to emerge from the L.A. music scene in the past decade, will close Century City’s free Sound in Focus concert series this Saturday, Aug. 15. See story page 7. Photo by Michelle Mosqueda
Sound in Focus, the free, all-ages, four-concert series presented by KCRW and the Annenberg Foundation and curated by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley, concludes with Cold War Kids and Other Lives this Saturday, Aug. 15. Bentley hosts the evening and spins a DJ set before the concert.
Cold War Kids is one of the most exciting rock bands to emerge from the Los Angeles music scene in the past decade.
The three-chambered heart of the band – Nathan Willett, Matt Maust, and Dann Gallucci – make honest songs about the human experience.
Current single, “First,” from the band’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album Hold My Home, is continuing to gain momentum at radio and currently sits at #8 on the Alternative radio chart, with over 50 stations on board as well as SiriusXM/AltNation. “First” has been streamed over 12 million times, has sold over 84,000 copies and is the band’s highest charting single to date. Cold War Kids performed on Morning Becomes Eclectic when Hold My Home was first released.
Other Lives cast a spell with their layered, atmospheric orchestral rock. KCRW has championed the band since their 2009 debut, and after a relocation from their hometown of Stillwater, OK to Portland, OR, they have released one of their best albums yet with 2015’s Rituals. Other Lives performed selections from their third album on Morning Becomes Eclectic in April.
For the past three Saturday nights, attendees have brought blankets and enjoyed picnics on the large grassy areas of Century Park, congregated in the beer gardens and sampled delicious fare at the food trucks while enjoying live music.
Sound in Focus is inspired by the “Emerging” exhibition at the Annenberg Space for Photography, which presents images by more than 90 emerging photographers from around the world who bring fresh perspectives and creative techniques to professional photography. The concerts will take place at Century Park, in the park adjacent to the Annenberg Space for Photography. The Photography Space will stay open until 11 pm so that the concertgoers may enjoy both the concert and the exhibition.
Attendees are also invited to bring picnics that can be enjoyed on the grassy lawn beneath the two shimmering Century Plaza Towers at Century Park. There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase from a wide variety of cafes and food trucks, and a beer garden will be available for those 21 and over.
Admission is free; however early arrival is encouraged as entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must collect wristbands upon arrival at check-in to gain access to the concerts. Be sure to listen to KCRW (89.9) or follow KCRW on Twitter for real-time updates on capacity the day of the show.
For more information, visit kcrw.com/events/sound-in-focus-event-details. Can’t make it? Be sure to visit kcrw.com at 7 pm for a live stream of the performances.
