We showed up here for the first time last night to see an Oakland band we love play their first LA…read moreshow. Walking into the venue (which must be entered from a remote back alley) people just outside said to us "you're walking into a WEIRD vibe". We thought that meant "punk", and we weren't completely wrong- but we were promptly informed the lead singer of the first band had dislocated her knee and torn her ACL on the stage- it is not known whether the stage caused this but most said the singer was not doing anything crazy in terms of movement. The ambulance was called, and the people in charge were managing the situation to the absolute best of their ability but that poor lead singer was on stage incapacitated with people all around her giving her conflicting advice. This poor thing. They moved all the bands down to the floor level after the first band in order to mitigate the situation. There were some massive sound quality issues, the lights stayed on for the entirety our out-of-town friends set, which they still played like champions- the closing band even had the guys in charge of wandering on the stages behind them and even onto the stage with them, mid-set- (to fix issues I'm sure). I just felt so bad for everyone involved: the injured band, the fans who paid and had to wait a long time through delays, the bands that played after the incident (the band we saw had the lights on the entire set too), and the crew running the show who were clearly just doing their best given the circumstances. I will say it was a calm intimate venue when it all went down- everyone was trying to help, just a crazy first impression of The Smell for us.

The venue has always been marketed by word of mouth, and has always seemed like an exclusive place…read moreto find new artists. My impression from this was that the venue was somewhat better kept than what it was. I had a wonderful time seeing my friend's band perform, and they were absolutely fantastic. They delivered an amazing show, despite sound issues that persisted here and there throughout their set. The community the place brought out and together was also great and a huge plus to the whole night. But the thing that I cannot get over is how absolutely gross this venue is... I was so grossed out that it's actually the reason I had to write a review. I just took a shower, cleaned all the clothes I was wearing while there, and I still can't shake how gross I feel! I think the venue is a great size, great layout, great potential for the atmosphere... and hey, I get that it's summer and it's hot and all, but it was so damn hot, I took my shirt off, stripped only to my bra, and I could barely ignore the heat while trying to enjoy my friend's performance. People were moshing, as this was a punk show, and sweat droplets were flying everywhere.... I mean, it almost felt like I was standing in a shower (gag). Because of this, the whole place ended up just... smelling. Which, I guess, at least they weren't kidding with that name! You'll come across a lot of different smells in your time there, and leave with some new ones of your own (double gag). The bathrooms were... I'm sorry but just absolutely gross. I've seen a few other reviews saying it smells like urine outside... maybe cause it's more desirable to do your business in the alleyway than the bathrooms. There was a roach in one :( I enjoyed a lot about the venue, and I love the community that it attracts, but come on... can we keep it cleaner? And at least cool enough that people don't nearly faint from the lack of air flow? I'm so completely baffled at how this place seems so exclusive in terms of the artists it showcases, and then the venue itself is just genuinely nasty.

I've been coming to the gaslite for 20+ years. It is a karaoke dive bar, so this should be your…read moreexpectation. They recently updated their karaoke list and they have just about everything now. Depending on when you go, expect a karaoke line. No food, just popcorn but you can order pizza and bring it in. They have a big dance floor and a stage. There are some booths around the sides. Adam, one of the bartenders is super friendly. They also have a big patio in the back. Prices seem to have gone up recently with a titos/soda coming in at $15! Seems pricey but it is Santa Monica. Everyone I have met here is super friendly from the regulars to the karaoke lovers to the lookie loos. Go here tonight!!

The ambiance is fun Came here for karaoke but omg the…read moresound is terrible Not sure why this is considered a karaoke place. They should really work on the sound. Please fix the sound. There is no excuse ‍ If you are going here for Karaoke welp... just know you're here to drink and listen to people scream even if they sound good.

Great Event. And it's 100% FREE. This event is a concert which is held every Thursday in the…read moresummer (July - September) at the Santa Monica Pier. LIVE MUSIC! More info here: (http://brightbulbideas.com/santamonicapier/twilight/) I first came here for their Salsa Concert. The show started at 7 and was still going strong after 10pm. There were tons of people who showed up to dance. The had a dance floor right on the pier! Overall fun time. Other concerts were just as good. My favorite was, Australia Rocks the Pier. There are many other concerts that are coming up during the summer. Most of them start at 7pm. And the shows usually go on for about two hours. I would suggest that you come early. Find a good spot to sit at. Bring a picnic blanket. A picnic basket...And have a picnic on the pier while watching live music. It doesn't get any better than this. There is also an option to picnic down below at the beach. It's a little darker there. But there are tons of people who go there too. From down there you're able to see the concert on a large jumbo-tron that they have. Parking for this place was pretty easy to find. I usually parked at the parking structure attached to the Santa Monica Place and walked down from there.

