Hollywood Bowl July 2022 features Kinky Boots with Wayne Brady, Boyz II Men & TLC, Sinatra tribute with Billie Eilish, A.R. Rahman, and a-ha with orchestra.
When the Hollywood Bowl announces its summer lineup, upscale audiences from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood to Santa Monica know they’re in for extraordinary evenings under the stars at one of the world’s most iconic outdoor venues.
This summer’s programming delivers exactly what Bowl regulars expect: Broadway spectacle with Kinky Boots starring Wayne Brady, Jake Shears, and Kelly Marie Tran (July 8-10);
R&B legends Boyz II Men and TLC bringing hits like “End of the Road” and “Waterfalls” (July 29); a star-studded tribute to Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra featuring Billie Eilish, Debbie Harry, and Seth MacFarlane (July 27);
A.R. Rahman performing Bollywood favorites as part of KCRW Festival (July 24); and Norwegian pop icons a-ha with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (July 31).
For music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and entertainment seekers who appreciate world-class performances in California’s perfect summer weather, the Hollywood Bowl’s July lineup represents everything that makes this 100-year-old venue magical—diverse programming that spans Broadway, R&B, Bollywood, classic standards, and ’80s pop, all presented with the production values and acoustic excellence that only the Bowl can deliver.
Here’s your guide to the month’s most anticipated shows and why each deserves a spot on your summer calendar.
Related:
Post Malone announces Twelve Carat Tour 33-city including SoCal’s Crypto Arena with special guest Roddy Ricch.
Kinky Boots at the Hollywood Bowl: Broadway’s High-Heeled Hit Adapted for the Iconic Stage
The high-heeled Broadway hit comes to Hollywood July 8-10 in a special production adapted specifically for the Bowl stage—and the casting alone makes this unmissable.
Related:
LA Phil Introduces Club 101 inaugural membership program for The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons
Wayne Brady, the multi-talented performer known for Whose Line Is It Anyway?, numerous Broadway roles, and his versatility across comedy, drama, and music, leads the cast. Brady brings charisma, vocal power, and genuine star quality to everything he touches.
Jake Shears, frontman of Scissor Sisters and solo artist known for electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals, adds rock energy to this Broadway production. His experience commanding arena audiences translates perfectly to the Bowl’s outdoor amphitheater.
Kelly Marie Tran, who broke through in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and voiced the lead in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, brings her talents to live musical theater in this high-profile production.
With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, and direction/choreography by Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots tells the story of a struggling shoe factory saved by an unlikely partnership that results in fabulous footwear. The show’s themes of acceptance, authenticity, and following your passion resonate deeply, while Lauper’s score delivers genuine Broadway bangers that work both as theater songs and standalone pop moments.
Stephen Oremus conducts and serves as musical director, bringing his extensive Broadway credentials (he’s music supervised and orchestrated shows including Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton) to ensure the Bowl’s outdoor acoustics capture every musical detail.
For upscale audiences who appreciate Broadway but don’t always have time to travel to New York, the Hollywood Bowl’s practice of bringing major productions to LA—adapted specifically for the venue’s unique characteristics—creates accessible opportunities to experience world-class musical theater under the stars [Insert Internal Link].
According to the Hollywood Bowl’s history, the venue has been presenting diverse programming since 1922, evolving from primarily classical music to embrace Broadway, pop, rock, world music, and genre-defying performances that reflect Los Angeles’ cultural diversity.
Boyz II Men & TLC: A Journey Through R&B History’s Greatest Hits
Friday, July 29 brings two of R&B’s most iconic groups to the Hollywood Bowl for an evening celebrating some of the genre’s greatest songs. From “The End of the Road” to “Waterfalls,” this double bill takes audiences on a trip through R&B history.
Boyz II Men defined ’90s R&B with their smooth harmonies, emotional ballads, and crossover appeal that brought the genre to massive mainstream audiences. Hits like “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee,” and “Motownphilly” weren’t just successful—they became cultural touchstones that defined an era. The group’s ability to blend doo-wop influences, contemporary production, and genuine vocal excellence created a sound that remains influential decades later.
