L.A. WeeklyARROWHEAD POND OF ANAHEIM – THE THEATRE AT ARROWHEAD POND
2695 E.Katella Ave., Anaheim,CA 92806 – (714) 704-2500
www.arrowheadpond.com
AVALON
St.
462-8900, www.avalonhollywood.com
Originally a 1920s vaudeville theatre, the Avalon has
remained a pillar of
entertainment scene ever since – everyone from The Beatles to Kanye West have performed
here. After a $10 million facelift in 2003,
the Avalon (previously called the Palace) now combines its original opulence with
up-to-the-minute production values and facilities.
Tickets: Tickets available at LiveNation.com. Tickets also available at all Ticketmaster outlets
including Tower Records/Robinsons May/Ritmo Latino and Wherehouse Music locations,
via Charge by Phone: (213) 480-3232; (714) 740-2000; (805) 583-8700, and at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also available through wanttickets.com. Plus, tickets available, without service charge,
at the Avalon Box Office (M-F
12 PM to 5 PM)
Parking
Tips: Street parking
can be found on and around the
and Vine intersection. Lots located to the north and opposite of the Avalon are
normally available though are expensive on peak evenings. Alternate cheaper lots
can be found south of
on Vine and across from the Avalon on Argyle
Good
Eats Nearby: Honey (American/eclectic),
(part of the
Know-Before-You-Go: Most concerts here are all ages (though club nights
are usually 21+). Call ahead before you visit
the venue as during the week it’s often booked for private parties. Those without tickets should arrive early as the
Avalon frequently reaches capacity.
Roadside Dr.
879-5016, www.canyonclub.net
ECHO
1822 W. Sunset
Blvd.,
(213) 413-8200, www.attheecho.com
EL REY THEATRE
Blvd.
An original art deco theater built in 1936 (and a registered
historical landmark). But there’s nothing
dated about the music here, as the El Rey has a well-earned reputation for housing
the hippest live acts in their grand ballroom, which has been updated with a concert
quality sound system and state-of-the-art lighting. As well as a full bar (in the ballroom and lobby),
the El Rey has a full service kitchen, diner and VIP lounge.
Tickets:
Available through Ticketmaster or at the box office night of show only (and
only if not sold out). Will call / guest list opens when event starts – I.D. required
to claim your tickets.
Parking
Tips: United Parking valet service ($7 service charge) at the front of the theater,
self parking lot ($5 fee) 2 blocks east on Wilshire and Cochran. Metered parking available in first section of
side streets. Free after 4pm.
Please note: Residential permit parking decal required
for neighborhood side streets (except metered spots). No commercial parking without
decal.
[
Good eats
nearby:
(323) 857-1800; Ca Brea (Italian),
2863
Know-Before-You-Go: Cash only bar, but an ATM machine
is available in the venue.
FORUM
GIBSON AMPHITHEATRE AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza,
Gibson
Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, formerly Universal Amphitheatre, features entertainers
from almost every musical genre. The Amphitheatre opened in 1972 as
an outdoor venue and quickly became the place for contemporary music for both performers
and fans. In 1982, the Amphitheatre was remodeled
as a state-of-the-art indoor venue with the best sight lines and acoustics in the
industry. Every one of the 6,000+ seats here is less than
150 feet from the stage.
Tickets: From the Gibson
Amphitheatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge at 213-252-TIXS
or 714-740-2000.
Tickets also available for purchase online at www.hob.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Parking
tips: General Parking is $10.00; Preferred
Parking is $20.00.
Valet Parking – Validated*: $5.00 for first 2 hours; $2.50 for each additional 1/2
hour ($19.50 maximum). Valet Parking – Non-Validated:
$7.50 for first 1/2 hour; $2.50 for each additional 1/2 hour ($19.50 maximum)
* Please note that restaurants at Universal CityWalk
provide validation for parking, but concession stands inside the Amphitheatre do
not.
