If you’re like me, when you think of the Playboy Jazz Festival, you think Hugh Hefner will be there in his silk red robe with a group of half-naked women where they jam to local jazz artists… No? Just me?
Well, although Hugh never showed up, I was not expecting to jam to Cuban music from Juan De Marcos or sing along to Fantasia and Kelly Rowland. But welcome to the Playboy Jazz Festival 2014 at the Hollywood Bowl.
This was my first experience at the Hollywood Bowl. If you’ve never been, the Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater where even the worst seats are good. The venue has a BYOB policy so imagine a gorgeous sunny day in LA, you’ve got your favorite bottles of wine, fried chicken and pasta salad and your best people. You’re destined for a great time… no matter who’s performing! Parking is a bitch but if you factor in a walk up Hollywood Blvd instead of parking at the venue as a part of your experience, it’s worth it.
In terms of the acts, the 2014 Playboy Jazz Festival had a diverse lineup. Someone for everyone. But like I said, if you follow the Hollywood Bowl formula, it doesn’t really matter who performs!