Lord Chi'le! If this ain't what mah ENTIRE SOUL NEEDS then let me go! iiiiii LOVE this place! Down home soul, blues & community. Peace read more

I was fortunate enough to be invited by my cousin to this magical music wonderland. We est, we dance, we made memories we'll always remeber. Thank you for creating this phenomenal space. read more

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I had a wonderful time on Sunday May4th.2025. The food and the presentation of the food is done in a very professional manner. The food is very delicious. The atmosphere is relaxing and friendly. All of the pop in musicians are all very talented and entertaining. It's really the place to be, if you want to have a fun enjoyable relaxing time. read more

I had the privilege to come up this week and it was one of the most joyful experiences I've had in SoCal. Mr. Bell and everyone there were incredibly warm and hospitable. Musicians are top notch. I can't think them enough for hosting it. read more

Update, still alive and kicking--they just need to respond to inquiries so people can confirm whether it is going on. Too out of the way to just wing it on a trip down. read more

Fun way to spend a Sunday evening. Starts at 5:00 but if you want a choice of seats come about 4:30. Bring food and drinks. There are some tables. read more

Franklin Bell's Blues Workshop - Looking toward the stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great place for some real Blues... Fabulous entertainment from some of the best artists in Los Angeles. You will be so happy to have discovered this hidden gem! Mr. Franklin Bell provides an atmosphere you will enjoy! read more

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Best blues in L.A. Don't hesitate...just go. If you like authentic blues, this is the place to be. Vibe reminds me of the old Funky Butt in NOLA...and that is high praise. If you miss the old Babe's & Ricky's Inn, as I did, you will feel like you're back home again. Blues, food, drink, dancing, and friendly conversation for $10...ridiculously good deal. And yes, you can sit in. You might have to park around the corner, but there's always easy parking nearby. Don't miss it. (323) 754-5564 read more

Franklin Bell... What a fine fine gentleman you are! I had the privilege of spending Sunday late afternoon and evening in Franklin Bell's garage listening and dancing to the blues. It was a sublime experience that I would love to keep as a secret, yet I kinda want to shout from the rooftops about... It was that great. Every Sunday, Franklin Bell opens his Los Angeles garage to the public from 4-9 pm. The joint was jumpin when we arrived and it was basically standing room only. That was ok because Franklin quickly made us feel super welcome and we made our way to the refreshment stand to gladly give a $10 per person donation. Truly you could double or triple that with the level of talent, entertainment and experience you are given. The musicians are top notch here and the dancing and vibe is off the charts. This amazing experience is one to put on your LA bucket list... And then return again and again! read more

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If you haven't been to this place yet what are you waiting for??? If you love the blues then this is the place to visit. Great music and a fun environment. This place is a gem. read more

Might be the coolest regular music event in Los Angeles. For a $10 donation you get hours of excellent live blues in Mr. Bell's epic music garage, all-you-can-eat home-cooked food AND an open bar (alcohol and non-alcohol alike). Seriously people, it's the best live music deal I've ever encountered and I've been to hundreds and hundreds of live shows. The weekly event starts at 4 every Sunday (music goes on at 5pm) and features both weekly house musicians and visitors (they welcome any/all musicians to get up there and jam, which is awesome). Mr. Bell, the 80-plus year old host, even plays drums! This weekly jam won't be around forever so seriously, do yourself a favor and get down to the Bell's Blues Workshop ASAP. You won't regret it. AND DON'T FORGET TO TIP! read more

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What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? This spot has the best hospitality! This man and his wife opens up their home and treats strangers like family!!! I love it! I wish I had thought of this idea first! My own private juke joint right in the back yard! How very Harpo and Squeak (The Color Purple reference). Where do I start? For a $10 donation we get complimentary beverages, dinner and an intimate blues show. This man is under-charging us!!! Being in this space reminds me of growing up and watching the grandparents drink, dance and play their favorite southern blues. I miss those days. Thanks for the good times!!! read more

