July 19 July 26 August 2
CONCERTS ARE ALL AGES & FREE
but RSVP is required
KCRW returns to Century Park in Century City this summer for FREE all-ages outdoor concerts inspired by the Annenberg Space for Photography's newest exhibit, "Country: Portraits of an American Sound."
ALL SHOWS
Doors open/KCRW DJ set: 5pm
Live Music starts: 7pm
Early arrival is encouraged as entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, however no assembly before 4pm.
The Annenberg Space for Photography closes at 5 p.m. to the general public and will only be available for concertgoers beyond that. The Skylight Studios is closed to the general public on concert days.
RSVP
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE
Whether performing alongside her mother as one half of the legendary duo The Judds, or pushing the boundaries on her own mega-successful solo path, five-time Grammy winner Wynonna has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Her rich and commanding voice has garnered twenty #1 hits and over 60 industry awards during her epic 30-year career. The iconic performer was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as "the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline."
Nikki Lane
South Carolina native Nikki Lane moved to New York City and, after a messy breakup, picked up a guitar and set her sights on a music career. Her sophomore album "All Or Nothin" – produced in Nashville by The Black Keys' frontman Dan Auerbach – is one of the most anticipated releases to come out of Music City this year. She's widely considered one of the most compelling talents emerging from country music at the moment with her coo-ing yet brutal vocals perfectly fit with an aching, mournful guitar. Nikki Lane brings a fearless attitude and Southern swagger, and presents a rousing collection of songs that spans genres and eras.
PAST SHOWS
SATURDAY, JULY 26
SHELBY LYNNE
Born and raised in rural Alabama and inspired by the songs of Hank Williams, Dottie West, and Waylon Jennings, Shelby Lynne has been playing guitar and making music since she was 7 years old. When you think about singers who can turn sadness into beauty, she is at the top of the list. She's a candid songwriter, a heart-wrenching performer and hilarious storyteller. This Grammy winner is a KCRW artist for the ages and we're so excited to have her join us for a full band performance at Country in the City.
Watch Shelby Lynn's performance at KCRW's Apogee Sessions.
Jamestown Revival
Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance grew up together in Magnolia, Texas. Always sharing a mutual love of music from the South, along with classic American and Western rock, the friends joined forces to form Jamestown Revival. Seeking adventure and inspiration for their music, the two eventually moved from Texas to L.A. Their debut album is dedicated to their move West and captures the adventure with impeccable harmonies and influences that range from classic country to Americana, with a good dose of "back porch-style" storytelling. Their exuberant live performances are well documented and well worth witnessing!
Watch Jamestown Revival's Morning Becomes Eclectic session.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
GREGG ALLMAN
Gregg Allman is one of rock's most beloved icons whose soulful voice & exceptional songwriting ability resonates through a musical career spanning nearly half a century. In 1969, Gregg and his older brother Duane formed the Allman Brothers Band, which quickly emerged as America's embodiment of the "Southern rock" sound. Gregg has remained a prolific musical force as a solo artist with the release of his album Low Country Blues, which earned the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member a Grammy nomination. His most recent release, All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman is both a tribute to and performances from the singer/musician/songwriter along with a stellar list of famous friends. A true American musician and storyteller, we are honored to have Gregg join us for this special event.
Sturgill Simpson
From Eastern Kentucky by way of Tennessee, Sturgill Simpson's music is deeply rooted in the South. His raw wide-open baritone rides over a tight four-piece band, churning out an electric-country-bluegrass mix that belies the depth of his lyrics. Widely renowned for his live shows, Simpson has perfected the trick of distilling classic country from many eras and moving away from it at the same time. Fader calls Sturgill "The cosmic cowboy of the digital age... here's a man who understands the power of tradition, and who's livening things up from the inside."
Exhibit Information
Open to the public May 31 – September 28 at the Annenberg Space for Photography (open 11am-10pm on concert dates) Learn More
"Country: Portraits of an American Sound" uses historical and contemporary photographs to explore how images shape the public identity of country music performers and of the genre itself. Celebrated performers such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Hank Williams are seen in the works of photographers who documented multiple generations of this popular history. In addition to over 110 prints, the exhibit will feature an original half-hour documentary commissioned by the Annenberg Space for Photography. The film explores the image of country music and highlights the role of photography in documenting its history and portraying its uniquely American sound. Guest curators for this exhibit are Shannon Perich of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, and Tim Davis and Michael McCall of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.
Annenberg Space for Photography
The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting both digital and print photography in an intimate environment. The venue is the first solely photographic destination in the Los Angeles area.
Location
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
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To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Annenberg Foundation has planned community events throughout 2014, including Country in the City. KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation first united for a string of hugely successful summer music events in 2012. The packed shows proved the outdoor park adjacent to the Photo Space was a unique and exciting weekend destination for live music and we're thrilled to bring back more of our favorite artists for another round!