Are you visiting the beautiful Los Angeles sometime soon and on the hunt for the best music venues? Look no further. According to some of the LA natives among us here at Symphonic, these are the best ones…
The Best Los Angeles Music Venues According to Sym Staff
Hollywood Bowl
“Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell.”
The Shrine
“With a capacity of 6,300, The Shrine Auditorium is one of the largest theatres in Southern California… Over the years, The Shrine has housed a wide variety of high-profile televised events including the SAG Awards, the Grammys, the Emmy Awards, and the Academy Awards. An incredible assortment of musical acts have graced the stage, including the late Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix and Jack White. The Shrine also hosts orchestral concerts, ballets, film festivals and theatrical performances.”
The Roxy
“The Roxy Theatre is a legendary music venue located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. Regardless of its West Coast locale, it is known by music lovers all over the world… In spite of the trials and tribulations The Roxy has encountered, it has managed to plant its feet firmly into the streets of Sunset Blvd. This establishment is a pivotal part of the community and a superior business model. The Roxy’s efforts have gone far from unnoticed. In 2008 VH1 Rock Honor’s presented The Roxy with the award for Greatest Rock Venue Website. Two years later AOL’s City’s Best declared The Roxy as the Best Live Music Venue in Los Angeles.”
The Greek Theater
“Located within Griffith Park, the historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues… Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music – from Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana and many more in between.”
The Wiltern
“The Wiltern is located at the busy Southeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue. California. The theater has a capacity of between 1200 to 4000 seats depending on the show and seating allocation. When you’re after a truly unforgettable experience, there’s no better venue than The Wiltern. This awesome live performance venue, located at the edge of L.A.’s Koreatown, is one of the most popular entertainment hubs in sunny California… Rolling Stone contributor Frank Schruers ranked The Wiltern among the top five music venues in Los Angeles. “It reminds me of the old days, being on the road for Rolling Stone and going to some classic Deco theater,” says Schruers. As soon as you step into The Wiltern, you’re welcomed by an architectural masterpiece designed by Anthony B. Heinsbergen. Murals adorn the walls, guiding you toward a zig-zag style molding, inspired by the sun.”
Lodge Room
“Housed in a 1922 Masonic Lodge, the space is an iconic entertainment venue of Northeast Los Angeles hosting an eclectic mix of live music, performances and events complimented by fun, tasty food, draft beers and cocktails. Lodge Room boasts a state of the art stage and sound system to host an eclectic mix of live performances and events. ”
The Echo
“The Echo & Echoplex has solidified its stance as the go-to destination for major local music events, dance nights and a wide spectrum of touring acts while introducing some of the hottest bands to the L.A. music scene, voted top 5 music venues in Los Angeles by Filter Magazine. Both venues are known for its adventurous booking policy that embraces talent from around the world and down the block. The coveted free Monday Night Music residency has helped launch the careers of The Airborne Toxic Event, Hanni El Khatib, War Paint, Active Child, and Foster the People. Notable bands that have graced the venue: Beck, Green Day, Skrillex, Nine Inch Nails, Atoms for Peace, Incubus, LCD Soundsystem, Kendrick Lamar, Run The Jewels, Steve Aoki, Thundercat, Lorde, HAIM, Tov Lo, Future Islands, Jamie XX & The Rolling Stones.”
Troubador
“Since opening in 1957, the legendary Troubadour club in West Hollywood has helped launch some of contemporary music’s most talented performers. Greats such as Elton John, James Taylor and Tom Waits performed there early in their careers, and it continues to be a destination for cutting-edge acts from around the world…”
The Regent
“Originally opened in 1914 as The National. Three years later, the name was changed to The Regent, as we still know it today. After decades as a grindhouse and adult movie venue, the theater was closed in 2000, only to lay dormant for several years. Six years later, developer Tom Gilmore acquired the property, using it as an occasional art and performance space for the monthly Thursday night Downtown Art Walk. Known for its sloped floor, proscenium archway and gothic-inspired ceiling, The Regent is a true relic and the last remaining historic movie theater on Downtown LA’s Main Street…”
