Now in its 24th year, the KCRW Festival returns to the Hollywood Bowl with a total of six shows, divided into two three-concert series. Kicking off the series on July 21 are Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, the American electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso, and Nigerian-born singer-songwriter Uwade. Hosted by KCRW’s Nassir Nassirzadeh, the concert promises to be an evening of groundbreaking music both classic and new.
On Aug. 11, Unknown Mortal Orchestra — the Portland-via-New Zealand band — opens for Khruangbin, the American trio that has married musical influences from all over the world. Indeed, the latter group integrates Thai funk, spaghetti Western film scores, Bakersfield country, Kingston dub, West African disco, G-funk, and more and is sure to play a rollicking night in the Cahuenga Pass, all hosted by KCRW’s Novena Carmel.
On Sept. 8, the third event in this first series, Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy and indie-rock band GROUPLOVE, known for its infectious melodies, is hosted at the Bowl by KCRW’s Anne Litt. The concert marks the eve of the 10-year anniversary of Joy’s debut album, Dream Your Life Away.
Also on tap: On Aug. 4, “Reggae Night XXII” features an all-star lineup that brings the spirit of Jamaica to Los Angeles as Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley celebrate the influence and legacy of the Caribbean island in one of the Bowl’s favorite traditions. Ro “Wyldeflower” Contreras does the hosting duties.
On Aug. 25, Mt. Joy, the Philadelphia band behind the songs “Silver Lining,” “Lemon Tree,” and “Evergreen,” sets up shop at the iconic venue. Also performing: Los Angeles-based indie rockers Local Natives return to the Bowl following the release of their most recent album, Time Will Wait for No One. Chris Douridas emcees for KCRW.
Closing out the festival on Sept. 22 is “Noche de Cumbia.” Cumbia, a style of dance music that gained popularity in northern Colombia some six decades ago, is currently the beat behind some of the most popular songs on the planet, so rock out to the sounds of Grupo Cañaveral de Humberto Pabón, La Sonora Dinamita, Los Hermanos Flores, and Cumbiatón. KCRW’s Raul Campos is the evening’s host.
