Don’t walk on by this concert

What the world needs now is music, sweet music—preferably with a Burt Bacharach-Hal David pedigree. A tribute to the prolific pop duo, which penned twenty-two Billboard Top 40 hits in the latter half of the 20th Century, takes place this Labor Day at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon.

The special afternoon concert, which benefits the nonprofit Theatricum, was organized by singer-songwriter and Topanga native Inara George. Over the past six years, her summer concerts have been the toast of Topanga, honoring the likes of Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, and her father, Lowell George. She also has performed at the outdoor amphitheatre as Shakespeare’s Juliet, and as a member of indie bands The Living Sisters and The Bird and The Bee.

Joining her Monday will be special guest John C. Reilly and about a dozen other local musicians and performers. They will cover the Bacharach/David catalogue, which contains hits like “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Always Something There to Remind Me,” “Walk On By” and “What the World Needs Now is Love.”

The Theatricum Botanicum presents culture and history, from Shakespeare to folk music, in a verdant, wooded outdoor forum. It holds theatre classes for all ages and holds youth summer camps for kids, along with other community cultural activities.

The tribute takes place Monday, September 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the upper tier and $40 for the lower tier. They may be purchased in advance online or by calling (310) 455-3723. The Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and free parking is available onsite or along the road. Snacks are available from the concession stand, or bring a lunch with you. Picnickers are invited to kick back and explore the grounds before and after the show.

Posted 8/30/11