Grinnell-in-Los Angeles revives Hollywood Bowl concert tradition
November 5, 2021 — When the idea was hatched to have a Back Together Gathering for Grinnellians in Los Angeles, the venue for it was a relatively easy decision.
The Hollywood Bowl has been a frequent gathering place for Grinnell alumni and friends over the past 15 years. The tradition of a picnic and concert was restarted Sept. 26 with a jazz performance by Herbie Hancock ’60.
“It was amazing. I had no idea how nice it would be to be back around fellow Grinnellians,” says Lorrie Buchanan Alves ’73. “People were so happy to be there. It was way more than the usual response to an event.”
Alves is one of six regional coordinators for the Grinnell-in-Los Angeles Regional Network, joining Mary Kay Kasang Allen ’72, Beth Guynn ’78, Ivy Chang ’01, Baylis Beard ’05, and Joy Sales ’13. Several of the coordinators began meeting informally in 2005 before the Grinnell-in-Los Angeles Regional Network was formed three years later. The network encompasses the greater metropolitan area of Los Angeles including Pasadena, Malibu, Irvine, and Orange County.
Back Together Gathering attendees pose for a group photo Sept. 26 before the Herbie Hancock ’60 concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
From 2005 to 2017, Grinnellians attended concerts at the Hollywood Bowl by Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Brian Setzer, Pink Martini, and Gladys Knight with Kool & The Gang. The biggest draw was a concert featuring Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang in 2009. Alves recalls that 110 Grinnellians were in attendance that night.
Going back to a Hancock performance this year seemed like an ideal way to assemble anew after the pandemic had wiped out the committee’s plans for the preceding 18 months. Hancock is a renowned jazz composer, musician, bandleader, record producer, arranger, and actor.
“The concert was excellent,” Alves said. “It was kind of like attending a classical jazz concert in that it was similar to seeing an orchestra. It was very intellectual with a lot of improvising.”
Before the concert, a picnic was held on the Hollywood Bowl grounds. Each alum got a chance to stand up and talk about why they chose to attend Grinnell or share a story about their days on campus.
Joy Sales ’13, a Grinnell-in-Los Angeles Regional Network co-coordinator, tells a story about Grinnell College, during a picnic at the Hollywood Bowl.
“It really brought the group together by having everyone participate,” Alves said. “The stories were really funny.”
Alves first saw Hancock perform as a first-year student at Grinnell when Herbie returned to campus. She’s followed his career over the years. One of the elements that impresses Alves about his concerts is how Hancock elevates other aspiring jazz musicians. The Sept. 26 show included Esmeralda Spalding as the opening act, and Domi and JD Beck joined Hancock on stage.
“I don’t know how he does it, but he always finds great people to accompany him that you haven’t heard of,” Alves says. “It’s heartwarming how he promotes young artists that aren’t well known.”
Back Together Gatherings were the first chance for Grinnellians in several cities to get together in person since before the pandemic. Other events included a Colorado Rockies game, a riverboat lunch cruise in the Twin Cities, an outdoor meet-up at the Uptown Beer Garden in Philadelphia, and a backyard gathering in Eugene, Oregon.
The LA group enjoyed the camaraderie and experiencing a performance together.
“No matter who you see, the Hollywood Bowl is a unique place,” Alves says. “And to go with
group of Grinnellians makes it even more special.”
— by Jeremy Shapiro
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