The Redlands Bowl is a wonderful community amphitheater. Finding parking can be a challenge. It requires getting there early. The venue has great acoustics. You can hear wherever you are. Seating is on benches. You do need to get there 2 hours early if you want to sit up close. Otherwise, getting there an hour before the show will still get it a seat. Restrooms are tricky and can be long depending on where you go. We saw Mary Poppins and it was so well done. Lifehouse Theaters was the catalyst behind this production. They did a great job. Admission is free however they pass a bucket around during intermission for donations. I truly appreciate that anyone can come enjoy a wonderful production without breaking the bank. Even though parking may be hard to find, at least it was free. read more

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Christmas Under the Stars, the Sail On Christmas concert was oh-so enjoyable!!! Wish I had arrived super early to have front row seat! I sat toward the middle of the venue (wooden benches, take a seat cushion) and had no problem viewing or hearing the festive music (Beach Boys Christmas songs). The red bowls are passed during intermission and a donation is greatly appreciated. Snacks and restrooms are toward the back. Locals know it's BYOF. read more

Redlands Bowl - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

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FREE LIVE SHOWS! Yes, you heard that right, The Redlands Bowl is home to a long-running summer festival that hosts live entertainment at no cost! Voluntary donations are highly suggested as this amphitheater has NEVER charged since its opening and it's been around for over a century! Donations are excepted in cash (a bucket is passed around) or through dip (tap). I love the quality entertainment and magical performances I get to experience here each year! I've seen The Texas Tenors, Mariachi Divas, Broadway and AGT talent and so much more on this stage! The musicians that show up are wonderful! It's recommended to come early as some shows fill up fast. You can opt to sit on the lawn but it's limited. The benches are a bit tough so I would recommend bringing a seat cushion. The Bowl is very strict about NOT saving seats for others, please be courteous and don't do it. The Redlands bowl is now a part of my yearly summer activities! It's a good place to come with friends or even by yourself! The ambiance is kind of rocky as a lot of patrons are older, white folks with entitlement issues. However, I've noticed more young people are coming so hopefully the vibes improve! Some of the staff are hit-or-miss especially the info desk peeps, they need to be more welcoming! Parking is available at the mall on Citrus or the lot across from the mall (also on Citrus). Parking is FREE. If you're craving a snack, the Redlands Bowl partners with some people called the Optimus Club who sell popcorn, ice cream and drinks if you're interested. Restrooms are available by the Gables House. Overall, I highly suggest visiting, some of the shows are a bit old-fashioned but most are good! read more

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*Late post* I'm not sure how this venue works as far as the terrible parking availability. Attended a High School Graduation last night. Arrived at the venue 20 minutes before gate opening. The line when we arrived on the residential sidewalks along Eureka Street was about 2 blocks away from the venue. I feel sorry for the folks older than me who had to make that extra long walk from where they had to park which most likely was another block away .... I can just imagine how is the parking situation during concert. Most likely it has a designated parking lot but I really don't have an idea after coming here tonight. As we approached the narrow entrance gate , our purses were checked. The open amphitheater's bench seats with backrests facing the grandstand were packed already. Looks like almost 4,000 people. For this graduation, guests were prohibited to bring balloons, which I understand could block the views of the spectators. Even any sort of leis and flowers were not allowed to be brought inside as well !! The school band was playing as everyone got seated. Graduates paraded in orderly manner to their seats by the first rows. A tribute for the loss of a student was honored with a plaque and given to his parents who were holding his cap and framed picture . The event went smoothly til the end of the ceremony. read more

Redlands Bowl - Stage and my camera was facing the sun!! - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

I have been attending the Redlands Bowl for the past 35 years. The free musicals, plays, musical performances are fantastic. You can donate when they pass the red bowls. Tip: buy dinner to go and get to the bowl about 6:30 and you will be able to pick a great spot. It starts at 8. The ambiance is quaint, classy, with a hometown patriotic flavor. It is the 101st year they have been having these performances and they are professionally produced and performed by locals and internationally known performers. This is a hidden gem and though you may not like every performance they offer, you can always find at least a couple that you will like each season. We came to see the Mary Poppins performance and the performance was every bit as good as what one would see at the Hollywood Bowl. read more

