Bowled over at the Hollywood Bowl

Bowl me over and over and over again.

I forgot how much I was missing by shunning the Hollywood Bowl for years due to easily solvable frustrations.

In my rockin’ past, I had made the journey often for my acts who performed at the Bowl, enduring the parking and traffic.

Sunday night, I put on my big girl party pants and took on the infamous California highways for a Sunday Sunset Concert.

I preplanned parking because much of the Bowl parking is stacked and it can be frustrating trying to exit the venue.

I found church parking on Highland which is a speedy in and out and the $15 parking fee goes directly to support the progressive Methodist church.

The walk up Highland to the Bowl is an easy 10 minutes although the Bowl is an uphill climb so wear shoes that are made for walking.

The Hollywood Bowl set up has been successfully updated.

The last time I was there a huge pop star had a publicist friend of mine fired because he crossed his line of vision during a sound check…he was 50 rows away from the stage…he could have been walking through The “Copacabana” in NYC that’s how far away he was from the Bowl stage!

The grounds are gorgeous and inviting with numerous seating areas for all the folks who schlep wheelies filled to the brim with food and beverages.

There is an impressive Marketplace that sells reasonably priced, appealing food and lovely wines at very fair prices. You can also preorder prepared meals.

The second level has a plethora of food stands, selling pizza, barbecue, popcorn, desserts, tacos and bahn mi sandwiches.

AOC has a fabulous wine bar with a comprehensive menu offering snacks, appetizers and delectable entrees.

There are escalators and elevators if you are not up to the climb.

The band shell was built in 1929 by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son.

It was replaced in 2003 to improve the acoustical sound which today is superb.

The shell is set against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood sign.

The “bowl” refers to the shape of the concave hillside the amphitheater is carved into.

The Hollywood Bowl is owned by LA County and is the home of the superb Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Our seats were dead center several sections back for $53. Multiple video screens afford up close visuals from anywhere in the Bowl.

The bill featured Jewel, the multi-platinum, songwriting folk/pop/country storyteller who was engaging and charming.

I forget how beautiful her voice is.

She performed her hits (Intuition, Hands, Who Will Save your Soul, Foolish Games, You Were Meant For Me) as well as classics including, Summertime and, Over The Rainbow.

The show was headlined by trumpeter, Chris Botti, the smooth, impressive multiple Grammy-winning contemporary jazz/pop trumpeter known for his lush melodies and improvisations.

His band was outstanding, accompanied by renown jazz pianist, Eldar with guest appearances by accomplished violinist, Caroline Campbell, vocalist, Sy Smith, whose improvisational riffs between her and Botti were hot-wired, imitating the sound of Botti’s trumpet, as well as tenor, Jonathan Johnson.

It was exciting for a change of pace to attend an evening of jazz, classical and contemporary influenced music.

This genre had its’ fair share of screamers, pot heads, preppy flask guzzlers and dancers so it is not confined to rock concerts.

We dodged after Botti’s encore of the classic, My Funny Valentine, and were home in 40 minutes.

No matter the show, go to the Hollywood Bowl for a truly amazing evening.

The atmosphere and experience will definitely “bowl” you over.

Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Avenue Hollywood, California. 2017 season runs June-September.