Downey Civic Light Opera
The DCLO has a 55 year history of producing popular musicals at the Downey Theatre. They currenty produce three musicals a year, with 12 performances for each show in October, February, and June. 2010 Season: My Fair Lady, Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration, Carousel The 2011 Season: No No Nanette, The Melody Lingers On (Irving Berlin), Funny Girl
Downey Symphony
Downey’s very own symphony orchestra puts on four performances a year in the Downey Theatre, including one free concert in Furman Park during the summer. Upcoming musical pieces include: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Brahms; Walk to the Paradise Garden, Delius, Firebird Suite, Stravinsky; St. Paul’s Suite, Holst, Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Mozart; Serenade for Strings, Tchaikovsky. They’ve operated for 53 years.
Downey Art Vibe
Downey’s newest organization is a non-profit group for promoting local arts & culture, They’ve produced five arts events in the past 4 years. In April 2010, they produced a successful event around a photography art exhibition in the Downey Theatre gallery space, which drew approximately 800 people.
Summer Concerts in the Park
For six Wednesday nights in July and August, the city of Downey hosts and sponsors a series of concerts held outdoors at Furman Park. This year featured Mariachi, Big band jazz, the Downey Symphony, Classic Rock, Country, and nostalgia A Capella.
Downey Art Museum
Furman park is the home of the Downey Art Museum, a small showcase of art for the community for many years. Unfortunately, it has been closed this year and may be for awhile. The museum is currently involved in a lawsuit that triggered the city to close the museum and put the art in storage.
Others
There are small things going on all the time, and the often will fall under the radar. We have a comedy troupe based in Downey known as Chameleon Comedy that will perform improv at various places including Mambo Grill. Our high school drama programs produce plays in the fall and spring. We have some local dance studios that perform at the Downey Theatre, as well as programs put on by the Downey Kiwanis.
What else should be included here? Add it in the comments below.
Photo credits: Downey Civic Light Opera, City of Downey, Valentin Flores, Pam Lane
