Once more, the Hollywood Bowl plays host to a sublime orchestral pairing when Natalia Lafourcade performs a special set with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil on Friday, September 6th, and Saturday, September 7th. Tickets for Friday are just $15 and Saturday seats start at $18. You can also win a pair of tickets during our upcoming giveaway. Subscribe to our newsletter to be one of the first to know when we drop the giveaway!

Words: Steven Ward

Lafourcade is a twenty-first-century maverick

From the moment Lafourcade emerged in 2002 with her self-titled debut, she seemed destined to eternally occupy both the radiowaves her music ceaselessly drifted in on—earning her 17 Latin Grammys over the years—and, more importantly, the very hearts of her listeners. With songs like “En el 2000” and “Nunca es suficiente,” she has amassed a catalog of sweeping rock and breezy folk-tinged pop that’s cultivated a grounding love of Mexican roots music. But it doesn’t matter how familiar you are with Lafourcade’s songs. She is one of those rare performers who has no trouble stirring the same billowing emotions that flood her poetic lyricism and spellbinding melodies in the lucky audiences that get to see her.

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Experience a trio of captivating contemporary odes

Before Lafourcade and Dudamel dive into their set, there will be a performance of three contemporary pieces by a triumvirate of talented composers. First up is the spectacular dynamism of Short Ride in a Fast Machine, a breathlessly cinematic and surging ecstasy of joyous fanfare by John Adams. You’ll then be treated to the tumultuous themes of Danzón No. 9 by Arturo Márquez, dedicated by the composer to Dudamel. Finally, Gabriela Ortiz‘s Antrópolis transforms the vivacious spectacle of Mexico City’s nightlife into a clamorously melodic celebration of sonic passion. All three are as exhilarating as you might expect and make for a thrilling opening to what we expect will be a euphoric night.

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Witness Lafourcade backed by the LA Phil

The last time Lafourcade was onstage with the LA Phil was before the pandemic, making this a highly-anticipated reunion that fans of the Mexican singer-songwriter cannot miss out on. The moment this show was announced, all I could think of was this one clip of them giving a goose-bump-inducing performance of “Hasta la Raíz.” There are other videos of Lafourcade’s 2019 concert with Dudamel, and every single one will leave in awe of her soaring vocals and the unsurpassed poignancy an orchestra lends to her music. It will also instill a deep and lasting FOMO—something you should absolutely rectify by ensuring you’re somewhere in that amphitheater when she returns next month.

A chance to share her music with your loved ones

Where else can you see an artist like Lafourcade or an orchestra like the LA Phil for under $20? Not many venues let you experience the spectacle and community of the performing arts at such an affordable price as the Hollywood Bowl. So whether you’re looking to introduce your kids, parents, or even grandparents to the life-changing and timeless sounds of Lafourcade—this is how you share the joy of music with both past and future generations.

Enjoy a pre-show picnic

If you do bring family or friends to the show, we’d like to remind you that no Hollywood Bowl experience is complete without enjoying the venue’s grounds. There are a total of 14 picnic spots you can choose from should you decide to bring your own food and drinks to the show. Packing a basket, tote, or cooler bag with all your favorite snacks and drinks is, without a doubt, the best way to enjoy a concert at the Bowl. It also helps you get there at least an hour early—which you should always do to minimize traffic headaches—while also giving you time to maybe take a tour or visit the museum. If you’ve got kids with you or are just interested in the history of this iconic Los Angeles site, we can’t recommend it enough.

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The Hollywood Bowl’s 2024 season has so many more wonderful concerts taking place this year, in addition to Natalia Lafourcade with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil. Some of our favorites include Carmen and Carnival with Dudamel, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Noche de Cumbia, and more!