49 Winchester Unleash Hillbilly Revival on LA

By Travis Erwin

When I first moved to California from Texas, I hoped to find an even more expansive array of live music. And in sheer volume I did. But if I am honest, very few of the two hundred plus concerts I’ve attended throughout So Cal, have lived up to my expectation.

Outside of the Hip-Hop shows and a handful of Pop concerts the crowds have been tepid at best. Especially when it comes to Country or Americans shows. That all changed last night when 49 Winchester led a raucous Hillbilly revival inside the El Rey Theatre.

Country music is one of those gernes that sparks a love it or hate it response, and I get it if the only brand of Country you’ve been exposed to is the watered down corporate pablum churned out by Nashville to be fed to the masses via mainstream radio. That glossy formulistic Pop with a fiddle is about as legit as the plotlines to Yellowstone.

In other words, stereotypical bullshit created not to enlighten or entertain, but more to lasso cold hard cash from the undiscerning.

But there is good, great Country music out there. And spoiler alert, it isn’t always billed as country because that Mainstream stuff has tainted the well. There are many terms with nuanced differences, Outlaw, Red Dirt, Americana, Alt Country and one that I haven’t heard bandied about for a while but I always enjoyed, Y’allternative.

The El Rey Theatre played host to a couple such acts Monday night. Kelsey Waldon opened and put on a solid show though the vocal side of the sound wasn’t quite dialed in. Waldon said she was battling an illness and routinely used throat spray, though the issue seemed less about her voice and more on the sound engineering side given that some songs rang out vibrant and clear.

Waldon’s band, The Muleskinners, were lively and even when the vocal side went awry, the energetic performance more than made up for it. The crowd was into the show and a fair number of people knew the music well enough to sing along.

But everything ratcheted up once 49 Winchester hit the stage.

I knew a handful of songs from the Virginia based band, but they are still relatively new to my radar, so I was shocked by the size of the crowd and the almost rapture-like bliss they had for the music.

The crowd danced swayed and belted out damn near every line. The energy rivaled the frat boy fanatics of an early 90s era Robert Earl Keen show, and I haven’t seen any country concert, in any state that can compare to these two experiences.

Lead singer Isaac Gibson is a talented vocalist with the ability to emote in different ways depending on the emotions and energy a particular song calls for.

Lead guitarist Bud Shelton, who just might be Danny McBride’s long lost brother, kept the crowd going with his gesticulations and I’d love to see him show up as a guest star as such on The Righteous Gemstones ala Sturgill Simpson last season.

Talking to a handful of attendees it seems that Tik Tok played a big role in getting 49 Winchester’s music out to the masses.

Take that Cashville! 

LA on Lock Concert Venue Review [McCabe's Guitar Shop]

by Travis Erwin

In my continued quest to review the many live music venues of Southern California I step away from the big arenas, and share my thoughts on a small, intimate, listening room.

McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica

Yes, as the name implies McCabe’s is a working shop that sells and repairs instruments as well as offering lessons. You won’t find a more knowledgeable, or friendly shop in this area no matter if you are an established musician or a curious newcomer, they will take the time to chat, offer advice, or enlighten you. Since 1968 they have hosted a variety of shows in the back room.

On my most recent trip is caught a show from Texas Indie stalwart, Slaid Cleaves.

History

A look through past concerts will reveal that artists of many genres have played here, but for the most part you will find singer/songwriters, Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, and similar brands of artists dominate the schedule.

The first stage at McCabe’s was painted by Linda Ronstadt and since that time the 150 seat back of the store venue has hosted a treasure trove of musical talent from the late great Townes Van Zandt to Arlo Guthrie.

Z to A might not be the usual way to order things but this isn’t your usual venue. Other well-known artists to grace the McCabe’s stage include R.E.M, Wynonna Judd, The Bangles, Emmylou Harris, and far too many others to list.

Here is a vintage grainy video from years back with Warren Zevon and T Bone Burnet performing a classic on the McCabe’s Guitar Shop stage.

