Loved the little hour I spent at Velaslavasay Panorama! Perfect little quiet spot to think and…read morechill for a bit. Arrived before our 3pm reservation and were the only ones here. I loved the solitude and being able to experience this place. Of course my favorite was the giant panorama, the shenging panorama. So beautiful and intricate. I loved watching how the lights interacted with the paintings and really brought it to life. The garden was lovely as well. Spending a few moments out there was wonderful. Cute little trip to this Panorama! I've never explored one before and it was great going doing so.

I love discovering hidden gems around Los Angeles, and this one is not to be missed. Tucked inside…read morethe historic Union Theater in the West Adams district, this spot had been sitting on my bookmarks from social media for a while. To the left of the main entrance is "the only Arctic Trading Post in the Lower 48" exhibit, which already sets the tone for how quirky and unexpected this place is. From there, you continue down the right side of the building and up a winding staircase, and you're transported to a Shengjing Panorama. This is a massive 360 painting and diorama of Shenyang city from 1910-1930. The lights and sound effects bring the cityscape to life, making the whole experience immersive. Interestingly, this panorama section used to be an old circular Chinese takeout restaurant on Hollywood Blvd. Once you're doen make your way back down, you'll see the main theater that has a number of quirky displays and chachkies. We were there early enough before their movie screening of the evening, so we got to walk around a bit. Then past the past doors, you'll stumble upon a lovely hidden garden filled with unique details and decor. Now, the technical details. They don't have a parking lot, so only street parking. Entrance fee is $7 ($5 for Seniors or Students). You book your appointment online, but everything is self-guided. Stay as little or as long as you'd like. You can get through the exhibit fairly quick, but we made sure to take our time and soak in the quirky and uniqueness of this place!

My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all…read moretime favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets)

I want to be fair here, because this is really a story about two very different visits…read more The first time I came in, I worked with Barry, and he was fantastic. I had never bought a guitar in my life and barely knew what questions to ask. He sat down with me, pulled close to ten guitars off the wall, and played every single one so I could actually hear the differences for myself. He never once rushed me or made me feel like a clueless beginner taking up his time (great player btw!) By the time I walked out I had fallen for the shop and found the exact guitar I wanted, a Taylor 114ce. I was so excited that I could not wait to come back the next day to buy it. I had also planned to sign up for lessons there. The next day is why I'm writing this. Barry wasn't in, and the guy working the guitar repair counter helped me instead. He acted like I was a massive inconvenience from the second I walked up. The store was nearly empty at the time, just one woman trying out a guitar in the back and another customer making conversation up front, both of whom were perfectly friendly when I chatted with them for a minute. The guitar I wanted was a floor model with two deep scratches gouged into the front, the kind that do not buff out, plus a pickguard worn down from being played constantly. It was still priced like it was brand new. When I asked if anything could be done about the price, he went to check and came back offering fifty dollars off. I asked if he could come down to seven hundred and he flatly said no, though he said he could throw in strings. All of it came wrapped in the same cold attitude, like I was lucky he was even bothering with me. I decided to leave and went to another shop that had the exact same guitar, brand new and so pristine it clearly had never been played. I did not even think to ask for a discount because it was in perfect condition, but they gave me one anyway and knocked ten percent off without me saying a word. On top of that they set me up with a stand, a tuner, a capo, a handful of picks, strings, and even a hat, and discounted those accessories too. They were thrilled to help the entire time. I bought my first guitar there and booked my first lesson there too, and I walked out feeling exactly the way you should feel buying your first instrument. So if you go to McCabe's and you get Barry, you will understand why this place has the reputation it does. He was the reason I almost became a customer for life. There was also a gentleman there both days who I believe may have been the manager. The second day he gave me a quick hello and then stepped into the back right as I pulled the guitar down to start the process. I have no idea whether he picked up on how that interaction was going, but I really wish he had been out front for it, because a ready and excited first-time buyer walking out empty handed could have been saved. If this somehow gets back to Barry, thank you for helping me find my first guitar.

Amazing space and helpful staff!!…read more I'm a bedroom music producer and IRL video producer and this place was a dream come true. Their engineer helped me used all the tools I wanted and gave me guidance on how to use them (mostly synths). I was in the "B room" and was really blown away at the sound quality. This is definitely a great spot to jam, work on your mixes, and polish your tracks. I got a lot done and had a blast. The engineer was also really generous and showed me the A Room and explained to me things like Dolby Atmos, the analog console and a lot of the amazing gear. Can't recommend this place enough. Their hardware is out of this world and the people are super helpful and knowledgeable. No-brainer choice for all your music production needs!!

I was referred to Portia street studios from a friend for some drum tracking. Vibe was right and…read morelocation was even better. I ended up finishing up my project there including mixing. Dylan and the people there are great to work with and have all the gear you need.