Redlands Bowl - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

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We've been going to the Redlands Bowls for decades and have always enjoyed it. That is until last week and the week before. The problem? It appears that 2 very large speakers were purchased recently and placed right next to the seats up front on both sides. I don't blame the performers. I do blame the sound engineer. It was so loud that people were covering their ears and finally leaving. My wife and I included. It was a chest thumping sensation and it just ruined the show for us. All we could hear was the thunderous bass and drums but not any of the other instruments. Please Redlands Bowl associates, get another sound engineer who actually knows how to adjust the volume and test it before the next show. read more

First, I love the Bowl, have gone 100's of times and the performances are mostly great. Last night, the drum core was way too loud. There were a hundred kids on the stage for the pledge and many more in the audience. The volume of the base was way too loud for humans, we came for drums, not ear splitting background synthesized music. Whoever vetted this group needs to be removed. If they were on a football field, 100 yards from anyone, it might make sense. But this is a family event, at the break people were running to their cars. No show should ever be allowed to deafen the audience. If they need to install sound monitors to protect their audience then do it and enforce it. Worst show in my 50 + years. I wanted to write this for the planners, this was inexcusable. After a fabulous production the week before, this took a newly attracted audience and sent them running. read more

Redlands, Ca. This amphitheater is tucked into a nice neighborhood but is spacious, clean and welcoming. The sound system and acoustics are very good with only one brief feedback instance. They get quality acts here. The drive here from Laguna Beach was three hours on a Friday evening on a jammed freeway. Come early , hang out, there are good places to eat near by. Try the Thai place a block or two away. There is some meager food and drink offerings at the venue but I passed on the Costco hot dogs and had popcorn and bottled water. They don't overcharge for the food and drink items so that was nice. They featured one of our favorite groups "The Riders in the Sky" from Nashville. As usual it was a great show, musically and comedy. Bring a pad to sit on and a jacket in the evenings. read more

Redlands Bowl - Moon rise - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

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Our first time to the Redlands Bowl A family free event. People bringing picnics to enjoy on the grassy areas. Sound is great. Lovely evening with nice breeze. Soft drinks and water available there. Will be attending more events. read more

Redlands Bowl - Tito Puente Jr - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

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Re: the summer series This is about as Redlands as it gets. Free concerts, theatrical productions, and other entertainment all summer long. And it's free to attend! Donate if you can, of course, but this isn't about making money-- it's about community enrichment. It's about sharing and enjoying the performing arts together! Parking gets tight on nights when there are shows, especially since the adjacent streets get shut down. There is handicap parking in front of the library, though. All in all, it's incredible to have high quality performances in an outdoor amphitheatre like this one, year after year. You can't help but feel good here :) read more

Redlands Bowl - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

An awesome outdoor venue in the heart of Redlands. Come here during the summer to enjoy free music and the warm Southern California weather, when the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival is in full swing. Since the Bowl is located in a residential neighborhood, most people park across the street and walk a block or two to the venue. We had no problem getting here, but it's something to consider if you or your party have mobility issues. Once at the Bowl, there's plenty of bench seating and areas where you can spread a picnic blanket and relax. The sound is good and the sight lines are fine, no matter where you end up. My wife and I came here for the Polynesian Paradise Dancers, a wonderful production of live music and dance. They covered a wide range of traditional and modern South Pacific-influenced songs, with the most oohs and ahhs coming during the fire dances. This open-air amphitheater is an Inland Empire gem. Make your plans to see a free show or two next summer. Highly recommended. read more

Redlands Bowl - Polynesian Paradise Dancers. August 10, 2018. Wonderful show! - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

Great venue! How lovely to have this community space to enjoy summer concerts and such. I was visiting family and we brought ourselves and our assortment of picnic goodies to the opening night of the summer 2019 season. My fam prefers to sit in the benches which have backs. This was fine. For picnicking, I would likely choose to pack a blanket and some chairs and just sit farther back on the grass. If "seeing" isn't as important as listening, this would be a good option and make it easier to enjoy eating. But for those not packing food, the benches are comfortable enough for a two hour show, more so if you bring a seat cushion or blanket to sit on, as we did. read more

