Few experiences in Southern California deliver anything approaching the bliss of a Hollywood Bowl night done the right way. But the amateur approach can leave you stuck in traffic, squeezed in among strangers, flat broke and miserable. You’ll still hear exquisitely performed music in a picturesque setting under the stars, but why not make the night as enjoyable as possible, especially when so much is within your control? And why not benefit from someone who made mistakes in early visits to the Bowl, but figured out some things and still wants to learn more? Here are some key tips gleaned from trial and error over the past 20 years of concert-going: Choose wisely The draw of a big-name act might be what gets you to take the Hollywood Bowl plunge for the first time, and that’s understandable.
When Joni Mitchell & The Joni Jam was announced, the show was one of the hottest tickets of the year, so much so that a second show was added. But for those shows and some others, be sure to notice the note on the Hollywood Bowl schedule that says “special house rules apply.” Part of the Bowl’s appeal for many is the notion of packing a meal and either eating before the show in a picnic area or in your seat.
And, for many, that means bringing a bottle of wine or two and some glasses or maybe some beers. Those, however, aren’t allowed under the “special house rules.” On those nights, be prepared for prices that are more in line with a fine-dining establishment than a casual .