KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation Announce
SOUND IN FOCUS

FREE, Outdoor, All-ages Summer Concerts in Century Park

SATURDAY, JULY 9
EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS
Imarhan
DJ set by Jason Bentley

SATURDAY, JULY 16
To Be Announced

SATURDAY, JULY 23
NAS 
Wild Belle
DJ set by Garth Trinidad

KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation are pleased to announce the lineup for the 2016 Sound in Focus series – three, free, all-ages concerts held at Century Park in Century City, home of the Annenberg Space for Photography.

The series kicks-off on Saturday, July 9 with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, openers Imarhan, and KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley. The series continues on Saturday, July 16 with talent to be announced. The series concludes on Saturday, July 23 with Nas, Wild Belle, and KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad.

“In just a few, short years, Sound in Focus has evolved into the crown jewel of our free summer programs – transforming Century Park into a vibrant space for the community to engage in music and the art of photography,” commented KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley. “From any vantage point, I find myself marveling at the wonders of human engineering. The setting feels very futuristic. As people stream into the green space with blankets and family in tow, curious minds explore the space, settling in to enjoy an evening of live music and the adjacent photo galleries.”

Bentley continued, “I’m proud of what we have achieved in establishing Sound in Focus as an anticipated public program, and special credit goes to the collaborative teams at KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation for producing a near flawless experience for the lucky fans who make it out.”

“At its heart, the Annenberg Space for Photography is a place for people to come together around great art — art that moves us, and astonishes us, and stirs our very souls. That’s why, for four years running, Sound in Focus has been a natural extension of our core mission,” said Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. “By showcasing some of the best in music today — by working closely with our great partner KCRW to turn the Annenberg Space for Photography into a dynamic and exciting public space — I believe we can inspire and ignite even more Angelenos with the power of artistic expression. And we can all have a lot of fun doing it, too.”

Admission to the Sound in Focus series is free; however, RSVP is required for entry but does not guarantee admission which will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered guests must collect wristbands upon arrival at check-in to gain access to the concerts. Advance registration is available at KCRW.com/soundinfocus and is required for every show.

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The 2016 Sound in Focus series launches on July 9 with a headlining set from 10-piece musical extravaganza Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – led by singer-songwriter Alex Ebert. Considered pioneers of the folk-pop revival, the band’s self-produced albums have experienced popular success (plus one platinum song, “Home”). The band’s 4th studio album PersonA was recently released this April, and was recorded almost entirely in one room together in New Orleans. It is the band’s live shows, however, that have seen them celebrated by fans and critics alike. Performed without set lists, the concerts spark spontaneous improvisation, with Ebert often spending a portion of the show singing amongst the crowd.

KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley hosts the evening and will spin a set before Southern-Algerian band Imarhan delight with their modern take on Tuareg music, blending the funkier groove of Western Africa, the emptier, subtle tones of Saharan Traditional folk music and the fire and romance of Algerian Rai music.

The Sound in Focus series continues on Saturday, July 16 with talent to be announced.

The series closes on Saturday, July 23 with gifted poet, confessor, agitator, metaphor master, street’s disciple, political firebrand, and tongue-twisting genius, Nas. With music in his blood courtesy of famed blues musician father Olu Dara, the self-taught trumpeter attracted crowds with his playing at age 4, wrote his first verse at age 7 and, with 1994’s Illmatic, created one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time before he could legally drink. Two decades on, Nas remains an incendiary, outspoken and brutally candid rapper. His recently released tenth album, Life is Good, was his sixth to debut at the top of the Billboard 200.

KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad hosts and spins a set before brother-and-sister duo Wild Belle perform their brand of folk-, dance-, reggae-, and psychedelic rock-tinged indie pop. Their sophomore release, Dreamland, released this April, saw the pair deliver a deep, full-sounding album and a welcome follow-up to their debut album Isles.

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The 2016 Sound in Focus concert series takes place at Century Park in the centerpiece park adjacent to the Annenberg Space for Photography and Skylight Studios. Both exhibition spaces will stay open late on these evenings (until 11pm) so that the concertgoers may enjoy both the concerts and REFUGEE, the current exhibition at the Photography Space, as well as the Skylight Studios installation New Americans. Powerful and timely, REFUGEE  features original images commissioned exclusively for the exhibition, and illuminates the global refugee crisis through the eyes of five internationally acclaimed photographers. A documentary short and VR experience accompanies the exhibition. The multimedia installation New Americans shares the inspiring stories of refugees who are building new lives after being resettled in the United States.