Redlands Bowl - Showtime! - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

Wonderful summer concerts! We love coming to the bowl to get our friends and family together to make memories and enjoy a nice summer concert! It's such a neat experience that Redlands hosts read more

I whole heartily agree with the first reviewer !! The Redlands Bowl is the shiznit. All performances are 100% FREE and of top quality. The only time you might have to cough up some dough is when volunteers or the performers themselves come around during intermission to collect donations. I always make sure to have at least $5 to give since the Bowl's budget comes from these donations. The seating is ample (bench seats or grass) and the acoustics are spectacular. Now if plays aren't your thing dance groups, string groups and big bands perform here as well. My gf and I have recently seen 1776, A Midsummer Nights Dream and Hamlet (the Shakespeare Festival is currently ongoing). The Redlands Bowl is a definite summer must especially in these tight times you can enjoy a 5 star show for little to nothing! (Link to Shakespeare Festivle: http://www.redlandsshakespearefestival.com/?page_id=523) read more

Redlands Bowl - Redlands sing a long - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

Another great time at Redlands Bowl. Came tonight for the Grand Opening of the Summer Concert Series. I have been living in Redlands for years and never been, what gives? Concert began at 8:15, we arrived at 7:30 and got pretty good seats. Granted your view is only as good as the person in front of you. Tonight (6/22/12) the San Bernardino Symphony performed with Maestro Frank Fetta, guest Pianist Yanna Reznick (sp) and Tenor Haqumai Sharpe. The audience was treated to a night dedicated to American Music such as: Olympic Fanfare, Fiddle-Faddle and Buglers Holiday by Leroy Anderson, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin feat. Yanna Reznick on Piano (amazing), a few selections feat Tenor Haqumai Sharpe (Show Biz, Send in the Clowns, There's a Boat That's Leavin', Embraceable You, etc), and excerpts from Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe. Yanna Reznick filled in last minute for Mary Au. She was amazing. Her solo's garnered standing ovations. Haqumai Sharpe has an amazing voice and is a one-man show. :) So glad its summer and there is culture and the arts so close to home. Its FREE. They needs your donations, so at intermission when they pass around the donation bowls put some money in. Please! read more

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Music was decent, however the parking situation is terrible. Only parking is on the small neighborhood streets around the redlands bowl. Got there 10 min after it started, had to park really far away. There was no seating anywhere on the seats or on the lawn. Had to stand next to the snack stand in the very back. I was talking to a friend, then a security guard told us we needed to stop talking. I didn't know people aren't allowed to talk at an outdoor concert. What a joke. Will not plan on going back. read more

My nieces high school graduation was held here. The grounds and the stage area are very nice. The only negative was the parking situation.

