The newly renovated John Anson Ford Theatre reopened last night with performances by two LA-based musical groups: Japanese drumming troupe Taiko Project and Chicano rock band Quetzal. It was the first show held at the historic amphitheatre since 2014, when work began on a $66 million overhaul.
The two musical acts performed on a brand new stage with freshly installed lighting and a new sound barrier to mitigate traffic noise from the nearby Hollywood Freeway. A picnic area and food stand should be complete by the end of the summer, when the theatre will hold a full dedication ceremony.
Often overshadowed by its neighbor to the west, the Hollywood Bowl (along with the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park), the Ford has a rich history and a truly impressive design based on the gates of Jerusalem. With its new overhaul nearly complete, the Ford looks ready to regain its reputation as one of LA’s greatest outdoor venues.