At the Hollywood Bowl, the Grammy Award-winning icons joined with a Thomas Wilkins-led LA Phil to express in music the very best of the American dream.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 07-06-2025
What a fabulous night filled with positive energy as a sold-out crowd at the Hollywood Bowl came together to celebrate America and one another. Under a warm summer sky, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, supported by Thomas Wilkins and the LA Philharmonic, transformed a holiday concert into a lovely display of unity, hope, and joyful patriotism. Once again, the Hollywood Bowl proved to be the place to be in Los Angeles.
The evening started with a burst of energy as Earth, Wind & Fire kicked off their performance with “Shining Star.” This classic anthem of self-belief and possibility fit the mood of the evening like a warm glove on a cold night. The excitement continued with “Sing a Song,” as the crowd happily joined in the celebration. The fantastic concert continued with an inspired cover of The Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life,” a reminder of how smoothly Earth, Wind & Fire has combined genres and generations for over fifty years.
Thomas Wilkins, Principal Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, acted as both maestro and messenger. With humility rooted in his love for what he does, he spoke about the founding ideals of this nation. He highlighted how music can renew the vision of democracy that unites people and sometimes helps them go beyond their differences. Additionally, his words carried special significance in these divided times.
Throughout the evening, the LA Phil enriched Earth, Wind & Fire’s iconic sound with precise musical accents without overshadowing the band’s unique style. The orchestra added layers of grandeur to familiar hits, culminating in the high-energy finale of “Boogie Wonderland” and “Let’s Groove.” By this point, the entire Bowl was on its feet, dancing and singing as the sounds echoed across the hills of Hollywood.
As the final notes faded, the Philharmonic seamlessly transitioned into a medley of patriotic songs. The music intensified as fireworks exploded overhead, illuminating the night with vibrant colors. Truly, the Hollywood Bowl radiated with a shared sense of celebration. At the center of the spectacular fireworks display, each vivid burst mirrored the crowd’s joy.
But the night was not over. To the audience’s delight, Earth, Wind & Fire returned to the stage for an encore of “September.” With the LA Phil supporting them, the song became an anthem of joy and unity, carrying the message that the American dream lives not only in history books but also in the music, art, and shared moments that bring people together.
As the crowd dispersed beneath a sky still glowing with the memory of fireworks, the message was clear. Unity, joy, and freedom remain at the heart of the American story, carried forward by music, art, and the shared belief in a better tomorrow. Let us all remember such a lovely message moving forward!
