L.A.’S Legendary Union Station Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Food, Music & Culture

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A Two-Day Community Celebration for Angelenos

Eighty years after its spectacular debut marking the arrival of a sleepy western town as a critical crossroad to the world, L.A.’s historic Union Station has been transformed into a modern transportation hub and has emerged as a dynamic destination for arts, entertainment and culture. On May 3 and 4 Union Station will mark its 80th anniversary with a community celebration featuring the best of L.A.’s food, music and entertainment. Plans for the two-day event are moving full steam ahead.

On Friday, May 3, Union Station will celebrate this momentous milestone with the more than 100,000 commuters and travelers that move throughout the station each day. From 1-7 p.m. the regal Waiting Room will feature live entertainment from an eclectic selection of beloved L.A. bands including the California Feetwarmers and the New Recessionaries.

A Living Gallery will feature an electronic photo retrospective of the station’s storied past, and a model train exhibition from the Del Oro Pacific Modular Railroad will thrill train enthusiasts and visitors.

Additionally, some of the station’s favorite eateries will include custom 80th anniversary menu items and cocktails to satisfy every taste, while the gift kiosks will deliver limited-edition Union Station anniversary T-shirts and merchandise.

On Saturday, May 4, Union Station welcomes Angelenos to enjoy the beauty and history of the beloved downtown landmark. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the North Patio will be transformed into a Family Fun Zone including a Griffith Park Travel Town activity corner, a Giggle Factory play zone and a kids’ concert series featuring a workshop from Rhythm Child and performances from Angel Bird and Jazzy Ash.

From 10 a.m.-8 p.m. the station’s majestic South Patio will become a lively marketplace showcasing local artists and artisans with L.A.-inspired art, crafts and gifts including Angel City Press, Lit Soul Candles and Self Help Graphics and featuring live music from Soul Fab (DJs John Gregory) SOL!D Selectors ( DJ Mick Cole), DJ Funky Soul, urban soul from KCRW’s Raul Campos (with guest DJs) and performances from Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles and Latin soul band Jungle Fire.

The city’s hottest food trucks and a festive picnic area will provide guests with a diverse and delicious taste of L.A. throughout the day.

From 3:30-9 p.m. the Historic Ticket Concourse will become a hub of live entertainment featuring some of L.A.’s favorite bands including 30’s and 40’s jazz classics from Hothouse, big band funk from Phil Ranelin, Ska from Western Standard and the pan-Latin sound of Buyepongo.

Built in 1939 as a portal to the promise of the California dream, Union Station is an architectural gem; and docents from Metro Arts will be conducting art and architecture tours throughout the day to showcase the splendor of the station.

Additional entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit unionstationla.com.

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