I'd been trying to find the time to visit this museum ever since it opened in 2018, but it just…read morehadn't happened until this week, shortly after it reopened after its COVID-19 closure. I was worried about having missed out on the prior exhibits--but I was excited to see that the current exhibit is actually a kind of "best of" the prior four shows, which helped me get up to speed. Booking my visit was so easy on the 3D-Space website, and opting into text messages allowed me to receive a confirmation that day and even detailed parking instructions, which I really appreciated. We texted the museum founder and director Eric Kurland upon our arrival and he greeted us at the gate and walked us down to the basement level entrance. 3D-Space may look small at first, but there is SO much history represented in its artifacts to certainly fill the hour-long time slot (and then some). Eric's knowledge base about 3D technology, optics, and equipment as well as its place in cultural history is really impressive. Although he was happy to let us explore on our own or guide us on a tour through the museum, we took advantage of the latter and bent his ear with all kinds of questions. (It's impossible to stump him!) I really loved the display of Diableries (and the video of them animated that's showing in the back of the museum) as well as seeing some of the figurines that had been photographed to create Viewmaster slides of the Flintstones, Beauty and the Beast, and more. There were also a couple of 3D coin-up consoles that were a real treat to experience. I look forward to seeing what future shows Eric puts on at this hidden gem of a museum!

It's a small place with a lot to see! I spent over an hour here. Came for the View-Master exhibit…read moreand it was so interesting. I had no idea there were talking view-masters and there were reels that were used in military and medical field, etc. You'll learn a lot. Make your appointment online. You won't be disappointed.

Very beautiful space…read more I came here for a small "UNPLUGGED" wedding ceremony. This place reminded me of my favorite childhood movie called The Secret Garden. A beautiful atmosphere that holds wonder, power, and magic. I felt special even though this day wasn't for me. Inside one of the rooms displayed beautiful art work from a man who happened to be there overseeing everything go down at the event. He is kind and tells good jokes about his art work and in general. The two ladies who own this place came by earlier and indeed are nice and friendly. Now that I know of this place maybe I, two will hold something magnificent in this small gem that is surrounded by a bustling city,

Trace's artwork is provocative and unforgettable. Go to https://www.tajartinc.com/ and check out…read more"exhibitions" or "shop" to see what I mean. But she also showcases work from other artists. A portion of the sales are donated to charities to help animals worldwide, so you are also making the world a better place for our furry friends while you enjoy and own some beautiful art. I've met Trace, and she's as charming in person as she is passionate and talented. It's a pleasure to know her, and I look forward to supporting her in the future.

I have been here many times before to check out the art installations. Admission to the museum and…read morethe parking lot is free. Get the tickets online. They have a parking lot, and the security guard will let you in once you let them know your purpose. The security guards at the gate and inside the building are very nice. Some of the art installations are really cool based on what you are interested in.

This is probably one of the best contemporary art museums I've ever been to. The staff is…read moreabsolutely amazing. They are all incredibly informative, welcoming, and so very professional. The exhibits were so interesting and the flow of the museum is so unique in itself. I'll definitely be back for another visit.

Absolute joke of a staff! They contacted me back on 2/16/2024 around 1:30pm not sure of the guys…read morename but he was not helpful at all about renting out one of there spaces and asked me if I'm sure I can afford it. I wouldn't spend a penny of my money supporting a company like this.

Rented some speakers and a board and the equipment worked great…read more Easy pick up and drop off.

I went to Whammy analog media for the first time today as a way to surprise my girlfriend of five…read moreyears. We are movie lovers and I had heard great things about the store from friends and decided to give it a look. Upon entering the store, I was mortified by how cold and antisocial the staff was. Not only was a class taking place during my time at Whammy!, but the man behind the cash register was very cold and disinterested, as though patronizing the place was something me and my girlfriend should be ashamed of. Which seems a little bizarre considering I'm pretty sure the store needs real customers to pay real money for their products in order to continue working as a store. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but still. I asked if they do screenings at whammy's store, and the man behind the counter, simply, almost wordlessly, pointed me towards their screening calendar. While I very much enjoyed the goofy selection of VHS tapes offered at the store, as well as their avant-garde vinyl selection, not to mention the off-beat decorations adorning the store, I am really questioning whether I'll ever return to Whammy!. Wish I had a better experience, and am unsure if they even want me to come back. My girlfriend and I tried our best to lift our spirits from what was such a discouraging experience. Perhaps I caught the staff at Whammy! on the wrong day, but for now, I'm going to take a break from Whammy!, though I am still chuckling at the fun VHS tapes I picked up, despite not having a player.

So many specialized, "underground" shops sponsoring a plethora of clandestine, alternate scenes in…read moreL.A. that it boggles the mind.  Whammy! Analog Media is mostly specific for the ancient medium of VHS video cassette tapes. Do they still manufacture video cassette machines? Even more esoteric would be to focus on Sony Betamax video cassette tapes.  There is also a very small vinyl record  and movie posters section. Whammy also has movie showings that no commerical movie theatre would take on since it would interest a very focused audience. Limited seating of about 30. Tickets are sold through their website as well as a monthly calendar of events.  Tonight's theme is Dirty Looks, which delves into two disparate themes, one in the New York City Camp Drag scene and the other in San Francisco featuring a dream-like pastiche of the working class strugglIng to make sense of a surrealistic world.  I will post screen shot synopes of both performances from the Whammy for those who want further info.  Tom Rubnitz's Psykho III The Musical, a camp drag version of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho was droll and light heartedly entertaining in a home movie style much like John Waters' Pink Flamingo.  But it was a tough slog to watch  Curt McDowell's Taboo much like David Lynch's Eraserhead that was so ridiculously boring that my friends and I had to leave midway through.  I'm glad that Whammy is doing its thing. It's a store that seems transported from an alternate universe or that my passing through the gated portal transported me to that alternate reality. Enter from the rear of the building on Rampart and not Sunset Blvd. 4 stars for being an ultra customized reference center for the video specialist.