Thousands of people turned out for this years festival hosted on LA's historic street, The Sunset Strip. In the 30's and 40's the strip was the playground for the glitz and glam of the uber rich, but became a musical haven in the 60's and onward. Still home to some of the world's most famous venues such as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Roxy, and Pandora's Box, the Sunset Strip was the backdrop to bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Quiet Riot, and Guns 'n' Roses.
Some 15,000 music fans turned out for this year's Sunset Strip Music Festival hosted on LA's historic boulevard. In the 1930s and 1940s, the strip was the playground of the uber rich, but became a musical haven in the 1960s when famous venues such as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Roxy and Pandora's Box was the backdrop to bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Quiet Riot, and Guns 'n' Roses.
Kyleen JamesThe Sunset Strip Music Festival is moving from August to September, expanding to two days and bringing on Nederlander Concerts to book and promote the seventh annual event.
The street festival is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21 on the fabled Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. One of the city’s largest events, it has consistently attracted as many as 15,000 fans.
SSMF will feature multiple outdoor stages, vendors and interactive experiences throughout the day and into the night. In addition, dozens of musical artists of different genres will perform in such venues as The Roxy Theatre, Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and the House of Blues.
The fest actually kicks off with a tribute to a Strip icon (to be announced) on Friday, Sept. 19. SSMF honored rock goddess Joan Jett last year with the Elmer Valentine Award for her contributions to the scene.
Organizers say the move from early August to mid-September will benefit nearby hotels, which have higher vacancy rates during that time of year.
Nederlander will receive 25 percent of revenue from the event, with the other 75 percent going to the Sunset Strip Business Association, a spokesperson for the promoter confirmed. The deal is for one year, with an option to renew.
“We are thrilled to partner with SSMF Llc. and bring Nederlander’s music legacy to the iconic Sunset Strip,” said Nederlander Concerts CEO Alex Hodges., whose company also operates the Greek Theatre and the Pantages in the L.A. area. “The Sunset Strip Music Festival brings members of the community together to celebrate music and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Sunset Strip.”
SSMF will announce additional details, including ticket information and performers, in the coming weeks. This year, the event will work with CBS Radio’s six Los Angeles stations as exclusive radio sponsors.
Twitter: @mikebarnes4
