The Bucket List | July 2016

Matt Matasci

While there’s always something going on in Los Angeles, it seems the best events always fall in the Summertime. With incredible music and live theater, an array of film events and plenty for the foodies, July is shaping up to be an action-packed month! Check out these events for the best of Los Angeles this month.  

Dinner in the Sky | July 1-31
Dinner in the Sky takes place throughout July at the Los Angeles Center Studio in Downtown Los Angeles. The title of this unique dining experience is a literal description; diners are seated on an elevated platform that provides incredible scenic views. On top of the wild experience, guests enjoy some of the finest cuisines in the city. This extravagant experience is led by Keven Lee, also known as “Cheven,” the executive chef of My World on a Plate.

Ladies and Gentlemen… The Beatles! at GRAMMY Museum  | July 1-Sept. 5
July is the month of Fab Four at the GRAMMY Museum. The entire summer will feature an exhibit that focuses on the origins of Beatlemania, particularly the band’s first appearance in the United States on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Coinciding with the traveling exhibit will be two special events: “Celebrating Beatlemania” on July 7 gives attendees the opportunity to gain insight from a panel of Beatles experts while on July 18 “The Record Theater: Revolver by The Beatles – UK Pressing in Mono” is a distraction-free opportunity to listen to the band’s groundbreaking album with a discussion afterwards.

Chuck Palahniuk “Fight Club 2” Book Signing | July 2
Chuck Palahniuk is one of the most beloved authors of modern times, penning such masterpieces as “Fight Club” and “Choke.” While his debut “Fight Club” was published way back in ‘96, just last year he teamed up with artist Cameron Stewart to create “Fight Club 2,” a graphic novel. To promote the new work, he will make an appearance at Book Soup in West Hollywood for a signing.

Firework Spectacular at Hollywood Bowl Featuring Chicago | July 2-4
What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than with the iconic tunes of Chicago and a magnificent fireworks display? The Hollywood Bowl never disappoints. With their fireworks spectacular and when they are joined by the classic music of Chicago, the powerful sounds of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins, plus the U.S. Air Force Band of the West, you can’t go wrong.

Cinespia Presents Grease + Fireworks at Hollywood Forever | July 3
Cinespia offers movie-buffs the opportunity to catch a beloved film in a one-of-a-kind location, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. “Grease” will be  projected against the side of a massive white mausoleum. This year to celebrate the Fourth of July, the film will be screened with a fireworks show to follow.  There are few things more American than the Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta classic, so what better way to celebrate our nation’s independence?

Steven Tyler “…Out On A Limb” Tour at Dolby Theatre | July 5
With a very successful career fronting Aerosmith, one of the biggest names in classic rock, it is appropriate that Steven Tyler’s tour be called “…Out On A Limb.” Despite immense success as a rock God, the singer has decided to take a completely different approach with his first-ever solo work, creating a straight-up country music album. Be there to witness him on his first solo tour when he hits the beautiful and historic Dolby Theatre!

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in Concert at Hollywood Bowl | July 6
Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform the music from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Experience the magic and thrills of the Harry Potter series in the unique setting of the gorgeous Hollywood Bowl as the talented group of musicians performs John Williams’ classic film score.

Outfest | July 7-17
Taking place at a host of venues throughout the city, Outfest celebrates the vibrant LGBT film scene in L.A. The festival headquarters are located at the Directors Guild of America Theater Complex while more events will be located at Harmony Gold and the Ford Theatres in Hollywood as well as the REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown L.A.

LA Food Fest at Exposition Park | July 8-10
Los Angeles is already a foodie mecca so take advantage of the rich diversity of cuisine in our city and attend the LA Food Fest at Exposition Park. The festival will feature an artisanal farm shop, a beer and bocce zone, a designated dessert area, a central market, a wine garden and even a food porn cinema! Vendors at the festival include BOA Steakhouse, ROKU, Little Ethiopia Truck, Canter’s Deli and Taqueria El Severo among others.

Louis CK at the Forum | July 10 & 11
One of the biggest names in the comedy business, Louis CK brings his brand of off-beat comedy to the Forum this month. Best known for this blistering stand-up specials as well as a thought-provoking, ground-breaking sitcom on FX titled “Louie,” there are few comedians able to master a crowd in the manner that Louis CK can.

The ESPYS | July 13
The biggest awards show in the sports world is back! The ESPYS are hosted by ESPN at the Microsoft Theater and will be presenting awards for Best Championship Performance, Best Breakthrough Athlete, Best Record-Breaking Performance, Best Team and more. The event will be hosted by professional wrestler John Cena, following in the footsteps of Joel McHale, Drake, Jon Hamm, Rob Riggle and others.

Ghostbusters | July 15
When the original “Ghostbusters” came out in the ‘80s it was an instant hit, launching Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd even further into the Hollywood stratosphere. While it seems every major blockbuster in history has been remade over the last decade, “Ghostbusters” remained untouched. Now, an all-women cast stars in the remake of the iconic film generating a healthy amount of buzz as well as controversy. Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig star in the reboot.

Diana Ross at Hollywood Bowl | July 15 & 16
One of the most important figures in pop music history, Diana Ross is still on top of the game making a headlining appearance at the Hollywood Bowl this month. The singer came up through Motown Records where she recorded with The Supremes and as a solo artist. Ross is known for R&B hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.”

dineLA Restaurant Week | July 18-31
dineLA is back with their annual Restaurant Week! Over the course of 14 days, foodies can enjoy lunch and dinner specials at restaurants across the city. From the Valley to the West Side, restaurants all over Los Angeles are participating in the event with such cuisines as Indian, Mexican, Italian, New American, Mediterranean and, of course, Californian.

Flight of the Conchords at The Greek Theatre | July 26 & 27
After taking a hiatus from touring, New Zealand comedic musical duo Flight of the Conchords are back! At the end of the month, they will headline at the Greek Theatre as part of their “Flight of the Conchords Sing Flight of the Conchords” tour. While the duo of Jemain Clement and Bret McKenzie will bring out the old hits, they have also promised a wealth of new material to be showcased on the current tour. Also appearing with the duo will be Arj Barker who had a role on the duo’s HBO sitcom.

The National at The Greek Theatre | July 28
One of the most beloved bands in the indie rock world, The National head to Los Angeles for an evening of powerful rock tunes. While they have not released new music since 2013’s “Trouble Will Find Me,” the band will headline the Greek Theatre in Hollywood. In addition to working on new material, the group just released a compilation album of Grateful Dead covers titled “Day of the Dead.”

A Chorus Line at Hollywood Bowl | July 29-31
“A Chorus Line” is a look into the life of a dancer who is trying to break into the hyper-competitive world of Broadway musicals. For the show’s appearance at the Hollywood Bowl this month, Marvin Hamlisch’s classic score will be conducted by Patrick Vaccariello. With incredible music, jaw-dropping choreography from director Baayork Lee and actor Mario Lopez playing the lead as Zach, this is a must-see live theater experience!