Hey folks, I’m a 26 yr old gal that has to book a trip within the next month and I’ve always wanted to go to LA. I live in Maine and I’m a musician so I’m hoping to go to some open mics and see the local music scene when I go. I plan to stay about a week on my own. Could you suggest the best area for me to stay/explore? Also the best time of year to go? I live in a tourist state so I wanna be in the time a year when nobody is there and I can only image what LA is like in that sense. 🤘
Losangelesmusic.io has a list of open mics.
As for the local scene, are there any particular genres you love or dislike? LA has so many venues and event producers, so it would help if you clarified so that others can give you suggestions.
PS: If you're interested in going to sapphic-leaning events, check out Being Queer in LA while you're here.
There's always people here, but it's so big that you're likely never to see another toursit after you leave your hotel. I agree with the possible Silverlake call, or else Hollywood/West Hollywood if you're more into rock and LA music history.
People are always here. It's a city of 4 million, county of 10 million. And the weather is always good, so it's always drawing tourists.
That being said, Silverlake might be the scene you're looking for.
Excellent jazz at The Baked Potato in Studio City.
Silver Lake and Echo Park sound like what you are looking for
I would guess early in the new year is probably 'slowest' for tourists, so maybe mid/late-January to mid-March before any school spring break.
I second Silverlake-ish, however I suggest you checkout the Bootleg Theater while you are here - they have open mic nights and are a fun venue for new music. Also if you are into experimental / new orchestral music, the LA Philharmonic hosts a recurring series on Tuesday nights called Green Umbrella that you may want to check out.
-The greater East Hollywood/Silver Lake/Echo Park/Los Feliz/Highland Park area.
-Breaking Sound (various locations, multiple days of the week) and School Night (Monday Nights at Bardot) consistently showcase new artists and their events tend to have both musicians/industry types milling about. Check out the Hotel Cafe or any other venue that seems to have artists you vibe with.
-Anytime except the period between Xmas and News Years.