The greatest blues in LA. Mr Bell is very hospitable, the music is off the chain and the fun, food and dancing are totally awesome! The biggest bang for your buck is $15.00 donation read more

I would be remised if I did not comment on this wonderful man Mr Bell with his outstanding housepertality and generosity. I have been coming here to Mr Bells with my mom Mary and family for many years now and it just gets better with time! The workshop is always clean, the crowd is live and the entrainment is awesome! Where can you go for $10.00 and get a free drink, food and entry into the Workshop? Bell's Blues Workshop!Once you enter Mr Bell's Workshop you're in good hands! Be prepared to have a good time, so come to party, we do !!!!! We love you Mr Bell! Mechele Hermon Zero Mary Dot Niece Max Cheris Brenda Danny Jessie Glen Pierre Sr Flo read more

Franklin Bell's Blues Workshop - a woman holding a bunch of money - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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When you're ready to listen to some real down home blues make plans on early Sunday evening to come to Franklin Bell's Blues Workshop in Compton. This Is a true juke joint. Everyone is super nice. Some of the best blues guitarist and vocalist I have heard in a long time. One performer started singing and I swear it was Johnny Taylor reincarnated. They sang old school blues, R&B, and even sang La Bamba. They had young cats and old-timers and musicians of all races, it was great!!!can't wait to come back! For a mere $10 donation there's alcohol, snacks and a light dinner. I would suggest you bring your own bottle and mixers and maybe even one to share since everyone's so nice. You can bring your own food to snack on as well. It's very informal, not fancy but great! see u there! read more

What a hidden gem tucked away in South Central LA. I really did not believe that such a place existed let alone that it was hidden "in plain sight" in this great big city! Drove by a couple of hours before the music began just to make sure the address was not a fake. Sure enuf there it was right near the corner if Avalon & Colden. I came back at five and the place was alive with energy that you could see, feel and hear. At six several lovely ladies wearing aprons and food grade gloves strolled out carrying aluminum trays filled with crunchy Southside Fried chicken, sweet creamy potato salad, lettuce and fresh greens plus grated carrots slathered with ranch dressing. With only a $10 donation you get a plate of food to go with all that heavy juicy blues that was being spit and belted out by some of the best you will ever hear! There was Southside Slim on guitar (close your eyes and you'd swear Prince & Jimi were alive in the room) & Mr. BB King too! Ladies and gentlemen covered the dance floor when the artists played, "Let the good times roll"! Oh my, what entertaining good times are had by all who dare to come through to enjoy such a musical adventure. Young, the young at heart and all races enjoying what truly brings people together through the language of music which i consider the creme and sugar of life. Head over to Bell's Blues Workshop where they take you to church from 4pm until 8pm and if ya want an encore they give it up until 9:00 - so fine...every single time. Say "Hi" and thank Mr. Bell - that man plays drums and dances with grace. So much style! I thank him because my soul felt so at home just sittin there soppin' up the good food, the fat music and the good old down home vibe - wish there were more places and people like him in the world. No disappointments whatsoever. Couldnt even complain about the parking but it is best to arrive early. $10 well spent (would be happy to donate $20 because it is well worth it). Enjoy!!! read more

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Down Home Blues, This is a great Juke Joint right in the middle of South Central LA. I consider my self a lover of the Blues and I really love to see,hear and play live Blues Music. This is the place to do it. They always dress to impress here. Do not let the location full you, it is the real deal. Mr Bell is a true gentleman and he opens his Blues club up for all to enjoy, I enjoy his ever evolving eclectic Blues lovers who attend and those who show up to perform. I love this place so much and will make more visits again. Love you Mr. Bell read more

Fun spot for blues! Parking is street only, pay a donation but then there's free cans for beer and homemade food.

Awesome place. Love the vibe. Everyone is friendly and the music is great. Franklin Bell and friends are awesome hosts, make you feel right at home and you can't help but have a grand old time. This place has a lot of rich history -- an authentic jem in the heart of LA. read more

Nicest people in the world and SO much fun! Great music and a great time! Highly recommended!!!