The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced its 2023 Hollywood Bowl summer concert season on Tuesday, Feb. 7. This season’s lineup does not disappoint and is what we’ve come to expect from the LA Phil, where there is something for everyone, but sometimes you need a little lagniappe (LAN-yap), something extra added. And that’s what we get in this season’s lineup, as there are exceptional artists making their first appearance at one of the most famous live venues in the world.
The 2023 season kicks off June 10 with five-time GRAMMY Award winner, the “iconic Janet Jackson, Ms. Rhythm Nation herself, who will surely take us on an “Escapade,” and fans are certain to respond with shouts of “We Miss You Much.” Along with Jackson is a special guest – three-time GRAMMY Award-winning rapper Ludacris, ‘Luda’ to his legion of fans, or call him “Money Maker.” The Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), always a delight, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, will also appear. All proceeds from opening night will benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its Learning and Community programs.
In June, a Hollywood Bowl fan favorite and Father’s Day Weekend treat – The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, returns on June 17-18 with Arsenio Hall as host. The weekend features the fantastic Kamasi Washington and a host of enormously talented artists; Leon Bridges, Poncho Sanchez, The Soul Rebels and Big Freedia, Andrew Gouché and Prayze Connection, and newly minted GRAMMY Award winner Samara Joy to name a few.
Jill Scott, singer, songwriter, neo-soul queen, and performer extraordinaire, has unequivocally answered the question, “Who Is Jill Scott?” will close out the month of June on the 22nd as she will no doubt perform hit after hit; “The Way,” “Golden,” “So in Love,” “He Loves Me,” “It’s Love”…need I list more?
It’s going to get hot in July as Charlie, Last Name Wilson, aka Uncle Charlie, takes the stage along with EnVogue on July 12. The Bowl will continue to roll out the red carpet as it celebrates the legendary Duke Ellington; An Ellington Celebration on July 13 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor.
And when you come up for air, get ready to “Get Down On It” on what is sure to be a “Ladies Night” when two-time GRAMMY Award winner Kool and the Gang take the stage for two nights, July 14-15, a “Celebration” for all those craving “Summer Madness!”
Diana Krall will bring the magic to the stage on July 19. The KCRW Reggae Night XXI returns on July 23 with Beres Hammond, Steel Pulse, and Third World, who insist that we “Try Jah Love” once again, as there will be no seating, only “Dancing on the Floor.” And it is hotter in July as the Bowl celebrates the 90th Birthday of the maestro Qunicy ‘Q’ Jones, July 28-29, led by composer and conductor Jones collaborator Jules Buckley.
In August, the legendary, seven-time GRAMMY Award-winner Gladys Knight will grace the stage on August 16. The season’s finale belongs to Maxwell. The three-time GRAMMY Award winner will bring his luscious sounds giving a little “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” on September 8-10, including Fireworks and the “Fire We Make,” colliding and lighting up the skies of the Hollywood Hills.
LA Phil Chief Content and Engagement Officer Renae Williams Niles said it best, “There is no place like the Hollywood Bowl on a summer night, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another unforgettable season of music led by the extraordinary vision of Gustavo Dudamel.” Grammy award winner Herbie Hancock returns as LA Phil’s Creative Chair for Jazz.
The LA Philharmonic announced that Gustavo Dudamel will leave the LA Phil at the end of the 2025/26 season. Dudamel has accepted an appointment as the Music & Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic starting in the 2026/27 season.