This in essence is a split review, the first for the venue, the second for the performers. I too went to the show last night, (the one fawned over by Amaya), the summer opener for the Redlands Community Music Association. So first off, the venue. Have you ever been in a place and time that was so beautiful, so perfect and brought you so much simple joy it bordered on the surreal, (I mean without having ingested and controlled substances)? This was there, last night. The scene was as delish as a serving of steaming-hot gravy over oven-fresh biscuits. Yeah, that good. It made my mouth water. If it'd been food I would have stripped naked and lathered myself up. Okay, maybe that's a tad weird, but you get the picture. The vibe was mellow. The folks, from the feted 94 year-young Pearl Harbor survivor to the 6-month old in daddy's arms in the back row, were mellow. Everyone was just chiilin' and a-groovin'. Totally, completely and utterly sublime. Full blown picnic-with-wine-in-glasses scene. Folding chairs and cribbage happening; Brie-a-thon with some soon-to-be-Isle-legal foie gras. My kinda' par-tay. Now I do apologize from having to rip you away from this most laid-back review for a words from our sponsors. Despite what Amaya said, the Redlands Bowl Summer Concert Series is not free. If you're a grown-up piehole, you know that tain't nuthin' in this life that's free 'cept air, water and occasionally cookies. The RBMA lives, (and has lived for 89 summers), off of DONATIONS. They're very polite about getting you to cough up. Me, I like that. They have brutally nice people in red shirts who come along right before intermission with nice red buckets to catch cash, checks, gold doubloons, Hope diamonds, you know, whatever you're coughin' up. Personally I donated one of my portraits of Andrew Jackson, (I don't have many, but gosh darn it, I'm fond of all of them!), and one of my portraits of Abe Lincoln for the raffle. If you go, open up the ol' coin purse, shake out the moths and drop some of your stash in the bucket. This place, this unbelievable little spot of heaven on Earth exists on what you donate. The second part of this review is the actual performances last night. I'll divide this into three sections, the band and conductor, the pianist and the tenor. The Band (The San Bernadino Symphony, Frank Paul Fetta conducting): You clowns had way too much fun with the Leroy Anderson stuff, and it showed. Six stars out of five. Smoked it, ya' did. Maestro Fetta knows how to drive the bus, period. Excellent work. The Pianist (Yana Reznik): This lady can pound a set of eighty-eights like no one else. That said, let me be fair. Having witnessed enough jams in my life, let me share a little inside stuff. Sometimes, when you jam with some new dudes, the... comfortableness ain't always there at the start. That was true of last night. Musicians work well together when they have a feel for the other players. Seeing as the bodacious Miss Reznik, (AB-SO-LUTE-LY STUN-NUN-NUN-NUNING in a blue full length dress last night), a) hadn't been warm on 'Rhapsody in Blue' in a couple of years and b) was playing with a house band new to her and c) it was the first dang tune she had to play coming outta' the shoot, she did okay. Now before you jump down ol' Panochey's piehole on this, hear me out. Just the fact that she can play 'Rhapsody in Blue' and get through it without embarrassment is an achievement. It is, for a pianist, one mean, tough, bad-@$$ed piece of music, and Yana cooked it considering she was coming in cold, (it was her "warm-up song"). If I were to comment, it was a little to choppy in the staccato department, in places, not enough in others. Now here's the Mulligan. If you did not hear the performance last night, (if you weren't there), fergettaboutit. If you were, you might agree with me. Meh. Don't let it bother ya', Yana, you did good, (as they say). The Tenor, (H. Waring Sharpe): Haqumai's, (that's what the 'H' stands for), review can be summed up in four words. HE TORE IT UP. Man-o-man, what a set of pipes. In baseball analogies, the ball he hit out of the park when he sang 'Send In the Clowns', well, they're still looking for it with the Hubble. Not so much out of the park as off the freakin' planet. Dude, you have a gift. I, and the crowd last night were blessed. Thank you. If I was to give you any advice, it'd be this, and it'll either make sense to you or not. 1.) Enunciate a tad more. 2.) I see/know your range, so whilst practicing, try the Jerry Lewis 'Hey Lady!' voice to stretch the chords. I know it sounds wacky, but try it. Also, if you don't already, listen to Sammy Davis Jr. . You've got his type of range. That's it. This summer's (2012) series schedule can be found here: http://www.redlandsbowl.com/concert-schedule/ You can catch Señor Sharpe there on Aug. 3rd when he will be belting out some opera. The Good Lord willin', you'll see my piehole there too. Piece out read more

A true Redlands staple and a central part of what makes Redlands Redlands. As a graduate of Redlands Sr. High School, this was were my graduation was held, so it has fond memories in my mind. Apart from that, my favorite thing about the bowl is the Summer Concert Series that they hold here on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:15pm. I usually grab food from somewhere and bring it over and enjoy my food while listening/ watching some great entertainment. Also people usually leave during intermission so you can move and find better seats later if you end up on the back like I usually do. Also, people usually look forward to the musical production they put on every year and those shows get packed quite early. It's free (although they take donations), out in the open, and bring great performers. Definitely check it out. read more