TLC brought entirely different energy to ’90s R&B—combining hip-hop influences, socially conscious lyrics, bold fashion, and personalities that made them one of the best-selling female groups of all time. Songs like “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep,” and “Unpretty” addressed real issues—safe sex, relationship standards, infidelity, self-esteem—while delivering undeniable hooks and innovative production.
Together on one bill, these groups represent complementary approaches to R&B excellence: Boyz II Men’s smooth, romantic balladry versus TLC’s edgier, socially engaged hip-hop soul. For audiences who grew up with ’90s R&B or who appreciate the genre’s history, this pairing delivers genuine nostalgia alongside vocal and performance excellence that holds up decades later.
For foodies, wine collectors, and upscale audiences throughout Los Angeles who treat Hollywood Bowl evenings as complete experiences—arriving early for picnic dinners, carefully selected wines, and pre-show socializing—this R&B double bill provides the perfect soundtrack for summer celebration under the stars.
Tribute to Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra: An All-Star Celebration
Wednesday, July 27 brings one of summer’s most anticipated events: a tribute to Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra featuring an all-star lineup that reads like a dream concert fantasy.
Billie Eilish, contemporary pop’s most innovative and successful young artist, brings her distinctive whisper-to-roar vocal approach to classic standards—a fascinating collision of eras and styles.
Debbie Harry, Blondie’s iconic frontwoman and punk/new wave legend, offers her take on the Great American Songbook—blending rock attitude with jazz sophistication.
Dianne Reeves, five-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, brings technical mastery and deep understanding of the jazz tradition these standards represent.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Broadway royalty with one of musical theater’s most powerful and expressive voices, delivers standards with theatrical flair and vocal excellence.
Seth MacFarlane, actor, creator, and serious jazz vocalist with multiple albums celebrating classic standards, brings genuine reverence and skill to this material.
Bettye LaVette, soul and R&B legend known for emotionally devastating interpretations that find new depth in familiar songs, ensures these standards feel vital rather than nostalgic.
Gretchen Parlato, contemporary jazz vocalist known for innovative approaches to rhythm and phrasing, represents jazz’s ongoing evolution.
Christian McBride serves as musical director, bringing his status as one of jazz’s most respected bassists and bandleaders. The Count Basie Orchestra provides the instrumental foundation—one of jazz history’s most legendary big bands, still performing with the swing and precision that made them iconic.
This lineup ensures the evening celebrates Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra not through impersonation or simple tribute, but by demonstrating how their music continues inspiring diverse artists across generations and genres. For music lovers and cultural enthusiasts who appreciate both preservation and innovation, this approach honors tradition while keeping it alive and relevant.
A.R. Rahman: Bollywood Favorites and Contemporary Indian Music
Sunday, July 24, as part of KCRW Festival, brings A.R. Rahman—the artist who redefined contemporary Indian music—performing Bollywood favorites and more.
Rahman’s influence on Indian film music and global pop cannot be overstated. His fusion of traditional Indian musical elements with electronic production, orchestral arrangements, and world music influences created a sound that’s simultaneously rooted in tradition and thoroughly contemporary. His work on films like Slumdog Millionaire (which earned him two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe), Lagaan, Dil Se, and countless Bollywood productions has made him one of the world’s most successful and respected composers.
For Los Angeles’ substantial South Asian community and for world music enthusiasts throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and beyond, Rahman’s Hollywood Bowl performance represents a rare opportunity to experience one of global music’s most important figures in an iconic venue perfectly suited to his cinematic, large-scale compositions.
KCRW’s involvement signals this concert’s significance—the influential public radio station consistently champions innovative, boundary-pushing music that reflects LA’s cultural diversity and global connections.
a-ha with Orchestra: ’80s Pop Meets Symphonic Arrangements
Sunday, July 31 brings Norwegian band a-ha teaming up with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins for a night of hits reimagined with full orchestral arrangements.
a-ha made waves in the 1980s with classic songs “Take On Me” (with its iconic animated music video) and “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.”—sophisticated synth-pop that balanced catchy hooks with genuine musicianship and emotional depth. While often categorized as one-hit wonders in the US, a-ha maintained substantial European success across decades, evolving their sound while retaining the melodic sensibility that made them stars.
