Free Summer Jazz Concerts Are Back to Light Up Friday Nights at LACMA
There’s something timeless and special about watching the sun set over Wilshire while a live jazz band fills the air with melody. It’s part of what makes Jazz at LACMA such a beloved tradition in Los Angeles. After months of anticipation, the free concert series is officially back for another season, transforming the museum’s Smidt Welcome Plaza into one of the city’s most vibrant outdoor music venues every Friday night.
For over 30 years, Jazz at LACMA has been a cultural ritual for Angelenos. The series offers an easygoing, come-as-you-are atmosphere that draws a diverse and devoted crowd. Families bring their kids, couples set up date night picnics, and music lovers of all ages stretch out on the lawn with snacks, wine, and fold-out chairs.
The 2025 season opens with the Tony Austin Quartet, a group led by renowned drummer Tony Austin, known for his dynamic performances and work with legends like Kamasi Washington. Following opening night, the series continues with a wide range of performers, all of whom reflect the richness of LA’s jazz culture.
In just the first month, audiences can expect sets from the Tatiana Tate Band, Eric Reed Trio, Munyungo’s Jungle Jazz, and vocalist Natalie Jacob. Later in June, expect performances from groups like the Jacques Lesure Organ Quartet and Nicole McCabe Quartet. On June 20, the series will host a special tribute to the late Barbara Morrison, one of the city’s most celebrated jazz vocalists and an icon of the Leimert Park scene.
Unlike other concert series that require tickets, registration, or complicated logistics, Jazz at LACMA keeps things refreshingly simple. You don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need to pay. You just need to show up. That accessibility is part of what makes the experience feel so grounded in community. People arrive as early as 5pm to claim their spot, often turning the evening into a full picnic affair. By the time the music begins at 6pm, the plaza is buzzing with energy and the entire space transforms into a gathering of strangers united by rhythm and sound.
Jazz at LACMA Schedule
May 9 — Tatiana Tate Band
May 16 — Eric Reed Trio
May 23 — Munyungo’s Jungle Jazz
May 30 — Natalie Jacob
June 6 — Jacques Lesure Organ Quartet
June 13 — Nicole McCabe Quartet
June 20 — Tribute to Barbara Morrison
The setting doesn’t hurt either. The concerts take place right in front of Chris Burden’s Urban Light, one of LA’s most recognizable art installations. As the music flows, the sculpture’s lamps gradually flicker to life, adding a cinematic glow to an already dreamy evening. It’s the kind of night that feels distinctly Angeleno — equal parts laid-back and deeply rooted in the city’s creative history.
And if you’re planning ahead, there’s even more reason to make a day of it. Los Angeles County residents can access the museum’s galleries for free after 3pm on weekdays. That means you can explore the exhibits, take in some visual art, and then transition straight into a night of live music — no extra cost, no hassle.
Jazz at LACMA is the kind of event that doesn’t need a reinvention. It knows what it is and why people love it. It’s free, it’s open to everyone, and it brings some of the best jazz in the country to the heart of the city. For Angelenos and tourists alike, it’s a reminder of how good it can feel to be outside, surrounded by people, and carried by live music into the weekend.
For more on LACMA events, be sure to visit their event calendar.
