Where to see free shows in downtown L.A. this summer

Funk, rock, opera concerts, spoken word events and even a sock puppet show are among the free live performances coming this summer to California Plaza in downtown L.A. as part of Grand Performances’ annual Summer Series.
The 32nd annual series, organized by the nonprofit Grand Performances organization, takes place from June 1 through Aug. 18 and is made up of more than two dozen events at the outdoor venue.
It all starts at 8 p.m. Friday, June 1, with a tribute to Sly Stone called “