure what they’re policy is on alcohol when it’s not an official event, but I’m sure the Fun Police will not show up to spoil a good time if you keep things under control.

In case you had to google “philharmonic” to find out what that word means, like I did, here’s an informational video that should explain everything:

 

I like what I’m seeing. Conductor Gustavo Dudamel has a sassy perm, the requisite penguin suit, and channels a rockin’ Tom-Hulce-as-Mozart vibe when he’s up on the podium swinging his baton. Here’s the schedule of L.A. Philharmonic summer performances at The Hollywood Bowl, in case you hear something you like at one of the freebies:

• Tuesday, August 7
• Thursday, August 9
• Sunday, August 12
• Tuesday, August 14
• Thursday, August 16
• Sunday, August 19

L.A. Philharmonic rehearsals @ The Hollywood Bowl

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-noon

Fridays 10am-noon