PASADENA—Popular Armenian singer Gor Mkhtarian will perform this Friday, July 19, in his third convert at the Levitt Pavilion at Memorial Park in Pasadena.
“Overall, the Levitt Pavilion is a venue that creates a highly comfortable feeling for the audience. The park, setting, stage and free admission makes any genre of music sound better,” said Mkhitarian.
Gor Mkhitarian is an Armenian musician who seamlessly meshes traditional Armenian music with modern rock & folk. He connects with his audience through his inspirational lyrics & warm melodies.
Mkhitarian is widely known throughout Armenia as the lead guitarist for one of country’s best rock bands, Lav Eli, Mkhitarian launched his solo career in 2001 and has released seven albums since. His music fuses traditional Armenian music with both rock and folk idioms.
Listeners can hear Mkhitarian’s influences of Simon & Garfunkel, Sting, and The Dave Matthews Band vibrating throughout his melodies.
Mkhitarian moved to Los Angeles in 2003, expanding his band with drummer Andranik Harutyunyan, basist Varujan Hovakimyan and pianist Art Grigorian.
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles presents shows in MacArthur Park Thursday through Sunday; Levitt Pavilion Pasadena presents shows in Memorial Park Wednesday through Sunday. Both venues include the ever-popular children series and will present returning fan-favorites like Bob Baker Marionettes and Kiddle Karoo musical puppet show.
Renee Bodie, the recently appointed executive director of Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles and Levitt Pavilion Pasadena, oversees both pavilions and all programming. A seasoned arts professional, she brings considerable business and nonprofit management experience to the role as well as expertise in media production and music programming. She previously served as president of Folk Alliance International.
Bodie is committed to advancing the Levitt model of building community through music, reinvigorating public spaces, creating opportunities for social interaction among people of all ages and backgrounds, and ensuring access to high quality performing arts experiences.
“The Levitt program holds so much power to enrich and bring together Southern California’s diverse mix of cultures,” said Bodie. “They come for the amazing free music and the welcoming vibe – both Levitt Pasadena and Levitt L.A. are true citywide destinations.”
The Los Angeles season runs June 15 – Aug. 25, Thursday through Sunday. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday shows begin at 8 p.m., with an additional children’s show Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Pasadena season runs June 16 – Aug. 24, Wednesday through Sunday, with a children’s show each Wednesday. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, and 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Audiences will again enjoy a range of pre-concert activities such as Open Mic, games, and karaoke, and will have access to more community organizations on site through Levitt’s Community Partners program.
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles and Levitt Pavilion Pasadena are both 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, sharing the common goal to inspire the best of American city life by bringing people together in beautiful, open green spaces to enjoy free, live music. Both Levitt L.A. and Levitt Pasadena are part of a growing national network of outdoor Levitt venues presenting free concert series across America. Locations also include Arlington, Texas; Bethlehem, Pa.; Memphis; Westport, Conn, and plans are underway for a Levitt venue in Denver. Each celebrates its own community and presents over 50 free concerts every year featuring a rich array of music genres. Attracting families, friends and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds, Levitt venues are coveted anchors of community life. For full concert details, please visit www.levittla.org and www.levittpavilionpasadena.org.
