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Southern California Music Events

Bollywood pop, Chilean rap, Celtic jam sessions and Congolese Trance Dance-tronica may be sounds from other ends of the world. Yet in the sunny southern California area all of these acts are presented to the public, and most are free. With such a large variety of musical events hosted in such a relaxed atmosphere, anyone could find an act or three to interest them.
  1. Jam Sessions at the Center for Folk Music

    • Jam sessions involve lengthy musical numbers.

      The California Traditional Music Society presents Jam Sessions at the Center for Folk Music in Encino for free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own guitar, fiddle, banjo or other string instrument to join in on the jam sessions. Guests also can sit back and just enjoy the show. Sessions are held each Sunday every month of the year. The schedule of monthly events includes the Old Time Jam held on the first Sunday, the Folk Song Jam on the second Sunday, the Celtic Session is held on the third Sunday and the Bluegrass Jam on the fourth Sunday.

      Center for Folk Music
      16953 Ventura Blvd.
      Encino, CA 91316
      818-817-7756
      ctmsfolkmusic.org

    Santa Monica Twilight Dance Series

    • Santa Monica pier is host to music events all year.

      The Twilight Dance Series has been held at the Santa Monica Pier since 1984 providing musical entertainment to the public for free. The event is held every Thursday during the summer months from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Transportation to the pier is free for bicyclists and is encouraged. Take your blanket or lawn chair and make yourself comfortable as you enjoy musical acts from all across the world. In 2010 performers included bands from Chile, Italy and Australia in genres ranging from pop to jazz to Bollywood music. Mick Taylor, a former member of the popular rock band the Rolling Stones, was even scheduled to perform.

      Santa Monica Pier
      200 Santa Monica Pier
      Santa Monica, CA 90401
      310-458-8900
      santamonicapier.org

    Sundays Live

    • Listen to a violin recital for free at Sundays Live.

      Watch live performances of classical chamber music in Los Angeles. Beginning in 1948, Sundays Live hosts every concert live over the radio, and is the longest running music broadcast in Los Angeles. Every Sunday beginning at 6 p.m., Sundays Live presents free entertainment to the public with premier professional musicians that are from southern California as well as all across the globe. Concerts typically last for one hour and this event occurs every week throughout the year. Sundays Live is held at the Leo S. Bing Theater located in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

      L.A. County Museum of Art--Bing Theater
      5905 Wilshire Blvd.
      Los Angeles, CA 90036
      213-485-6873
      sundayslive.org

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