Love the Redlands Bowl. I am so very glad that Redlands has been able to sustain such culture and charm for so long. I remember running around in the summer as a child, waiting for a show to begin. Tonight I took my 4 year old son to see Mary Poppins put on by Mr. Wayne Scott. What a wonderful, magical performance. Jonathan Briggs was sheer perfection as Bert. Mary Poppins was certainly "perfect in every way". Their rendition of Supercalafragalisticexpialidocious was a show stopper. Absolutely wonderful. So thankful I was able to carry on the Redlands Bowl tradition with my son. THANK YOU! read more

Redlands Bowl - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

Redlands is an amazing city and nothing tells more of Redlands culture than the Redlands Bowl. With a plethora of of events from concerts to famous live theatre the bowl is an amazing summertime activity! There is a lot of seating but it fills up quick and you could always sit on the grass. Its really great for everyone, you can even bring your kids! read more

Enjoy a Southern California summer evening to it's fullest by enjoying a worldclass performance outdoors--for free! I saw Pacifico, the folklorico dance company here this past summer and everything about the show and the venue was just awesome. I used to come here when I was a kid but I can now appreciate the value and 'freeness' of The Bowl. Attending a show here is a little bit like going back in time, there is a small town feel but in the best possible way. Through donations and sponsors and I would assume some funds from the City, the Bowl is kept up very well which contributes to the beauty of this outdoor venue. The setting here is unique and quite charming, being outside, and the show started just after sunset. We sat on the grass which had a great vantage of the stage to see the fast footwork of the folklorico dancers. There is also bench-like seating available. There are no reservations, you must get here early for a good seat. Parking didn't seem too horrible on the streets around the Bowl but I suggest getting here about an hour before showtime. You can bring food to eat ahead of time, many people do, and there are a few vendors selling drinks and snacks. There was a donation taken at intermission. One hint: I noticed some folks clearing out around intermission, mostly parents with kids/babies, which makes it a good time to find seating. Typically it can get a little chilly after dark even in summer, bring a light jacket or sweater just in case. read more

The Redlands Bowl is a great place to take the family or even go alone. Pros: Free Outdoors Cons: Parking! read more

There's nothing more relaxing then sitting on the lawn on a summer evening at the Bowl, sipping on a nice glass of wine, and enjoying high quality entertainment. Fabulous. read more

I love the Redlands Bowl so much! Everything is free which is great for my pocket book. I especially love when the military bands come. They are amazing! A very family friendly environment. The community sing is cute. An event here makes for a nice outing. read more

This review is for the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival featuring Jarabe Mexicano and the Ballet Folklorico of Los Angeles. What a wonderful evening! After a quick Lyft ride (to avoid the inconvenience of parking and so we could enjoy the adult beverages in our cooler), we found a nice spot on the benches. We had time to enjoy our picnic dinner before the festivities started. The band was awesome, performing well-loved songs. The crowd was awesome too, singing along and dancing right in front of the band! We thought there'd be more of the folklorico dancing. I think they performed 3 times. All in all, a beautiful setting for a most enjoyable and memorable night. Highly recommended and we are now Jarabe Mexicano fans! Tip: Even though we brought a blanket which we folded up, the benches were quite hard. Bring cushions. read more

Redlands Bowl - Jarabe Mexicano - Music Venues Near Me - Redlands, California

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We come every summer to watch different plays and shows but tonight beauty and the beast was simply amazing !! They did an excellent job on the play we love Redlands bowl!! read more

For the first time ever, we were extremely disappointed. The play, Oklahoma, although done very well by the performers, is a piece of junk. We sat through the entire dress rehearsal just to make sure we weren't seeing and hearing what we were seeing and hearing, and the play itself was very disappointing. Again the performers did an excellent job with what they had to work with. Let's go back to The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins for entertainment. read more

Loved the venue and the atmosphere. Only problem is the traffics but that's expected when you go to Los Angeles.

