Betty Rox will lead attendees on a cultural journey of the islands of Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados at the Ford Theatres. (photo by Timothy Norris/courtesy of Ford Theatres)

The free participatory arts program JAM Sessions and the Big World Fun family series return to the Ford Theatres this summer with an exciting line up of music and dance 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 playing the ukulele and drumming to folk dance.

Highlights of the 2019 JAM Sessions include Mexican folk dance with Ballet Folklorico Ollín, a drum circle with Christopher Ramirez and Caribbean dance with Betty Rox, to name a few.

Presented over four Saturday mornings between July 6 and Aug. 10, Big World Fun features one-hour music and dance events in the Ford’s outdoor shaded amphitheater.

Gates open early for preshow kid-friendly nature activities, provided in partnership with the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation’s Nature in Your Backyard program, and craft activities, in partnership with the community organization Go As If.

The Los Angeles County Library will once again provide tailored book lists to accompany each show.

This year, the Big World Fun series will include Latin American-inspired music and dance with El Santo Golpe on July 6, samba dance and drumming with Viver Brasil Dance Company on July 13, Bluegrass music with the Get Down Boys on Aug. 3 and classical kathak dancing from North India by Leela Dance Collective on Aug. 10.

Admission to all JAM Sessions is free, and admission to Big World Fun events is free for children and $5 for adults. Reservations are recommended. On-site parking is $5 per vehicle.

For information or tickets and reservations, call (323)461-3673, or visit FordTheatres.org.