Concertgoers will have the opportunity to show their support for the thousands of families forced to flee for their lives each day by signing UNHCR’s #WithRefugees petition in the Photography Space, Skylight Studios or online. The petition calls on world leaders to work together and do their fair share for refugees, and will be delivered to UN headquarters for the UN General Assembly in September.

There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase from a wide variety of cafes and food trucks that can be enjoyed on the grassy lawn beneath the shimmering Century Plaza Towers at Century Park, and beer gardens for those 21 and over.

KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation first united in 2012 for a string of hugely successful summer music events to accompany the Who Shot Rock & Roll exhibit. 2014’s Country in the City series not only spotlighted emerging and established artists in the genre, but was part of the Annenberg Foundation’s 25th anniversary festivities. Last year’s series saw thousands of concertgoers enjoy headlining performances by TV on the Radio, De La Soul, Dwight Yoakam, and Cold War Kids.

About KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

About the Annenberg Foundation
The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation that provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally. Since 1989, it has generously funded programs in education and youth development; arts, culture and humanities; civic and community life; health and human services; and animal services and the environment. In addition, the Foundation and its Board of Directors are directly involved in the community with innovative projects that further its mission of advancing a better tomorrow through visionary leadership today. Among them are Annenberg Alchemy, Annenberg Learner, Annenberg Space for Photography, Explore, GRoW and the Metabolic Studio. The Foundation encourages the development of effective ways to communicate by sharing ideas and knowledge.

www.annenberg.org
Facebook.com/annenberg
Twitter.com/annenberg_fdn
Instagram.com/annenbergfdn

KCRW Presents 7th Season of Summer Nights
Dozens of Free, All-Ages, Outdoor Shows to Take Place Throughout Southern California

Series Begins at Pasadena’s One Colorado
with Sofi Tukker & DJ Gary Calamar (June 4)
and The Palms & DJ Valida (June 11)

Public Radio Station’s Signature Event Series Expands
to Santa Barbara and Orange County

KCRW Continues Partnerships with the Annenberg Foundation, Hammer Museum, Chinatown and Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, CA (May 17, 2016) – KCRW presents the 7th season of its signature event series, Summer Nights, which brings dozens of free, all-ages, outdoor shows to communities throughout the greater Los Angeles Area and beyond. The series launches on June 4 with a live performance by New York duo Sofi Tukker and a DJ set from Gary Calamar in the courtyard amidst the historic buildings of One Colorado in Old Pasadena.

This year, the public radio station will expand its Summer Nights series to Santa Barbara and Orange County, and will continue partnerships with the Annenberg Foundation, Hammer Museum, Chinatown, and Santa Monica Pier.

For more information, please visit: kcrw.com/summernights

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One Colorado:

KCRW’s Summer Nights kicks-off on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 at Old Pasadena’s One Colorado featuring New York duo Sofi Tukker. Their weirdly wonderful pop single “Drinkee” has been a favorite on KCRW’s airwaves for many months and the duo will be on Morning Becomes Eclectic on June 7. Sofi Tukker recently finished their debut EP titled, Soft Animals, having created a truly unique sound blending global instrumentation with modern technology. KCRW DJ Valida opens with a DJ set and closes the night spinning some of her favorite tracks.

On Saturday, June 11th, One Colorado continues with local duo, The Palms. Born and raised in L.A., The Palms bridge the gap between Laurel Canyon folk and West Coast beats to create a modern day “LA sound.” DJ Gary Calamar opens the show, and closes out the night with a DJ set.

One Colorado is a collection of 17 historic buildings housing a curated mix of nationally acclaimed retailers and designers, unique local merchants, inventive restaurants, and a boutique cinema. It’s the retail centerpiece and favorite casual gathering place for the Pasadena community, with public events hosted year-round in its central courtyard.

Saturday, June 4th, 7:30pm
Featuring Sofi Tukker + KCRW DJ Valida

Saturday, June 11th, 7:30pm
Featuring The Palms + KCRW DJ Gary Calamar

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Anaheim Packing District and Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara:

KCRW’s Summer Nights expands into Orange County and Santa Barbara forging new partnerships with the Anaheim Packing District and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara.