Parking

There is free parking in the lot behind U.S. Bank after 6:00 PM, seven nights a week and metered spaces along Pico Blvd, which also extend a few doors north and south on each residential street. These spaces are also free and unrestricted after 6:00 PM and all day on Sundays. The residential streets to the north and south of Pico are permit parking only, seven nights a week.

Getting There

If you don’t want to drive, rideshare is always an option but really this is an alcohol free venue so driving home after isn’t a problem and the small size makes it easy to get in and out or find parking.

Pico Blvd is a major thoroughfare with ample service and McCabe’s is less than a block from the nearest bus stop.   

Upgrades

Again, this is a very small venue so there really are no real frills or VIP amenities. Nor are they needed as this is simply a nice listening room without a bad seat in the house which is why venerated artists like Elvis Costello have performed in such a small space.

Seats

The seating is in standard folding chairs but there is space to and legroom and if your butt is tender, they have some cushion up near the stage to add some plush softness for your booty. Again, it only seats 150 and the rows are all close to the stage with ample site lines.

There is a pole in the center aisle toward the back, but I always arrive early and sit in one of the first few rows, so I have no firsthand knowledge if it impedes the view from any of the seats behind it. You can see the pole and seats in this picture.

Food and Beverage

This isn’t your regular conession type deal. McCabe’s does generally offer a few soda’s, bottled water, and coffee as well as snacks such as chips or cookies. These are sold from a small table out in the shop and I believe all sales are cash only.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are small but clean. Just down the hall. I’ve never experienced more than a one or tw person line but some shows do ask you not get up or go back and forth during songs as again this is more of a listening room environment.

Respect the artist and your fellow audience and you will be fine, but if you are one of those who go to concerts to talk to their friends and ignore the music, this isn’t the place for you. I’d argue live music isn’t for you if that is the case, because no one paid their admission to hear you yak about the traffic on the 101, your insane boss, or any of the other inane banter that has no place going on while an artist is on stage performing.   

Neighborhood

Quiet and walkable at least right around the venue. Never had any issues or felt unsafe before or after a show.

Sound

Excellent. This is an intimate environment offering a well dialed sound that only a few venues ever manage to achieve.

Overall Impression

One of my very favorite venues. The place is clean and well run and a bit of a throwback to another time and era. I haven’t been in a while, but I feel confident things change slowly around McCabe’s and that is a very good thing.

Upcoming Events

https://www.mccabes.com/concerts-landing/?v=7516fd43adaa

Many shows sell out here, and a look at their current calendar proves that point so I suggest you go directly to the McCabe’s website and see what shows are upcoming and which ones still have tickets available.

LA on Lock Concert Venue Review [The Forum]

Review by Travis Erwin

I moved to Southern California back in 2017, from a somewhat rural area of Texas. My old hometown claimed one small arena with a seating capacity of less than five thousand. After that was a couple of smaller auditoriums, a handful of bars that had live music on the regular, and the occasional outdoor festival in a cow pasture. A far cry from the wealth of concert opportunists in and around LA.

Coming to California I discovered hundreds of venues. From massive arenas and sporting venues down to tiny intimate listening rooms and everything in between. I’ve spent the last seven years travelling all over Southern California and attending hundreds of concerts from the boldly iconic to hidden speakeasies.

In a reoccurring series of posts, I am going to share my experiences good and bad and break down what I learned to help you find the venues worth your time and money, and the tips to make your concert going easier.

 

KIA FORUM, Ingelwood

Let’s start with one of the more venerated venues, the Forum in Inglewood. I recently attended a show there with Tyler Childers as the headliner. Medium Build opened the show and put on an engaging set. Childers was nothing short of spectacular, but the primary focus of these posts is on the venue.

History

The Forum of course is known as the former home of the showtime era Lakers. The Forum has also hosted Olympic Basketball, The Stone, Queen, Elvis, and Muhammad Ali’s rematch against Ken Norton.  

