Clear skies lent views all the way across the city and out over the Pacific as the Getty Center hosted its first night of this summer's Saturdays Off the 405 outdoor music series.

The Getty, Los Angeles' breathtaking architectural and cultural gem, "wanted to take advantage of the beautiful LA summertime weather," and will run the event once a month through October 10th.

According to Laurel Kishi, the Museum's Performing Arts Manager, they've teamed up with Silver Lake's Spaceland in order to bring a mix of touring and local artists out to perform this summer.

"We're working closely with Spaceland to showcase artists that will draw a really diverse crowd and help to create fun and exciting evenings here."

Brooklyn-based musical trio Chairlift was honored with kicking off this year's concert series. The band, most famous for their song Bruises (used in an Apple iPod Nano commercial) played songs from their latest album Does You Inspire You.

Pink and blue spotlights shone up against the imposing travertine stone walls behind the stage as lead singer, Caroline Polachek, accented their songs with mariachis and cowbells.

Chairlift's hipster fans came out in full force, filling the museum's outdoor space and lining the waterways in the center courtyard. The best part of the concert came when the band covered Snoop Dogg's Sensual Seduction and Polachek launched effortlessly into rapping the smooth easy,

"I was all in the club having a drink, smoking on a sweet, when I peeped this little freak out..."

The crowd, young and old, went crazy for it.

The group is performing this August at Lollapalooza and is most excited about catching performances by,

"Definitely Animal Collective," said drummer Patrick Wimberly.

"We're fresh off Bonnaroo, I don't even know who else is playing yet," said Polachek.

"What about Hockey?" offered guitarist Aaron Pfenning.

"Oh wait! Hockey! Yeah, I want to see Hockey," remembered Polachek.

The Getty's concert calendar can be found online and with no admission fee and free parking, you'd be hard pressed to find a better way to spend your next Saturday Off the 405.

THE DETAILS:

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
(310) 440-7300

Saturdays Off the 405
Next Event:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Free parking/admission.
Picnic baskets are okay.
No outside alcohol allowed.
Wine and refreshments are available at Getty concession stands until 8:30PM.

Story by Aubrey Nicole.
Photos by Stacy Keck: stacymariesd@gmail.com
Polaroid by Aubrey Nicole.