Every Summer the number of outdoor concerts increase significantly. Why not? It's beautiful outside. In Marina Del Rey, they hold classical and popular concerts every Thursday and Saturday. This Thursday we have the opening ceremonies including two pre-concert events Trooping the Colors and a Water Show on the main channel. The highlight of this concert is USC professor Marek Szpakiewicz performing the Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor. According to our all-powerful all-knowing editor, "you'll be hooked within seconds."

They start at 7 PM so you can also enjoy the sunset over the water, and to picnic on the lawn with your favorite person/people. The events are hosted by former K-Mozart personality Rich Capparela who will take you through some other delightful pieces you might not be as familiar with: the Symphonic Metamorphosis by Hindemith, Les Biches by Poulenc, and the Mother Goose Suite by Ravel. You can check out the rest of the season and directions here and find out about other upcoming events in the Marina Del Rey area here. The show is FREE, which is a pretty good deal for a performance of this caliber. There are no repeat performances so this is your one and only chance to see it.

Carmina Burana is at the Bowl again...

There are a few shows you will expect to see every year at the Bowl. One of the most popular ones has been Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. If you haven't been living under a rock you've probably heard the movement O Fortuna, which was playing non-stop during the NBA Finals and/or every epic movie. This masterpiece is paired with Strauss' Don Juan and a premiere of a piece by Tovey, who happens to be a conductor of the orchestra as well. Tickets cost between 1 and 95 dollars so you can spend the rest of the money you save and use it for the parking. If you can find any.

Marina Del Rey Summer concerts
Thursday, July 10th, 2008, 7 PM
Burton Chace Park

Carmina Burana at the Bowl
Tuesday, July 8th, 2008, 8 PM
the Hollywood Bowl

Photo by doisneau via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr