International travel may not be in your family’s summer plans, but you don’t even have to leave town to take the kids on a global musical journey at SummerSounds at the Hollywood Bowl. This beloved children’s festival offers a chance to discover “the world in your backyard.” Families can revel in six fun-filled weeks of world music performances and cultural art workshops geared for kids ages 3-11. Two unforgettable hosts, exuberant Emily and her neighbor, grumpy Mr. Kay, lead kids on a dynamic journey to discover Gypsy, Bluegrass and Argentinian music. Created especially for the little ones, the 2013 program features live music and dance on the SummerSounds stage, located in the patio of the Hollywood Bowl Museum.

Mark Your Calendar
Music performances and art workshops are presented twice a day, at 10:00 am and again at 11:15 am. SummerSounds is divided into three sessions which run Monday-Friday: Gypsy Music with Fishtank Ensemble July 8 – 19, American Bluegrass Music with The Getdown Boys July 22 – August 2, and Argentinian Music with Los Pinguos August 5 – 16.

The 411 on Tickets
Music performances cost $7 per person (adults and kids – everyone attending needs a ticket). Art workshops cost $5 per child. Only kids need tickets for the art workshops, and they must be at least 3 years old to participate. If get together a group of 10 or more, tickets cost $5 per person for music performances and $3 per kiddo for the art workshop. But keep in mind that groups won’t be seated until the entire group has arrived. Tickets are currently on sale online, or you can purchase tickets by calling 323-850-2000, or in person at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office.

Bonus for Parents
When you buy three SummerSounds performance tickets, you can get two free tickets to a Hollywood Bowl concert. For details and restrictions info on this offer call 323-850-2000.

The Lowdown on SummerSounds Music Performances

Gypsy Music with Fishtank Ensemble, July 8 – 19: Performing with violins, guitar, bass, vocals, and even musical saw, this Gypsy jazz band stirs up a party with its high-energy stage show, blending traditional Gypsy anthems with jazz, flamenco and more.

American Bluegrass Music with The Getdown Boys, July 22 – August 2: Known for their carefully crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies, The Get Down Boys perform lively, original bluegrass with an irresistible and infectious passion.

Argentinian Music with Los Pinguos, August 5 – 16: Los Pinguos return to SummerSounds with their trademark blend of traditional Argentinean melodies, Latin rhythms, and electrifying live performance.

Professionally Led Art Workshops
Before or after each musical performance, kids and their families can choose an art project to create. Each project is led by a professional artist who teaches little ones about art making, artists and different cultures.

Don’t Forget Date Night
Now that you’re at the Bowl with the kids, take a look around.  It’s beautiful. Remember how you used to come here on summer nights, before the kids were born, and snuggle together with a bottle of wine, listening to music under the stars?  Yeah, we thought you might remember (and miss) those days.  So walk over to the box office, get a pair of tickets, and call the babysitter.  You deserve a bowl outing all your own.

Directions & Parking
The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood, Ca 90068. Directions are available by clicking here. SummerSounds parking is free and available until 4:30 pm in Lot B (the Odin Street parking lot), which is located one block south of the main Hollywood Bowl entrance on Highland Ave. Click here for a map.

Online: hollywoodbowl.com/summersounds

What was the last show you saw at the Hollywood Bowl?

— Beth Shea

Photos courtesy of Mathew Imaging

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