Good Eats
Nearby: There are numerous food options at
Universal Citywalk from fast food to family restaurants, including American, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
Know-Before-You-Go:
All shows
are all ages. Everyone needs a ticket, even
children. No bottles, cans or coolers. No baskets, cameras or recording devices. Gibson Amphitheatre is a smoke-free facility. Smoking outside of the building is permitted. Merchandise, bars and concessions take all forms
of payment. Two ATMs in lobby. Building is wheelchair or
GLASSHOUSE
200 W.
www.theglasshouse.us
[
GREEK THEATRE
Vermont Ave.
Though the Greek holds 5800 people it remains an intimate
experience because of its brilliant design and truly picturesque outdoor setting
(nestled in a tree-enclosed bowl in
a therapeutic experience in itself. The Greek
prides itself on the range of artists who perform here, from The Who and Sting to
The Gipsy Kings and the Russian National Ballet. A night under the stars at the Greek is one more
reason why we love to live in
Tickets: Tickets available at all
Ticketmaster outlets including Tower Records, Wherehouse Music, Robinsons-May and
Ritmo Latino. To charge by phone, call (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or at The Greek Theatre
Box Office.
Parking
Tips: Valet Parking is available for $40.00 – call (323) 665-5857 to reserve in advance. There is ample parking available all around the venue for $10 but
be aware that it is stacked parking. Accessible parking is available against the blue
curb located directly above and below the theatre on
parking becomes full, you will be directed into the VIP lot or to a secondary lot
off Commonwealth where spaces will be available at the regular parking rate.
Good Eats
Nearby: Chi Dynasty
(Chinese), 2112 Hillhurst Ave., (323) 667-3388; Louise’s Trattoria
(Italian), 4500 Los Feliz Blvd, (877)
568-4737; Tangier (eclectic/American), 2138 Hillhurst Ave., (323) 666-8666; Vermont Restaurant (contemporary American), 1714 N.
Vermont Ave., (323) 661-6163
Know-Before-You-Go:
Outside food and beverages
are not allowed in the venue, however you can pre-order a picnic basket online or
purchase food at the venue. If you would like to picnic outside the venue, there
are plenty of areas in the park.
GROVE OF ANAHEIM
Katella Ave.
712-2700, www.groveofanaheim.com
Ave.
www.hollywoodbowl.com
The 18,000 capacity Hollywood Bowl is legendary – reason
enough to check it out. This outdoor marvel
has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening
in 1922, and in 2004 was updated with a newly-constructed shell and stage and four
stadium screens. To this day $1 buys a seat
at the top of the Bowl for many of LA Phil’s concerts, so there’s no excuse not
to experience this historic outdoor concert environment. As well as their broad range of classical performances,
this summer the Bowl hosts the likes of KCRW’s World Festival Bollywood Night! (July 16), James Brown (Sept.
6) and Willie Nelson (Sept. 8-10).
Tickets:
(323) 850-2000, Ticketmaster at (213) 480-3232, online at www.hollywoodbowl.com, or at the Hollywood Bowl box office, Tues.–Sun.,
12 Noon– 6 pm.
Parking
Tips: Onsite parking is limited
and stacked, so use Bowl shuttles (4 locations) or Park-n-Ride (14 locations) for
stress-free transit. Details at https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/getting/index.cfm
[
Good Eats
Nearby: Bring a picnic to one of the many
picnic areas on the grounds; or build your own at the Marketplace. Dine at the onsite
restaurant Rooftop Grill. Box seats holders
can order dinner in advance and have it delivered to seats.
Know-Before-You-Go: OK to bring food, wine, bottles for
all Philharmonic-produced shows. Rules differ for lease events (a handful of shows
per season), so check the website before you go.
