Feb. 01--Angelenos were invited to catch free shows in downtown's historic theaters and enjoy pop-up shops, live music and a car show on Broadway in downtown on Saturday.
The "Night on Broadway" festival began at 5 p.m. Saturday and marks the seventh anniversary of the "Bringing Back Broadway" campaign that aims to revitalize the downtown thoroughfare over 10 years. The outdoor portion of festival is being held between 4th and 7th streets on South Broadway, which is closed to traffic.
"We are enabling people to explore a part of the city that's been forgotten," said L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar, who represents downtown. He said he expected the event to draw at least 5,000 people who want to check out the revival of what he called "the heart of Los Angeles."
Huizar pointed to recent improvements on Broadway, including more shops in downtown, more street furniture and more pedestrians. "Broadway is open for business," he said.
On Saturday night, seven downtown theaters -- Million Dollar Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre, Palace Theatre, Tower Theatre, Globe Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and the Theatre at Ace Hotel -- were offering free shows to the public between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Performances in the theaters and on the festival's main stage include Honolulu Avenue Strummers, Dance Mob Nation, Realssm and more.
