Since it opened back in 1998, the Westchester Bar & Grill has been home to many alternative bands.  Along with other venues, the Westchester Bar has become a “must” pit stop to many well-known and on the rise bands.   Unlike other venues in the L.A. area, the Westchester is 18 and over, which allows a wider audience.   Some of the bands that have played and have or have had regular gigs at this venue are:  Pastilla, Lik, Fatima, Las 15 Letras, Los Burbanks, Chencah Berrinches, Very Be Careful, Allison, La Gusana Ciega, Delux, Dildo, Circo, Kill Aniston, among others. The Westchester Bar & Grill is not only a great place to catch some of your favorite bands, but it’s also a cool hang out place- there’s pool tables and arcade games.

5630 W Manchester Ave./ Los Angeles, CA 90045/  (310) 670-2366

One of the main venues here in the L.A. area to catch some good live music is undoubtedly The Knitting Factory.  Whether you want to check out a band you know and love or to discover new sounds The Knitting Factory is definitely the place for both.  Since it opened its doors in the Los Angeles area, of its main goals has been to provide a performance space for fan favorites and for new talent as well… all with an alternative twist.  The Factory has two platforms: the Main Stage hosts popular acts and artists with name recognition, while the AlterKnit Lounge features hardworking bands with cult followings and a more underground appeal.

 7021 Hollywood Blvd. / Hollywood, CA 90028 /   (323) 463-0204 / www.knittingfactory.com

Even though Safari Sam’s in Hollywood opened its door in 2006, its history goes back… way back.  Since it opened in Huntington Beach back in 1984, Safari Sam’s has been home to the alternative community, including of course the latin alternative crowd.  Whenever you want to check out performance by your favorite non-mainstream bands, Safari Sam’s is the place to go. 

At Safari Sam’s you’ll find your dose of culture, art and music like in no other place in Hollywood, keeping everything chill, relaxed and unpretentious.  Safari Sam’s is definitely a great place to catch up and coming bands, as well as some favorites that have been around for quite some time like Pastilla.  Not only that, but you can get your freak on and get some alcohol in your system at a decent price.

5214 W. Sunset Blvd. / Hollywood, CA 90027 / (323)666-7267 / www.safari-sams.com

Founded in 1989 by Linda Frye Burnham and Tim Miller, Highways Performance space has been a leading force in offering a diverse cultural perspective to the L.A. area.  Highways’ main purpose is to push the boundaries of convention in some of the most unusual and provocative ways.  It’s definitely the place to get your weekly or monthly dose of cultura- ranging from plays, musicals, concerts, films, dance, performance art and others, you’ll get culture like in no other place. 

Highways Performance Space and Gallery is currently under the direction of Leo Garcia (since 2003).  Although the performances vary in topics and such, their main focus is political and sexual.  No matter what’s showing you’re guaranteed to have a unique experience. 

1651 18th St./ Santa Monica, CA 90404 / (310)315-1459 / www.highwaysperformance.org