Music, film fests top L.A.'s summer lineup

By Lena Katz

Los Angeles has one of the best cultural and music calendars in the world, and I’m not just saying that ’cause I live here.

Just look at the lineup for the first-ever Sunset Strip Music Festival June 26-28: Hot Hot Heat. Louis XIV. Juliette & the Licks. B-Real (of Cypress Hill) teamed up with Slash. Now you might be saying, "Who what eh?" but in that case you clearly haven’t been listening to enough indie rock radio. Get with it! The ‘intimate’ (i.e. people in each other’s armpits) club setting is way more rock ‘n’ roll than an outdoor stage.

If you’re not convinced, perhaps you’re a better fit for the LA Film Festival, taking place June 19-29. Films run the gamut from documentary to Disney classic (showing on Family Day, June 29). Westwood Village hosts the event, which — as you should expect from the entertainment capital — encompasses much more than mere film screenings. The program includes intimate "Coffee Talks," a Diversity Expo industry marketplace, and fun, come-as you-are "Poolside Chats at the W."

Oh, and let’s give three mellow cheers that Hollywood Bowl season is nearly upon us. Longtime locals count the Bowl among their top reasons for continuing to live in LA. If you’re visiting, a show at this beautiful outdoor venue will be a highlight of your vacation. Classical music opens the official season on June 20, with special guests Liza Minnelli and BB King. Other season highlights include Thievery Corporation (headlining the first night of KCRW World Festival on June 22), Bugs Bunny on Broadway (July 5), Fantastique Berlioz (July 10) and two special performances by Julie Andrews (July 18-19).

For those whose pop cultural tastes veer toward all things Asian, may we recommend Anime Expo® 2008, which takes place at the LA Convention Center from July 3-6. Directors, animators and voice-over actors of note are among the guests of honor — the main entertainment event is a concert by J-pop duo Jyukai. Expect a diverse mix of West Coast animators, manga/anime aficionados, art students and Asian expats.

Before wrapping the LA roundup, a dispatch from Universal City: The Back Lot is in recovery, and all rides and shows are operating as normal. If you’re looking for free live family-friendly entertainment, Block Party is going off from June 26-August 31. And finally, the Simpsons Ride is totally open, and you should check it out, dude.

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Lena Katz lives on the Left Coast and writes about tropical islands, beach clubs and food, but her heart belongs to NYC.

Tagged: California