LeAnn Rimes to Perform at L.A. Live Tree Lighting
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
Confetti falls as L.A. Live's metal LED Christmas tree is lit on December 4, 2008.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — GRAMMY-award winning singer LeAnn Rimes will headline L.A. Live's second tree lighting on Thursday, an event which will also serve to open the entertainment complex's ice rink and kick off its Season of Giving campaign.
Last year's tree lighting capped a grand opening day for L.A. Live, though most of the restaurants opened later. The final element of the complex, the 54-story hotel and condo tower, is set to open on February 15.
The metal tree covered in 11,000 LED spheres returns. AEG says that trees and decorations around the complex feature 340,000 lights.
Sheila E. and the E family will perform "Little Drummer Boy" during the 6pm event, with Santa Claus, an ice skating Coca-Cola polar bear and L.A. Kings mascot Bailey making appearances.
The LA Kings Holiday Ice will be open through December 31. An hour of skating costs $10, including skate rental. The 70x50 foot rink is 20 feet shorter the rink at Pershing Square.
loveandhatela on December 01, 2009, at 02:28PM – #1
they went from Britney Spears (Pop mess at the time) to LeAnn Rimes (Country adultress mess).
Im guessing they are trying to attract the 18-34 young crowd
but its the over 30 yr olds (me,moi,yo) that have the disposable income that L.A. Live needs and wants that live near downtown LA.
The 18-34 yr olds with money stay on the westside- Santa Monica,Beverly Hills,etc.
-im just saying :)
TJ on December 01, 2009, at 04:35PM – #2
Only in LA would we have a homewrecker like LeAnn Rimes kick off a children's christian holiday with singing Christmas carols. Her adultery left two children without their father and she broke half the commandments in committing it. Merry Freaking Christmas LA.
Perry on December 01, 2009, at 05:44PM – #3
I hope her boy-toy isn't with her. Perhaps the city could hire a bunch of street walkers as backup singers.
Whitman Lam on December 02, 2009, at 09:02AM – #4
I have been a fan of Leann Rimes since she was young up and coming country singer at 15. She married at a very young age 19, to her backup dancer, Dean Sheremet, who has been confirmed by many close to him, to be secretly gay. So how is it considered cheating, to date another man, while staying "married" to a man who isn't even attracted to you physically ? You be the judge.
All I have to say is ... WHY CAN'T LA LIVE INSTALL A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIKE THE ONE THEY LIGHT UP IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER, INSTEAD OF THIS ARTIFICIAL LED ELECTRONIC EYESORE ???
JM on December 02, 2009, at 09:21AM – #5
The whole thing's a total turn-off. I'll be elsewhere, but I think it's a shame and a missed opportunity. How about someone local like Beck? Or any number of the artists living Downtown or in the vicinity (Silverlake, Echo Park)?
lisa on December 02, 2009, at 09:27AM – #6
The rink at Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square is larger. The surface is 50X90, still the largest rink in LA (not the same size)
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on December 02, 2009, at 09:39AM – #7
Lisa: You're correct. I had the numbers right in October, but have been using an incorrect Pershing Square size since. Oops.
Greensmark on December 02, 2009, at 10:18AM – #8
COMMON YOUSE GUYS~In the spirit of giving and peace on earth, y'all seem to be a little on the cranky side. Must be the full moon!! Doesn't anyone remember that Brittany didn't sing, se just pushed the button? It was the wonderful and beautiful Natalie Cole that sang and was the highlight of last years event. (For those of us over 30). It does seem a shame, however, that the entire thing has to be LED based. They have added some things this year. The cute train sets and little munchkins around the base of the trees. What's next? A big LED Wreath on the screen...?
Grnmrk
JM on December 02, 2009, at 11:48AM – #9
Sorry Greensmark. Every time I see that monstrosity, it brings out the worst in me. I like the LA Live complex, but I find they make some puzzling decisions. Having been to Universal Citywalk, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. They try to impose a similar format on all these types of places, but I had hoped for something a little bit different Downtown. Now if the Lakers fans could focus their considerable energy on "uprooting" that tree...