Anaheim residents and visitors alike are enjoying a new communal gathering place in the heart of Anaheim, complete with refurbished historic structures and the Packing House which hosts over twenty artisan eateries and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The adjacent Farmers Park, an idyllic two-acre park featuring a grassy knoll, redwood boardwalk, community gardens and olive grove, was designed by award-winning landscape architect, Ken Smith and will be the stomping grounds for KCRW’s first Summer Night in Orange County.

Enjoy the beauty of warm summer nights, art, and music with live sets from KCRW DJs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara on the beautiful Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace in the heart of Santa Barbara. Curated Cocktails: Summer Nights with KCRW, feature unique themes inspired by the current exhibitions, after hours museum access, signature cocktails, and interactive art making. Special thanks to The Goodland Hotel, The Outpost, and Telegraph Brewery.

Anaheim Packing District:

Saturday, June 11th, 5:30-10p
Featuring KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole and Karene Daniel

Saturday, September 17th, 5:30-10p
Featuring KCRW DJs Dan Wilcox and Marion Hodges

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara:
Curated Cocktails: Summer Nights with KCRW

Thursday, June 2nd, 7-9pm
Featuring KCRW DJ Anne Litt

Thursday, July 7th, 7-9pm
Featuring KCRW DJ Chris Douridas

Thursday, September 1st, 7-9pm
Featuring KCRW DJ Travis Holcombe
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Chinatown:

Part food event / part summer party, Chinatown Summer Nights presents an exciting hot spot for Angelenos. Taste the many culinary offerings of Chinatown and LA’s gourmet food trucks; sample the neighborhood’s wares; watch Chinese chefs perform cooking demonstrations; experience large-scale, outdoor video projections; take part in hands-on, Chinese cultural activities presented by local organizations and museums; sip on craft brews and dance in Central Plaza with 89.9 KCRW’s DJ’s!

Saturday, June 18th, 8pm
Featuring KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez (8p) & Raul Campos (10p)

Saturday, July 16th, 8pm
Featuring KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole (8p) & Garth Trinidad (10p)

Saturday, August 20th, 8pm
Featuring KCRW DJs Mathieu Schreyer (8p) & Jason Bentley (10p)

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Twilight Concert Series at Santa Monica Pier:

Now in its 32nd year, KCRW is the official media partner for the Twilight Concert Series at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Free concerts are scheduled every Thursday, July 7 through September 8 featuring live performances by Mayer Hawthorne, Psychedelic Furs, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Save Ferris, and more.

For a full line-up, visit kcrw.com/summernights

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Annenberg Foundation and Hammer Museum:

KCRW’s collaborations will also continue with the Annenberg Foundation for Sound in Focus, a series of three blockbuster Saturday night concerts held to coincide with the REFUGEE exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century Park, July 9, July 16, and July 23, and with the Hammer Museum for Disappear Here: Music Made in L.A., featuring a diverse array of Los Angeles musicians in the Hammer’s courtyard every Thursday night in July. Talent for both series to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

About KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

2016 KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl

Los Angeles, CA (February 9, 2016) – The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has announced today the initial line-up for the 18th season of KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. The successful collaboration between KCRW and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association continues, starting Sunday, June 26.

KCRW’s World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl:

Sunday, June 26, at 7 PM

REGGAE NIGHT XIV

BURNING SPEAR

COCOA TEA • ETANA

Celebrate the 14th annual night of reggae at the Bowl, featuring Grammy®-winning roots reggae godfather Burning Spear.

Sunday, July 10, at 7 PM

PET SOUNDS with BRIAN WILSON

AL JARDINE & BLONDIE CHAPLIN

M. WARD

Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ co-founder and genius behind the ’60s sound of America, returns to the Hollywood Bowl stage for the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds. The mythical masterpiece and greatest hits will come to life with fellow members Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin and the sun-swept harmonies of songs like “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” that influenced The Beatles, Radiohead, and David Bowie. Portland-based singer/songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist M. Ward celebrates his latest release, More Rain.

Sunday, August 7, at 7 PM

KURT VILE and THE VIOLATORS

Additional artists to be announced

In a night of critically acclaimed and eclectic artists, Philadelphia rocker Kurt Vile and his band, The Violators come to the Bowl in support of the widely heralded opus, b’lieve i’m goin’ down, partly recorded and mixed in Los Angeles and Joshua Tree. Vile’s sound evokes dusty-hazy Americana roots with a dash of psychedelia, his powerful introspections delivered with touching earnestness. Headliner and opening act to be announced.

