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Smaller Concert Venues in Los Angeles
Rainbow Bar and Grill LA
Overview: There are scores of smaller music venues in Los Angeles but don’t let the size fool you because these small venues bring in mighty large acts. How about The Killers at the Troubador? Or, Ozomatli at the House of Blues on Sunset?
A lot of bands play at the smaller venues either for pre-tour warmup for a new album or cd dropping or because they feel like and want to treat their fans and give them an intimate show. Whatever the case, these small venues are Hollywood legends themselves and are popular enough that bands do – and want to – play at them. It goes without saying, whenever you learn that a band you like is playing at one of these small venues, you better get on the ball and purchase tickets because they will be sold out before you blink.
Here is the Hollywood hit list and a brief description of the notable (small) music venues that attract some of your favorite bands:
AVALON HOLLYWOOD & SPIDER CLUB
Used to be the Palace Theatre, Avalon Hollywood is a very popular, large club and specials events venue on the famous Vine St. There is a main stage in the back, plenty of cushioned seating and some tables, a balcony and a large dance floor and columns. The blue-ish and purple lights and strobe lights are of course present.
Location: 1735 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028
Site: www.avalonhollywood.com
Ph: (323) 462-8900
Accessibility: Though there are stairs, Avalon Hollywood is wheelchair accessible.
House of Blues LA
HOUSE OF BLUES
One of the most famous brands, the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd still manages to remain on the top of the list for music acts, dancing and eating. This cool, wooden-exterior joint with a large, two-level interior also hosts movie and television premiere parties. Just keep Ozomatli and other well-known bands in mind.
Location: 8430 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Site: www.houseofblues.com
Ph: (323) 848–5100
Accessibility: The HOB is wheelchair accessible. Parking is in the back of the HOB and wheelchair entrance is through the back from the parking lot as well.
THE RAINBOW
Ready for an off-the-wall night? Officially the Rainbow Bar & Grill, you never know who you’ll see in this famous Sunset venue which doubles as a restaurant, bar and even a live act venue with bands and karaoke.
Location: 9015 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Site: www.rainbowbarandgrill.com
Ph: (310) 278-4232
Accessibility: The Rainbow Bar & Grill is wheelchair accessible inside and out in the cool patio area.
The Roxy LA
ROXY THEATRE
Acts on the verge of national and international recognition, this staple venue on Sunset Blvd is still on top of mind when it comes to seeing live music acts.
Location: 9009 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Site: www.theroxyonsunset.com
Ph: (310) 278-9457
Accessibility: The Roxy is wheelchair accessible.
THE TROUBADOUR
Drive by this small, shack looking venue at night on Santa Monica Blvd and Doheny and you always see a line. What the hell is it? It’s the Troubador and the pinnacle of cool stops here. Do you know the Killers? How about James Taylor, No Doubt? People think this small venue looks like a ski lodge inside. Who cares; the Troubadour brings the goods.
Location: 9081 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Site: www.troubadour.com
Ph: (310) 276-6168
Accessibility: The Troubadour is wheelchair accessible.
Whiskey A Go Go in LA
WHISKY A GO GO
Drop the “e” in whisky. This ever-popular nightclubs has had legends pass through the doors and rip up the stage. Janis Joplin for one. Still going and still serving up the fun and alcohol, the Whisky beats on.
Location: 8901 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Site: www.whiskyagogo.com
Ph: (310) 652-4202
Accessibility: The Whisky A Go Go is wheelchair accessible.
Viper Room in LA
VIPER ROOM
If you’re a music and dance freak and into the Hollywood scene, the Viper Room is THE place to go on Sunset Blvd. Formerly owned by Johnny Depp and made infamous by the passing of River Phoenix, the non-descript exterior of the Viper Room hides the hipster frenzy inside.
Location: 8852 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Site: www.viperroom.com
Ph: (310) 358-1881
Accessibility: The Viper Room is wheelchair accessible.
Getting There: www.metro.net, www.ladottransit.com