Live Performances | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Entertain

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+ Jon Lovitz Comedy Club

The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club features live stand-up comedy by some of the hottest national headlining comedians. The club's 3 floors open to a perfect view of the stage and the casual tropical décor makes visitors feel as if they’re on an island vacation. In addition, the club also boasts a state-of-the-art sound and video system, as well as a full bar and gourmet menu.

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+ Singing the Blues: House of Blues Hollywood

Though they may call it the House of Blues, you most likely won’t be singing them once you head on over. Since the House of Blues can be found in pretty much any large U.S. city, the 1994 opening of the Sunset Boulevard location had to be special.

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Even from the outside, the House of Blues on Sunset is covered in tin and looks like an old rock ‘n’ roll house situated on the boulevard. Filled with different works of art and elements of architecture, the House of Blues has become a great place to throw events in Los Angeles as well as listen to lives music from some of the greatest bands and performers.

With multiple bars, levels and rooms to roam, the House of Blues is pretty impressive, until you snag yourself a membership to the Foundation Room, where all bets are off. With prayer rooms, city views and fireplaces, the Foundation Room brings drinking, dining and listening to live music up a notch.

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+ A Dash of Moxie With Your Roxy: The Roxy Theatre

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Since most famous music institutions in Los Angeles are located on Sunset Boulevard, it’s no wonder that the Roxy Theatre has become apart of that family. Ever since the days of live shows from Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, the Roxy has become a must for up-and-coming musicians and those who feel like giving a little love back to the fans.

The Roxy itself is an intimate space with open dance floor and bar. Though most of the music performed at the Roxy is loud enough to blow out an eardrum, the Theatre has also become a place where comedy shows and performance art can take place.

Though the Roxy makes for the perfect night out in L.A., many visitors boast about ‘On The Rox’, an after-hours bar upstairs with DJ and all night debauchery. If you wish to make it out alive without getting bombarded by crowds, park across the street in the open lot, especially if you are visiting on the weekend.

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+ New Director, New Sound at LA Philharmonic

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has a new director, 28 year-old Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who is already wowing A-list Californian crowds and reaching the top of the classical Billboard charts. Dudamel began his tenure in October and in his first concert, he received a standing ovation before he had even begun. He has an incredible energy and artistry that has made him one of the most sought-after conductors around the world. His work is so incredible that TIME magazine named him one of the most influential people of 2009. Make sure to check out Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic. There are always a many different types of concerts performed year-round, from holiday themed performances to jazz bands to beautiful classical music, for every musical taste.

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+ Venice Beach: Down By the Boardwalk

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Whether you are looking for snow cones, inexpensive sunglasses or guys flexing at Muscle Beach, just about anything and everything can be found at the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Known for its sidewalk art displays and t-shirt shops, the energy at the boardwalk never lets up. With endless dining options and street cafes such as James Beach or Hash at Hotel Erwin, visitors can choose to dine in or on the go from endless street vendors and walk-in locations.

Along with endless dining options, the Venice Beach boardwalk is known for its shopping, from t-shirt shops to stands filled with sunglasses as well as a plethora of vintage clothing stores.

Not only is the boardwalk known for dining and shopping, but it has become famous for street performers and art displays. Whether it’s a palm reader, henna tattoo artist or someone painting portraits on the spot, all artists alike come to Venice beach to display their talents for all that travel the boardwalk to witness.

Crowds and parking to even access the boardwalk can be a nightmare on the weekends. Many private parking lots will grant you all day access for a fee. As far as visiting hours, most will tell you to visit when it is light out because the boardwalk can take on a different vibe at night.

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+ ACME Comedy Theatre: Any Celebrity May Enter

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The ACME Comedy Theatre has become a Los Angeles staple for those looking for a little comedy training or those looking for some entertainment.

The famous theatre is home to a long list of celebrity guests such as Lea Thompson, Joel McHale, and Adam Corolla. Friday and Saturday nights are big nights at the theater where ACME Radio Hour has their Liquid Radio Players perform completely improvised as though they were on old-time radio.

The 99-seat theatre is not only a place to watch shows but a place to learn from the best. The comedy school gives students the chance to learn the ins and outs of sketch, improv and stand-up comedy.

Though the theatre is the perfect place to spend a Friday or Saturday night, the theatre doesn’t have a concession stand and prohibits bringing food or drinks into the theatre.

If you are questioning whether or not to visit the theatre, just remember that Nia Vardalos was discovered by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks when she was performing. Whether you are looking to discover or be discovered, ACME is the place to be.

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+ The Hollywood Bowl: An Outdoor Oasis

When you think of listening to live music in Los Angeles, you automatically think of the Hollywood Bowl. Filled with killer performances, great seating and dining options that force you to leave the picnic basket behind, the Hollywood Bowl should be on everyone’s “to-do” list, whether you are a tourist or local. The brilliant performers and performances that fill the stage make the Bowl’s schedule impossible to beat. With weekends devoted to “A Beatles Celebration” along with other famous faces, music enthusiasts will agree that the only way to enjoy a show is at the Bowl. Though you may expect an outdoor music venue to be filled with cheap drinks and crummy food, the Hollywood Bowl allows foodies to go wild thanks to the Patina Restaurant Group and their endless dining options for those in box seats to those looking to grab a quick bite before the show. With great food to accompany a great show, you may think your experience at the Hollywood Bowl will be perfect. The only downside to visiting the Bowl is parking. Though the website will give you a few options on how to park, most people will tell you to find alternate ways, like the park & ride or shuttle. Hollywood Bowl Pic

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+ The Wonderous Wiltern Theatre

Ever since it opened in the 1930’s, the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles has been a popular entertainment venue for music lovers and band followers to gain an up close and personal performance from their favorite singers and celebs.

