|
Click Here to Check Availability
for Hotels in Los Angeles
Entertainment
Guide to Entertainment, Events and Nightlife in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is built on
entertainment and as well as the delights of the silver screen
you'll find plenty of real life attractions in the city.
Music
In a city of LA's size it's no surprise that a whole gamut of
musical entertainment can be found in its midst.
Naturally the city is most famous nowadays for its rappers and rock
artists, the most flamboyantly excessive on the planet. The streets
of suburban LA have thrown up the most notorious rap stars including
Dr Dre, Snoop Doggy Dog and Ice Cube. Meanwhile the beach culture of
Santa Monica is the more fitting backdrop for funky good time bands
such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
It is slightly more surprising to find that LA also offers an array
of classical musical talent with the epitome being the LA
Philharmonic, one of the world's most accomplished orchestras. And
here, as everywhere, in the US you can hear the ubiquitous jazz and
the atmospheric soul searching of the blues.
If you want to catch the big name acts in LA, which means the
biggest names in the world, then head for the massive Staples Center
in downtown or the Hollywood Bowl. This is where you'll see the
likes of U2's Bono, and Madonna strut their stuff. The Hollywood
Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Tel: +1 (1)323-850-2000.
The Hollywood Palladium has been around for a while but still plays
host to chart-topping acts, and plenty of big names have packed out
the Wiltern Theater (3790 Wilshire Blvd. Tel: +1 (1)213-380-5005).
There are also loads of other smaller venues that cater to all
manner of bands, including international acts, particularly on the
Westside and around Santa Monica. Johnny Depp's Viper Room is
probably the most notorious of the ultra-small venues that are a
forum for new bands. Check local listings for details of all small
gigs.
For the best in jazz and blues you can try the Jazz Bakery (3233
Helms Avenue, Tel: +1 (1)310-271-9039) or for the blues try The Mint
(6010 West Pico Blvd. Tel: +1 (1)323-954-9400). Both offer high
quality tunes and even attract some of LA's more earthy stars from
time to time. The House of Blues (8430 Sunset Blvd, Tel: +1
(1)323-848-5100) is always a popular venue with fans of the genre.
Big jazz and blues events with multiple performers are also held in
the Hollywood Bowl.
If classical music is what you're after, the LA Philharmonic's home
since 2003 is The Walt Disney Concert Hall recently opened as part
of the Music Center of La. You can contact the orchestra on Tel: +1
(1)323-850-2000 for information. It is possible to take a tour of
the cutting edge concert facility with its unique Frank Gehry
designed architecture.
The city's other top-class classical ensemble, the Los Angeles
Chamber Orchestra plies its trade at UCLA's Royce Hall. During
summer each year the city's classical companies decamp to the
Hollywood Bowl for a whole season of classical music in the
open-air.
The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion also hosts classical concerts in the
Music Center.
Theatre
Tinseltown isn't as famous for its theatre as say London or New
York, but the city still has a healthy theatre life with several
reasonably sized venues and an eclectic mix of "Broadway",
traditional, and modern theatre on offer. And, what's more, with all
those celebrity movie stars around the chances of seeing a cameo
from a big name is far higher than anywhere else in the world.
The main theatres in the city are both located in the Performing
Arts Center. With a massive 2000 seats the larger venue, the
Ahmanson, is the foremost theatre in the city and has hosted huge
Broadway style shows such as Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.
The Mark Taper Forum is a lot smaller and has a programme of smaller
contemporary theatre. Ahmanson Theater & Mark Taper Forum.
Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, 135 N Grand Avenue.
Tel: +1 (1)213-628-2772
The Coronet Theater (366 N. La Cienega Blvd. Tel: +1
(1)310-657-7377) has been hosting quality stage productions for
nearly sixty years. Chaplin once trod the stage here and many other
Hollywood greats followed suit, including Orson Wells and George C
Scott. Contemporary stars still follow in these luminaries'
footsteps and the Coronet is a good place to catch the odd cameo
from today's movie stars.
The Pantages Theater (6233 Hollywood Boulevard Tel: +1
(1)323-468-1700) is probably the nicest looking of Los Angeles's
venues with its plush Art Deco styling as much an attraction as the
mainstream theatre on offer here. The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El
Molina Avenue in Pasadena Tel: +1 (1)626-356-7529) with its
beautiful ornate interior was founded more than 75 years ago. The
theatre has been called Hollywood's talent factory because it
launched the careers of people like Gene Hackman, William Holden,
and Dustin Hoffman.
