Skirball Center Launches SUNSET CONCERTS In July

The Skirball Cultural Center announces the line-up for its seventeenth annual free Sunset Concerts. The 2013 season features an eclectic mix of traditions and styles, from the Americas to North India (by way of Israel) to West Africa. The schedule is as follows: The Belle Brigade (July 25); the West Coast premiere and debut U.S. tour of Shye Ben-Tzur (August 1); Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars (August 8); Mamak Khadem and Ensemble (August 15); a collaboration between Maria Muldaur and The Campbell Brothers in its world premiere (August 22); and Dendê and Band (August 29).

The six Thursday night concerts are presented free of charge in the Skirball's idyllic central courtyard. Ready for the night's festivities, attendees arrive early to dine under the stars, visit the museum galleries, and explore the Skirball's stunning architecture and hillside setting. As the bands take the stage, music fans of all ages sing along, dance in the aisles, and gather at the foot of the stage to celebrate with the performers.

This year, the Skirball turns its eye to the local indie scene while staying true to its world music roots. Jordan Peimer, Vice President of Programs, explains, "This is part of a new, multiyear plan to integrate popular music rooted in world traditions into our programming and reframe our exploration of what is truly global. When you hear The Belle Brigade's reworking of 1970s folk-rock live on stage, or the Muldaur/Campbell collaboration for the very first time, you'll experience exciting new sounds grounded in the finest traditions of America."

Peimer continues, "Year after year, the Sunset Concerts are a perfect summertime happening. We invite our loyal following as well as new audiences to come celebrate our diverse cultural heritages."