The beautiful theatre is best known for small acoustic performances where fans can buy tickets through LiveNation for prices cheaper than those at larger venues. Even though the theatre is on the smaller side, the Wiltern is never short on amazing performers, from Lily Allen to Taking Back Sunday. As the big name bands prepare to take the stage, prepare for at least a few cool opening bands to perform. As venues such as Staples Center get overrun by people, parking and cheap popcorn, those are choosing to head to the Wiltern where it feels like home and is just as noisy as if the band was playing in your own living room. Insider's Tip: Though the ticket prices and small venue are definite perks of visiting the Wiltern, the theatre is infamously known for outrageous drink prices such as $16.00 beers and expensive parking in their accompanying structure. Those selling tickets at the box office will advise you to park on the street to avoid long exiting lines and expensive fees.

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+ The Mint has the Music Industry IN

Outside, The Mint looks like just another hole-in-the-wall dive bar.

The street is a random stretch of nothing, but this understatement of a venue showcases major talent. At The Mint, the show is often worth going out of the way for. Performers range from the music industry’s breaking talent to unknowns soon to be knowable. Past notables include Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, The Wallflowers, Jason Mraz and Ben Harper to breaking new artists like Matt Morris, new to Justin Timberlake’s label. The Mint dates back to 1937, with a historical feel as authentic as its history. Its private back room party charm is retro with wooden walls that seep the old notes they have retained. Yet, the intoxication heightens listening to music in this dim room with golden lanterns and old leather banquets. Shows are primarily standing room, and packed.

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+ Worth the Venom at The Viper Room

The Viper Room in the infamous West Hollywood area of Los Angeles is known for cheap drinks, dark lighting and headlining bands that only true fans have ever heard of. All the appeal is due in part to its landmark location and the fact that it is a true Hollywood staple in the music scene. Unlike other music venues that promise intimate performances in crowded corners, a trip to The Viper Room actually feels like you are watching a performance in your backyard. With booths lining the walls and spaces that can hold no more than 200 people, Viper Room devotees vouch that a performance at The Room will beat all others. Though it can’t get much better than paying between $10-20 to see your favorite musician or band, The Viper Room has made up for semi-expensive parking by offering insanely cheap drinks, especially for Hollywood. Five dollar drinks are served from the hours of 11pm-2am nightly, which means you can get trashed while standing inches away from the bands who taught you how to. Along with the novelty of cheap drinks comes the souvenir mug, a Viper Room purchase that you can fill up and take home with you. While the rest of West Hollywood is buying $20 drinks and paying cover at the club, those at The Viper Room are enjoying themselves as they get to experience old Hollywood in a new way. With cheap drinks, cheap admission fee and up close and personal performances, The Viper Room is a Hollywood-must, especially for all those fun loving music fanatics.

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+ UCB is Cheap Comedy- That Doesn’t Mean the Jokes

Upright Citizen’s Brigade is LA’s staple stop for comedy talent scouts. Robin Williams, Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey and Conan O'Brien have all performed here. Upright Citizen’s Brigade churns out countless alumni performing and writing the

best comedy, sketch comedy, late night, political and daytime talk on TV as well as major box office movies. Improvisation teams compete with intelligence, speed and intensity that have made it a stand out among other comedy clubs. With four shows a night ranging in improvisation form and theme, there’s one for everyone and the price maxes out at a whopping $8. While most famous for the ASSCAT production, Facebook tears audience profiles into long form improvisation gold and has become a Wednesday night highlight. Soundtrack has a mix master DJ improvising the track to color scenes with whatever is available on audience iPods. And in Cagematch, watch as the challenging team tries to overthrow the previous week’s reigning champion. Every show UCB has to offer is uniquely playful and the excitement explodes as students morph into comedians grounded in their own styles and voices.

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+ Putting the TRUE in The Troubadour

The Troubadour in West Hollywood is the truest definition of a LA live music venue. New bands, old bands and whatever falls in between seem to flock to The Troubadour for weekly performances that keep the tickets sold out and the lines long. With multiple acts and set lists, The Troubadour has seen some pretty impressive faces, from Neil Young to James Taylor. If you have made it in the music industry, you have most likely played here. When it opened its doors in 1957, it probably wasn't expecting to be the locale for a spontaneous performance seven years later by Bob Dylan himself. Thanks to people like Young and Dylan who have once taken the stage, the weekends are packed with bands hoping that this is the first day to the rest of their thriving careers. Insider Tip: Due to the selection of up and coming bands with Los Angeles favorites, ticket prices tend to vary. The other bummer is the parking situation, whether it is parking in the structure across the street or valet parking. Situated in between clubs and bars, parking is nearly impossible so it may pay to walk or take whatever you saved on the ticket and hand it over to valet.