The Geffen Playhouse (Brentwood Theatre, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Tel:
+1 (1)310-208-5454) is the pet project of David Geffen, the famous
movie and music mogul. Originally built in 1929, this historic brick
building is a delightful medium-sized theatre that is perfect for
off-Broadway plays, one-act shows, and a variety of comedies and
dramas. The Odyssey (Tel: +1 (1)310-477-2055) offers innovative
creative productions in intimate theatres. Finally Will Geer
Theatricum Botanicum (Tel: +1 (1)310-455-3723) is an LA treasure, an
open-air theatre in Topanga Canyon.
Opera
The Los Angeles Opera is located at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
and offers a traditional seasonal programme under the artistic
direction of Plácido Domingo, of "three tenor" fame. Contact the
Opera at: 135 North Grand Avenue, Tel: +1 (1)213-972-8001.
Cinema
This is the home of Western Cinema and if you can't see the film you
want to here, then it probably hasn't been made. Cinema theatres
range from the ultra-modern to the crumbling kitsch and the fare on
offer spans the whole gamut of film genres.
If you're looking for a cinema with character naturally Grauman's
Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard is a must. Designed to look
like a Chinese Pavilion the theatre is famous for the hand and foot
prints of the stars that are permanently preserved in concrete
outside. The cinema itself is bang up to date and boasts the latest
sound and screen technology.
Further along Hollywood Boulevard from Grauman's is the El Capitan,
a cinema originally dating from the 1920s. Disney saved the
crumbling building and now the Capitan is back to its former glory.
The theatre has recently served for the premieres of all the
studio's latest animation blockbusters. Stepping into El Capitan is
like stepping back in time, even down to the organist accompaniment
to the film. On special occasions the cinema pulls out all the stops
and there are special demos, acts and exhibitions.
There are also some fantastic classic cinemas to be found Downtown
on Broadway. Although many are now shut or have been changed from
theatres to churches and stores, the façades represent a unique
photo opportunity for film fans. The best bet for actually seeing a
film in this once rich stretch is The Orpheum at 842 S. Broadway,
still complete with Wurlitzer Organ and grandiose marble decor.
Multi-screen chains have the best selection of films and show times,
and favourites include the 14 screen AMC in Century City (Tel: +1
(1)310-289-4262) in the Century City mall at 10250 Santa Monica
Boulevard, or the seven-screen AMC Santa Monica (Tel: +1
(1)310-289-4262) at 1310 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
For a truly amazing movie experience, check out the largest movie
screens in Los Angeles at IMAX (Tel: +1 (1)213-744-7400) located at
700 State Drive in Exposition Park near USC and The Bridge (Tel: +1
(1)310-568-3375), which is located near the Howard Hughes exit on
the 405 freeway (close to LAX) at 6081 Center Drive. The screen is
over 90 feet wide and seven storeys high, which means a whale can
appear life-sized. Beautiful photography, surround sound, and
educational content.
Finally real film fans will want to be in the city during the annual
Film Academy Award, often referred to as The Oscars, when cinema
takes a bow to its adoring public and all the stars come out in
their finest array of designer fashion and jewellery.
Sports
The Staples Center (Tel: +1 (1)213-742-7340) at 111 S Figueroa next
to the Convention Center downtown is the home of the NBA
Championship winning LA Lakers Basketball team (Tel: +1
(1)213-480-3232), where fans include celebrities like Jack
Nicholson. Staples is also the home of The LA Clippers and the
Sparks Women's Basketball team (Tel: +1 (1)213-742-7340). The LA
Kings (ice) hockey team (Tel: +1 (1)888-546-4752) also use the
arena.
Dodger Stadium (Tel: +1 (1)323-224-1448) located at 1000 Elysian
Park, seats 56,000 people in a pillar-less cantilevered stadium
where every seat has a good view. The Dodgers Baseball team plays
here from April to early October, while for only USD75,000 you can
rent the stadium for a bit of batting practice.
Thoroughbred horse racing takes place at Santa Anita Park (Tel: +1
(1)626-574-7223) located at 285 W Huntington Drive in Arcadia.
Another racing venue which is usually visible on final approach to
LAX is Hollywood Park (Tel: +1 (1)310-419-1500) at 1050 South
Prairie Avenue in Inglewood.
