JULY 19
GREGG ALLMAN
Sturgill Simpson
JULY 26
SHELBY LYNNE
Jamestown Revival
AUGUST 2
WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE
Nikki Lane
Free concerts inspired by the Annenberg Space for Photography’s latest exhibit, Country: Portraits of an American Sound.
KCRW is pleased to announce the lineup for Country in the City, a free, all ages concert series inspired by Country: Portraits of an American Sound, held at Century Park in Century City.
RSVP is required for entry. No tickets are needed. However, registered guests must collect wristbands upon arrival at check in to gain access to concerts. Admission is free. Advance registration at KCRW.com is required for every show. (link to kcrw.com/country once live. Screenshot of website attached)
Gregg Allman, who is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, headlines the first evening on July 19. Named one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone, Allman recently released “All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman,” a live album that include guest performances by many of his contemporaries such as Trace Adkins, Jackson Browne, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, John Hiatt, Widespread Panic and many more.
Opening the evening will be Nashville’s latest buzz-worthy artist, Sturgill Simpson. A throwback to the honky-tonk days of love ballads and outlaw life, Simpson’s latest release, “Metamodern Sounds In Country Music” has seen high praise from major outlets and is headed for a big year.
Alabama native, Grammy winner and longtime KCRW favorite Shelby Lynne brings a full band on July 26. Lynne has been making music since she was 7 years old, inspired by the songs of George Jones, Dottie West and Waylon Jennings. She’s a candid songwriter and heart-wrenching performer who always shines on stage.
Jamestown Revival opens the July 26 show. They are one of the most promising bands in Los Angeles and their debut, dedicated to their move west from Texas, has been an Americana favorite this year. Expect impeccable harmonies with a good dose of “back porch-style” storytelling.
Wynonna is one of the biggest names in modern country music, whether performing alongside her mother as one half of the legendary duo The Judds, or pushing the boundaries on her own mega-successful solo path. The five-time Grammy winner has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, charted 20 #1 hits and received over 60 industry awards. The iconic performer was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” We’re thrilled Wynonna & The Big Noise will perform on August 2.
Opening this show is Nikki Lane, whose sophomore album “All Or Nothin” – produced by The Black Keys’ singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach — is out now on New West Records. She’s widely considered one of the most compelling talents emerging from country music at the moment. With a fearless attitude and Southern swagger, she’ll present a rousing collection of songs that spans genres and eras.
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 10pm) so that the public may enjoy both the concerts and the exhibit, which features images of the pioneers, poets and icons of country music.
There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase from a wide variety of cafes and the food trucks that can be enjoyed on the grassy lawn beneath the two shimmering Century Plaza Towers designed by Minoru Yamasaki. There will also be a beer gardens for those 21 and over to enjoy.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Annenberg Foundation has planned community events throughout 2014, including Country in the City.
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, 1955 to the Present exhibit.
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 Space for Photography
The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting photography. The Space serves as an expression of the philanthropic work of the Annenberg Foundation and its Directors. The intimate environment features state-of-the-art, high-definition digital technology as well as traditional prints by both world-renowned and emerging photographers. Annenbergspaceforphotography.org