Comments (0) BEST NEW PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC - 2009
Eagle Rock Center for the Arts
Sunn O))), FYF Fest Breakfast, Eagle Rock Music Festival, HEALTH, L.A. Record Christmas Party: The best new place to see live music this year was the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts, which offers more proof that things keep moving farther east. Blank Blue member Brian Ako Martinez does most of the booking, and has a close relationship with Sean Carlson, Phil Hoelting and the L.A. Record boys Chris and Charlie. Combined, the team bring in a regular rotation of buzz-worthy acts that haven't quite broken. The space itself is large and the acoustics are wonderful, swirling and spilling around the giant mass of people that the space can hold. With nice elevation, the center stayed cool for most of the summer, even on the hottest nights when band and audience seemed to blur together and radiate heat. The vibe is warm, shows start on time, and there isn't a bar — or really much of anything in terms of milling about except for the really lovely smoking patio and the long-winding, cascading steps that open onto a view of the speeding cars of Colorado Boulevard. People come for the music, which, in a city that hides a not-so-secret social-climber side, is a welcome relief. Parking is easy, and with close access to local coffee shops and tasty veggie/vegan eateries, it's the perfect place to see a good show and feel like you stayed close to home. 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. (323) 226-1617, centerartseaglerock.org.
—Nikki Darling
