Bottom Line: The Hollywood Bowl is nothing short of spectacular.
Built in the early 1920s, the elegant Greek-style natural outdoor amphitheater, cradled in a small mountain canyon, is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl orchestras, and often hosts internationally known conductors and soloists on from time to time. Friday and Saturday concerts typically feature orchestral swing or pops concerts. The summer season also includes a jazz series; past performers have included Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick, and Chick Corea. Other events, from standard rock-'n'-roll acts like Radiohead to Garrison Keillor programs, summer fireworks galas, and the annual Mariachi Festival.
To round out an evening at the Bowl, many concertgoers use the occasion to enjoy a picnic dinner and a bottle of wine -- it's one of L.A.'s grandest traditions. You can prepare your own or order a picnic basket with a choice of hot and cold dishes and a selection of wines and desserts from Patina's on-site catering department, which also provides delivery to box seats; call tel. 323/850-1885 by 4pm the day before you go to place your food order. Arrive a couple of hours before the show starts to dine while listening to the orchestra or band tune up. Tip: Lease events, often mainstream pop and rock concerts, have their own rules about what you can and cannot bring in, especially in regards to alcohol, so check if your event is a regular part of the L.A. Phil season, or not, before you head out.