Thirty five years ago, Boy George and Culture Club tumbled 4 us for the first time ever!
The year was 1981, and U.K. group Culture Club sold more than 50 million records across the world. Even years later, we can’t get their always memorable classic hit lyrics out of our minds. “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?, Karma Chameleon and I’ll Tumble 4 Ya.” The original crew, led by the iconic singer, songwriter Boy George come to Los Angeles to play at the Bowl for the first time. The night will include a full orchestra, as well as, the 13-piece band.
Have you taken your kids to a concert yet? This concert is a rare opportunity to introduce your family to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra playing alongside an 80’s pop icon. I think this is a terrific way to expose kids to music and its endless creative possibilities – a mash up of classic instruments and classic pop.
My memory of my first concert, Duran Duran, has influenced my love of live music throughout my life. I was 13 or 14 years old and it blew my mind. My almost 9 year old daughter has never to been to one. I’m not technically counting Yo Gabba Gabba and the shows geared primary toward the under 10 set. I can’t wait to take her, and see her reaction.
Here are some tips I’ll be following as we set out our live concert adventure! Hope these are helpful, and I encourage you to add to our list in your comments!
1) Listen to tracks by the band to get the kids familiar with the band. Due to my devotion to the decade, my kid amazingly, well-versed in 80s music. It certainly adds to the experience when kids know the words to some of the songs.
2) Concerts are REALLY LOUD. Pack ear plugs or noise canceling headphones. Warn kids that it can be loud (for example, people screaming, amps, stadium acoustics) and the steps necessary to protect their ears. I’ve seen people take babies to concerts. I think that can be really stressful for babies, but obviously people need to make the choices that work best for them and their children. Kids can be really sensitive to noise, the amplified music and being around crowds of excited people. You need to be the judge and guide as to what your child will enjoy and at what age.
3) Make sure that kids know that there is a lot of standing. Hopefully dancing too, but prepare them for the physical toll ahead of them.
4) It is a late night, so they may get tired. Consider skipping the opening act to give them the endurance to watch the entire headliner’s show. I just watched Guns N Roses play for three hours! I noticed some of the younger fans looking tired by the end of the night. Or, consider skipping the last encore to get a jump on traffic.
5) Unless you want to shell out the big bucks, close seats aren’t necessary. The Hollywood Bowl is a great place to see a show under the stars. A front row is nice, but all the seats in the house give you a nice view of the stage and the large screens. Buy a seat cushion if you are in the bleachers. Your bottom will thank you, and its only a buck. There is a range of priced seats at the Hollywood Bowl, so don’t feel bad about not getting your monies worth if you do happen to leave early.
6) Concerts get crowded. I would designate an area to meet, if you have older kids. There are a tons of ushers around. Advise kids to tell an usher if they get lost. My daughter doesn’t have a cell phone, so we can’t text. Our plan is to always keep her with us at all times.
7) I can’t imagine people getting rowdy for Culture Club, but usually people drink at concerts. Talk to kids about adult behaviors they may witness. Sometimes adults act weird or badly when they are intoxicated. I’d talk to an usher if anyone seemed out of hand, or bothers you. Sometimes you might hear bad language.
8) Pack snacks and water. The Hollywood Bowl has a wonderful selection of food, but you never know when your kid will need a pick me up. And the food tab can add up quickly for a family. If you do arrive early, bring a picnic lunch or eat at the Bowl.
9) A fun thing to do with younger kids is to have them check out the orchestra and musicians. A show like Culture Club with the LA Phil is a unique, special show. Talk about different genres of music blending, see if you can pick out and isolate the different instruments’ sounds.
10) Listening and appreciating music can be so emotional. Sharing this moment will be memorable for you and your kids. You can help your kids use music as a tool for enjoyment, mindfulness, joy, stress relieving, etc. Enjoy the chance to guide your child’s education, beyond reading, writing and math.
Book your tickets now https://www.los-angeles-
There are a ton of parking options for the Bowl. Park right in the lots at the Bowl. Save money by taking a Park and Ride in your neighborhood. Or take the metro and make it an adventure by taking the train and walking from Hollywood and Highland. Or you can always Uber it, but I imagine there might be a surge in prices for Friday and Saturday nights.