Sunday, August 21, at 7 PM

THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE with YO-YO MA

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his innovative brainchild, The Silk Road Ensemble, bring their collaborative excellence to the Bowl stage for an exciting evening of world music exploration. Made up of performers and composers from more than 20 countries and lauded as “vibrant and virtuosic” by The Wall Street Journal, the ensemble encompasses musical traditions from around the globe.

Sunday, September 18, at 7 PM

KRAFTWERK 3-D

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk continue their streak of highly acclaimed 3-D concerts by undertaking their first Hollywood Bowl appearance. With their visions of the future, Kraftwerk created the soundtrack for our digital age of the 21st century. Bringing together music, computer animations and performance art, their 3-D concerts are a true “Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art.”

Sunday, September 25, at 7 PM

BLOC PARTY

MS MR

Additional artist to be announced

With an endless array of giddy electro-pop anthems, English indie rock institution Bloc Party takes the Hollywood Bowl stage, presenting their new album HYMNS to euphoric effect. New York chillwave stars MS MR transport you to their dance pop fantasyland to kick off the evening.

Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl 2016 summer season will be available online at HollywoodBowl.com or via phone at 323.850.2000 on the following dates:

•        New subscriptions are on sale today.

•        Group sales being on Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

•        “Five or More” packages will be available on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

•        The Hollywood Bowl box office opens for single ticket sales on Sunday, May 1, 2016.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

KCRW and THE HAMMER MUSEUM ANNOUNCE
SUMMER OF SOUL at the HAMMER
THURSDAYS IN JULY

KCRW and the Hammer Museum once again partner this July to present four nights of live bands and DJ sets as part of KCRW’s Summer Nights series. Free and open to the public, Summer of Soul shines a light on the timeless power of soul music with live band performances and sets from KCRW DJs in the Hammer’s courtyard.

The series kicks off on Thursday, July 9, with Breakestra who put the “FUN” in “FUNK.” Get ready for dancing to Breakestra’s non-stop throw-down with eight live musicians, led by Funky Sole Party founder/DJ Miles Tackett, getting loose on stage with some serious funk and soul grooves. KCRW’s Jeremy Sole launches the evening with his own DJ set.

On Thursday, July 16, LA-based electro-R&B singer Sam Sparro will bring his distinct, scale-defying vocals and epic live show to the Hammer. The evening also features The Rebirth, a seven-member outfit known for their spontaneous live performances infusing new life into classic soul music. Concertgoers will be treated to two DJ sets from KCRW’s Aaron Byrd and Chris Douridas.

Dam-Funk, known as Los Angeles’ “Ambassador of Boogie Funk,” will perform on Thursday, July 23, with a live band mixing the musical stylings of boogie, modern soul and electro-funk to get everyone groovin’. The talented singer/songwriter Martin Luther, will bring his authentic brand of rebel soul music to ears thirsting for truth, funk, rock and hip hop. The jam-packed evening also features DJ sets from Anthony Valadez and Raul Campos.

The series closes on Thursday, July 30, with Jungle Fire, who are sure to live up to their name by fusing the highly infectious and explosive sounds of Cumbia, Afrobeat, and traditional funk. The evening also features The Suffers, a ten-piece band from Houston, TX, who are redefining the sound of Gulf Coast soul. The electrifying evening starts off with a DJ set by Garth Trinidad.

Happy hour, with a cash bar, starts at 6:30 pm along with KCRW DJ sets. Live music begins at 7:30 pm and the museum’s gallery hours will be extended to 9:00 pm so guests can enjoy the Hammer Museum exhibitions including, Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth which presents all new works by the Los Angeles based artist in his first solo museum show in his hometown; Perfect Likeness: Photography and Composition which features fifty-three works by twenty-four contemporary photographers; and two Hammer Project exhibitions highlighting the work of Los Angeles artists Mary Reid Kelley and Joseph Holtzman.

Details:
SUMMER OF SOUL at Hammer Museum
Happy hour and DJ sets begin at 6:30 pm, live music from 7:30 – 10:30 pm, and galleries open until 9:00 pm

Thursday, July 9
Breakestra + KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole

Thursday, July 16
Sam Sparro + The Rebirth + KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd and Chris Douridas

Thursday, July 23
Dam-Funk (w/ live band) + Martin Luther + KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez and Raul Campos

Thursday, July 30
The Suffers + Jungle Fire + KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad

KCRW’s Summer Nights is now in its 6th year and the Hammer Museum has always been an important cultural partner in bringing great music out into the community.