Performing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra transforms these synth-driven songs into something entirely new—revealing orchestral possibilities hidden within electronic arrangements, adding acoustic warmth to digital precision, and demonstrating how well-crafted pop songs can transcend their original production choices.
For audiences who appreciate both contemporary pop and classical music, these hybrid concerts—where rock, pop, or electronic artists collaborate with orchestras—represent the Hollywood Bowl at its most innovative. The venue’s history of bridging musical worlds continues with performances that honor both pop accessibility and orchestral sophistication.
Planning Your Hollywood Bowl Summer Experience
Each of these July performances offers distinct experiences, but certain principles apply to all Hollywood Bowl visits:
Arrive early for picnicking: The Hollywood Bowl experience traditionally includes pre-concert dining on the grounds. Bring your own gourmet spreads, wine selections, and elegant portable dining setups, or purchase from the Bowl’s Food + Wine marketplace.
Consider parking and transportation options: Hollywood Bowl parking can be challenging. Explore options including Bowl shuttle services, ride-sharing, or arriving very early to secure convenient parking.
Dress in layers: Even in summer, evening temperatures can drop significantly once the sun sets. Bring light jackets or blankets to ensure comfort throughout performances.
Check specific show times and details: Each performance has unique start times, special instructions, and venue policies. Review the Hollywood Bowl’s website before attending.
Upgrade your experience with box seats or special packages: For special occasions or when treating clients, friends, or family, the Bowl offers premium seating options that include additional amenities and services.
Visit hollywoodbowl.com for tickets, complete schedule information, and planning resources for your summer Bowl experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Kinky Boots at the Hollywood Bowl and who’s in the cast?
A: Kinky Boots runs Friday-Sunday, July 8-10, 2022. The cast includes Wayne Brady, Jake Shears, and Kelly Marie Tran, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, and direction/choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Stephen Oremus conducts and serves as musical director for this special Bowl adaptation.
Q: What night do Boyz II Men and TLC perform together?
A: Boyz II Men and TLC perform Friday, July 29, 2022, in a concert celebrating R&B history’s greatest hits including “End of the Road,” “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and more from both groups’ celebrated catalogs.
Q: Who’s performing in the Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra tribute?
A: The July 27 tribute features Billie Eilish, Debbie Harry, Dianne Reeves, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Seth MacFarlane, Bettye LaVette, Gretchen Parlato, and more, with Christian McBride as musical director and The Count Basie Orchestra. This all-star lineup celebrates two iconic singers through diverse interpretations of classic standards.
Q: How do I get tickets for Hollywood Bowl summer concerts?
A: Tickets are available at hollywoodbowl.com, by phone, or at the Hollywood Bowl box office. Popular shows like the Sinatra/Lee tribute and Kinky Boots may sell out quickly, so purchasing tickets early is recommended. The Bowl offers various seating options from bench seats to premium boxes accommodating different budgets and preferences.
Your Summer Soundtrack Awaits at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl’s July 2022 lineup demonstrates exactly why this venue has remained LA’s premier outdoor concert destination for 100 years: diverse, world-class programming that reflects the city’s cultural richness, presented in a setting where perfect weather, iconic architecture, and exceptional acoustics combine to create magical evenings.
Whether you’re drawn to Broadway spectacle with Kinky Boots, nostalgic for ’90s R&B with Boyz II Men and TLC, curious about contemporary artists interpreting classic standards in the Sinatra/Lee tribute, excited to experience A.R. Rahman’s Bollywood mastery, or ready to hear ’80s pop reimagined with full orchestra through a-ha, the Bowl delivers experiences impossible to replicate elsewhere.
For upscale audiences throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, and beyond who appreciate when excellence, entertainment, and ambiance align perfectly, summer at the Hollywood Bowl represents LA living at its finest. Pack your picnic baskets, select your wines, gather your friends, and prepare for evenings where world-class performances meet California summer magic.
Visit hollywoodbowl.com to explore the complete summer schedule, purchase tickets, and plan your Hollywood Bowl experiences. These July highlights are just the beginning—the Bowl’s summer season continues through September with programming spanning every genre and style.
The Hollywood Bowl is heating up this summer. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic.