Really there are too many historic bands and concerts to list but as with most things time eventually caught up to the Forum and the Lakers left, the LA Kings left, and the building went through a series of different owners and even purposes before its current revitalization.

That said the venue has clearly been renovated and now defies both its age and size, by feeling new and more intimate than you would think a place of its size could be.

Parking

There is plenty of onsite parking, but you can expect to pay $25 at a minimum and often more to park. There are premium parking options as well. For the Childers show parking started at $35 and went up from that price point. Free parking option in the surrounding area are very limited to nonexistent but there are a few private lots around if you do not mind walking a bit to save five or ten dollars.

Getting There

LAX is not far so there are plenty of hotel in the area in which you can stay and catch a fairly cheap Uber from. That said the line for rideshare after the event was a chaotic mess made worse by the way these drivers flow in and out of the parking lot. I ended up having to walk out to the street ass my driver never could figure out how to get to the official pickup location.  

For Public transportation on the LA Metro Bus Lines, take the 211/215 to the Prairie/Manchester or Prairie/Kelso stops.

Upgrades

Many events do offer a premium experience. From parking and expedited entry, to box seating with a dedicated server for your group. These packages have a minimum of ten attendees.

Seats

I am 6’5, so leg room is often an issue for me. The space was workable but tight for me, though the chairs themselves were comfortable enough. Unless you attend a show that sells obstructed views seats behind or beside the stage you will be fine sitting anywhere as there are no poles or other issues to spoil sightlines.

Food and Beverage

Lines were short and moved quickly, despite it being a sold-out show. There were options inside and out for both food and drink. Prices were what you expect to find at venues. There was a decent beer selection and a full bar but nothing to get excited about in either realm. Same can be said for food choices.

Bathrooms

The only bathroom I visited was down under the seats with a fairly narrow staircase. The flow in and out was not great and if you happened to drink one too many these trips could be a bit tricky to navigate. That said the lines were not too bad except once the show ended.

Neighborhood

The Forum sits on the edge of the So-Fi parking lot and while I ubered to and from the concert, the neighborhood seemed busy and walkable enough. Older area with a mix of clean and nice and not so nice shops, houses, etc. I saw plenty of people walking the area before and after. There are food options in the area but like most of LA the streets are busy and hectic so be careful navigating the streets.

Sound

What is a concert without quality sound?

I can answer that. A waste of time and money. But that was NOT the case at the Forum. The show sounded spectacular. The opening act, Medium Build were clear and distinct despite the constant influx of late arrivers and the place being only half full for the first few songs.

The place was packed by the time Tyler Childers hit the stage and again the sound was spot on. The acoustics of the building and sound system presented no problems whatsoever.

Overall Impression

Go. I will definitely be back. The place is clean and well run. From the entry lines, to the flow concessions, and again the exit after the concert the staff made sure all went smoothly. My one caution is to be careful traversing those bathroom stairs.

 

Upcoming Events

https://thekiaforum.com/events/

 TOMORROW Pearl Jam - Dark Matter World Tour 2024

SAT MAY 25 Mon Laferte - Autopoiética Tour 2024

THU MAY 30 Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits

THU JUN 6 Russ "It Was You All Along" North American Tour

FRI JUN 7 NF - HOPE TOUR

SAT JUN 8 Janet Jackson: Together Again

TUE JUN 11 ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR 'BORN TO BE'

