NO SUMMER AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Summer is out at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is canceling the 2020 season at the venues to protect artists, audiences, and staff from the spread of COVID-19.

Brandi Carlile, Pentatonix, Little Big Town and James Blake were among the pop acts scheduled to appear with the LA Phil at the Bowl this year.

There is still no decision on some lease events such as the Daryl Hall & John Oates/Squeeze concert on 5/29, Steely Dan show on 6/8 and Matchbox 20 on 9/28. Bob Dylan, who was scheduled to perform on 6/18, canceled his summer tour on Tuesday.

Chief Executive Officer Chad Smith and Chief Executive Officer Chair David C. Bohnett said in a joint statement, “The cancellation of our summer programs and the resulting impact on our musicians and staff is devastating. We are all broken hearted by the effects of this crisis and share the disappointment of all those who look forward to the Bowl and Ford seasons every year.”

The LA Phil estimates that the canceled concerts will result in a loss of about $80m. The LA Phil, which also canceled the last three months of its season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, is furloughing approximately 25% of its full-time non-union workforce as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through 9/30 and laying off seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees.

The Association had previously laid off part-time employees, instituted salary reductions and made the decision to draw from its endowment.

To rebuild its coffers, the LA Phil is launching a $35m fundraising campaign, Play Your Part, to support ongoing operations and programs such as the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program and other educational initiatives.