The third annual Beverly Hills Open Later Days (BOLD) kicks off with the Holiday Lighting Celebration along Rodeo Drive on Nov. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. BOLD is presented by the City of Beverly Hills in partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, and the Rodeo Drive Committee. The festivities are free and open to the public and will take place every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 15 to Dec. 21.
BOLD Holidays unveils new artwork this year designed by WRAPPED Studios, drawn from the work of its co-founder and renowned Los Angeles artist Chuck Arnoldi. The Courier reached out to WRAPPED Studios to find out what was the inspiration for the new design. Ryland Arnoldi, Co-Founder of WRAPPED Studios responded, “Soaked in sunshine and filled with cheer, the holiday season in Southern California is unlike anywhere else. This unique holiday experience was our inspiration for the artwork we created for the BOLD Holidays and Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting celebrations.” He added, “The lush strokes and saturated colors of the artwork reflect this Southern Californian holiday spirit, and we hope to convey its magic with our imagery.”
Also new this year is the first Beverly Hills interactive photography pop-up experience produced by The Scenario Studio, a company that has catered exclusive parties for celebrities such as Katy Perry, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend. Attendees will be invited to experience a variety of professional photography sets designed by world-renowned photographer and set designer John Ganun, complete with professional lighting, props, and costumes. Guests will also be invited to experience Ganun’s signature “Upside Down” room along with a selection of scenes created specifically for BOLD Holidays.
Visitors to the opening night celebration will experience live music from DJ Corylive!, Jazz ensemble The Cufflink Crooners, and impromptu music, dancers, and acrobatics at popular crosswalks of Rodeo Drive. Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award-nominated TV actor and Broadway performer Matthew Morrison is set to headline the event with a special performance of holiday songs and a sneak peek from his upcoming 2020 album of classic Disney covers.
Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch and fellow City Council members will illuminate the length of Rodeo Drive and its palm trees with holiday lights before the fireworks finale. Mayor Mirisch stated, “On behalf of the City of Beverly Hills, considered the world’s most iconic luxury and fashion destination, we are excited to engage with artists and creatives to bring the holidays to life for our visitors from around the globe. Describing the event, he added, “This immersive new program of art and entertainment will enhance the magic of the holidays for all our visitors and for the international luxury brands who call Rodeo Drive home.”
BOLD Holidays festivities will continue across the City with holiday light displays; curated art walks; family visits with Santa Claus at The Paley Center for Media; and entertainment with Mrs. Claus aboard the Jolley Trolley. In addition, the grand lighting of the One World Wish Tree will take place between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards and will include a performance by DJ Michelle Pesce.
The BOLD Information table located on Rodeo Drive will provide resources on how to contribute to a variety of charitable organizations. Visitors can also learn more about the upcoming events at lovebeverlyhills.com/boldbh.
