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One of the Peninsula’s hidden treasures is an intimate concert venue on the Stanford University campus.
Tucked between Campus Drive and The Quad is an outdoor grass amphitheater. Typically referred to as “Frost Amphitheater,” it was a gift to the campus by the parents of John Laurence Frost, who died of polio in 1935 shortly after graduating.
Opening in 1937, this beautiful venue has hosted numerous events throughout its eight-decade-long life. From musical events to noteworthy speakers, the outdoor bowl is also where the university’s commencement ceremonies took place from 1938 until 1984.
The seating capacity is 8,000.
Designed by landscape architect Leslie Kiler, some of the well-known who graced audiences over the years include 14 concerts by the Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Eric Clapton, the Chambers Brothers, and more.
In a noted departure from entertainers, Soviet President Michael Gorbachev spoke there in 1992.
One of my visits to the lovely setting was to see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who entertained on a Fourth of July celebration, which included fireworks. I also saw the world-famous Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar.
As the decades went by, wear and tear began to set in.
A decision was made to reinvest in the charming venue; thus, it was closed temporarily in 2017 for renovation. Two years hence, in July 2019, a new, improved amphitheater reopened and has been humming along ever since.
If you have never been to “Frost,” I would highly recommend searching their list of guest performers and making it a point to partake in what will no doubt be a memorable experience.
Everything else is just history
