California has an incredibly rich history in the arts and recently the LA Philharmonic celebrated 100 years with a grand event. They partnered with CicLAvia to encompass both healthy and cultured program. During the day pedestrians were encouraged to walk, bike or take public transit to one of the six hubs (read about it here). Later in the evening individuals were given tickets by a lottery system to attend the Centennial Performance at the Bowl. My friend was lucky to score two tickets and invited to me come along.

The evening program started with a dual collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and was led by the current Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. The performance was seamless and I could see the smiles beaming off on the aspiring musicians as they played alongside some of Los Angeles’s most talented artists. The young took a bow and the the LA Philharmonic continued with another piece, followed by performances from Kali Uchis, Herbie Hancock, and Katy Perry. 

Katy’s performed three pieces – her version of “I want to ride my Bicycle” (by Queen), Roar, and Firework (with a dazzling display in the background.) While we anticipated a closing song from Katy Perry, but we was pleasantly surprised when Gustavo Dudamel invited former Artistic Director John Williams to conduct the Star Wars theme song. The nerd inside me wanted so badly to bust out my light sabor to “A New Hope.”

Who would you want to watch perform live with the LA Philharmonic?

XOXO,

Rockstar