Blvd.
www.hollywoodandhighland.com
Hollywood
& Highland Center features 65 shop, two nightclubs, Lucky Strike Lanes and a
six-screen cinema adjacent to the world-famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Live music
performances in the Center’s courtyard embrace a variety of genres and draw crowds
of both local fans and curious tourists. The first-rate facilities at
a comfortable and low-stress environment in which to soak up live sounds.
Tickets: $10 donation
at the event with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food. Included with
the evening’s featured winery is an assortment of gourmet cheeses, fruits and crackers,
provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Parking
Tips: Structure entrances are on
Avenue
up to 4 hours with a daily maximum of $10.00 Validation provided by Hollywood &
Highland Center with $10.00 donation to Project Angel Food.
Good Eats
Nearby: Enjoy dinner
before or after the concert from any of the 7 restaurants in the Center, or order
your food to go and enjoy it in the courtyard during the show.
A 27,000 capacity, multiple-use sports complex located on
the campus of
in Dominguez Hills, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas
events. The Dave Matthews Band preformed
two-night runs here in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Tickets: Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at (213) 480-3232. Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster
retail ticket locations including Wherehouse Records, Robinsons-May, Tower Records,
Ritmo Latino and Tu Musica and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group tickets information call 877-AEG-TICKETS
(877-234-8425) or visit aegtickets.com
Parking Tips: Numerous on-site parking lots, but arrive early to grab the
best parking locations. Special events/concerts:
$15 to $20 per vehicle.
*Note: Parking in “Not Permitted”
areas may be towed at owners expense of $256.00 or more.
Good Eats Nearby: Goalies Grill (grilled mahi mahi and chicken sandwiches,
taquitos, burgers and fries etc.); The Market
(for pizza, nachos, hot dogs and ice cream): El Mercado (the place for burritos, taco salad, roast beef/pastrami/Italian/turkey
sandwiches and frozen margaritas) – all inside the Home Depot Center.
[
8430 Sunset
Blvd.,
(323) 848-5100, www.hob.com/la
This world-famous
juke joint-inspired venue opened its doors on Sunset Strip in 1994 and has won several
national and local awards for hosting diverse talent ranging from blues, rock, hip-hop,
punk, reggae, country and R&B. The room
holds 1000 people, but all enjoy unbeatable sound and sightlines. Add to this the HOB’s charming staff, multiple
bars and on-site Porch Restaurant and you’re looking at one of the best places to
enjoy live music in the world, period.
Tickets:
Ticketmaster
and House of Blues Box Office
Parking
Tips: Valet parking
available at the venue, several parking lots adjacent to the venue off of Sunset
Blvd. & La Cienega Blvd.
Good
Eats Nearby:
The Porch Restaurant (inside the House
of Blues)
Know-Before-You-Go:
Age restriction
varies for shows, be sure to check before purchasing tickets. Cameras not allowed inside the venue.
Helen Parkway
880-6500, www.hyundaipavilion.com
KEY CLUB (Sunset Strip)
9039 Sunset
Blvd.,
(310) 274-5800, www.keyclub.com
Voted the #1 Music Venue by AOL City Guide for the second
year in a row, the Key Club is celebrating its 10th year. This multi-level room really does sound great,
bringing the best out of the wide variety of acts (from Van Halen to the Black Eyed
Peas) who’ve performed here. Residencies
like the genuinely funny hair-metal spoof Metal Shop (Mondays) and Ruby Tuesdays
(indie rock night) have only heightened Key Club’s profile. The club’s restaurant features a menu which goes
well beyond your average rock club fare, and the subterranean Plush Club is a good
place to spot celebs and the night’s talent kicking-back.
Tickets: Tickets are available by calling the KEY CLUB box office
(310-274-5800) or via www.ticketmaster.com.
Parking Tips: Valet available nightly. There is also parking on either side of the venue
at the Bank of America (we validate) and Citibank parking lots as well as directly
across the street.
Good Eats
Nearby: The menu at the Key Club’s restaurant includes
lobster martini, pan roasted white sea bass with Dungeness crab ragout, and
grilled filet mignon sandwich served with sweet potato fries. All tables have a stage view.
