KCRW Sets 8th Season of Free, Outdoor Summer Nights Shows

KCRW presents the 8th season of its signature event series, Summer Nights, featuring free, all-ages, outdoor shows throughout the summer to communities in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond.

The series launches on June 3 with a live performance from Chico Mann & Captain Planet, the merging of two of the biggest names in contemporary alternative Latin sounds, and a DJ set from KCRW's Marion Hodges. The concert takes place in the courtyard amidst the historic buildings of One Colorado in Old Pasadena. This year, the public radio station announces two brand-new partnerships - with the California African American Museum for a concert to highlight the powerful exhibition No Justice, No Peace: LA 1992, and with Metro Arts Presents to bring two shows to one of L.A.'s historic landmarks, Union Station.

KCRW's Summer Nights series also continues last year's expansion into communities beyond Los Angeles, presenting concerts at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara and Center City Anaheim, as well as longstanding partnerships with the Annenberg Foundation for the fifth year of Sound In Focus, the Hammer Museum, Chinatown, and Santa Monica Pier.

For more information, visit kcrw.com/summernights.

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One Colorado:

KCRW's Summer Nights kick-off on Saturday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m., at Old Pasadena's One Colorado featuring a live performance from Chico Mann & Captain Planet. Night Visions, their new album, highlights the creative symbiosis of two of the biggest names in contemporary alternative Latin sounds. It is a collection of stories which dance alive over an infectious blend of Afro-Latin rhythms and contemporary dancefloor beats. The result is a truly unique sound that speaks as much to listeners who don't understand Spanish as it does to old abuelos. The feelings and rhythms that flow through these songs are universal, appealing to hearts and hips all around the world. KCRW DJ Marion Hodges opens and closes the evening with DJ sets of some of her favorite tracks.

On Saturday, June 17, One Colorado continues with Chicano Batman - four young men in vintage formalwear, who came out of L.A. playing songs that blended Brazilian Tropicalía with early '70s psychedelic soul and the romantic pop of bands like Los Ángeles Negros. It was an immediately addictive sonic brew, and their reputation grew fast. Since forming in 2008, Chicano Batman have released two full-length albums - a self-titled 2009 debut, and 2014's Cycles Of Existential Rhyme - as well as two EPs. The band has performed at Coachella and toured with Alabama Shakes and Jack White, among others. Now, they're making their boldest statement yet with Freedom Is Free, their third album and ATO Records debut. KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez opens and closes the evening spinning some of his favorite tunes.

One Colorado is a collection of 17 historic buildings housing a curated mix of nationally acclaimed retailers and designers, unique local merchants, inventive restaurants, and a boutique cinema. It's the retail centerpiece and favorite casual gathering place for the Pasadena community, with public events hosted year-round in its central courtyard.

Saturday, June 3, 7:30 p.m.
Chico Mann & Captain Planet + KCRW DJ Marion Hodges

Saturday, June 17, 7:30 p.m.
Chicano Batman + KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez

California African American Museum:

KCRW announces a brand-new partnership with the California African American Museum (CAAM) for a very special show featuring KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd and Garth Trinidad on August 19 at 6:00 p.m. This first-time CAAM edition of Summer Nights offers food trucks, a beer garden, and after-hours museum access to all of their summer exhibitions including the powerful No Justice, No Peace: LA 1992.
The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Exposition Park explores the art, history, and culture of African Americans, with an emphasis on California and the West. In addition to presenting a dynamic slate of exhibitions and public programs, CAAM houses a Permanent Collection of more than four thousand works of art, artifacts, and historical documents, and a publicly accessible research library containing more than twenty thousand volumes. Admission is always free.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles uprisings, CAAM presents No Justice, No Peace: LA 1992, an original exhibition that examines one of the most notorious episodes of urban unrest in American history. With powerful photographs and videos, historic documents, posters, flyers, and other ephemera, this exhibition considers decades of complex socio-political history that contribute to underlying tensions among L.A.'s' marginalized groups and communities, and examines race relations, socioeconomics, and equality in America today.

Saturday, August 19, 6:00 p.m.
KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd + Garth Trinidad
Metro Arts Presents at Union Station:

KCRW announces a brand-new collaboration with Metro Art Presents for two Summer Nights at the historic Union Station in Downtown L.A. Dancing, games, food and drink will flow at one of the city's most iconic landmarks offering a chance to explore the architectural treasure. While you're there, you can check out one of the many artworks at the station, including one that sings to you called "A-Train." If you whisper certain words into a spot in the wall the artwork will sing songs by the likes of Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and The Beatles.

Friday, August 11, 5:30 p.m. KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez + Valida
Friday, August 25, 5:30 p.m. KCRW DJs Jason Bentley + Travis Holcombe

Chinatown: Part food festival, part summer party, Chinatown offers an exciting hot spot for Angelenos. Taste the many culinary offerings of Chinatown and L.A.'s gourmet food trucks; sample the neighborhood's wares; watch Chinese chefs perform cooking demonstrations; experience large-scale, outdoor video projections; take part in hands-on, Chinese cultural activities presented by local organizations and museums; sip on craft brews and dance in Central Plaza with KCRW DJs.