SAT JUN 15 Enrique Bunbury

SUN JUN 16 2024 P1Harmony LIVE TOUR [P1ustage H: UTOP1A] IN North America

FRI JUN 21 Roberto Carlos

SUN JUN 23 The Doobie Brothers 2024

SAT JUN 29 Chicano Batman

FRI JUL 5 New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff

SUN JUL 7 Cage The Elephant: Neon Pill Tour

THU JUL 11 Jennifer Lopez: This Is Me...Live

SUN JUL 14 AJR - The Maybe Man Tour

THU JUL 18 A Day To Remember - The Least Anticipated Album Tour

FRI JUL 26 Eslabon Armado

SAT JUL 27 Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

SUN JUL 28 Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

FRI AUG 2 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT

SAT AUG 10 Alanis Morissette - The Triple Moon Tour

TUE AUG 13 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

WED AUG 14 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

FRI AUG 16 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

SAT AUG 17 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

SUN AUG 18 The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV

MON AUG 19 SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

WED AUG 21 Lamb Of God & Mastodon: ASHES OF LEVIATHAN TOUR

THU AUG 22 Kings of Leon: Can We Please Have Fun

AUG 23-24 Billy Strings 2-Day Ticket (8/23-8/24) Valid Both Days, Cannot Split

WED AUG 28 Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour 2024

FRI AUG 30 Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga Tour EDICION LIMITADA

FRI SEP 6 Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024

SUN SEP 8 Train & REO Speedwagon - Summer Road Trip 2024

THU SEP 12 Wallows - Model Tour

SAT SEP 14 Human Musical Group Sensations GLASS ANIMALS: TOUR OF EARTH

TUE SEP 17 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

WED SEP 18 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

FRI SEP 20 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

THU SEP 26 Falling In Reverse - The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination

FRI SEP 27 The Black Keys: International Players Tour

SAT SEP 28 Christian Nodal - Pa'l Cora Tour

THU OCT 3 Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well World Tour

FRI OCT 4 Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well World Tour

TUE OCT 8 KLOS & FMJ Present: Iron Maiden - The Future Past World Tour 2024

FRI OCT 11 Cigarettes After Sex - X's World Tour

SAT OCT 12 Cigarettes After Sex - X's World Tour

MON OCT 14 Till Lindemann/ Ages 18+

TUE OCT 15 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat

WED OCT 16 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat

FRI OCT 18 Conan Gray: Found Heaven On Tour

SAT OCT 19 Meghan Trainor | The Timeless Tour

WED OCT 23 ONE OK ROCK - Premonition World Tour

THU OCT 24 Marc Anthony "Historia Tour"

FRI OCT 25 Jeff Lynne's ELO - The Over And Out Tour 2024

SAT OCT 26 Jeff Lynne's ELO - The Over And Out Tour 2024

SUN OCT 27 MAXWELL: The Serenade Tour

FRI NOV 1 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

SAT NOV 2 Maggie Rogers: The Don't Forget Me Tour

FRI NOV 8 Gesaffelstein Dance/Electronic

SAT NOV 9 Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran - World Tour

SAT DEC 7 Aerosmith: PEACE OUT The Farewell Tour with The Black Crowes

SUN DEC 8 Andrea Bocelli In Concert

SUN DEC 15 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

MON DEC 16 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

TUE DEC 17 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

 

 

A Newcomer Takes in LA on Lock's Underground 420 Fest

Let’s start with a confession. This article is being written by a cannabis neophyte. But who better, to truly relay the experience of an Underground 420 Fest than someone experiencing it for the first time?

Sure, we could share the take of a Snoop Dogg level smoker, but those that relate on that level, already know what it’s like to experience one of these sesh type events. On the other hand, a new user like myself, is still walking the path of discovery while learning about the culture, the strains, the very terminology and landscape of California’s complex marijuana landscape.

For me the experience wasn’t Mary Janes last dance, but more like a second date with her and her magical pain killing aura. Apologies to Tm Petty for what I did there.  

I’ve been reviewing music and writing the occasional article for LA on Lock for several years, but of course the world was locked down in Covid times for most of that so this was my first opportunity to take part in LA on Lock’s annual 420 event.

Travis Erwin at his first Underground 420 Fest

I told myself I was going more for the music than the weed, but from Snoop to Petty to Willie Nelson and a whole host of other talented artists across multiple genres, cannabis is as key to the creation of music as a steady beat and a tasty lyrical phrase. Despite my decade long efforts, my guitar skills are about as strong as my puff puff pass game so for the most part I’ve been an observer and listener rather than a creator and partaker.

