Best Bets: August 31st – September 6th

Summer is winding down and the fall season, usually the start of many performing arts seasons, is gearing up. Here are my Best Bets: August 31^st – September 6^th:

DVOŘÁK & BRUCH – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA – September 1^st

The U.S. premiere of beyond the beyond by the late composer Sarah Gibson is the reason this concert is a must-see.

Gibson is someone I first encountered, both as a composer and as a person, when she was part of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Sound Investment Composer during their 2018-2019 season. You can read my interview with her HERE.

She was a wonderful person and a talented composer whose life was cut short by cancer. beyond the beyond was just about finished when Gibson passed away. Her partner in Hocket, Thomas Kotcheff, finished the work. It had its world premiere on March 8, 2025, by the BBC Philharmonic. It received great reviews. Now Los Angeles gets to hear the work.

Leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic in this concert is Anja Bihlmaier, who led the world premiere.

Also on the program is Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, with Bomsori as the soloist.

The program’s closer is Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

THOMAS BARTLETT: ALLEN GINSBERG AT 100 – Little Island – New York, NY – September 2^nd – September 6^th

The works of Allen Ginsberg, both his writings and his music, will be celebrated in five concerts with varying line-ups of talent joining Thomas Bartlett, who curated the series of shows.

The lineup changes from night to night, with Bartlett joined by Laurie Anderson, Little Annie, Davóne Tines, Anne Waldman and more.

There is an impressive roster of musicians and performers. Full details follow.

Performing on September 2^nd are Thomas Bartlett (Piano), Laurie Anderson, Oren Bloedow (Guitar), Jason Burger (Drums), Jennifer Charles (Vocals), Little Annie (Vocals), Spencer Murphy (Bass), Douglas Wieselman (Woodwinds & Guitar), Davóne Tines (Vocals), Anne Waldman and special guest Rufus Wainwright.

Performing on September 3^rd are the same performers from September 2nd with special guest Bill Frisell.

Performing on September 4^th is the same lineup from September 2nd with no special guest announced at press time.

Performing on September 5^th is the same core ensemble minus Laurie Anderson and they are joined by special guest Taylor Mac.

Performing on September 6^th are the same artists from the first night with special guests Ella Hunt, Marc Ribot and Eddie Stern.

The entire day is essentially an Allen Ginsberg-inspired cultural happening, rather than just a concert with additional events.

Before that concert there is Poetry in the Glade with Bartlett, Morgan Bassichis, Adam Eli, Nile Harris, Slava Mogutin, Carmelita Tropicana, Tiresias, Janice A. Lowe, Ras Burnett and Tongo Eisen-Martin.

After that is Tai Chi in The Play Ground with Master Ren Guangyi, Anderson and Sarth Calhoun. Laurie Anderson will be the DJ after the concert at 10:15 PM in the Play Ground.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL – Multiple Venues – Chicago, IL – September 3^rd – September 6^th

Chicago’s annual jazz festival returns! I’ve opted to focus on the mainstage concerts, but the link below will give you access to all scheduled performances in all venues. Here’s the best part: all shows are free.

Here are the mainstage artists:

September 3^rd: 2 Brown Sisters: Maggie and Africa Brown; Joel Ross Good Vibes.

Closing are Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap.

September 4^th: Jo Ann Daughtery Trio with special guest Henry Johnson; The Luciano Antonio Octet; The Chicago Project featuring Dee Alexander, Isaiah Collier, Michael King, Jonathan Pinson and Corey Wilkes and closing is Robert Glasper.

September 5^th: Rodrigo Claudio, Patricia Brennan Septet, Paul Marinaro’s Mood Ellington and closing is the M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band), celebrating the Miles Davis Centennial.

September 6^th: Bruce Henry Quintet, Isaiah Collier performing Collier Plays Coltrane, Bethany Pickens Soulful Coalition and closing is Paquito D’Rivera.

For more information, please go HERE.

BEGIN AGAIN – The Old Globe – San Diego, CA – September 6^th – October 11^th

This world premiere musical is based on the 2013 film of the same name from writer/director John Carney.

The film told the story of Gretta and Dave, who collaborate writing songs and are also lovers. Things change when he gets a major record deal. 

He succumbs to the spoils of his success and she’s left singing in nightclubs.

While in one of those clubs, Gretta meets Dan, once an influential record executive. He needs a return to prominence and she needs a big break.

It appears the musical might pick up with Gretta’s story after Dave’s success. There’s no indication of Dave in the cast.

Gretta is played by Emma Busse and Dan is played by Patrick Heusinger.

This musical features music and lyrics by Pat Monahan and the band Train. The book is by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy.

Lorin Latarro directs with choreography by David Neumann.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

That’s all for Best Bets: August 31^st – September 6^th!

Enjoy your week!

Go see a show!

Main Photo: Bill Charlap and Dee Dee Bridgewater (Courtesy The Kurland Agency)