If are in to la musica, then you are will find yourself in LA at one point or another. Music isn’t just a culture in Los Angeles, it is a way of life. But if you don’t know your way around old Hollywood, life can be rough. Clubplanet to the rescue. We’ve composed the ultimate roadmap to guide you to the best venues for live music. Happy trails…
#10 Best Live Music Venue in LA
Hollywood Palladium (Hollywood)
6215 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
After it’s re-opening in 2008 which featured a Jay-Z/DJ AM concert, the Hollywood Palladium with its new dance floor, expanded concessions, upgraded restrooms and stage infrastructure improvements, is in full swing. Hosting a variety of names like Ben Folds, Third Eye Blind and The Decemberists, chances are that if you are a fan of music in general, you will see a show at the Hollywood Palladium. We hope you like to move, this place is standing room only.
#9 Best Live Music Venue in LA
Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood)
2301 North Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1922, The Hollywood Bowl boasts a historically founded upbringing with a little help from names like The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Simon and Garfunkel. Featuring a program that continues to cater to every kind of music imaginable from newcomer Santigold to house names Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood to Andrea Bocelli; The Bowl is not to be missed.
#8 Best Live Music Venue in LA
Whiskey A Go-Go (West Hollywood)
8901 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Originated in 1964, the Whisky still holds the distinction of being one of LA’s top rock clubs today. The venue features a lengthy inventory of bands -- you might have even heard of one. The downside: $10 for parking, and another $10 to walk through the front door, it is LA, after all. If your wallet feels light, you’re in luck – food and drinks inside are moderately priced. After beating your way through the under-aged group at the door, an open rock den awaits. For those needing more room, check out the upstairs loft, order a beer and watch the band from the comfort of a table. If only the Doors were still around…
#7 Best Live Music Venue in LA
The Henry Fonda Theatre (Wilshire)
6126 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Like an aging starlet who's recently nabbed an Oscar-winning role, the Henry Fonda Theater is enjoying a new lease on life since its 2002 remodel. The venue has a similar ambience to the Wiltern, the Orpheum and other landmark theaters: What it lacks in gloss and special effects, it makes up for in historical value and old-fashioned elegance. Oh, and in this case, a great calendar. Tons of hot alternative bands, old-timers with cult followings and even international DJs take the stage at the Fonda. Recent shows include NoFX, Joshua Radin and Cake.
#6 Best Live Music Venue in LA
Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles)
842 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
A true LA landmark famed for its stunning Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Built in 1926, the Orpheum attracted star performers such as Judy Garland and Jack Benny in the early days and has since hosted everything from awards shows to musical theater tours to weddings – and even an American Idol taping. Boasting fancy, brand-new seats and a redecorated lobby, this grand old venue will always be a favorite. On the calendar last time we checked: Van Morrison, The Beach Boys and Mogwai.
#5 Best Live Music Venue in LA
The Roxy (West Hollywood)
9009 West Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Originally a strip club called the Largo; The Roxy came to fruition in 1973 by way of Elmer Valentine and Lou Adler along with original partners David Geffen, Elliot Roberts and Peter Asher and has since been a venue where all big names have played. A twinkle in your mother’s eye, you were probably not in attendance to the Gun n’ Roses pre-fame or The Boss’ classic 1975 performances, but the venue’s photo covered walls will make you feel as if you have not missed a beat.
#4 Best Live Music Venue in LA
House of Blues (West Hollywood)
8430 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
If you want to see a stellar live show in an intimate venue, you can't beat House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. This is not to say you can’t go wrong here; if you don’t check the schedule before you show up, you might lament your decision mightily. The calendar is diverse, and includes everything from Unwritten Law (punk) to Warrant ('80s metal) to Super Diamond (Neil Diamond cover band). A fair number of local bands also make it onto this hallowed stage, usually with hundreds of fans, friends and family members shrieking their support from the audience. If you want to experience HOB at its most laid-back, score a table at the legendary Sunday morning gospel brunch.
#3 Best Live Music Venue in LA
The Wiltern Theatre (Los Angeles)
3790 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
This Koreatown registered landmark features an Art Deco architectural plan to match its fantastic event schedule. Designed, originally, by Stiles O. Clements, The Wiltern Theatre underwent a $1.5 million facelift in 2002 and hasn’t looked back. If you are in the mood for old Hollywood ambiance and new Hollywood entertainment, check out The Wiltern. Up next: Ben Harper and the Relentless7, Matisyahu and Wilco.
#2 Best Live Music Venue in LA
The Troubadour (West Hollywood)
9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Since opening in 1957, The Troubadour has hosted its fair share of serious musicians, a la the original JT: James Taylor and Elton John. Today, this monumentally historic, hipster hideaway draws an equally serious fan base to survey its new wave of performers. Featuring live acts of popular comedy TV show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, indie-rock band Asobi Seksu, folksy Elvis Perkins, and Amanda Palmer of the punk cabaret duo Dresden Dolls, The Troubadour always has a little something for everyone.
#1 Best Live Music Venue in LA
Viper Room
8852 West Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90060
When you mention Viper Room, there are two facts people like to bring up: Johnny Depp owned it, River Phoenix died there. Though it still serves as a darker Hollywood alternative to The Roxy, these days there’s not much mystery to the dozen-year old club. The small main room, styled in the fashion of a 1920s Harlem jazz club, is actually kind of cozy, and the cover charges (upwards of $15 even for obscure bands) and pricey drinks keep the crowd more swanky than strange. The club draws some of the better small-time rock acts (i.e. Lemonwilde or Stroke 9) looking to be discovered.
