Overton Shell
In lovely Overton Park, this Hollywood Bowl–like amphitheater has a fascinating history. Built during the Depression, it initially hosted musical theater and orchestral concerts. But on July 30, 1954, a relatively unknown Elvis Presley opened for Slim Whitman, in what some musicologists call the first-ever rock-'n’-roll show. Over the years, musicians ranging from Johnny Cash to the Grateful Dead took to the stage before it fell into disrepair. Preservationists rallied to revitalize the hall, which reopened in 2008 and is now the site of more than 50 free outdoor live-music events every year. Acts as diverse as Lake Street Dive, Al Kapone, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers have played shows here, though much of the current musical programming at Overton Shell is intended to be free.
In lovely Overton Park, this Hollywood Bowl–like amphitheater has a fascinating history. Built during the Depression, it initially hosted musical theater and orchestral concerts. But on July 30, 1954, a relatively unknown Elvis Presley opened for Slim Whitman, in what some musicologists call the first-ever rock-'n’-roll show. Over the years, musicians ranging from Johnny Cash to the Grateful Dead took to the stage before it fell into disrepair. Preservationists rallied to revitalize the hall, which reopened in 2008 and is now the site of more than 50 free outdoor live-music events every year. Acts as diverse as Lake Street Dive, Al Kapone, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers have played shows here, though much of the current musical programming at Overton Shell is intended to be free.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
