It’s the summer, and there are several concerts located throughout Los Angeles that allow people to enjoy the sun and the music. Best of all, they’re free! Here are a few that we recommend.

KCRW is presently holding a free concert series called “Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live” on selected Saturday nights at The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City. Artists who have participated include Moby and Portugal. The Man. The performance is held in a park surrounded by office buildings, providing an intriguing juxtaposition of urban life and nature. At night, the buildings light up from color spotlights emanating from the stage. While there are no chairs available onsite, people are welcome to bring picnic blankets. It does get cold in the evening so do bring a jacket. For food, I suggest “The Stand” that is located within the park for their amazing burgers. As you wait for the concert to begin, take some time to check out some astonishing photos of music performers from Elvis to Marilyn Manson at The Annenberg Space for Photography. Parking inside the venue is only $1, and you can also take buses #3, 5, 16, 28, 316, and 728. August 4th will be the next AND final concert for “Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live” in Century City so don’t miss out!!

Not too far away from “Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live,” Santa Monica Pier is hosting their Twilight Concert Series (not related to the movie of the same name) every Thursday night. Those who want to get close to the performers can stand near the stage on the pier across from Bubba Gump. A projector and multiple speakers are also installed below the pier so those lying on the beach can still enjoy the concert on the pier. For food, there are plenty of restaurant choices on the pier and at the Third Street Promenade nearby. A sunset and a view of the iconic ferris wheel in Santa Monica Pier also provide an unforgettable sight for lovers. There are metered parking on the streets, and buses #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 27, 33, 534, 704, 720, and 733 stop near the pier. The Twilight Concert Series continue every Thursday to September 6th!!

Those in Downtown Los Angeles can check out the Grand Performances in the California Plaza during the weekends. Like “Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live,” the plaza is surrounded by office buildings, which provide shade, but people don’t have to worry about sitting on grass. There are plenty of seats available as long as you show up early to claim them. As a neighbor of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, and Mark Taper Forum, the California Plaza spares no expenses in the design of the stage. The stage is separated by a moat, and a fantastic fountain display erupts from behind. Across from the California Plaza, you can see a breathtaking view of Downtown Los Angeles at Angels Knoll Park, where Marc Webb shot the memorable bench scenes in “500 Days of Summer.” The Grand Performances also provide a lot of variety from jazz to storytelling to dance. To get to the plaza, park below the park, or get off the metro at the Pershing Square Station. You can then take the Angels Flight Railway up Angels Knoll Park for 50 cents (25 cents for Metro ticket holders)! Make sure to grab some cheap and delicious Mexican food from the Grand Central Market on 317 S. Broadway before it closes at 6pm! The Grand Performances are held on the weekends up to August 25th!!

For more photos, please check out our Facebook page, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @SurvivingLA for updates on future events! You can check out a brief clip of Portugal. The Man playing at “Who Shot Rock & Roll: Live” here! Let us know what is your favorite concert venue by leaving a comment!

Until next time,

Steven