The free participatory arts program JAM Sessions and the Big World Fun family series return to the Ford Theatres this summer from June 30 to Aug. 4 with an exciting line up of music, dance and theater experiences appropriate for the whole family.

Taking place on Monday evenings, JAM Sessions are interactive events guided by professional artists that are centered around movement and music. Participants of all skill levels are invited to get up on the Ford stage and try their hand at everything from Bollywood to Afro-Cuban dance to drumming.

Presented over four Saturday mornings between June and August, Big World Fun features one-hour music, dance and theater events in the Ford’s outdoor shaded amphitheater. Gates open early for preshow, kid-friendly nature activities in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Park’s “Nature in Your Backyard” program and craft activities in partnership with the community organization Go As If. The L.A. County Library will once again provide tailored book lists to accompany each show.

Highlights of the 2018 JAM Sessions include samba dance and drumming with Viver Brasil; tango dance with Oxygen Tango; drum circle and Ghanaian dance with Christopher Ramirez and Yeko Ladzekpo-Cole; Bollywood dance with Blue13 Dance Company; fraternity/sorority style stepping with California Step Association; Afro-Cuban dance with Kati Hernandez; and meditative movement and sound bath with LA Performance Practice and szalt dance company.

Events in the 2018 Big World Fun series include African dance and drums with Le Ballet Dembaya on June 30; “Fairytales UnScripted” with Impro Theatre on July 7; Korean dance and music with Kim Eung Hwa Korean Dance Company on July 28; and jazz-classical fusion with Quattrosound on Aug. 4.

Admission for all JAM Sessions is free. Admission to all Big World Fun events is free for children and $5 for adults. Reservations are recommended.

The Ford Theatres are located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E. For information and tickets, visit fordtheatres.org or call (323)461-3673.