Easter Sunrise Service at the Hollywood Bowl canceled this year; recession and lack of donors cited

The recession and lack of adequate donor support have led to the cancellation this year of the popular Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service, organizers said Thursday.

“It’s terribly heartbreaking,” said Trina Herrmann-Boychenko, president of the group that organizes the annual service. “It’s the economy, and our donors are unable to support [the event] as much as they would like to."

The nonprofit group Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service relies on financial assistance from corporations and the general public to present the nondenominational Easter celebration.

The cost of putting on the event is “substantial ... similar to putting on a rock concert or lease event,” said Herrmann-Boychenko. She would not specify a dollar amount.

Admission and parking are typically free of charge to the event that in past years organizers said had attracted between 12,000 and 17,000 worshipers. Attendance dropped to around 8,000 in the last two years, Herrmann-Boychenko said.

It is not the first time the service has been canceled. It failed to go forward in 2004 and 2005 due to a $25-million renovation to replace the stage shell with a larger structure. It also was canceled for five years in the mid-1990s because of other renovation work at the amphitheater.

The service was held in other locations, including at nearby Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Hollywood Hills.

The event also suffered an emotional blow last year when longtime volunteer and producer Norma Foster suffered a massive stroke, Herrmann Boychenko said.

The sunrise services began in 1919 as a gathering for silent film stars near the site of the Hollywood Bowl, and moved to its current site in 1921. Back then, the bowl was basically a hillside blanketed with rocks and weeds, but the area had good natural acoustics.

--Ann Simmons

Photo: Easter services at the Hollywood Bowl in 1947. UCLA collection.

Comments

[Peter White]

That's a shame.

Growing up this celebration was a family tradition.

Plus, a couple of years included my grade school and both my little sister's class and mine were among the groups that participated along with Florence Henderson.

Sad to see traditions like this one fade away ...

[Once proud American]

How very sad. It sure feels like the New World Order. I'm just say'n.

[Heidi]

There is an Easter service at the Hollywood Bowl this Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. hosted by Bel Air Presbyterian Church. Rain or Shine. All are welcome! Doors open at 9 a.m.

[Winnie]

This is a sad turn of events for the sunrise service.

**However, there is an 11 am service with Bel Air Presbyterian Church**

This annual service has been a traditional favorite with our family, with a full complement of choir, contemporary band music, and great worship service. Doors open at 9 am, and all are welcome!

[Stephanie Ann Scott]

Although the sunrise service was canceled, there still is an Easter Service this Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl. Bel Air Presbyterian Church will be bringing it's 100 person Easter Choir to the Hollywood Bowl for an amazing service. Doors open at 9am. If you had plans to attend the Sunrise Service, please come to the 11am service. We look forward to seeing you there, and sharing Easter with you.