Time for another confession. Despite the fact I stand six-foot five and weigh two-fifty I can’t inhale. I can, but I shouldn’t because I hack and cough and basically ruin the good effects with by coughing up both lungs and my pancreas. I’ve dabbled with edibles, vapes, and THC-infused drinks but my go to ingestion method is tinctures. Just laying it out there I have experienced some of my best sex and best sleep (not at the same time but occasionally the former does precede the latter) while using tinctures. I dose myself every night and doing so has been life changing for me as I’ve struggled with insomnia all my life until I discovered the magic of THC tinctures formulated for sleep.

That is the background and mindset I took into the 2023 version of LA on Lock’s Underground 420 Fest.

When I arrived, a handful of eager festival goers stood by, waiting for the doors to open. I joined them and enjoyed a variety of conversations with the diverse crowd lined up to get in. I chatted with perky twenty-somethings, guys in their sixties that I’m pretty sure spent some of their formative years touring with the Grateful Dead, and took part in a heady debate whether LA is a baseball or basketball town with a handful of guys spanning the gap between. There were four-legged friends as well.

My point is, the event drew people of all ages, various races, and everyone mingled together in absolute harmony. Even the one guy who tried to make an erroneous case that the Rams actually have an avid fan base and the city is becoming a football town as a result. But I’m from Texas and I’ve seen what avid football fans look like so all the weed in the world couldn’t convince me that idea held logic.

I digress.

Outside the door, SumThin 4 ur Mouth Catering offered up food, drinks and snacks for those in line as well as anyone who wanted to step out and grab a bite during the event. I had the Philly Cheese steak a bit later in the night and I wasn’t disappointed. I meant to grab some food from Pastaplug.la but the night got away from me and I never had the pleasure but their offering sure looked and smelled great. Elite Eatz was also on hand and again I didn’t have the stomach room to try any of their offerings though I did a steady moving line indulging in what they had to offer. The event had plenty of food an beverage options for those who couldn’t resist their rising hunger.

But let’s talk about the main event of any 420 event -- Magical Marijuana. An array of knowledgeable growers, vendors, and connoisseurs were on hand. For a newbie like myself this was a golden chance to ask about strains, consumption methods, and the best way to achieve the desired outcome. Some people are just looking to get high and have fun, others are looking for relief of anxiety or tension. Headaches, back pain, inflammation, and of course the old glaucoma we’ve all joked about at some point in time. Marijuana and all its derivatives have something f      to help all of these things and more and I discovered a few new tricks meandering around talking to those far more knowledgeable than myself about this powerful plant and its natural abilities to help us.

I recommend you attend this event or one near you next year and seek out knowledge from the  likes of C Stix, Keke, American Apothecary, Trust Hydroponics, Trust-CBD, and Penthouse Sweets. I spoke to representatives from all these vendors and learned from each of them. Events like this is a great way to gain knowledge so you can try new things and find the products that work for you.

Of course, weed culture is huge as well and there were a number of vendors selling shirts, dominos, hats, stickers, bongs, pipes, all designed to fit the lifestyle and mindset. CKingBeauty will make you look and feel good with their services and products, many of which are hemp based.

Speaking of artful beauty, WHATSKISHADOING had her creations on display and demonstrated her talents with some live painting.

Mr. Brand New provided games from rapid fire nerf balls gun that were as fun to fire off in fully automatic fashion to video games, basketball pong and more. This added to the fun festive environment and everyone I saw taking part was doing so with laughter and smiles.

Of course, I didn’t see wany one at the event that wasn’t in a good mood. Perhaps good deals and good weed is what society needs to step back and realize life is too short for the crazy frantic pace and unnecessary animosity. So prevalent these days.