Nightlife
The bars and nightclubs on Hollywood's Sunset Strip are famous for
attracting a constant stream of new bands, familiar headliners, and
talented comedians. As a result, LA's nightlife is a happening scene
and the only way to keep track of it all is to pick up a copy of LA
Weekly or the Los Angeles Times "Calendar" section to see who is
playing where.
Cover charges vary, so it's best to call ahead. The legal drinking
age is 21 and nightclubs strictly enforce these laws. Bouncers at
the front door check IDs and prohibit access to anyone underage.
Alcohol can only be sold or served from 06h00 to 02h00 and drinking
is not permitted on the streets or on the beaches.
Here are a few favourite clubs located on Sunset:
The Key Club
9039 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)310-274-5800
Dennis Rodman met Carmen Electra at this three-storey dance spot
where you can eat dinner and listen to some of the hottest new rock
groups.
House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)323 848-5100
Purists may object to the idea of a nightclub chain, but this place
has great sound, decent southern cuisine, and an impressive schedule
of talented blues musicians.
The Roxy Theatre
9009 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)310-278-9457
A classic. It's been on the Strip for years and continues to feature
rock, pop and jazz artists in an intimate setting.
The Viper Room
8852 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)310-358-1881
Johnny Depp is co-owner of this nightclub (where River Phoenix
famously and tragically overdosed) that offers dancing and live
music of all kinds.
Whiskey A-Go-Go
8901 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)310-652-4202
This is another Sunset Strip classic that still draws long lines as
well as cutting-edge alternative and hard rock band talent.
The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd
Tel: +1 (1)323-656-6225
The name says it all. This is the place where stand-up comedians
find out if they've got what it takes to make it big.
If you fancy getting off the Strip try these suggestions elsewhere
in the city:
Daddy's
1610 N. Vine Street, Hollywood
Tel: +1 (1)323-463-7777
Actor Jeff Goldblum owns this jazz spot and sometimes his combo
plays on Monday nights.
Catalina Bar and Grill
6725 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
Tel: +1 (1)323-466-2210
This nightclub and restaurant is one of the most popular places for
those who enjoy hearing the latest riffs from talented jazz
musicians.
Comedy and Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach
Tel: +1 (1)310-372-1193
A joke joint in the South Bay that has achieved fame through people
like Jay Leno (of the Tonight Show) and other talented comedians
performing here on a regular basis.
HMS Bounty
3357 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Tel: +1 (1)213-385-7275
This classic 1937 landmark has become a favorite hangout for those
who like its friendly atmosphere and traditional fish and chips
menu. It's nautical and cozy.
Special Events
January 1
The Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl takes place in Pasadena
(Tel: +1 (1)626-449-4100). Volunteers help build the floats which
are available for viewing prior to and after the parade. January is
also when the Auto Show comes to the Convention Center (Tel: +1
(1)310-444-1850).
March
The City of Los Angeles Marathon (Tel: +1 (1)310-444-5544) brings
competitors from all over the world to race and bike through the
streets of downtown.
April
Speed junkies from all over the world descend on the city for the
Toyota Grand Prix (Tel: +1 (1)888-827-7333) in Long Beach, the
largest street race in North America
May
The Cinco de Mayo (May 5) celebrations commemorate Mexico's victory
over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The city's large
Mexican community and those that love a party indulge in merrymaking
throughout the city with mariachis and margaritas.
July
July 4 is Independence Day and Los Angeles celebrates as hard as the
rest of America in remembering the country's victory over the
British in 1776. Parades and fireworks are arranged throughout the
city.
July and August
The Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters takes place in
Laguna Beach. "Living" works of art are re-created when costumed
people pose still in a set that completely matches an original work
of art. Located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (south of
Los Angeles), Tel: +1 (1)949-494-1145.
August
The International Surf Festival takes place in August on Manhattan,
Hermosa and Redondo Beach.
September
The Los Angeles County Fair (Tel: +1 (1)909-623-3111) is held in
September in Pomona and it is the largest county fair in the nation.
It has horse racing, flower and garden shows, music, rides and
educational exhibits.
November
The Doo Dah Parade which takes place in Pasadena in November prides
itself on spoofing the Rose Parade. There are no prizes, no theme,
no judges and no motorised vehicles. Zany entries like the
Synchronized Marching Briefcase Drill Team, the West Hollywood
Cheerleaders and the Marching Lumberjacks keep the crowd chuckling.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade (Tel: +1 (1)323-469-2337) in November
is a traditional event with marching bands, floats, classic cars,
equestrian riders and celebrities.
|
