Wiltern Named Best Live Music Venue Due to Facelift

Only in Hollywood can a building's facelift earn it an award. Citysearch has dubbed The Wiltern as Los Angeles' Best Live Music Venue. Why? "Hollywood's historic music venue retains its classic Tinseltown charm after a first-rate facelift."

The Wiltern's "facelift" wasn't just a barely noticeable nose job. It was a full-scale re-do. The 1931 building was completely renovated five years ago, bringing state-of-the art sound to the venue that desperately needed it. It can now hold up to 2,300 concert-goers and can be reconfigured for more intimate shows.

Yes, The Wiltern is gorgeous, with all its art-deco flair. Yes, The Wiltern is famous among architects all over the world. It's even really popular with all the landmark people. BUT - is it really the best live music venue in Los Angeles? Citysearch points out that while their editorial choice for Best Live Music Venue in L.A. was The Wiltern, Citysearch readers picked The Roxy.

Hmmm. The Wiltern, The Roxy. The Roxy, The Wiltern. Check out all The Wiltern shows that LAist has covered & check out all The Roxy shows that LAist has covered. A tough call, right?

With so many excellent live music venues in LA, we can't help but feel some of the best ones were overlooked. What's your pick?

Photo by chellyc via Flickr