The Fourth of July is all about backyard BBQs, bombastic fireworks, and bold declarations of independence. But this year, in Los Angeles, it also meant Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl. For three electric nights, the iconic funk-soul juggernauts from Chicago joined forces with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Thomas Wilkins for a red-white-and-boogie throwdown that had fans of all ages grooving and dancing in the aisles.
A longstanding Bowl tradition, these Independence Day firework shows feature artists in multi-night runs with full orchestral backing and explosive finales. Earth, Wind & Fire more than lived up to that legacy, lighting up the stage with their platinum-plated catalog and radiant stage presence. It’s a sacred holiday-meets-funk ritual now, and this year’s edition was funkier and more fiery than ever.
From the moment the LA Phil launched into a stirring “Star-Spangled Banner”, you could feel the patriotic buzz coursing through the open-air amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Decked out in red, white, blue, and sequins, the crowd whooped along to orchestral takes on “Strike Up the Band”, “America the Beautiful”, and even “Sing! Sing! Sing!” by Benny Goodman, as families munched kettle corn and waved glow sticks like sparklers. One of the evening’s most moving moments came during the “Armed Forces Salute”, when veterans from each branch of the U.S. military stood in recognition as their anthems rang out, earning thunderous applause from the appreciative crowd.
Then came the moment of cosmic alignment: the arrival of Earth, Wind & Fire, now led by founding bassist Verdine White, following the passing of Maurice White in 2016. The lineup also featured longtime vocalists and percussionists Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson (both members since 1972), along with B. David Whitworth (since 1996), keyboardist Myron McKinley and drummer John Paris (both since 2001), lead guitarist Morris O’Connor (since 2008), vocalist Philip Doron Bailey (since 2009), and rhythm guitarist Serg Dimitrijevic (since 2012).
From the first note of “Shining Star”, the Bowl transformed into a disco time machine. “Sing a Song” had everyone harmonizing with strangers, while “Got to Get You Into My Life” proved once again that these guys could make even The Beatles bounce.
The hits kept coming, each more electrifying than the last. “Serpentine Fire” and “Rock That” lit the crowd up with tightly wound grooves and horn section fireworks. A lush stretch featuring “Departure”, “Devotion”, and “After the Love Has Gone” gave the band space to stretch out emotionally and musically, marrying soaring vocals with soulful orchestration. “Fantasy” had couples slow dancing in the aisles, while “That’s the Way of the World” carried the kind of communal joy you usually only find in gospel churches and funk sanctuaries.
Just when it seemed the Bowl couldn’t get any more electric, out came the fireworks. During the LA Phil’s Sousa march interlude, a nine-minute sky-shattering display of color and sound rained down over the hills of Hollywood, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. The bursts of red, white, and blue matched beat-for-beat with the music, creating a symphony in the sky.
But Earth, Wind & Fire weren’t done yet. As the smoke cleared, the band returned for an encore, and what else could it be but “September”? With the LA Phil back in tow, they turned the funky national anthem into a glittering celebration of unity, joy, and downright irresistible rhythm.
For those still sizzling from the night’s festivities (or hoping to get in on the action), the band’s summer tour rolls on with shows across the country. Upcoming dates include July 6th in San Diego, July 16th in La Vista, NE, and a Midwest stretch through Kansas City, Camdenton, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Later in July and August, they’ll hit Cincinnati, Ft. Wayne, Toledo, Akron, Detroit, and Interlochen, MI before wrapping up the summer in Napa on August 30th at the Blue Note Jazz Festival. The band also has a Las Vegas residency at The Venetian coming up this fall. Get your tickets, find your loudest Hawaiian shirt, and prepare for the groove of a lifetime.
But good luck finding a setting more magical than this one. Funk legends under the stars, fireworks overhead, and a whole Bowl of Angelenos remembering, dancing, and singing along like it was the 21st night of September—no matter the date on the calendar.
Earth, Wind & Fire With LA Philharmonic – “After The Love Is Gone” – 7/3/25
[Video: Mo Sin Clutch]
LA Philharmonic – Fourth Of July Fireworks Show – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA – 7/4/25
[Video: Orange Food Scene]