Saturday, July 1, 8:00 p.m.
KCRW DJs Jason Bentley + Aaron Byrd

Saturday, August 5, 8:00 p.m.
KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole + Garth Trinidad

Saturday, September 2, 8:00 p.m.
KCRW DJs Travis Holcombe + Raul Campos

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara:
KCRW's Summer Nights is back for its second year at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. Enjoy the beauty of warm summer nights, art, and music with live sets from KCRW DJs on the beautiful Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace in the heart of Santa Barbara. Curated Cocktails: Summer Nights with KCRW feature unique themes inspired by the current exhibitions Free Play and takepart | makeart: arte para todos, with after-hours museum access, signature cocktails, and interactive art making.

Thursday, June 1, 7:00 p.m.
KCRW DJ Mathieu Schreyer

Thursday, July 6, 7:00 p.m.
KCRW DJ Karene Daniel

Thursday, August 3, 7:00 p.m.
KCRW DJ Raul Campos

Center City Anaheim:
KCRW is back in Orange County for the second year, moving across the street from The Packing House to Center City Anaheim's Carnegie Plaza and Center Street Promenade. Two shows will feature KCRW DJs, a beer garden, and hand-picked food and retail vendors.

Center City Anaheim is a vibrant mix of authentic restaurants, retail, residences and offices in the heart of Anaheim. Its dozens of destinations include Center Street Promenade, with outdoor cafes, unique eateries and boutiques, the local Farmers Market, seasonal art shows and street fairs, historic Carnegie Library, Muzeo Museum, and the Frank Gehry-designed Rinks Anaheim Ice. Just steps away is the Packing District, anchored by the 1919 Anaheim Packing House: a classic food hall featuring over 25 unique food and beverage artisans reminiscent of the great public markets of South America and Europe.
Saturday, June 24, 5:30 p.m.
KCRW DJs Dan Wilcox + Valida

Saturday, September 23, 5:30 p.m.
KCRW DJs Travis Holcombe + Jose Galvan

Annenberg Foundation and Hammer Museum:
KCRW also continues longstanding collaborations with the Annenberg Foundation for Sound In Focus, a series of three blockbuster concerts held in conjunction with the exhibition Generation Wealth at the Annenberg Space for Photography on Saturday nights in July, and with the Hammer Museum featuring a diverse array of musicians in the Hammer's courtyard on Thursday, July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27 held in conjunction with the exhibition Marisa Merz: The Sky Is a Great Space. Talent for both series to be announced shortly.

Twilight Concert Series at Santa Monica Pier:
KCRW is proud to be the official public media partner for the Twilight Concert Series at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, now in its 33rd year. Straddling both the Pier and the beautiful stretch of beach beyond, concertgoers will enjoy an eclectic array of artists while waves crash and the ferris wheel lights up the warm summer night. For dates and artists see below, or visit kcrw.com/summernights.

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CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF 2017 KCRW's SUMMER NIGHTS SERIES:
All concerts are free and all-ages

GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA:

Saturday, June 3, 7:30 p.m.

One Colorado
Chico Mann & Captain Planet with KCRW DJ Marion Hodges

Saturday, June 17, 7:30 p.m.
One Colorado

Chicano Batman with KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez

Thursday, June 22, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Khalid + Bibi Bourelly + Hosted by KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez

Thursday, June 29, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Lemaitre + Coast Modern + Hosted by KCRW DJ Valida

Saturday, July 1, 8:00 p.m.

Chinatown
KCRW DJs Jason Bentley + Aaron Byrd

Thursday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.

Hammer Museum

Talent TBA

Thursday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.

Hammer Museum

Talent TBA

Thursday, July 13, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Marcia Griffiths + Jah9 + Hosted by KCRW DJ Marion Hodges

Thursday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.

Hammer Museum

Talent TBA

Thursday, July 20, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Eric Burdon & The Animals + Mr. Elevator + Hosted by KCRW DJ Gary Calamar

Thursday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.

Hammer Museum

Talent TBA

Thursday, July 27, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Miami Horror + Cleopold + Hosted by KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox

Thursday, August 3, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Valerie June + Irma Thomas + Hosted by KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd

Saturday, August 5, 8:00 p.m.

Chinatown

KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole + Garth Trinidad

Thursday, August 10, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Mon Laferte + Buscabulla + Hosted by KCRW DJ Raul Campos

Friday, August 11, 5:30 p.m.

Metro Arts Presents at Union Station

KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez + Valida

Thursday, August 17, 7:00 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier

Warpaint + TBA + Hosted by KCRW DJ Karene Daniel

Saturday, August 19, 6:00 p.m.

California African American Museum
KCRW DJs Aaron Byrd + Garth Trinidad

Friday, August 25, 5:30 p.m.

Metro Arts Presents at Union Station

KCRW DJs Jason Bentley + Travis Holcombe

Saturday, September 2, 8:00 p.m.

Chinatown

KCRW DJs Travis Holcombe + Raul Campos

SANTA BARBARA:

Thursday, June 1, 7:00 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
KCRW DJ Mathieu Schreyer

Thursday, July 6, 7:00 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
KCRW DJ Karene Daniel

Thursday, August 3, 7:00 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
KCRW DJ Raul Campos

ANAHEIM:

Saturday, June 24, 5:30 p.m.

CtrCity Anaheim
KCRW DJs Dan Wilcox + Valida

Saturday, September 23, 5:30 p.m.

CtrCity Anaheim
KCRW DJs Travis Holcombe + Jose Galvan

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KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways -- on the radio, digitally and in person -- to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world. A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

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