Best Live Music Joints in Culver City

When perusing through the city in search of the best spots to hear live music, I found some new old favorites--and a new repertoire for music on my weekends. From long lost jazz band sounds at artistic, brightly decorated bars to a Cheers backdrop featuring rockabilly, there are several chances to hear Culver City in a whole new way. 

 The best news? Most of these are free (after you buy your own food and beverage, of course). Here are our top five places to find live music.

1. The Bar at The Culver Hotel

Frequent this hidden gem in the downtown Culver Hotel, and you'll feel like you went on vacation right at home. The live jazz, blues and acoustic bands give a low-key feel to a venue for locals and visitors alike.

Credit history with the old world charm of this 1924 hotel that is a member of the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Culver City is known for this old skyscraper in the center of old restaurants, wine bars, art galleries and more. Speaking of popularity, try your taste for 1920s and 1930s tunes, a "Doozy" on Thursday nights. It's a "throwback worth experiencing," according to Culver Hotel general manager Douglas Newton.

"It is stepping back in time when you sit in the lobby," Newton said. "You are listening to the music and experience what it must of been like to have lived in that remarkable era."

The Culver Hotel Bar, 9400 Culver Blvd.,310.838.7963.

2. The Cinema Bar 

The "Cheers" theme song describes this Culver City location perfectly.  This gem offers three commodities that a music lover delights in: good conversation, a big patio, and affordable drinks to go with the music. 

I've heard locals call it "a dive bar that doesn't try to be one." The Cinema Bar has gained a reputation as the neighborhood watering hole that offers live music one can't find anywhere else around town.

The Cinema Bar has gained a reputation as the neighborhood watering hole that offers live music you can't find anywhere else around town, a phenomenon that keeps regulars coming back and employees excited to work there. A great example of that is employee Kim Florian, who has witnessed the phenomenon of music fanatics who return every week.

"They come back because it's a pretty cool bar," Florian said. "It's mostly local people, and the same group of people come with a specific band."

The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Blvd., 310.390.1328

3. The Culver Club at The Radisson Los Angeles Westside 

This club is easy to spot for guests who happen to pass by this club within the lobby of the Radisson Hotel, featured right here at Patch.  

Patrons are typically jazz afficianados who come out for the sleek and mellow feel. 

With plenty of desserts and drinks to go along with the smooth music, there is no need to fret the Jazz Bakery's departure--quite as much. It will always be missed, but the Culver Club comes very close to saxaphoning away a jazz lover's sorrow. The next event is Friday, July 9, and will feature pianist, composer, singer and arranger, Bill Cantos and his trio (Hussain Jiffry, bass and John Ferraro, drums).

The Culver Club, 6161 W. Centinela Ave., 310.649.1776

4. The Kirk Douglas Theater

Not a true jazz music joint, we know, but for those who prefer a combination of music and theater, The Kirk is the way to go.   "Stoop Stories," begins on July 7, a neighborhood tale featuring a storytelling combination of theater, poetry and music. "Stoop Stories" is written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith with consulting director and Obie Award-winner Jo Bonney.

Tickets are $20 a piece and $30 a pair. For more ticket information, visit the Center Theatre Group. 

The Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., 213.628.2772.

5. Industry Cafe & Jazz

It's an Ethiopian restaurant with east African injera specialties and southern style soul food. But don't let the good food fool you; the scene changes on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The ambiance is as eclectic as the mix and matched decorations that work so well artistically that the fusion makes the place sing before the music even starts.

Live jazz makes the scene loud, but not overwhelming; it's a pleasant hole in the wall spot to bring friends who appreciate good live music. The best news is that this venue is free, with plates averaging around the $7 mark for a platter of Ethiopian treats. 

Industry Cafe & Jazz, 6039 Washington Blvd., 310.202.6633.

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