A little while ago we brought you a blog about the best places on the East Coast for Music lovers, so it’s only fair that we do the same for the sunny West Coast!

San Francisco

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It may not be the garage rock hub it was in the 90’s or the centre of counterculture as in the 60’s and 70’s, but San Fran still has a lot to offer those after a hit of music.

Fillmore Auditorium is still haunted by the music Gods of yesteryear like Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, but now you’re more likely to see the faces of Amanda Palmer, Macklemore and HAIM grace the stage. Relentlessly popular and almost a guaranteed great night out, this velvet and brick old world gem is definitely worth the pennies if you can nab a ticket!

The Chapel is a beautiful venue with multiple places to enjoy the many sounds that come from within. Plenty of indie bands take on the stage, and there’s delicious food and drink to see you through. What used to be a chapel is now bustling in the Mission District, shining in the sea of San Fran musical nightlife.

SF Jazz Centre is a charmingly modern arts centre that celebrates everything jazz. There’s everything from educational programs to ensembles and shows to enjoy. You can even share a family matinee and spread the joy of jazz to the next generation!

Los Angeles

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Closest major city to Coachella and the place where every budding musician hopes to ‘make it,’ we couldn’t make a list like this and not include the City of Angels

The Hollywood Bowl is an absolute must for anyone who loves their tunes. You simply won’t find a place more LA than this. Head there early and take a selfie under the lights before a headliner gig, or enjoy an evening with a smaller crowd of local bands and music lovers.

The Wiltern is a beautiful art-deco theatre that’ll take you back in time to the days of vaudeville and martinis. A variety of artists play here, and there’s even an underground lounge with Italian catering if you really want to treat yourself!

Amoeba Music is another LA icon that’s not to be missed, no matter how hipster it makes you feel. Browse the sea of vintage records and listen to a free concert, it’s ok, we won’t tell.

Seattle

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It might be the home of Grunge, but there’s far more to Seattle than the brooding sounds of the 90’s.

The Showbox opened to an eager crowd in the summer of 1939, and has been rocking downtown Seattle ever since. The place has seen trends come and go around again, and a bucket load of musical royalty has graced the stage. Showbox itself has grown over its 77 years of operation, and now has a myriad of venues across the city, so you’re bound to find a place that makes you want to get your boogie on.

The Highline is the place to be for metal-heads and those who like to head-bang on a vegan diet. Bands will make you want to lose yourself and stand-up comedy will make you laugh so much you spit out your reasonably priced, yet delicious food and drinks.

Q Nightclub. This multi-layered club in Capitol Hill is magical, taking clubbing back to its original concept with mood lighting, wacky interiors and a drinks list to top them all. Whether you’re after a chill night in a cosy lounge bar, or a night on the town of dancing and shenanigans, Q won’t fail to entertain.

Las Vegas

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Let’s face it, Vegas is an adult wonderland, and included in the magic is plenty of places to catch a brilliant gig or two! We’ve gleaned a few of the best places for you!

Petrossian Bar is perfect if you’re looking to escape the party and chill somewhere classy and cool. Located in the Bellagio, this beautiful bar has a grand piano and classic cocktails, creating a classic atmosphere with a range of talented pianists every day.

House of Blues is one of the best places to get up close and personal with your favorite artists. The expertly designed venue brings the South to the Strip, with décor and delicious food that makes you feel as though you’re walking the lanes of New Orleans. A host of popular artists are known for playing here, and you’ll also be treated to some Gospel, but if you’re not feeling that, you might also be able to catch a comedian or two.

Mandalay Bay Beach is a really unique place to soak up some tunes. A stage and a wave pool in one? Yes please! The summer concert program at Mandalay Bay runs from May, and although it’s understandably popular, it’s absolutely worth the trouble to see some of the biggest names of music in an exceptional place.

Portland

Oregon has an eclectic musical history to say the least, but it remains one of the country’s best places to be enchanted by many styles of music. No matter your tastes, there’s a place for you in Portland.

Edgefield is a massive farm that carries a lot of history and is now a giant outdoor entertainment venue about half an hour outside the city. With a variety of restaurants and bars across the property, you’ll definitely be a happy chap by the time the gig rolls around in the blissful festival setting.

The Roseland Theatre used to be a church in Old Town Chinatown, but is now one of the best live music venues in Portland. Although the venue has a dark history (it’s said to be haunted), it’s intimate and inviting. Hosting everyone from the Pixies, to Bob Dylan, and Prince, to blues artists and comedians, it’s a wonderful venue!

 Holocene is the place to be if you’re more into electro pop and dancing the night away. A fantastic dance, music and art space, this place also has a great bar and food to keep you going til the early hours. There’s all kinds of creative events here, including buzzing dance parties almost every night on the weekends.

 

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