The music got going later in the night and like the rest of the event there was simple more to dig in and enjoy than I can share here. If I’m honest the night caught up to me and in my euphoria I didn’t catch every name and introduction. The events was MC’s by @youknowfresh with @djyas_theempress providing the music. Performances from @comptonav @adrielcalaway @youngceno @kingofturnuppookiefnrude @guttagone @stevedamarofficial @upallnyt107 @officialyt1 @beachmcgee @the2tonetwinss @moriwhite @tamanijo @deuce.biggs @_itsladyyy and @liildrawzz were on the billing and the crowd was into the scene for the duration.

I perhaps overdid myself and had to step outside for some air through some of it and that is my only regret of the night. Can’t wait to attend LA on Lock future events including this one in 2024.  

My apologies to the vendors, performers, caterers, creatives etc. that I did not get a chance to speak to and include here. I’ll catch y’all next year.

 

Travis Erwin is a blogger and music reviewer for LA on Lock as well as other music outlets. He is the author of four novels, a memoir, and countless short stories. Contact him @Travis Erwin

Break Free from The Quarantine Blues with LA on Lock Live!

We here at LA on Lock could mass email or post some lame ass Covid-19 policy about cleaning more and protecting our staff to better protect you, but you’ve seen enough of those messages already. Instead we aim to give you something to help ease the quarantine blues.

Music — Live Music

No, we’re not condoning the foregoing of social distancing. Quite the opposite. What we are saying is… Stay home! Stay safe! … but stay in the groove as best you can by tuning into to LA on Lock Live! The “Instagram Concert Series.”

la on lock live2.jpg

LA on Lock Live! — The “Instagram Concert Series”

Bringing the very best Independent Artists that you already know from LA on Lock and elsewhere directly to your living room, these live streaming events will come straight from the homes and studios of top artists. Tune in every Friday at 6 PM PST to be part of the action and catch the acts you already love, as well as discover some brand new voices on the rise.

LA on Lock is bringing the artists straight from their home base to yours. This is the next best thing to be at the Club. Hell, it might be better because for once you can afford the bottle service. Just don’t forget to tip you delivery person when they show up at your door bearing that beautiful bottle of booze.

Stay Safe With Social Distancing

Get loose, get loud, get down while you shelter in place.

These are uncertain times, but it is important that we find things to engage our minds and soul as we wait out the pandemic. That is the inspiration behind LA on Lock Live! And our “Instagram Concert Series,” which you can join on Instagram at 6 PM PST every Friday night.

LA Area Shows to Catch Week of December 15th - 21st

Hopefully your shopping is about done and you can begin to kick back and relax with your feet perched on the old Yulelog. This is a good week to do it, culminating in what is the longest night of the year.

December 21st is the Winter Solstice, so enjoy all that extra time of darkness out on the town beneath the lights. The 21st is also my birthday so if you see me out and about -- buy me a drink. Or three.

December 15th

Dizzy Wright and Rittz co-headline The Winner's Circle tour with special guests EKOH and Whitney Peyton. Tickets for this show at the 1720 are $20.95. Check out this video and review of EKOH we did here at LA on Lock back in 2017.

The Forum in LA hosts The Jonas Brothers along with Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw. Tickets start at $42.

December 16th

Sneak off to Santa Monica to hear Inbar Starr play at the Hotel Casa del Mar. Tickets appear to be free for the show but check out the review I did for Inbar’s single “Used To Know You Better” before you go.

The UK’s Lee Brown will be at The Peppermint Club in West Hollywood. Tickets start at $15 with various table service packages also available.  

December 17th

Check out Maria Escoda at the Songwriter Happy Hour at Harvelle’s Santa Monica. Free show running from 5:30 to 7:30 with a two drink minimum.

Waterparks will headline with De’Wayne Jackson, and Kitten as the opening acts at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Tickets start at $25.

December 18th

I have been waiting a while to catch Rainne’s live set, so this show at Limerick’s Tavern in DTLA along with Justin Klunk is one to see.

LA’s Shrine Expo Hall will play host to DaBaby and Stunna 4 Vegas with tickets ranging from $39.50 to $49.50.


