A month into the semester, chances are you’re still figuring out what to do with your weekends off campus. Now is the perfect time to start building out that list. If you’re looking for something to keep in your back pocket for the rest of the semester, here’s your first local culture pick: Jazz at LACMA.
A few miles from campus, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts a jazz concert series every Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the Smidt Welcome Plaza. It’s free, open to the public, and no tickets are required. It’s also worth noting that LACMA offers free general admission to L.A. County residents after 3 p.m. on weekdays, so bring an ID or proof of residency if you want to check out the museum before the show. The series runs through October, featuring legendary jazz musicians and food trucks.
Previous performers include Grammy winners like Quincy Jones’ All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, and Billy Childs.
Nicholas Lindsey, a second year graduate student double majoring in digital media management and technology commercialization, attended a performance by American jazz drummer and percussionist Clayton Cameron earlier in September.
“I grew up with outdoor concerts, especially jazz concerts in the park, and my parents brought me [to] a lot in Texas. To have this same opportunity in Los Angeles was awesome,” said Lindsey.
Victoria Wei, another second year graduate student majoring in communication management, isn’t as familiar with the jazz scene, but the night won her over anyway.
“I’m not necessarily someone who goes to jazz shows all the time, but I really enjoyed it…you can escape reality for a bit,” said Wei.
LACMA sits seven miles away from USC. By Metro, it’s about a 40-minute ride: take the E line from Expo Park/USC Station, transfer to the B or D line at 7th Street/Metro Center, and get off at Wilshire/Fairfax. By car, expect anywhere from 35 to 55 minutes depending on traffic.
“We rode the D, then we were right there in front of LACMA,” said Lindsey.
Seating is available right in front of the stage on a first-come, first-served basis near “Urban Light,” the museum’s iconic installation of more than 200 vintage lampposts. These spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive at least 45 minutes early before the music starts at 6 p.m.
By the time the music starts, the plaza is lit by string lights and the glow of “Urban Light” as the sun sets over Wilshire Boulevard.
“Once it started getting darker, all the lights came on behind [the musicians]. It was such a beautiful setting, and some people even brought wine to dance with the music,” said Wei.
Compared to outdoor concerts like Coachella and Outside Lands, Lindsey described this one as “more mature and chill…it wasn’t crazy loud, and it felt very fun, community-focused, and classy.”
Visitors can also picnic in the surrounding lawn space: bring your own blankets, low-profile lawn chairs, your favorite snacks, and you’ll be set for the night.
Wei said the casual setup makes it work for almost any kind of outing.
“It’s definitely a very good date spot, and also for friends to hang out, or just go there by yourself,” said Wei.
Whether you go on a date, with friends, or on your own, the people you meet along the way are just as much a part of the night.
“If you want a night out where you don’t drink but still want to be in a place to have fun, get to know the community, and enjoy music underneath the stars, this is the event for you,” said Lindsey. “It’s very multi-generational and you learn other people’s points of view, so you can turn it into your own soundtrack.”
Performance dates for the final month are yet to be announced.