This is the best open-air amphitheater and summer performing arts venue that I know of. I have been coming here since I was a teenager, and can't help but recall great music and theater enhanced by the scent of jasmine flowers in the background. They have a well-rounded program, and it's all supported by a private endowment. The founder wanted to enrich her community, making events are free or by donation. The spirit of "without vision, a people perish" lives on in Redlands California. The University of Redlands also has an unparalleled music program that the public can participate in. read more

What an amazing place! After being at both of my children's high school graduations here and attending many, many summer Redlands Bowl performances here, this was the perfect venue for the City of Redlands 125th Anniversary celebration tonight. read more

The only reason I can assume I am writing what is currently the 19th review of the Redlands Bowl (in 2016!) is that there isn't much in common between the typical yelper and the typical Bowl afficionado. It's shocking to think that this Redlands icon doesn't have hundreds of (deserving) 5-star reviews. I assume as the Yelp user demographic approaches the Bowl demographic in age, there will be reviews here in the millions. To avoid redundancy 35 years from now when Tucker and Mackenzye review the Friday night Redlands Bowl stage production of Pitch Perfect 3, this review is focused on the Bowl as a daytime venue for riding your bike through on the way to the Smiley Library next door: It's hot. I can't wait to get into the library to stand on one of the AC vents. Is that a homeless person sleeping in the shade near the stage? Probably. I'll just coast around the back and gaze toward the empty stage and let my imagination run. I bet when the show starts tonight it will still be pretty hot and sticky. A breeze will waft through now and then, but nothing will take your mind off the gathering crowd and how sticky you feel. Then the lights will dim and you'll be excited for a few minutes, but then you'll remember that you hate musical theatre almost as much as you hate being in a crowd of people. I would sit way back here if I came to the show tonight. The sound must be great everywhere, since I can hear it most Tuesday's and Fridays from a mile away. Thank god I'll be a mile away when the show starts tonight instead of sitting on a hard bench in a hot crowd sludging through 2 hours of some Navy band plus intermission. Thank god I can coast through the empty Bowl imagining what it will be like tonight, and breezing past the bust of someone quasi-forgotten near the street and glancing over dusty fiberglass benches and reading what happens to a people without vision (the same thing that happens to those with vision as far as I know). And thank god I'll be far from here tonight when the show comes on, all hot and professional, and full of community pride, culture and history, but also full of people who in their collective nature unknowingly and therefore mercilessly suck the life from any open-hearted Bowl-goer. I hope people who enjoy community art and culture and don't mind crowds continue to enjoy the Bowl for as long as there is a Redlands, and I hope I don't have to come more than once a decade, unless I am on a bike and it's hours before the show. read more

Grateful to have this culture in our area! All of the events are high quality and great for all age groups! Thank you Redlands and sponsors who support this read more

Wow what a fun night at the bowl. We met family here for the dress rehearsal of Tarzan and it was so fun. Plenty of space and it was nice to bring our own food. I would highly recommend this location for a play or music. I just wish the parking was better. Overall great family night. read more

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful asset to our community! The Redlands Bowl is always a summertime favorite. From ballet to musicals to local music, this is the venue you absolutely must check out. Bring a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers, and sandwiches. This place makes for a great date night! read more

The Redlands bowl deserves 5 stars for all that it contributes to the city. Free access to the arts for all!

Finally I was able to go see a play at the Bowl. It was amazing. Such a great performance and a wonderful venue. AND FREE!!!!!! I am hooked.

I love the summer programs at the bowl. They had the most magnificent lineup this year. From Mary Poppins, Precidio Brass, Gypsy Jazz and the San bernardino symphony. My one complaint is that the old ladies of Redlands need to calm down. I had to make an emergency text, again text not a phone call and I was told to "put your phone down!" Really? This kind of stuff happens all the time at events in redlands. I think the contrast of the elderly crowd and the young people with children don't make a great mix. read more

Was here this week for the Shakespeare festival. Incredible venue and incredible organization. I don't live close and I wish there was something like this close to me, but it's definitely worth the drive. I will be making at least one trip this summer for a play or concert. It's free, too! Such a joy to have been there. read more

Fun place for a night out t he under stars with friends and family. Kids can run around and it is a relaxing place. Come early if you want to get a good seat or place to eat your picknic. Sound of music was aqsome. read more