A Selective Guide to the Arts in Los Angeles

The free Marina del Rey Summer Concerts start tonight! Enjoy stellar musical performances this summer at Burton Chace Park — outdoors, by the water and under the stars. Symphonic Thursdays and Pop Saturdays both start at 7 p.m. Concerts are presented by the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors.

CONCERT SCHEDULE

Symphonic Thursdays – 7 p.m.

July 7

Opera at the Shore

Emerging opera stars from the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition will perform along the water in arias and ensembles from best-loved operas in this always-popular concert. Maestro Frank Fetta conducts the Marina del Rey Symphony.

July 21

Megan Hilty

Join us for a sensational performance by Tony-nominated actress and singer Megan Hilty. Best known for her performances as Lorelei Lee in the Encores! production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton’s role) in Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical, and Glinda in the international musical hit Wicked, this rising Broadway star is not to be missed. Accompanied by her four-piece band, Megan will put her vibrant and inspired spin on many beloved Broadway, American and pop standards, including “They Just Keep Moving the Line” from the musical TV series Smash and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Aug. 4

Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles

The nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles returns to the Marina to bring to life “Tango y más,” a series of Latin dances, accompanied by Marina del Rey Symphony’s performances of Arturo Márquez’s “Danzon No. 2,” Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” Carlos Gardel’s “Tango por una cabezo” (arranged by John Williams) and more.

Aug. 18

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Maestro Frank Fetta leads the Marina del Rey Symphony in another spectacular fully staged opera, this time performing an abridged production of Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Set in Japan, the opera features Puccini’s favorite heroine Cio-Cio-San, known as Madame Butterfly, and her beloved Lieutenant Pinkerton in a tragic tale of love, hope and betrayal. Zeffin Quinn Hollis returns as director.

Pop Saturdays – 7 p.m.

July 16

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

The original stars of iconic ’70s music group The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. have received seven Grammy Awards, 15 Gold Records and three Platinum Records. Named by Billboard as “The First Couple of Pop and Soul,” Marilyn and Billy invite you to enjoy “Up, Up and Away,” a musical fable about this dynamic duo’s journey and celebration of their own music, including a loving tribute to The Beatles.

July 30

Brian McKnight

Legendary R&B singer-songwriter, performer, producer and musician Brian McKnight is a multiplatinum recording artist who has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and has earned an impressive 16 Grammy Award nominations. Known for his romantic ballads, his music is rooted in gospel and jazz, genres he listened to as a child in a musical family. He will grace the Marina with soulful tunes from his highly anticipated new album, “Better.”

Aug. 13

Ra Ra Riot

Originally from Syracuse, indie rock band Ra Ra Riot has been known for its “baroque pop” sound that blends rock with melodic strings. Now with its newly released fourth album, “Need Your Light,” Ra Ra Riot channels a fresh spin on its eclectic style with songs that embrace upbeat electronics, heightened experimentation and expansive soundscapes, like “Water,” “Bouncy Castle” and “Absolutely,” and will electrify the audience with its trademark incendiary and visceral live performance.

Aug. 27

Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra

Dubbed “The Latin [Thelonius] Monk,” nine-time Grammy winner Eddie Palmieri brings his explosive, unpredictable sound and rhythms to the Marina. He has refreshed Latin dance music by introducing rock licks, urban poetry and elements of tango, cumbia, waltz and the folkloric music of his beloved Puerto Rico. With his full Latin dance band, Eddie’s music will get the audience on their feet and dancing through the night.

Burton Chace Park is located at 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey 90292. More information: marinadelrey.lacounty.gov or (310) 305-9545.