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Ditch the mega concerts. Here’s where to catch live music in LA if you’re new here
Esperanza Spalding performs at the Blue Note Jazz Club on February 23, 2025 in New York City.
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Astrida Valigorsky
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Getty Images
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In Los Angeles, you don’t need to go to a big venue to catch live music. Like art, music is everywhere throughout the region, so there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list to get you started.
Baked Potato is a cozy jazz club that hosts different artists on any given night.
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Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Los Angeles Times
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Baked Potato
The Baked Potato is an iconic spot where you can catch live jazz performances in a very intimate setting with drinks, and yes, a baked potato. What makes this place even more special is that phones are not allowed, meaning everyone is living in the moment and enjoying the music.
Where to go: 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City
Check out the shows here.
Kamasi Washington performs with special guest Ami Taf Ra in concert at Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.
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Udo Salters Photography
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Getty Images
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Blue Note
The Blue Note brings New York’s iconic jazz scene to Hollywood with a bar and menu to match the vibes. It’s open seating, meaning you get a show and get to mingle with other jazz music lovers.
Where to find: 6372 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Check out the shows here.
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The Troubadour as its marquee asked for pandemic era help.
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Courtesy Jason Horton
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The Troubadour
For more of an indie-rock feel, head to The Troubadour in West Hollywood. It’s a local classic that’s hosted some of music’s legends like Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Billy Joel, and many, many more. It’s standing-room only, with limited seating upstairs that is first-come, first-served.
Where to find: 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
Check out the shows here.
Café Tondo
At Café Tondo, a cafe-bar in Chinatown, you can catch bolero performances on Tuesday nights, different DJs every Saturday night and jazz on Sunday nights. You can find more info on Café Tondo’s Instagram.
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Where to find: 1135 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles
Find more information here.
Eastside Luv Wine Bar in Boyle Heights plays different kinds of music on any given night, like mariachi, country and norteños.
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Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Los Angeles Times
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Eastside Luv
Eastside Luv is another must-see in the heart of Boyle Heights. It’s a cozy community spot where every night holds something different, from boleros and mariachi to norteños and country. The DJ at the 21+ bar also mixes songs throughout the night in both English and Spanish.
Where to Find: 1835 1st St., Los Angeles
Check out the shows here.
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