Whiplash in Concert: A Live Jazz Experience in Beverly Hills

Imagine a fresh way to enjoy the film “Whiplash,” where you don't just watch but feel the music come alive in front of you. Instead of simply hearing its thrilling jazz score through a screen, you experience the crack of a snare drum, the blast of a trumpet, and the energy of an 18-piece big band in a dynamic live concert.

On February 7 and 8, the Oscar-winning film “Whiplash” will be brought to life at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, with Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz leading a live performance of his own score. This unique event is a collaboration between TIL Events, Street Food Cinema, Hurwitz Concerts, and Blumhouse Productions, and marks the film's 10th anniversary.

“Whiplash in Concert” will present its award-winning soundtrack performed live by a big band, creating an electric atmosphere at the historic Saban Theatre. The venue was carefully chosen for its 1930s architecture and excellent sound quality, fitting the vintage jazz theme of the film. According to Steve Allison from TIL Events, this concert will strip the film of its recorded music, leaving only the dialogue and sound effects, allowing audiences to enjoy a completely live musical experience.

Allison explains, “There’s nothing quite like hearing a full orchestra perform live. It creates an auditory experience that cannot be replicated in any other way, bringing a new dimension to the film.” The concert follows the successful “La La Land in Concert,” another live-to-film event featuring music composed by Hurwitz.

Planning the live concert required careful logistics. The selected musicians will replicate every note of the film’s score in perfect synchronization, using a click track system to ensure precision. According to Allison, the drumming will play a critical role, led by a drummer familiar with the film's pulse and energy, ensuring top-notch performance quality.

Alongside the music, concert-goers can expect an immersive experience featuring gourmet food trucks and a lively atmosphere. There will be a 15-minute intermission where attendees might interact with musicians and the composer. A portion of the proceeds will also support MusiCares' wildfire disaster relief fund, highlighting the concert's dedication to giving back to the community.

This concert is more than just a screening; it offers fans a new way to engage with “Whiplash.” Allison sums it up with excitement: “Watching it at home is one thing, but feeling the live music reverberate through the venue is an entirely different experience.” He describes what to expect in three words: “Intensity, beauty, and the unexpected.”

Whiplash In Concert Details

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills

Tickets: Tickets start at $65 and are available at streetfoodcinema.com.

concert, jazz, film