Summer of Soul is sponsored by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Additional support is provided by IKEA Burbank and media sponsor L.A. Weekly.

Location:
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd. (NE corner of Westwood and Wilshire)
Westwood, CA 90024

Parking:
Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of $3 parking under the museum available after 6pm (maximum 3 hours).

Metro buses and trains stop within easy walking distance of all KCRW Summer Nights venues. Find the bus or rail line that can take you there using the trip planner at metro.net.

About KCRW:
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

About The Hammer Museum:
The Hammer Museum at UCLA offers collections, exhibitions, and programs that span the classic to the contemporary in art, architecture, and design. The Hammer’s international exhibition program focuses on wide-ranging thematic and monographic exhibitions, highlighting contemporary art since the 1960s and the work of emerging artists through Hammer Projects and the Hammer’s biennial, Made in L.A. As a cultural center, the Hammer Museum offers nearly 300 free public programs a year, including lectures, readings, symposia, film screenings, and music performances at the Billy Wilder Theater which also houses the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The Hammer is home of the Armand Hammer Collection of American and European paintings, as well as the Armand Hammer Daumier and Contemporaries Collection and the Hammer Contemporary Collection. The Hammer Contemporary Collection focuses on art of all media since 1960 with an emphasis on works of the last ten years, works on paper, and art made in Los Angeles. The museum also houses the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts—comprising more than 45,000 prints, drawings, photographs, and artists’ books from the Renaissance to the present—and oversees the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA. Free admission to the Hammer Museum is made possible through the generosity of benefactors Erika J. Glazer and Brenda R. Potter. Visit www.hammer.ucla.edu for current exhibition and program information and call (310) 443-7041 for tours. The Hammer is located at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, Los Angeles, and is open Tuesday–Friday 11am–8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am–5pm, and closed Mondays.

Twitter | twitter.com/hammer_museum
Facebook | facebook.com/HammerMuseum
Instagram | instagram.com/hammer_museum

# # #

KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation are Proud to Announce
SOUND IN FOCUS

JULY 25
TV ON THE RADIO
Boxed In
DJ set by Jason Bentley

AUGUST 1
 DE LA SOUL
Quantic (live)
DJ set by Garth Trinidad

AUGUST 8
DWIGHT YOAKAM
X
DJ set by Anne Litt

AUGUST 15
COLD WAR KIDS
Other Lives
DJ Set by Jason Bentley

Free concerts inspired by the Annenberg Space for Photography’s latest exhibit, “Emerging”

KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation are pleased to announce the lineup for Sound in Focus, a free, all-ages concert series inspired by the “Emerging” exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography.  The concerts will be held at Century Park in Century City.

Admission is free; however RSVP is required for entry. Registered guests must collect wristbands upon arrival at check-in to gain access to the concerts. Advance registration is available at KCRW.com and is required for every show.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Annenberg Foundation for the third time to build an exciting music series this summer. This year my creative direction was to represent a broad spectrum of tastes, reflecting the interests of the LA community at large,” said Music Director Jason Bentley.

“Each concert has a different story and musical identity, yet the series as a whole resonates as a unified and thoughtful program. This is truly what we’ve come to love from a KCRW-Annenberg music festival, spread out over four weekends.”

“We created the Annenberg Space for Photography to showcase the most extraordinary photographic art.  But we’ve also worked to make it an extraordinary public space – a place for the entire LA community to engage with creativity, and with each other,” said Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation.  “That’s why I’m so pleased to announce our third concert series.”

“It’s been said that great music, like the greatest art, gives soul to the universe and flight to the imagination. That’s what Sound In Focus is about. And I’m grateful to KCRW for their partnership.”

TV on the Radio leads an all-star lineup of artists for the series. Always dynamic and unique, the quartet continues to conquer music on their own terms. They delivered a planetarium of music with every song on their most recent release, Seeds, and their live shows are always emotional and engaging.

Music Director Jason Bentley hosts the evening and will spin a set of tunes before one of his favorite new bands of the moment, Boxed In, opens the show. Producer/songwriter Oli Bayston is the mastermind behind the project and brings his mix of moody, cerebral dance pop to life with the help of drummer Liam Hutton, multi-instrumentalist Jack Benfield and Mark Nicholls on bass.  With sold out shows in his native UK and an impressive turn at SXSW, it’s clear this artist is on the rise.

