Calendar
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Come see what happens in the garden during extended hours. Take a tour, dance to music amongst the flowers, learn about nature, enjoy food and drink. Grab some friends and enjoy the gardens in a new way.
Included in the price of admission or Descanso Gardens membership, no reservations required.
Cultivate: The Five Senses
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Flower installation by florist Whit Hazen
- Watch before your eyes as a flower installation is built throughout the evening, using fragrant plants and flowers gathered from the garden to create a full sensory experience
- Time: 4:30–7pm
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Soundbaths by Marna Currie
- Enjoy sound baths under the oaks on the Main Lawn
- Times: 5–5:30pm and 6–6:30pm
- Location: Main Lawn
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Flashdance DJ
- Have a drink in the Rose Garden bar and enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary songs by our popular guest DJs
- Time: 4:30–7pm
- Location: Rose Garden
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Activity: Make your own herbal tea bag to take home
- Time: 4:30–7pm
Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.
The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.
Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.
*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.
See the full music lineup here:
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Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 (No music on Friday) | Tina Lenert- Harp
Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens.
Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto
This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music.
Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar
A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca.
Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 (No music on Friday) | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel
Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.
Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India
A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.
Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble
This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.
Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 (No music on Friday) | Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe.
Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar
Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.
.
Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.
The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.
Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.
*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.
See the full music lineup here:
.
.
Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 (No music on Friday) | Tina Lenert- Harp
Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens.
Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto
This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music.
Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar
A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca.
Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 (No music on Friday) | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel
Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.
Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India
A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.
Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble
This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.
Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 (No music on Friday) | Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe.
Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar
Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.
.
Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.
The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.
Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.
*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.
See the full music lineup here:
.
.
Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 (No music on Friday) | Tina Lenert- Harp
Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens.
Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto
This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music.
Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar
A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca.
Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 (No music on Friday) | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel
Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.
Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India
A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.
Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble
This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.
Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 (No music on Friday) | Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe.
Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar
Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.
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Get in the groove this summer! Enjoy our summer line up of world music performances on two stages the third Thursday of the month from June–August. Included in the price of admission, no reservations required.
Please note that chairs, blankets, outside food, and picnics are not permitted.
Thursday, June 15
4–7pm
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Rose Garden: 4–4:45pm & 5:15–6pm
Nevenka Folk Ensemble is a women’s chorus performing traditional Eastern European music. The multi-generational ensemble was formed in 1976 by women who shared a common interest in the complex harmonies and compelling rhythms of Balkan music.
Their repertoire includes songs from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Russia, Ukraine, and from the Ladino Sephardic and Romani cultures.
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Amphitheater: 5–5:45pm & 6:15–7pm
LALA Brass Taking influences from New Orleans’ second line, hip hop, latin, pop, rock, and everything in between, their music embodies the ideal of collaboration and reinvents familiar genres and sounds. Led by tuba player Bobby Murray, they have been sharing their music since 2016, and built an eclectic group of talented musicians from a variety of different backgrounds.
With their music, they hope to inspire others to express themselves with confidence and vulnerability. LALA aims to create a platform where everyone feels like they belong.
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LALA BrassMeander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.
The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.
Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.
*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.
See the full music lineup here:
.
.
Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 (No music on Friday) | Tina Lenert- Harp
Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens.
Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto
This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music.
Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar
A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca.
Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 (No music on Friday) | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel
Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.
Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India
A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.
Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble
This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.
Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 (No music on Friday) | Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe.
Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar
Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.
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Get hands-on gardening experience by mulching in the garden and help care for Descanso at this volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided.
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All experience levels are welcome.
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Ages 16 or older.
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Must be able to lift, bend and stand for long periods of time. Moderate to heavy lifting involved.
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Bring gardening gloves and water.
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Remember to wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes.
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Limited space available, RSVP required
RSVP to volunteer@descansogardens.org by Saturday, June 10, 2023. You will be sent additional instructions and will need to sign a waiver form in order to participate.
Join us for a curator-led tour of the new gallery exhibit 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor. Meets at the Sturt Haaga Gallery on June 17 at 11am and 2pm.
No registration required, free with admission.
About 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor
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0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor examines a wealth of subject matter that exists in the parasitological ecosystem of the forest floor. The coexistence of the parasite and the host helps to complete life cycles in some species and the coevolution of both. The exhibition will be installed to create an immersive environment containing works of all media that serves as a metaphor for the mutualism needed to contribute to the earth’s sustainability.
