Hilary Swank to Induct Harry Connick, Jr. Into Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame

Two-time Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank will induct Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer/musician/actor Harry Connick, Jr. into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame at this year's Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl, Friday, June 17, at 8:30 p.m. The evening also features an exclusive sneak preview of Cirque du Soleil's first resident production in Los Angeles, "IRIS - A Journey Through the World of Cinema." Seven-time Grammy-winning pop music superstar Gloria Estefan will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Both Connick, who made his Bowl debut in 1994, and Estefan, who first appeared at the Bowl in 1988, are to perform with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins. Additional presenters and other special guests are to be announced.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the LA Phil and its music education programs, which reach more than 120,000 children, teachers and adults every year.

Established in 2000, the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame identifies and pays tribute to artists whose unique achievements embody the spirit of the world-renowned Hollywood Bowl. The Hall of Fame is now part of an exhibit on the main floor of the Hollywood Bowl Museum that includes photos and film of inductees over the years. The "Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame" was conceived on behalf of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association by Wayne Baruch and Charles F. Gayton, who have created and produced all 12 Hall of Fame opening concerts.

WHO:
HOLLYWOOD BOWL ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS, conductor
Harry Connick, Jr., inductee
Gloria Estefan, inductee
Hilary Swank, presenter
Cirque du Soleil, special performance WHEN:
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011, 8:30
WHERE:
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
2301 N. Highland Avenue in Hollywood

HOW TO PURCHASE:
Patron packages for this annual benefit concert include a VIP pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by Patina and served in guest boxes prior to the concert. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its education programs. Opening Night Concert packages ($2,200 to $15,000) may be purchased through the LA Phil's Special Events office. Please call 213.972.3051 for details and reservations. Tickets for the concert only ($11 - $110), which begins at 8:30 p.m., are on sale, starting May 7, online at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl box office, through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, and by credit card phone order at 323.850.2000.

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff