Growing up in Los Angeles and always taking a great interest in not only music but the local music scene, I've attended countless amounts of shows at many different venues. A lot of venues I've came across were ones that I've never heard of before, but surprisingly, a few of those turned out to be really great venues and relatively close by from where I lived. Here are a few in particular that I highly suggest you check out.
1.
Cobalt Cafe', located in Canoga Park. Just by the appearance from the outside of this place, you'd think you were entering an abandoned building of some sort. Once you step foot inside, your expectations of the place doesn't really change either, besides the few couches they have lined up against the walls, and the relatively small stage centered in the middle of the room. The floors of the place are dirty and beat up, and please, don't even get me started on the bathrooms, but even though I've said nothing but negative things about this alcohol free, all-ages venue so far, once the place is filled up with show-goers and live music, it's a great place to be at. The vibe is awesome, and it's a good place to mix live music from your favorite local bands, in with socializing with friends.
22047 Sherman Way
CA 91303-1852
(818) 348-3789
2.
The Smell, located on Mainstreet in Los Angeles. This all-ages venue has been around since 1998, and is a not-for-profit, and completely volunteer run. Stepping foot into this venue, your eyes are overwhelmed with posters, canvases, and a bunch of writing covering the walls. A great amount of their customers are typically vegan lovers, which would also explain the vegan snack bar they provide. Many show-goers and even myself, can almost completely guarantee that you will have a great time attending a show at this venue and you'll be bound to come across really kind and talented people.
247 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-4325
3.
Canyon Club, located in Augora Hills. Let me tell you a couple things about this place. For starters, it is an extremely nice looking, spacious, great sound quality, all ages venue, and personally one of my favorites. I've attended a couple shows at this venue, and each time the sound quality was really on point. The stage is big, and the floor as well. They even provide a bar for those of age and table seating's where you can order food and eat. This venue is a great place to catch a band you like. From the B-52's, to your local band putting on a show for their friends and family, you can be sure to catch a good show.
28912 Roadside Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 879-5016
4.
Guitar Merchant, located in Canoga Park. A music store/venue, this place is a really good place to catch extremely local bands and musicians. It's pretty awesome all-ages venue. You walk in, and the first half of the place is a guitar store, where they have a bunch of guitars on display and other sorts of music related products. Then you walk further back and you come to find that there is a second room, filled with chairs, a piano, and pillows sprawled out against the wall on the floor. The room is fairly small, which makes great for an intimate show. The vibe of the place is cool, and it's a great place to just chill and catch a friend's band or a really great local act.
7503 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
CA 91303
(818) 884-5905
These are just a few of the many local venues being sprawled out through LA. The list goes on. Check out the rest of these to find one closer to you.
Troubadour, Santa Monica
The Roxy, West Hollywood
The Music Box, Hollywood
Key Club, West Hollywood
House of Blues Sunset, Hollywood
Whiskey A Go Go, West Hollywood
Here a few that aren't in LA, but still really great venues you should check out if you're ever in the area or are willing to take the drive out to.
118 West, Simi Valley
Rock City Studios, Camarillo
Chain Reaction, Anaheim
House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
