Summer is so close we can smell it, and that means all of our favorite outdoor events are making their comebacks. Jazz at LACMA is back in action, Cinespia and Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tastings have already been announced, and now add to that list the Getty Center’s popular Off the 405 series.
The museum’s annual concert series announced its lineup on Wednesday, and it includes four evenings of eclectic programming. The best part: Tickets—like admission to the Getty Center—are free, though you’ll want to try to secure a reservation ahead of time; tickets tend to open up about two to three weeks before each show.
The locally beloved Off the 405 series has been drawing crowds to the Getty’s courtyard since 2009 (besides taking a couple years off during the pandemic). With past headliners including Moses Sumney, Allah-Las, Chicano Batman and Shannon and the Clams, each year the series’ curated lineup spans a range of genres and regularly showcases some of the most exciting up-and-comers in the independent music scene.
Each performance starts at 7:30pm and will be preceded by a DJ set at 6pm. Listening to free live music while watching the sun set over the L.A. skyline in one of the city’s most beautiful venues—what could be better?
And now for the lineup: First up on May 31 is SML. No, they’re not an outlet for songs from Saturday Night Live, but rather an L.A.-based quintet of musicians who’ve worked with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Leon Bridges and Perfume Genius. The band, who recently played a sold-out show at the Lodge Room, blends jazz, Afrobeat, kosmische (electronic Krautrock) and ambient influences. Jeff Parker and Scottie McNiece will DJ before the performance. Tickets are available starting today, May 8.
Next up is Mexico City–based cellist, composer and vocalist Mabe Fratti on June 14. The Guatemalan-born artist has been gaining acclaim in the international experimental scene for her dreamy, immersive soundscapes that defy easy categorization. Tickets are available starting Thursday, May 22.
On July 12, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Madi Diaz will take the stage. Diaz, who’s collaborated with Harry Styles and Kacey Musgraves and toured with Angel Olsen and Waxahatchee, is also a recent Grammy nominee for best folk album. Tickets are available starting Thursday, June 26.
Two weeks later on July 26 is Empress Of, the musical project of Honduran-American L.A.-based singer-songwriter Lorely Rodriguez. Her bold, bilingual music blends electronic, R&B and dream pop. Tickets are available starting Thursday, July 3.
And last but not least, L.A.-based composer, singer and songwriter Emile Mosseri will perform on August 23. You’ve likely heard Mosseri’s work before—he composed the scores for films including The Last Black Man in San Francisco and Minari, which earned him an Oscar nomination. His songwriting shows a more personal side of the artist, and his live performances combine both sides of his repertoire. Tickets are available starting Thursday, July 31.
Note that even though tickets are free, they’re still required and will serve as your museum reservation. If a show is sold-out, walk-ups will be admitted day-of if any spots end up being available, if you want to try your luck. Either way, we recommend arriving early to check out the galleries and gardens before the show (they’ll stay open till 9pm on summer Saturdays) and making a day of it. But if you already have your tickets, there’s also a compelling case for showing up right before the show: While parking is only $15 after 3pm, the Getty is offering free parking for those who show up after 6pm, so if you play your cards right, you can enjoy an entirely free night out on the town.