Groundbreaking Long Island trio De La Soul have been leaders in the hip-hop scene since their founding over 25 years ago. They have a new album on the horizon and the Kickstarter campaign to fund it made headlines in the NY Times due to the overwhelming response from fans. They’ll bring crafty beats, lyrics with a social conscience, and much more to the stage for this special show on August 1, hosted by Garth Trinidad.

Opening the show will be prolific musician and DJ Will Holland, aka Quantic. He explores the world through music and, over the course of 17 albums, has earned a large international fanbase. On this evening, he will give a special performance of classic and brand new Quantic sounds with a 10-piece band, including guest singers from Colombia, Brazil and Los Angeles.

On August 8, KCRW brings cow-punk to Century Park in an evening hosted by Anne Litt. A uniquely Los Angeles movement merging punk, country, and Americana, it can only be celebrated by the two legendary artists who define it: Dwight Yoakam and X.

Grammy award-winning songwriter Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million records. He’s kept his sound fresh by embracing a wider range of sounds on recent recordings, including his latest Second Hand Heart.

The groundbreaking quartet known as X formed during the first wave of American punk music in the late ‘70s. Featuring vocalist Exene Cervenka, vocalist/bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom, and drummer DJ Bonebrake, the band celebrates the trials and tribulations of living in Los Angeles. The entire original lineup returns for this show.

Cold War Kids, one of the most exciting rock bands to emerge from the LA music scene in the last decade, will close the series on August 15.  The three-chambered heart of the band – Nathan Willett, Matt Maust and Dann Gallucci – makes honest songs about the human experience. It’s a raw, bluesy take on rock ‘n’ roll with an extra level of intensity when they bring it to the stage.

Jason Bentley hosts and openers Other Lives cast a spell with their layered, atmospheric orchestral rock. KCRW has championed the band since their 2011 debut and — after a relocation from their hometown of Stillwater, OK to Portland. OR — they’ve released one of their best albums yet with 2015’s Rituals.

The concerts will take place in the park adjacent to the Annenberg Space for Photography. The Photography Space will stay open late on these evenings (until 11pm) so that the concertgoers may enjoy both the concerts and the exhibit.

There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase from a wide variety of cafes and food trucks that can be enjoyed on the grassy lawn beneath the two shimmering Century Plaza Towers at Century Park. There will also be beer gardens for those 21 and over to enjoy.

KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation first united in 2012 for a string of hugely successful summer music events staged in the outdoor park adjacent to the Photography Space to accompany the Who Shot Rock & Roll exhibit. Last year’s Country in the City series not only spotlighted emerging and established artists in the genre, but was part of the Annenberg Foundation’s 25^th anniversary festivities.

About KCRW
KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

About the Annenberg Foundation

The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation that provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally.  The Foundation and its Board of Directors are also directly involved in the community with innovative projects that further its mission of advancing a better tomorrow through visionary leadership today.  The Foundation encourages the development of effective ways to communicate by sharing ideas and knowledge.

KCRW Summer Nights Kicks Off Saturday, June 6

at One Colorado in Old Pasadena

with De Lux and KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox

KCRW’s free, all-ages, outdoor music series Summer Nights returns for a 6th year, kicking off on Saturday, June 6, with a performance by LA’s De Lux and a DJ set from Dan Wilcox at One Colorado.

Earning comparisons to the Talking Heads, Duran Duran and the Psychadelic Furs, De Lux’s post-disco dance-punk conjures the best of the ‘80s with a decidedly modern flair.  The evening begins at 7:30 pm with a DJ set from KCRW’s Dan Wilcox, and continues with De Lux performing tracks from their upcoming album “Generation,” to be released June 23 via Innovative Leisure.  Be sure to come early because Make Music Pasadena is happening as well.

KCRW returns to One Colorado on Saturday, June 20 with a performance by the quintessentially Californian outfit Cayucas, whose versatile tunes effortlessly migrate from sun-kissed and carefree pop, to melancholic, emotional intensity.  The group will be previewing tracks from their upcoming album “Dancing at the Blue Lagoon,” set for release on June 23 on Secretly Canadian.  KCRW DJ Marion Hodges opens the show with a DJ set at 7:30 pm.