December 19th

Hit The Cinema Bar in Culver City to catch Down The Hatch and The Nukeproofs rocking out with no cover charge.

Shoreline Mafia with OHGEE$y and Fenix Flexin at The Globe Theatre with tickets running from $20 to $25.


December 20th

Catch Portland rapper, Young Lit Hippy at Ashley’s on Fourth in Long Beach. I was unable to find information on ticket prices so check with the venue.


If you are skipping the holidays altogether and have money to burn, you can splurge on tickets to see My Chemical Romance at the Shrine Expo in LA. Good luck finding a ticket for this show for less than a grand. Yes, that is $1,000. Actually a little more as the cheapest ticket I found was $1,031 via Vivid Seats.

December 21st

Hey, hey it’s my Birthday and I could ring it in down at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach with some old fashioned rock and roll as laid down by The Blasters and Rockabilly Queen, Rosie Flores. Tickets for that show would set me back $18, but I’d spend at least double on that drinking Sailor Jerry and Coke unless a bunch of y’all show up to take care of me.


Or I can help take care of others by attending the show at The Observatory in Santa Ana where 100% of all proceeds will be donated to The Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit granting clemency, expungement and reentry to nonviolent cannabis prisoners. Eric Rachmany headlines with The John Dank Show, and Ted Bowne also performing. Tickets range from $29 to $98.

Get out and enjoy yourself with some live music and if you have shows you’d like to recommend (or a birthday present) hit me on twitter @traviserwin and I will check them out.

LA Area Shows to Catch Week of December 8th -14th

Jingle Bells and shopping mall hells.

It’s that time of year, but don’t let the Holiday rat race grind you down. Get out and enjoy some music.

Once again, here is my weekly list of recommended shows for the LA area. As usual, I offer both big and small so as not to blow that Christmas budget.

December 8th

Back in October we reviewed Trinity’ Rose’s single “Coughing Up Flowers,” and now you can catch her perform it as part of her show at The Hotel café in Hollywood that also includes Kayla Rae from The Voice, Ada Pasternak, and Raspberry Blonde. Tickets start at $12.50 for advance purchase.

The Honda Center in Anaheim hosts KROQ’s Absolut Almost Acoustic Christmas show featuring a powerful lineup of Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, The 1975, The Raconteurs, Of Monsters and Men, The Interrupters, lovelytheband, Matt Maeson, and DJ Jeremiah and the Afrobeat. Tickets start at $150.

December 9th

Catch courtship. , Palm Springsteen, and Lean at The Echoplex for an All ages show. Tickets will be $13-$15. We recently reviewed the courtship. single, “Number 1.”

Brooklyn rapper Casanova headlines a show at The Roxy which also features Ambajaay & Kalan. Ticket prices range from $18-$20.

December 10th

Ohio Hip-Hop star, Stalley will be at The Resident DTLA and a promised special guest so get in early for this $18 show.

South Korean Rock band Say Sue Me will headline a show at The Echo with The Pantones opening up. Tickets range from $15-$17.

December 11th

Sultry Pop sensation, Mothica promises to deliver her alluring brand of vocals at The Hi Hat along with Cannons, Hux, and Velvet Starlings. Tickets are free via Eventbrite.  

Conan Gray brings his The Comfort Crowd Tour to the Fonda Theatre for the first of a three night stand. Benee is also on the bill and tickets starts at $29.50 for these shows.

Check out our review of Conan Gray’s single, “Checkmate,” before you go!

December 12th

Jared Gottberg headlines a show at The Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, but the list of performers also includes Elodie Rêverie. Tickets for this show are $7.

Compton rapper AD will be in Santa Ana at The Constellation Room. Check with venue for ticket prices.

December 13th

Catch Chazzy L at The Hotel Café for a mere $10.

Or you can claw and scratch for a ticket help Harry Styles celebrate the release of his new album at the LA Forum. But it will cost you to attend the sold out show, because $160 was the cheapest ticket I could find at the time of writing this after checking a variety of resellers.

