2013 John Anson Ford Theatres Season Announced

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission announced the 2013 John Anson Ford Theatres summer season. It marks the 20-year anniversary of the Ford Partnership Program, which nurtures locally-based artists, arts organizations and community, celebrating and reflecting on stage the diversity of the people of Los Angeles County. The Ford summer season opens June 7 and runs through October 12. Full schedule detailed below. Tickets can be purchased at FordTheatres.org or by calling (323) 461-3673.

To coincide with the 20-year anniversary, the LA County Arts Commission presents the inaugural Zev Yaroslavsky Signatures Series. This two-concert program benefitting the Ford Theatre Foundation pairs world-renowned performers with a local treasure. With support provided by L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, the Signature Series kicks off on June 9 with Tony Award-winnerMandy Patinkin in concert with the Pasadena POPS. The evening will dazzle with this musical adaptation of popular song and Broadway classics. On August 10, Lula Washington Dance Theatre joins Complexions Contemporary Ballet featuring Los Angeles premieres and audience favorites. "Over many decades, the Ford has become one of our most distinctive County performing arts venues, a first-class and truly unique space," Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said. "I want to make sure that the Ford's diverse programming remains accessible to all of our Los Angeles communities."

The Ford Theatres, owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Former L.A. County Supervisor Ed Edelman championed the theatre, supporting the creation of the first summer season, named "Summer Nights at the Ford," in 1993. The program was designed to enable Los Angeles County-area music, dance and theatre groups to produce successfully in a major venue, providing production and marketing support and often facilitating their first important public appearances. Twenty years later, the program is more robust than ever and has served hundreds of arts organizations and producers. "Supervisor Edelman saw the Ford as a County asset that was being under-utilized," says Laura Zucker, Executive Director of the L.A. County Art Commission. "He challenged us to find a way to restore the shine to this local treasure and we responded with a program that offers a physical location, technical assistance and a way to generate revenue. We've watched these organizations flourish, building capacity and connecting to new audiences."

Highlights of the 2013 summer season include the Ford return of Viver Brasil Dance Company, with a world premiere piece entitled Intersections / Ajê celebrating the Afro-Brazilian dance company's 15^th anniversary, and the Fountain Theatre, with their popular Forever Flamenco featuring a special tribute to co-founder Deborah Lawlor. Colibri Entertainment honors Freddy Fender's musical influence with ¡Viva La Tradición! A Tribute to Freddy Fender, featuring The Texmaniacs, Flaco Jimenez, Rick Treviño and other guests.New to the Ford this year is Leimert Park's World Stage Performance Gallery, bringing Jazz Masters: A Tribute to Kenny Burrell; ROCK OUT! with Wayne Kramer, a Jail Guitar Doors Benefit Concert; and MARA, the masterMIND behind it all..., an evening of Indian dance theatre performed to a mix of Indian classical music and jazz presented by the Shakti Dance Company.

The Big!World!Fun! family series offers music and dance appropriate for children ages 4 to 12 and is presented on Saturday mornings in July and August in the outdoor amphitheatre. Children are admitted FREE and adults pay $5. J.A.M. Sessions is a FREE

During the off season, the Ford completed the first phase of planned renovations. Audiences for the 2013 summer season will be greeted by new seats in the amphitheatre, making their evening of entertainment under the stars - a Southern California tradition - a bit more comfortable.

ABOUT THE FORD At 1,196 seats, the Ford Theatres creates an intimate concert experience that is a favorite among Angelenos. Each summer, the Ford hosts a diverse roster of events representing music and dance styles reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles County. Operated by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Ford summer season events are in partnership with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations and producers. Unlike a traditional presenting model, these organizations apply to be part of the season and receive significant marketing, box office and house management support while keeping the majority of box office proceeds. This historic venue was built in 1920 and is located in a beautiful County park in the Hollywood Hills, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios.

ABOUT THE LA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development, and general resources for the community, artists, educators, arts organizations and municipalities. For more information, visitlacountyarts.org.

SEASON AND SERIES SPONSORS AND FUNDERS The Ford Amphitheatre 2013 season is a program of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission with core support provided by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Additional supporters include Angell Foundation; The Boeing Employees Community Fund; Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; Discover Hollywood; The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation; The James Irvine Foundation; L.A. Parent; Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation; KPFK Radio, 90.7 FM; Tom LaBonge, City of Los Angeles 4^th District; LA Weekly; LA18; Macy's; The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Wells Fargo; Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; Yelp.com.