INTERVIEW: Skirball plans summer of musical fun at amphitheater in LA
The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles is one of the preeminent institutions of artistic life in southern California. Its Roy Lichtenstein retrospective earlier this year was a pop-art marvel, and much hype is surrounding its current show centered on the music and poetry of Paul Simon.
To coincide with Paul Simon: Words & Music, the center’s staff has scheduled an entire summer season of musical offerings at its outdoor amphitheater. On weekend afternoons through Aug. 13, attendees can expect to hear a mélange of entertainment from around the world. The international flavor of the offerings is inspired by Simon’s own dedication to pursuing sounds from around the globe.
Some highlights in the coming weeks include The Steady 45s , a high-energy ska and rocksteady band, on July 2; Kátia Moraes and Brazilian Hearts, a smooth Brazilian jazz band, on July 8; Klezmer Juice, a modern Yiddish soul band, on July 15; Upstream, a Caribbean reggae band, on July 22; and Marizane, a retro indie rock band, on Aug. 13. A full schedule can be accessed here.
To preview the summer of music, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Jen Maxcy, head of family programs for the Skirball Cultural Center, an institution guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and dedicated to freedom and equality. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can attendees expect from the summer season at the family amphitheater? Was the Paul Simon tie-in always in the cards?
The Paul Simon tie-in was definitely always in the cards when we planned this series. If possible, we like to make a connection between program offerings and current exhibitions — even if it’s a loose connection — in part so that we can reinforce themes being explored by our content. Visitors can expect some great music, and we encourage dancing! I’ve spoken to many of the groups who are excited to draw connections between their music and Simon’s.
The musical offerings are quite diverse. Is diversity an important initiative of the series and Skirball’s overall mission?
I would say that because our mission at Skirball is to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, diverse programs is part of how we connect to our audiences. In the case of Paul Simon, because he has always been an artist who is interested in a range of styles and influences, it was not difficult to bring in some of those influences to create a cool line-up. Reggae, Brazilian, African, folk, rockabilly — these are all influences in Simon’s work. We also picked a few artists who explore vocal harmonies since that is a huge element to Simon and Garfunkel.
What makes this amphitheater space so unique to catch a summer performance?
Aside from just being a beautiful space built into the side of the mountain, our amphitheater is a casual space to catch a show. Often people are sitting with friends and family, eating, coming and going. There’s space to dance. There’s no pressure or hassle to watch a show here. You can sit down front or way up top at a table. We offer two shows each day, so sometimes people stay for the second set if they really love the group. There is a beautiful canopy above the amphitheater, too, so even in summer you can find a spot not in the sun.
What age is the target audience for the series? Are these events that can be enjoyed by both adults and children?
Absolutely, all ages! These are not ‘kid’ groups, although our audiences for these concerts tends to be families with young children. A few years ago we really deliberately started booking just good music — not necessarily aimed at children — and I think adults really appreciate it. And children love it. My favorite thing is when I see several generations of people enjoying the show. I always feel like we’ve hit a home run when child, parent and grandparent are all smiles.
What’s your day to day like as head of family programs and community engagement at Skirball?
Well, for starters, I love my job! As a former performer (I was an actor for years) — I mostly just want to interact with people, and luckily, I get to do that all day long! Also, I am never bored. The programs I oversee are varied — an art studio (with changing projects), an outdoor archaeology dig, festivals, workshops for young children, sleepovers, films, performances and during summer a lounge space for families.
My work is a combination of big-picture programming, contact with community and artists, interacting with visitors, and collaborating with my colleagues. The Skirball is an amazing place to work with a beautiful mission of inclusion — and I should add that the staff is incredible. To get to put forth some positivity in the world, and work with the people I do, is honestly such a pleasure and a gift. I have my own family, but for sure the community here is my second family.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center’s family amphitheater run from July 1 to Aug. 13 on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The concerts are included with museum admission. The Skirball is located at 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles. Click here for more information.
