The Avalon Hollywood
1735 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA
323-467-4571
The vibe: There's for everyone--dance music heads and live music fans--at this nightlife complex. In the live category they showcase everything from national art rock and punk to international acts.
The El Rey Theatre
5515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323-936-6400
The vibe: Built in 1936, this Art Deco theater (and historical monument) hosts musical acts--with a hip, indie leaning--for an all ages crowd.
The Ford Theatres
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East
Hollywood, CA 90068
323-461-3673
The vibe: This 'vintage LA' performing arts complex in the Hollywood Hills consists of an outdoor amphitheatre and a smaller indoor theatre. It features multicultural dance and music performers, and hosts film, music and culture-related festivals.
Gibson Amphitheatre
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA
818-622-4440
The vibe: This mega-venue is where the heavies play when they’re in LA--Rob Thomas, Ben Harper, Pearl Jam and beyond. Their live gigs also veer into comedy and more mainstream adult contemporary sounds.
The Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
323-665-3125
The vibe: You’ll hear classic rock from the ‘60s through to today, as well as mainstream superstar pop acts at this LA outdoor staple. The talent that has performed here is in the marquis name arena: Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Beck, Pearl Jam and Tony Bennett.
The Music Box
6126 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
213-634-1300
The vibe: Swing by the Music Box at the Fonda for cool big names like Black Eyed Peas, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, The Hives, Peaches and Kanye West.
The Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
323-436-2827
The vibe: The LA Philharmonic inaugurated this historic LA venue back in 1922. It’s a cultural landmark and the place to go for a romantic first date under the stars. The Bowl promises an eclectic range of sounds from jazz to opera, as well as occasional appearances by Hollywood soundtrack composers.
The Hollywood Palladium
6215 W Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323-962-7600
The vibe: Another old LA venue that he seen some great acts in its time, like the now-defunct and mostly deceased Ramones. It continues to draw groups like Nine Inch Nails and Arctic Monkeys among others.
House of Blues Sunset Strip
8430 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
323-848-5100
The vibe: The decor and layout feels like a Hollywood extension of some part of Disneyland. You half-expect a mechanical bear to pop up and sing. Instead, you might see Sugar Ray crooning at this concert venue and eatery. Check out their famous Gospel Brunch on Sundays.
The Key Club
9039 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
310-786-1712
The vibe: Located in the heart of the Sunset Strip, this night spot has become a shadow of its earlier self--now more of a special events venue made up of a club room, restaurant and screening room. It’s still worth checking out for the history of it all and the occasional cool party or live act.