Know-Before-You-Go: Age restrictions
vary from show to show – call before purchasing tickets to confirm.
KEY CLUB (Morongo)
[
Seminole Dr.
755-5391, www.keyclubmorongo.com
Located within the new $250 million Morongo Casino, Resort
& Spa, Key Club at
Morongo is a 20,000 square-foot, multi-level venue that triples as a concert venue,
nightclub and special event facility. Just
90 miles east of
sister venue to the Key Club on Sunset Strip features a 300 square-foot stage, contemporary
furnishings, high-tech lighting and a to-die-for sound system.
Tickets: Tickets are available by calling the
KEY CLUB at Morongo box office (951-755-5391) or via www.ticketmaster.com.
Parking: Parking
is free in the attached parking structure.
Good Eats Nearby: Cielo (Italian), on the top floor of the
Morongo Casino Resort, (800)
252-4499, ext. 25527; Serrano Café
(American), on main casino floor (800) 252-4499
Know-Before-You-Go: Live shows are 18+. Club nights and Metal Skool are
21+
KNITTING FACTORY
A prime spot to catch an eclectic selection of both
national and local acts, the Knitting Factory is three venues under one roof: the
main stage (525 standing room) featuring touring concert acts; the bar lounge (300
capacity); and of course, the lovable little Alterknit Lounge showcase room, which
holds 100 of your peers. The Knitting Factory’s
is bold in its choice of talent, making this the place to catch performers who’re
really challenging musical norms as well as more mainstream outfits.
Tickets:
Knitting Factory box office, charge by phone (323-463-0204 x122) or online
at www.knittingfactory.com or www.ticketweb.com
Parking
Tips: Parking underneath the club, entrance behind the club on Sycamore.
Good Eats
Nearby: Food is served
inside the Knitting Factory, or there are multiple choices at the Hollywood &
Highland Center, just east of the venue on
Know-Before-You-Go: All ages
KODAK THEATRE
LONG BEACH TERRACE THEATRE
Center
Blvd.
(714) 740-2000, www.longbeachcc.com/terrace
MUSIC BOX AT HENRY FONDA THEATRE
[
This all ages
venue has come back to life over the past few years and it seems like they make
improvements to the place weekly. The ornate
1200 capacity main room, with balcony, lends a sense of occasion to every show here,
and the now-covered rooftop patio is perfect for a chat and a beverage between sets. The Music Box’s super-hip choice of talent has
swiftly put this venue back in the top tier of
venues.
Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster or at the box office night of show only (and
only if not sold out). Will call / guest list opens when event starts – I.D. required
to claim your tickets.
Parking tips: You can pay for parking in advance through the Fonda's website from Sunshine
Auto Parks Inc. Locations include: 1634 Vine Street (South of Hollywood, East side
of Vine);
(North of Hollywood, East of Vine);
Argyle Ave.
Good eats nearby: Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles,
St.
Hollywood Tavern (bar food),
N. El Centro Ave.
ROXY
9009 W. Sunset
Blvd.,
(310) 278-9457, www.theroxyonsunset.com
Bob Marley, Rocky Horror, Richard Pryor, Prince,
Ozzy Osbourne, The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, The Ramones, Bon Jovi, Neil Young,
Motley Crue, Depeche Mode, Run DMC, Guns & Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, STP,
Rage Against The Machine, Pussycat Dolls, Keith Urban, Duran Duran, Jane's Addiction,
Incubus, System of A Down, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave, Hoobastank, Maroon 5,Sting, Linkin Park, Jay Z, Natasha Bedingfield, Alice
In Chains, John Legend, Daniel Powter … come see
who's next!
Tickets: Roxy Theatre box office or any Ticketmaster
outlet.
Parking Tips: The Roxy shares a lot with the Rainbow Bar & Grille. Valet parking is available between the two. Alternatively there are self-parking lots in the
surrounding area.
Good Eats Nearby: Rainbow Bar & Grille (next door to the Roxy), (310) 278-4232; Talesai (Thai), 9043 Sunset Blvd.; (310) 275 9724
Know-Before-You-Go: All ages
SAFARI SAM’S
5214 W. Sunset
Blvd.,
(323) 666-7267, www.safari-sams.com
SILVERLAKE LOUNGE
2906 Sunset
Blvd.,
(323) 666-2407, www.foldsilverlake.com
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER
Celebrating
its 10th season, the
critically acclaimed Sunset Concerts series presents six free, Thursday-night performances. The 2006 season includes music from
and
All Stars (see concert guide for details). The Skirball also hosts “Café Z” (on Saturdays through May and June, 12-2pm);
their Spring Family Concert Series (Sundays, for all ages); A World of Songs (Thursdays,
celebrating singer-songwriters); and the American Roots Music Festival (Sunday,
August 6). See concert guide for details,
or check www.skirball.org.
[
Tickets: Ticketweb: (866) 468-3399 or visit
www.ticketweb.com
Parking: Free, except during Sunset Concerts (Thursday evenings, July 20 – Aug. 24)
SPACELAND
Opened in
1999 the
hockey team and the Lakers and Clippers NBA outfits, can hold up to 20,000 concert
fans. Mega-acts like U2, Prince and Depeche
Mode have graced the Staples recently, and this summer the venue welcomes Rascall
Flatts, Shakira, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and American Idols Live.
Tickets: Available at Staples Center Box Office located at
adjacent to
Georgia and Figueroa. Contact the Box Office
by phone at (213) 742-7340. Box Office is
open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday at 10:00a.m.; and Holidays,
if an event is scheduled, and will remain open until approximately 30 minutes after
the event starts.
Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Robinson's
May, Tower Records, The Wherehouse, and other participating locations. Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone: 213-480-3232. Ticketmaster Online: www.ticketmaster.com
Parking: Several lots adjacent to the arena.
Good eats nearby: Aside from the usual burgers and hot
dogs, the Staples center houses the Arena
Club, for an elegant dinner overlooking the arena (available to suite and premier
seat ticket holders) and the members-only Grand
Reserve Club.
TEMPLE BAR
Blvd
Temple Bar
is a unique, 300 capacity, venue and meeting place; a cultural crossroads created
by a community of local, national and international artists. It’s the music really
sets the tone here: thematic evenings combining the talents of several complimentary
musical groups of various flavors including cutting-edge jazz, electronica, singer-songwriter,
indie rock, conscious hip-hop, Latin, reggae, African rhythms and various world
musics.
Tickets: Pre purchase tickets at www.templebarlive.com or music today @ (800) 594-8499
Parking
Tips: Street parking available, $6 valet parking in back of venue
Good Eats
Nearby: The Temple Bar’s own excellent,
eclectic menu; El Cholo (Mexican),
394-7804; Houston’s (American),
Club (American), 1520 Olympic Blvd.,(310) 450-6449
[
Know-Before-You-Go:
21+
TROUBADOUR
A truly landmark
venue which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, the Troubadour (“the Troub”
to regulars) attained legendary status during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s when
it helped launch the careers of the likes of the Eagles and Tom Waits. It continued to showcase soon-to-be-household
names like Guns ‘n Roses and No Doubt through the ‘80s and ‘90s and remains a rough-at-the-edges,
up-close-and-personal place to catch up-and-coming artists before they graduate
to faceless arenas. For a birds-eye view
of the stage, check out the bench-seating balcony.
Tickets: Tickets for most shows are available via fax order directly from Troubadour
(check out website for details) for $2 per ticket service charge or via Ticketmaster
Parking Tips: Two pay lots across the street. Parking
at meters is cool after 6pm.
Good Eats Nearby: Dan Tana's (Italian), 9071 Santa Monica Blvd., (310) 275-9444; Bossa Nova (Brazilian), 685 N. Robertson
Blvd., (310) 657-5070; Amici (Italian),
469 N. Doheny Dr., (310) 858-0271
Know-Before-You-Go: Bars take Amex, Visa, or Mastercard, but box-office is cash only. All shows are all ages. Box office does not sell advance tickets. Box office only sells tickets for that night's
show, if they are available.
UCLA ROYCE HALL
UCLA Campus,
(310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.com
VAULT 350
VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER
Center Dr.
855-8095, www.verizonwirelessamphitheater.com/losangeles/
VIPER ROOM
8852 Sunset Blvd.,
(310)358-1881, www.viperroom.com
Those who’ve never visited the Viper Room before will
find it surprisingly cozy, holding only 250 people, styled in the fashion of
that sell out arenas perform in an intimate environment (along with surprise big-name
performances and special guest appearances). Since opening in 1993, the Viper has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash and
Tom Petty to Stone Temple Pilots and Oasis and is truly part of Sunset Strip folklore.
Tickets: (310) 358-1881; Ticket office: 8852 Sunset
Blvd.,
Online: the Viper Room’s online ticketing
link (Music Today) or www.ticketmaster.com
Parking
Tips: There is a small lot behind the venue on Larabee ($10).
Good Eats Nearby: Panini’s Pizza, 8849 W. Sunset Blvd., (310) 652-4726
Know-Before-You-Go: Open 7 days. 21+. Cover
charges vary.
[
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
WHISKY A GO-GO
8901 Sunset Blvd.,
This 500 capacity
all ages venue is one of the oldest and best known on Sunset Strip, having given
bands like the Doors (the house band for some time), Led Zeppelin, Poison, Motley
Crue, Guns ‘n Roses and Papa Roach their start. For each new generation of music there have always been new bands that were
discovered at the Whisky A Go-Go. Typically
the Whisky is a rock ‘n roll club but it has adapted with the times, hosting disco,
punk and even Motown acts over the years. The venue has two levels, with a bar on each and tables and chairs upstairs.
Tickets: Box office on night of show. Some
tickets for certain events are available through Ticketmaster.
Parking Tips: Behind the club, through alley.
Good Eats Nearby: Rainbow Bar & Grill (American),
9015 W. Sunset Blvd., (310) 278-4232; Dukes
Coffee Shop (American), 8909 W. Sunset Blvd., (310) 652-3100
Know-Before-You-Go: Cash only at the door. All cards accepted at the bar. Always all ages.
WILTERN LG
Both a world-class concert hall and an architectural
treasure, The Wiltern LG – ornate, opulent and beautifully renovated – looks like
a theatre should. One of the most evocative
and intimate concert venues in the West Coast, it has a long and storied past. Built as a grand movie theater in 1931 its interior
is one of the best examples of art deco remaining in
California
dollar transformation and was reopened with a jaw-dropping line-up of concerts,
including the Rolling Stones and a three-night residency by Bob Dylan.
Tickets: Available
at LiveNation.com. Tickets also available
at all Ticketmaster outlets including Tower Records, Robinsons May, Ritmo Latino
and Wherehouse Music. Charge by phone: (619)
220-TIXS, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Box office is open Saturdays from 10am-4pm and
three hours prior to show times.
Parking
tips: The main
lot is south of the Wiltern with an entrance off of
a couple of blocks, mostly open on show nights, including another just to the east
of the rear of the building, with access also off of Oxford Street – south of Wilshire
Blvd.. There is also valet parking through Opus Bar & Grill that services theater
guests as well.
Good
Eats Nearby: Haneda (Japanese),
(213) 251-9929; Opus (Californian/steakhouse),
(213) 738-1600
Know-Before-You-Go All shows are all ages (but
children under 5 yrs old are not permitted except for children’s events). ATM available inside. Cash and CC bar service. Food and drink available inside.
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