The works in the exhibition will depict nature’s underworld; a wondrous display of decay, slime, parasites, worms, beetles, mushrooms, roots, and the detritus of animals and humans.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery from June 17 through August 27, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Sturt Haaga Gallery is included with admission to Descanso Gardens, no reservations required.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is funded in part by Heather and Paul Haaga.
Top image:
Kristin Leachman
Whitebark 1 / (Whitebark Pine, Glacier National Park, MT.)
72x54x2 inches, oil on canvas on panel, 2023
Join us for a curator-led tour of the new gallery exhibit 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor. Meets at the Sturt Haaga Gallery on June 17 at 11am and 2pm.
No registration required, free with admission.
About 0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor
.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor examines a wealth of subject matter that exists in the parasitological ecosystem of the forest floor. The coexistence of the parasite and the host helps to complete life cycles in some species and the coevolution of both. The exhibition will be installed to create an immersive environment containing works of all media that serves as a metaphor for the mutualism needed to contribute to the earth’s sustainability.
The works in the exhibition will depict nature’s underworld; a wondrous display of decay, slime, parasites, worms, beetles, mushrooms, roots, and the detritus of animals and humans.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery from June 17 through August 27, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Sturt Haaga Gallery is included with admission to Descanso Gardens, no reservations required.
0 Horizon: Art of the Forest Floor is funded in part by Heather and Paul Haaga.
Top image:
Kristin Leachman
Whitebark 1 / (Whitebark Pine, Glacier National Park, MT.)
72x54x2 inches, oil on canvas on panel, 2023
Meander through the Japanese Garden with the accompaniment of acoustic music during our extended summer hours. Enjoy a drink from the Tea House bar in this new twelve-week series.
The Camellia Lounge is open from 4:45–6:30pm, Fridays through Sundays from June 2- August 27*.
Entry to the Camellia Lounge is included with admission, no reservations required.
*Please note that there will be no music on June 9, July 14, and August 4, 5, 6, and 11.
See the full music lineup here:
.
.
Saturday–Sunday: June 10–11 (No music on Friday) | Tina Lenert- Harp
Tina has provided music both solo and with the California Shakespeare Ensemble shows at Descanso for years, with her harp as a perfect complement to a walk through the gardens.
Friday–Sunday: June 16–18 | Rachel Rudich and Kozue Matsumoto– Shakuhachi and Koto
This fusion of traditional, modern, and improvisational music creates an incredibly vibrant and exciting showcase for Japanese culture through music.
Friday–Sunday: June 23–25 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: June 30–July 2 | Angelo Salazar– Guitar
A native of Peru, Angelo is a leader in Afro Peruvian Music and works in large and small ensembles blending styles from Cuban Latin jazz, boleros, salsa, chachacha, bossa nova, rumba, to flamenca.
Friday–Sunday: July 7–9 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Saturday–Sunday: July 15–16 (No music on Friday) | Kale Stiles- Pedal steel
Born on the big island of Hawaii, Kale grew up immersed in the local native sounds and upon living in LA, has dived deep into Jazz Manouche and modern-retro country scenes while never losing the nostalgic sounds of the Pacific.
Friday–Saturday: July 21–22 | Christopher Garcia– Percussion of MesoAmerica and India
A native of East Los Angeles, Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who entertains and educates with indigenous sounds from around the world.
Sunday: July 23 | Marc Gasway– Slack Key
A multi-instrumentalist and music director, Marc’s guitar playing infuses slack key tunings with elements of traditional American forms such as ragtime, Piedmont, Delta blues, and indie rock.
Friday–Sunday: July 28–30 | Tadaima– Taiko Jazz Ensemble
This unique ensemble comprised of Russel Baba, Gary Fitzgerald, and Leon Abner performs original music influenced by the traditions of jazz improvisation, world cultures, and modern music through a captivating combination of taiko, flute, saxophone, bass, and percussion instruments.
Saturday–Sunday: August 12–13 (No music on Friday) | Abe Lagrimas Jr.- Ukulele
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) recipient who has released multiple albums and headlined many ukulele festivals, Abe brings his expert sound of this beloved instrument to audiences across the globe.
Friday–Sunday: August 18–20 | Fang Fang Xu- Cello
A doctorate in cello performance from the USC and having performed with Pacific Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, LA Phil, and LA Chamber Orchestra, Fang Fang’s cello playing is a favorite at Descanso.
Friday–Sunday: August 25–27 | Philip Graulty– Guitar
Philip Graulty is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer whose unique approach to the guitar is informed by myriad styles including classical guitar, contemporary jazz, and country blues.
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