Both concerts take place in One Colorado’s charming courtyard amidst the historic buildings of Old Pasadena. One Colorado spans an entire city block, between Colorado Boulevard, Union, Delacey and Fair Oaks.

With dozens of free, outdoor, all-ages concerts that are open to the public, KCRW’s signature series, Summer Nights has reached hundreds of thousands of music fans over the years. The series also gives KCRW DJs a chance to bring their eclectic musical tastes out of our basement studios and into the community.

An entire list of KCRW’s Summer Nights concerts can be found here:
kcrw.com/summernights

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

The shows start on July 9 and take place every Thursday until September 10, with all shows starting at 7pm.

Full Lineup Below:

The Twilight Concert Series at The Santa Monica Pier – 2015 Line Up

Jul 09 – Morris Day & The Time / Dâm Funk
Jul 16 – Real Estate / Hippo Campus
Jul 23 – ¡Cubanismo!
Jul 30 – JD McPherson / Sarah Gayle Meech
Aug 06 – Australia Rocks The Pier
Aug 13 – Sister Nancy / Jesse Royal
Aug 20 – Ariel Pink / The Mynabirds
Aug 27 – Jefferson Starship / Purple Mountains Majesties
Sep 03 – Rebirth Brass Band / Miles Mosley And The West Coast Get Down
Sep 10 – TBA

Find out more about all the events in KCRW’s Summer Nights series here.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

About the Santa Monica Pier Corporation
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for all visitors.  For more information, visithttp://www.santamonicapier.org

About RH&S Concerts
RH&S Concerts is a joint venture between independent Los Angeles-based concert promotion firms Rum & Humble and Spaceland Presents, both of whom have played a key role in bringing a wide variety of cutting edge and heritage talent to venues throughout the Los Angeles area.

Rachel Reynolds
Music Publicity Director
KCRW 89.9FM
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-4625  DIRECT
rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org
http://twitter.com/RachelRkcrw
http://blogs.kcrw.com/musicnews

Summer Nights is Back!

The 6th Season of KCRW’s Free Concert Series
Begins on June 6 in Old Pasadena

The public radio station’s signature outdoor event series brings dozens of shows to all ages audiences across the city each year.

View details here
kcrw.com/summernights

KCRW’s free, all ages, outdoor music series Summer Nights returns June 6 with a performance by LA-based duo De Lux and a DJ set from Dan Wilcox in the courtyard amidst the historic buildings of One Colorado in Old Pasadena.

They created a feel-good sound that is all their own for their debut, and we’ll get a preview of songs from their forthcoming sophomore release, “Generation” (June 23). Earning comparisons to the Talking Heads, De Lux’s synth-driven combination of disco, post-punk and funk is sure to delight a wide range of music fans.

On Saturday, June 20, Cayucas brings their sun-drenched jangly pop sound to the stage, taking us on a tour of “Dancing at the Blue Lagoon”, their new album out on June 23. Marion Hodges opens the show with a DJ set.

Both shows begin at 7:30pm.

Next up, we head to Chinatown to kick off a series of three dance parties, with KCRW DJs taking over the turntables and leading the packed masses as confetti rains down on the dancefloor. Celebrate one of LA’s oldest and most unique neighborhoods on Saturdays throughout the summer months: June 27, July 25 and August 22.

Our collaboration with cultural partners across the city continues with Summer of Soul at the Hammer Museum on Thursdays throughout July. Happy Hour starts at 6:30pm in their open air courtyard, featuring the timeless power of soul music starting at 7:30pm courtesy of KCRW DJs and performances by some of their favorite artists. Check out all their exhibitions, including Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth, which inspired this year’s musical theme. Galleries stay open late for art-viewing.

KCRW will also team up with the Annenberg Space for Photography to bring four blockbuster concerts featuring some of KCRW’s favorite artists to Century Park in Century City.

Last but not least – and closest to our home base – KCRW will present the Twilight Concert Series at the iconic Santa Monica Pier for free concerts every Thursday, July 9 through September 10.

The station’s signature series has reached hundreds of thousands of music fans over the years and gives KCRW DJs a chance to bring their eclectic musical tastes out of our basement studios and into the community.

More talents announcements coming soon. Find additional details online here.

###

Rachel Reynolds
Music Publicity Director
KCRW 89.9FM
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-4625  DIRECT
rachel.reynolds@kcrw.org
http://twitter.com/RachelRkcrw
http://blogs.kcrw.com/musicnews/

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw
Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio
Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw
Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw