Editors Note: Sammie Wuensche is a Pepperdine 2023 alumna and a former assistant photo editor for the Graphic.
Are you looking for guitar-heavy music? Don’t “fret.” Trumpet music? Find a place to “blow off” some steam. Loud drums? There are some “smashing” performances.
With over 400 live music venues in Los Angeles, choosing the right one for a particular memory, style of music or culture can become overwhelming, according to Rentech Digital. Some venues with rich history, including one in Malibu, said they are finding ways to bring their local communities together through a passion for music.
Small music venues are essential for supporting emerging artists, providing a more intimate experience, boosting local economies and bolstering smaller venues that are more financially vulnerable than big arenas, according to Main Street Crossing.
The people of Dreamland, Silverlake Lounge and The Smell share their stories and how these venues are continuing to make a lasting impact in the world of music, art and entertainment in L.A.
Dreamland, Malibu
Kelly Furano, managing director of Dreamland, said musicians, actors, comedians, composers, songwriters, directors, producers and creative storytellers of all genres call Malibu home. Malibu has a vibrant community of creators who value family and their craft above all, and they have chosen a community surrounded by mountains and ocean — intentionally away from the noise of L.A.
Located in a central location off Pacific Coast Highway and across from the pier, Dreamland has been hosting live music since the 1970s, Furano said.
Musician Neil Young once owned it and called it the Crazy Horse Saloon, and Furano said, later in the ’70s, the location was named The Malibu Inn and hosted artists such as The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys and more.
“Dreamland is an extension of their [artists’] living room and a platform for all artists to play and explore new and old material in an intimate environment in their backyard,” Furano said.
The venue changed its name to Dreamland when it opened its doors in 2021. Furano said it is Dreamland’s priority to host a wide variety of music.
The venue quickly became known for indie bands — they kicked off the new venue with the band Sunroom, and tickets sold out, Furano said.
Dreamland is an extension of Aviator Nation, the luxury clothing brand that houses its store right next door. The intimate venue fuses elements of the brand into its design — including a massive neon AV sign right above the stage, Furano said.
“Dreamland is a musical experience and expression of the brand and its values,” Furano said. “You can find Persian carpets, one-of-a-kind couches, brass and marble bars leading you into every corner designed down to the detail. The spirit of Dreamland lives through the soul of Aviator Nation.”
The venue supports causes such as The Boys & Girls Club, Walk on Water, World Surf League and Malibu Surf Association, Furano said. They also host a Battle of the Bands with local high schools and middle schools, wedding parties, fundraisers for Malibu City Council and more.
“The energy in the space is unbeatable, and you can feel it is special the minute you step foot in the doors,” Furano said.
Furano said this venue is for the community — a stage that feels accessible to all — for poets, comedians and musicians who sign up to perform. Past the crowd, through the window, they can see the Pacific Ocean blue that awaits them.
“Every community needs a music venue, but let’s be honest, Malibu is home to the world’s most incredible artists,” Furano said.
Silverlake Lounge, Silverlake
Steven Acosta, co-owner and operator of Silverlake Lounge, said this iconic venue has been serving the community and its nightlife since 1938 and settled into its current location in 1975. This 200-person venue has gained notoriety as one of the central hubs for the blossoming indie music scene and is the longest-standing, independent, live music venue in Silverlake.
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, with Sundays and Mondays held for private events and film shoots, the venue’s average week includes three to four independent musical acts and a night of either comedy, improv, open mic or resident DJ dance parties. Acosta said their queer programming, drag shows and honky tonk “Smalltown Friday Night” are the most successful.
“I’ve had many special nights here; my current favorites are Jagged Baptist Club, Harry Katz and the Pistachios and Zee Machine,” Acosta said. “They all put on a spectacular show full of energy and tender moments.”
Acosta said it is their priority to provide a stage, platform and exposure for as many local artists as possible, with shows, ads, social media features, low rental rates for shoots and content creation during the day. There are no fees for the professional photographers and videographers they hire for the shows.
Silverlake Lounge also lets bands keep 100% of their merchandise sales to support local and upcoming singer/songwriters, Acosta said.
“We are both a destination and a neighborhood staple,” Acosta said. “We have a huge neighborhood regulars roster that continues to support us, with or without entertainment.”
After undergoing new ownership in 2020 — then closing their doors for 15 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Acosta said he is proud of the venue’s resilience and the home they worked to create. He is touched by customers who have told him this is the first place they have ever felt truly at home in L.A.
The Smell, Downtown L.A.
Owner Jim Smith said he opened The Smell in January 1998 with his love for organic and DIY venues in mind. They have a long history of independent, avant-garde artists displaying the freedom to perform on their stage, particularly artists in the punk scene.
The venue was in North Hollywood for two years but needed to relocate due to rising rents, Smith said. He felt Downtown L.A., was a central space with easy access to public transit.
Because the venue welcomes all ages, they attract a lot of younger artists, mainly punk, post-punk and hip-hop, Smith said. Acts featured at the venue include Mika Miko, Strange Boys, No Age and more.
“We are always looking for artists who are trying to push boundaries and experiment,” Smith said.
Smith said the venue’s intimate size is optimal for their mission, and they wanted to provide a venue without the traditional distractions of bars and nightclubs that is also alcohol-free. They feature a vegan snack bar with water, tea and coffee ranging from $1 to $2.
“The artists that perform at The Smell know that people who tend to come to see our shows are there for pretty much no other reason than to experience great music and culture,” Smith said.
Smith said they continue to branch out and book prog, free jazz, international, hip-hop, garage rock, psych, singer-songwriter, metal, folk-punk, comedy, performance art and modern dance, with shows ranging from $5 to $15.
The Smell is unique in the fact that they do not have a central booker; they work with several promoters and individuals from within their community who set up shows regularly, Smith said. Bands who play regularly will set up and promote the entire bill themselves.
“We are fiercely community-driven,” Smith said. “For the most part, we are staffed entirely by volunteers who are either artists who play here regularly or attend shows here regularly. It is these same individuals who determine our ethos and our artistic direction.”
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