Every summer, there are concerts that take place at the SM pier. Admission is free, so there is a…read morehuge crowd that comes here. I recommend parking at SM Place, or any of the parking lots adjacent to the promenade. Parking near the pier can prove to be a nightmare during the concert times. Getting in is not hard at all. The line can get long, but it goes by fast. Security is provided by SMPD and LA County Sheriff's. The cops were very nice, and I appreciated them keeping any trouble makers out of this event. The concert itself was enjoyable. The group playing was great, and expanded my horizons as far as music goes. There were props all over the place, which were great. The lighting could use some improvement, as well as the main band's timing (they were 40 minutes late). But all in all, it was a good time and a good way to end the summer.

saw Armageddon here in 1975 with a couple friends. awesome band but they only played a couple gigs…read morehere. the band had drug problems and the lead singer died shortly after

I loved this place! There like every other weekend! Danced the night away very wasted!read more

Full line up of bands playing from 11a to 7p. There's dancing, hoops and body paint. The sound's…read moregreat and so are the bands.

I loved seeing a concert at the El Rey Theatre! It's a cozy venue with a bar downstairs and…read moreupstairs. It felt very old school theater which was so cool. It also had beautiful lighting and a cool stage. I saw Mr. Fantasy here and it was such a fun time! It's mostly general admission, with ADA seating on the sides and some table seating upstairs. Parking is in a garage a few streets down ($20). I really loved this venue and will definitely be back!

El Rey Theater was a total bust! Came to see Protoje a…read morereggae artist. I had high hopes for this venue as im usually into smaller more intimate places. Concert was supposed to start at 9 with entrance entry being at 8pm. Long wait time for security to check everyone. This was the most intense security check ever. Like going through the TSA lol. They had so many rules. One being no gum. I was like seriously so not cool as I had a bunch of packs in my purse. Just had hubby take my purse back to car as I didn't want to throw away anything. Also hated that they had no smoking area for ganja as other venues do when hosting reggae gigs. We finally make it in the venue. Decided to grab a few brews. For 2 tall modelo cans 18 bucks a pop. That's the most expensive beer I've ever paid for from a can. So 40.41 for 2 beers. Absolute freaking hwy robbery. Didn't go back as at that price I could buy a 24 pack at the store lol. Plus the dude working wasn't friendly at all. On to the inside of the venue. Concert was supposed to start at 9pm. They did have a DJ but he really didn't hype us up before the main event. Didn't like the setup not inviting at all. Small dance floor & it got way too cramped. Unfortunately the show didn't end up starting until 9:35 & was done around 11.20. Love Protoje and all the music was awesome but this was one of the worst concerts. Felt very ripped off. Most definitely won't be returning or recommending. Hard pass!

The vibe is good. I'm just wondering why everybody has to wear a mask. I mean, everybody looks the…read moresame. I thought this could be a celebration of diversity, but it's not, because everybody's face looks the same.

I've seen this spot trending for the longest time but I never had the chance to check it out but I…read morewas glad to check it out for the 2019 Season Finale. Ambiance Parking | Street Parking or structured parking around the area. The issue isn't finding parking but what's the cheapest. Seating | There are tables and benches in one corner and donated chairs/benches. People can also stand wherever there is room. Capacity could be about 80 people. Feels | Though it is Asian American influenced it seemed like a pretty diverse and welcoming spot for everyone. I enjoyed the support and friendliness of everyone. The performances vary from music, spoken word, dance, and more! Overall: 5 Stars. An artistic event that brings the best out of everyone and speaks the people's truth. PLUS it's Free.99! You can't go wrong. For a simple cheap thrill in LA, this is your gem. I look forward to coming back here and possibly perform. TL;DR Tips: * First come first serve for open mic so come early! * Sometimes they have food/drink vendors, be sure to check them out.

I'll admit I was a bit hesitant to check out 1720 - after all they warn you NOT to drive your own…read morecar to the venue because the area simply isn't the greatest Los Angeles has to offer. But that's the thing about the graffiti covered warehouse - they don't have to give you that warning. They do it because they care. Once you get past the graffiti walls and barbed wire there is a pretty awesome music venue and community inside of these walls. Again I was a bit skeptical of an abandoned warehouse but the sound inside is actually really good. The staff was all friendly and as a recovering alcoholic the free refills on soda is a really awesome move. My only complaint (and it's minor) is the stage is too low. I'm over 6 feet in height but it's hard to see the bands on a stage that low. Keep doing what you're doing 1720. I wish Live Nation would recognize what you're doing is what the music industry needs. Oh and next time I'm gonna try the tacos or nachos you sell outside

-1 star for not having water available and having signs that say stay hydrated…read more -1 star for selling 8ounce water bottle for 10 bucks... not even Disneyland lol -1 star for selling a small redbull for 12 bucks +1 star bc AC was alright +1 star because bathrooms smelled clean. -1 star because they had all these beers listed but only had modelo for $14 bucks. I also ubered there, the side streets look pretty sketchy but to each their own.