LAofAnaheim on December 02, 2009, at 12:22PM – #10
Again..don't we already have a tree like Rockefeller at City Hall? A tree like Rockefeller at California Plaza? A tree like Rockefeller at Music Center? How many more "trees like Rockefeller" does LA need? Can't the City of Angels create its own identity and do something different (without always comparing ourselves to New York)?
The 7 minute "Light of the Angels" show is unique and "So LA". It's kinda cool to see something very different and memorable.
JM on December 02, 2009, at 03:32PM – #11
Again...a tree is a tree. Nothing to do with what other places are doing. A metal tree is "soooo LA", which is why I live Downtown, trying to avoid the droid people in the other parts of town. As much as you're entitled to think the metal tree and "Light of the Angels" is the best thing, like ever, I'm also entitled to my opinion that it sucks pinatas.
Whitman Lam on December 03, 2009, at 04:45AM – #12
I can only think of one artist/band I want to perform at the Christmas tree lighting: THE BLACK EYED PEAS ??
What ? They're too cool for this ... oh well, what can we do ?
You want something more L.A. ? How about wrapping some palm trees in christmas decorations ... Nevermind that the palm tree is a non native plant.
DawnC on December 03, 2009, at 09:04AM – #13
At least the metal tree is reusable. Growing, cutting and then disposing of a live tree every year uses a lot of resources. Now if they could just make it solar powered...
Out of outmywindow on December 03, 2009, at 10:33AM – #14
We don't need two ice rinks. Downtown has room for lots of community events so why would we need two of the same activity? What's next dualing St. Patrick's Day parades with a contest of who can put the best Irish band on stage.
GCooper on December 03, 2009, at 10:54AM – #15
Although I am not the biggest LeAnn Rimes fan out there, I think she has a beautiful voice. Nevermind her personal life. She is young and perhaps made a poor choice to enter a new relationship without first legally ending her marriage, but that was her choice. She is not perfect, no one is. She is a singer and was invited to SING at this event, not lecture women on high morals...
Jackie on December 03, 2009, at 01:37PM – #16
Yes, let's not lecture anyone about Rimes' morals at Christmas time because she doesn't have any. Why not Jessica Simpson at least she's not a homewrecker?
JDRCRASH on December 03, 2009, at 02:01PM – #17
Maybe years from now, the tree lighting will be popular.
GCooper on December 03, 2009, at 05:46PM – #18
Jackie: Jessica Simpson, really? Wow....a has-been with an awful voice who can't seem to sell albums because of her 'singing skills'. Um, no, thanks, I'd rather see home-wrecking LeAnn, who actually can sing, perform anytime.
SB on December 09, 2009, at 12:06AM – #19
In 1870, Christmas was formally declared a United States Federal holiday, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. When we celebrate Ramadan it’s Ramadan not holidan. When we celebrate Hanukkah it’s Hanukkah not holikkah. The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be traced to the 16th century and the Christmas tree is associated with the celebration of Christmas. It’s a Christmas tree not a holiday tree.
DawnC on December 14, 2009, at 11:04AM – #20
SB, just remember that the war on Christmas was started with the war on the Pagan's Saturnalia, which the Christians usurped along with "holiday" decorating. Do you really think Jesus trimmed a tree on his birthday? Did you know that during his time it was considered Pagan to even celebrate birthdays?
Also this Jessica vs LeAnn argument is making me want to barf vanilla.
Juan on December 28, 2009, at 03:45PM – #21
I agree, a nationally recognized "local" band or performer would have been ideal. We don't know if LA Live approached any of them.
LeAnn has a great voice and should be applauded if she does a great job. If she begins lecture to women or talk about values, then we can all boo to shut her up.
Guest on November 27, 2010, at 10:28AM – #22
I am not sure why LA Live continues to put that ugly tree. There is nothing like having the real thing. That light show just does not put you in the spirit, uh!!!