David-Greenwald
In: Beverly Hills
Lists
Best Small Concert Venues In L.A.
If L.A. has anything, it's a range of concert spots sure to satisfy every brand of music fan, from the open-air beauty of the Hollywood Bowl to Spaceland's smoke-heavy bar. But to paraphrase Morrissey, some clubs are bigger than others. If you're looking for cramped quarters, standing-room only and a spot on the floor close enough to score the sweat dripping off your favorite rock stars, this is the list for you.
Mixing a storied history with rich acoustics, great sight lines and a Westside location that pays its way in saved gas, the Troubadour curates under-the-radar mainstays in between launching acts like the Arcade Fire and Lily Allen. Simply the best.
Just above the Daily Bruin offices and across the way from the coffee shop lies one of UCLA's hidden treasures: A lofty performance space called Kerckhoff Grand Salon. Like a cathedral in miniature, the Salon pairs natural light with perfect reverb and, when UCLA's Campus Events Commission gets really lucky, afternoon performances from the likes of Grizzly Bear and Islands.
Bigger than the Echo above, the Echoplex can play comfortable host to Japanese metal acts or electro-blog favorites and still have room on the couches by the bar.
The Echo scores the better acts as far as the Silverlake/Echo Park club rivalry goes, but Spaceland offers a few advantages, not least of which is a bar closed off from the stage that dims the chatter that often ruins boozier club shows.
With a full slate of buzz bands, DJ nights and reasonably priced tickets, it's hard to go wrong at the Echo on any night of the week. Especially with the Brite Spot's pesto omelettes just down the block.
R.I.P., Largo: While the new, larger La Cienega location has managed to bring over Jon Brion and the usual merrymakers, the magic of Fairfax (dinner reservations and all) won't soon be forgotten.
Home to a burgeoning scene bidding for national indie-rock relevance, the Smell's $5 shows remain the noisiest bargain in town.
The Cafe's singer/songwriter scene has become notorious enough to earn its own national tour, but don't pass up a chance to see folk favorites at their intimate old stomping grounds.
With most of L.A.'s fresh rock now situated on the other side of town, the Sunset Strip is full of anonymous alt-rock acts and forgotten hair-metal bands. But don't blame the Roxy, which has been trying its mightiest to book bands you won't hear on KROQ. At least not in heavy rotation.
Young songwriters not yet notable enough to break into the Hotel Cafe do well in Genghis Cohen's side room, which is even smaller than it sounds.
