Photo by Unique Nicole
Country meets Century City this summer in the form of a free concert series, a museum exhibit, and a lecture series at the Annenberg Space for Photography. This three-fold treat is the brainchild of the Annenberg Foundation and KCRW, both of which have collaborated to create this pleasant paradox of country and city.
The concert series, “Country in the City,” embodies the classic meet-up of rurality and urbanness and will take place at Century Park on the lawn adjacent to the Annenberg Space for Photography.
“Country in the City” was created in lieu of the museum’s 25th anniversary, appropriately encompassing the Annenberg Foundation’s long-established tradition of investing in the arts and public spaces.
Suited for all ages, the performances will take place on three consecutive Saturdays: July 19, July 26, and Aug. 2, with the line starting at 3 pm and doors opening at 5 pm.
The Space for Photography will offer extended hours on performance nights so that concertgoers have the opportunity to experience the exhibit.
Gracing the stage every weekend are legendary and up-and-coming country artists alike.
On July 19, Gregg Allman, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, will be in the spotlight. Opening act Sturgill Simpson, who released his sophomore album this year, will be crooning a mixture of love ballads of outlaw life that is reminiscent of “honky-tonk” days.
On July 26, Grammy winner and Alabama native Shelby Lynne will be headlining the concert. Jamestown Revival, who will be joining Lynne as the opening act, is known for their harmonies and “back porch-style” storytelling aspect of their music and lyrics.
On Aug. 2, five-time Grammy winner Wynonna will be taking over the stage as one of the biggest names in the world of country music. Nikki Lane, whose most recent album was produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, will serve as the opening act.
There will be food and refreshments for sale from food trucks and cafes.
Concertgoers must RSVP at KCRW.com and retrieve wristbands at check-in to have access to the performance.
The Annenberg Space’s current exhibit, “Portraits of an American Sound,” features more than 110 prints of country music icons, pioneers, and poets in order to highlight how pictures have molded the public identity of the realm of the country music genre.
The exhibit runs through Sept. 28 and presents three special guest curators: Michael McCall and Tim Davis (of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) and Shannon Perich (of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History).
From historical legends to current chart-toppers, a variety of generations of the genre are represented in this photography exhibit, from Dolly Parton at Symphony Hall in the 1970’s to Kacey Musgraves, the winner of the 2013 New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Awards. Among other amenities available for view are country albums, film posters, stage costumes, and musical instruments.
The exhibit will also feature a 30-minute documentary that explains the role of photography in chronicling the history of country music.
Produced by Arclight Productions and commissioned by the Annenberg Space for Photography, the documentary features photographers Henry Diltz, Henry Horenstein, Les Leverett, David McClisters, Raeanne Rubenstein, Leigh Weiner, and Michael Wilson. Of course, there are also appearances by several country music artists, including LeAnn Rimes and Lee Ann Womack.
The third element of the country music extravaganza is the Iris Nights lecture series, which always brings relevant speakers that bring the Annenberg Space’s current exhibits to life. In lieu of the country music series, the lectures will feature photographers, experts, and other guest artists who have worked in the country music industry and will share their experiences.
The lectures will be occurring every Thursday night from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. Online registration is recommended, but not required.
All three events are free and open to the public.
The Annenberg Space for Photography is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
For more information, call 213.403.3000 or visit annenbergspaceforphotography.org or kcrw.com.