December 14th

Andre Cymon spent time in the late great Prince’s touring band and that sound is one he still cultivates. Catch him at The Mint with Kellindo Parker, and Stefany Bryan. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 day of show.

The first of the two day Rolling Loud Los Angeles festival  at Banc of California Stadium with Saturday headliners, Chance The Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, JUICE WRLD, Young Thug, and Lil Baby topping a stacked bill. Tickets start at $249.  

Get out and enjoy yourself with some live music and if you have shows you’d like to recommend going forward, hit me on twitter @traviserwin and I will check them out to see if they fit on a future list.

Can't Miss Live Shows for LA December 1st - 7th

There is no music quite like live music. I especially love small venue music where you can make eye contact with the performer and truly feel the passion being laid down. That said there is something to be said for the energy of a big crowd singing along to their favorites.

Hello, my name is Travis Erwin and I am but one of the bloggers here at LA on Lock. Collectively, we search for good music to share with you and as we grow and expand we hope to bring you even more great music, as well as events and information related to the music we all love.

Along with the reviews I routinely write and other articles, I plan to scour the LA area for shows and events that I feel are worthy of your time and dollars. I’ll make at least two recommendations for every single day of the week.

This will include at least one show that won’t blow the budget, so don’t worry if you do not already know every name on this list. The discovery of a new voice is every bit as fun as singing to your favorite hits from well established artists, so get out, have some fun with friends or the one that you love, and support live music.  

December 1st

The Love Song Bar is a tiny little place tucked in DTLA. Next door is a pizza joint, so given that Izaak Opatz is playing this show for free you can make a night of it without digging deep. Izaak’s sound can best be described as introspective folk.

The Motown sound is unparalleled in influencing modern music and over at the Microsoft Theatre you can catch Jeffrey Osborne, The O’Jays, and The Four Tops together. Tickets for this classic show start at $59.

December 2nd

Part of the new wave of Paris producers, Zimmer writes dreamy, modern and colorful electronic music. A $15 ticket will get you in to see this show at The Echo. or if you want to splurge a bit go catch The Pixies with guest, Kristen Hearth when they rock The Troubadour that night. Tickets for that show are priced at $60.

December 3rd

Catch pop vocalist, Deb Never at The Moroccan for $10 advance /$12 at the door, or spend a little more and take in R&B hit-maker, K Michelle for $40 at The Mayan. K Michelle is of course an icon, but both artists have perfect voices for their style and either show is worth your cash.

December 4th

Mr Carmack will spin it up the electronic sounds at The El Rey Theatre where tickets start at $19, or you can go old school West Coast at The Observatory in Santa Ana. Snoop Dogg headlines with Warren G and RJMrLA also on the bill. Tickets start at $98.50.

December 5th

A mere $5 will get you in to The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa to see family act, Weapons Of Mass Creation, who are described by fans as a mix of The Roots and Ozomatli. Made By Crooks, and Memory Den are on the same bill.

Another great show that night will be SAINt JHN with Kodie Shane over at Echoplex. Tickets for that even range from $23 - $89.

December 6th

iHeart Radio is hosting their big Pop Christmas Palooza this day, but I vote you skip that expensive affair and enjoy either of these two excellent shows for a fraction of the cost.

We recently featured a track from Ryan Caraveo who will be with Khary at The Roxy. Tickets start at $15.

Or you can catch pop vocalist, Billie Bodega at Madam Siam for $15 advance or $20 at the door.

December 7th

The Mike Krol Holiday Show at The Bootleg Theatre will feature Night Shop and Jess Cornelius and will be hosted by Nate Fernald. $12 adv / $14 day of show.

The Long Beach convention Center will host the #TBTOUR, featuring Immature, Ray J, J Holiday, B5, and Day 26. Tickets start at $75.

Get out and enjoy yourself with some live music and if you have shows you’d like to recommend going forward, hit me on twitter @traviserwin and I will check them out to see if they belong on a future list.