Free Aqualillies Show to Splash in DTLA

Honoring a luminary of the silver screen is tenderly done in so many ways around our region, from flowers placed at an icon's Walk of Fame star to film festivals that feature several of the star's best-known works.

But Esther Williams, the powerful athlete who helped to turn swimming into high cinematic art, has a rather special tribute paid to her memory each year. Special, and, of course, quite splashy, in various meanings of the word.

For members of the Aqualillies, the stylish, SoCal-based synchronized swim troupe, pay thrilling homage to Ms. Williams on her birthday, each and every year, at the group's annual Summer Watershow.

The star of "Neptune" and "On an Island with You" was born on Aug. 8, 1921, in Inglewood, and Aug. 8 is the very day when the Aqualillies will put on a splashy dazzler of a pool-based performance.

That pool? It can be found at the Hotel Figueroa, which recently redebuted following a major renovation. 

The price to enjoy all of the Aqualillies' H2O-vation for Ms. Williams? It's totally free.

So best backstroke for downtown on Wednesday, Aug. 8, well ahead of the 7 o'clock start time, to make sure you're in a great pool-adjacent viewing spot.

Lively tunes and magical mermaids will dive into all of the merriment, as will this nice fact: If you purchase a drink at Rick's, the open-air bar not far from the hotel's swimming pool, you can know that 10% of your bill will go to supporting USA Synchro and "the training of our national synchronized swimming athletes."

There are so many ways to remember those performers who made the movies more magnificent, and Esther Williams, who passed away just over a half decade ago, brought that star quality to an unforgettable series of pool-cool classics. 

Remember her, enjoy a balmy DTLA evening, and wave at the Aqualillies as they summon summer with their synchro-tastic talents.