The Beverly Hills Arts and Culture Commission confirmed a $57,000 outdoor concert series with six free performances still ahead when it met Tuesday, July 14, and recapped the just-completed Festival Beverly Hills.
The commission gathered at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers to hear updates on Concerts on Cañon, recap Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations, and advance its FY 2026-27 work plan, according to the posted meeting agenda.
Concerts on Cañon: six shows left
The free series at Beverly Cañon Gardens (241 N. Canon Drive) launched Thursday, June 4, and runs every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday, August 20. The city allocated $57,000 within the Community Services operating budget for 12 performances this season, according to a January 2026 staff report to the commission's liaison committee.
The lineup is curated by Recreation Services Manager Matthew Brown and Senior Recreation Supervisor Paul Paolone using a weighted rubric: 50% talent, 20% popularity, 15% genre diversity, 10% availability, and 5% local Beverly Hills preference. Acts cannot return for more than two consecutive seasons before taking a one-year break.
Remaining dates:
- Thursday, July 16 — Tom Nolan Band (Rock & Soul)
- Thursday, July 23 — Joyce Partise (Brazilian Bossa Nova)
- Thursday, July 30 — Woodie and the Longboards (Beach Boys Tribute)
- Thursday, August 6 — Groovis Maximus (Funk, R&B, Jazz)
- Thursday, August 13 — The Brat Pack (80s Tribute)
- Thursday, August 20 — The Tokens (60s Rock, Pop, Doo-Wop)
Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets are welcome.
Festival Beverly Hills wraps with Black Cats finale
Two days before the commission met, Festival Beverly Hills drew visitors to Beverly Gardens Park on Sunday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, globally inspired event was presented by the Community Services Department in partnership with the Arts and Culture Commission and the Farhang Foundation.
Performers included Maruja Limon, Viver Brasil Dance Company, Shivam Arts Dance, Elida Almeida, Anibal Seminario, and Klezmer Juice. Shahbal Shabpareh's Black Cats closed the Crescent Stage at 5 p.m., with the Farhang Foundation sponsoring all Iranian programming.
Hands-on activities ranged from a Mayan calendar exploration with Casa Maya de la Cultura to a traditional coffee ceremony with Little Ethiopia, soccer-themed zine creation with Las Fotos Project, maracas-making with Neighborhood Music School, and an AYSO soccer clinic.
What's ahead
The commission also adopted its FY 2026-27 work plan, which lists arts education, World Cup and Olympic programming, fine art acquisitions, and the ArtWalk guided tour program among priorities. Details were not yet public. Outgoing Chair Pamela Beck was recognized for her service during the July 2025 through June 2026 term.
The next regular meeting is Tuesday, August 11, at 10 a.m. Residents can watch live at beverlyhills.org/live or on BHTV Channel 10 (Spectrum Cable), and submit public comment by email at [email protected] or by phone at 310-288-2288.
