The Greek Theatre: A History Lesson
The Greek Theatre Los Angeles is one of the most popular concert venues in Southern California. With a capacity of over 5,900 people, the theater has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years. But did you know that the venue has a rich history dating back almost a century? Read on to learn more about this LA staple.
The Greek Theatre was commissioned by Griffith J. Griffith, a wealthy landowner and philanthropist who donated 3,015 acres of land to the city of Los Angeles in 1896. Griffith’s vision for the theater was for it to be used as a venue for outdoor opera performances, and construction on the venue began in 1927. However, due to the 1928 completion of the Hollywood Bowl, plans for the Greek were put on hold until 1930 when construction finally resumed.
Los Angeles County took over ownership of the theater after Griffith’s death in 1942, and between 1947 and 1950, numerous improvements were made to modernize the venue. In 1983, the county signed a long-term lease with Nederlander Concerts, and since then, the company has been responsible for booking all concerts and events at the Greek.
Over the years, the Greek has hosted some truly unforgettable concert performances. In recent years, acts like Bruno Mars, Alabama Shakes, Kendrick Lamar, and Lana Del Rey have all graced the stage. And in 2018, KISS even set a world record for loudest performance at the theater when they played an ear-splitting 128 decibels!
The next time you’re looking for something fun to do in Los Angeles, consider checking out a show at the historic Greek Theatre. With its rich history and incredible acoustics, it’s sure to be an enjoyable evening out!