LA MUSIC VENUES
Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Hollywood +1 323 850 2000
A cultural landmark and perhaps the best outdoor concert space in the city, the Hollywood Bowl hosts a diverse range of sonic experiences, from Mariachi Festivals, to the Philharmonic-backed viewing of Planet Earth Live. Pack your own picnic basket and bring a date to share your enjoyment of the stars, the mountains, the wine, and the music en plein air.
Orpheum, 842 S Broadway, Downtown +1 877 677 4386
Beautiful 20′s architecture houses the Orpheum theatre, featuring a great stage and sound system: 10 subwoofers under the stage mean we “feel every kick, stomp, punch, stab and shot.” The Orpheum used to be an old Hollywood film theatre and was converted to a live performance space offering $1 snacks, $3 bottles of soda, $7 beers and $9 cocktails.
El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd, Miracle Mile +1 323 936 6400
Built in 1936, The El Rey is an intimate chandeliered Art Deco venue, often hosting some of the greatest dance parties around. Sound, vibe and acoustics are all great, and valet parking is convenient. The El Rey was also an old movie theatre, still retaining the charismatic atmosphere most treasure, though it’s now predominantly standing room at their ‘hip, indie leaning’ shows.
The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Koreatown +1 213 388 1400
Another beautiful Art Deco building in the heart of Koreatown, the Wiltern often brings acts through their doors before they make it big. Acoustics boom forth to push you off your seat. No hassle for 21+ wristbands. If you’re on the smaller side in the height department, the stage can feel high, so head upstairs. However, the mezzanine level tends to get steamy, so leave your jacket at home.
Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd, Echo Park +1 213 413 8200
A great big stage, incredible sound, good reggae, dirty dancing, two big bars, and a view of the performance from any locational perspective. Plenty of low seating as well as standing room in a dimly lit setting, with a smoking area near the stage and plenty of restrooms. They have free cold water stations and the bar in the back serves pizza. Outdoor patio area is chill, often with a DJ spinning in the corner.
Pehrspace, 325 Glendale Blvd, Echo Park +1 213 483 7347
A great underground hub in the city. All shows are $5 and BYOB. Parking is free in the main lot, and there’s some space in the back too. Pehrspace is also an art gallery decorated with fresh pieces, which add character. Lots of indie music: some say this is the place they think Janis, Jim and John would have liked.
Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont Avenue, Griffith Park + 1 323 665 5857
A beautiful outdoor venue is with not a bad seat in the house, tucked away in Griffith park. Check out the great view of the city on your way home from seeing exceptional artists on a stage alive with sound and light. Picnics are not allowed, but you can buy bottles of wine.
Walt Disney Hall, 111 S Grand Avenue, Downtown +1 980 575 7099
In a Gehry-designed metallic weft and weave of a building lie 2265 seats for enjoying the wondrous acoustics which intimately connect with this auditory masterpiece. The Walt Disney Hall serves as the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and is an architectural achievement in it’s own right.
Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood +1 310 276 6168
‘The Troub’ is just the right size: small, cosy and not too crowded. The bouncers smile and say thank you even when swamped, while staff are professional and man, an (almost) full bar selling ‘real drinks’ for less than $8. Buy VIP tickets to the roomier upstairs lounge, you’ll be able to see your favorite singer without accumulating spittle, nor feeling sardined into the mosh.
The Whiskey A Go Go, 8901 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood +1 310 652 4202
A legendary Hollywood music venue still in business with live music every night, The Whiskey A Go Go is clean, staffed by friendly professionals, charges reasonable prices – and played an important role in the careers of many musicians. From The Byrds, Alice Cooper, Buffalo Springfield as well as British performers The Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Roxy Music and Oasis.
The Roxy Theatre, 9009 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood +1 310 278 9457
With a diverse and well-balanced monthly calendar, The Roxy is an intimate space to see musicians do their thing and receive those audible vibrations with pleasure. Drinks aren’t too cheap, and parking can be difficult – but you’re on the Sunset Strip, ride your bike and get drunk on music instead. Standing room only, unless you pay for a table.
The Music Box, Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood +1 323 464 0808
Step into an aura of an Old Hollywood haunted mansion, glam rock style. The dance floor is spacious, and an upstairs area with seats overlooks the stage. The rooftop outdoor patio area complete with bar and astroturf is excellent for a breather while you watch your show projected onto the wall.
The Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood +1 323 461 2040
An intimate singer songwriter performance lounge which originally started as a coffee shop in 2000. Known as “the place that breaks artists”, you can catch the best up and coming acts, as well as those who are already well established. Past acts perfomers include Adele, Katy Perry, Gomez, Badly Drawn Boy, Meiko, and Edward Sharpe. Table seating is limited, so get there early or be prepared to stand.
Club Nokia, Nokia Theatre, 800 W Olympic Blvd # 335, Downtown +1 213 765 7000
One of LA’s newest music venues, Club Nokia opened in 2008 inside of the larger Nokia Theatre in the LA Live! complex. It houses up to 2,300 guests and has standing room only, though if you’re looking for a bit more comfort and class, buy VIP tickets to gain access to the sofas in the lounge upstairs.
By Sophie Ward
