Description
Nestled in a tree-lined Los Feliz canyon in Griffith Park at the base of a hill that leads up to Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre is one of Los Angeles' most popular and enduring open-air amphitheaters. With a seating capacity of 5800, the Greek is more intimate than the Hollywood Bowl, and it has better sound than most local outdoor venues. Designed by architect Frederick Heath and paid for by the controversial industrialist (and Griffith Park namesake) Griffith J. Griffith, the amphitheater opened in 1929, hosting seasonal summer concerts and Broadway shows. Because the Greek is part of Griffith Park, it's owned by the City of Los Angeles, but it's managed by the local promoters Nederlander-Greek Inc. The venue has been the site of many famous concerts, including Neil Diamond's 1972 live album, Hot August Nights. (It was also the setting for the 2010 comedy Get Him to the Greek.) Diamond was among the first to salute "the tree people," the unofficial designation for those folks who listen to concerts for free on a hillside just outside the Greek's back gate. Over the years, Neil Young, the Pretenders, the White Stripes, the Talking Heads, the B-52's, Cat Power, Paul Simon, Neko Case, Ringo Starr, Elton John, the Sex Pistols, Alison Krauss, the Screaming Trees, Youssou N'Dour, the Go-Go's, Florence & the Machine, Robert Plant and many other celebs have performed under the stars in this decidedly laid-back setting. The Greek has several full bars and food concessions, and the adjoining space called the Redwoods is a sylvan environment for pre-show parties and mixers. Most of the available parking is stacked parking on the surrounding grass fields, but preferential parking (with easier access) is also available for a higher price. All ages.
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