L.A. didn't invent the word hip, but it certainly holds the patent on it. The City of Angels has some of the most cutting-edge clubs and bars in the world and is the polestar for the best and brightest in the music scene. Entertainment of all stripes -- from Hollywood Bowl picnic performances to cool jazz venues, retro chic bars, and rock-'n'-roll clubs -- can be found in the following pages.
Of course, first you need to find out who's performing while you're in town. Your best bet for current entertainment info is the L.A. Weekly (www.laweekly.com), a free weekly paper available at sidewalk stands, shops, and restaurants. It has all the most up-to-date news on what's happening in Los Angeles's playhouses, cinemas, museums, and live-music venues. The Sunday "Calendar" and Thursday "Weekend" sections of the Los Angeles Times (www.calendarlive.com) are also a good source of information for what's going on throughout the city.
To purchase tickets in advance, first try buying them directly from the venue to avoid paying a surcharge. If that doesn't work, log on to Good Time Tickets' website at www.goodtime-tickets.com or call tel. 800/464-7383. Based in Hollywood for more than 30 years, the privately owned company specializes in selling tickets to sporting, theater, concerts, and other entertainment events throughout Los Angeles -- at a markup, of course. If all else fails, take out a loan and call Ticketmaster (tel. 213/480-3232; www.ticketmaster.com), but beware of their absurdly high processing fees.
A Note on Smoking
In 1998, California enacted legislation that banned smoking in all restaurants and bars. Despite repeated efforts by opponents to repeal the law -- and willful disregard by some proprietors -- it's more widely enforced every year. If you're looking to light up in clubs, lounges, and other nightspots, better check to see what the locals are doing first.
Dinner-&-a-Movie-&-DJs-&-Dancing
If your big night on the town involves dinner, a movie, DJs, and dancing, CineSpace has got it all covered. Every Thursday through Saturday this stylish, intimate Hollywood supper club serves contemporary American cuisine -- and stiff cocktails -- while screening recent hits, indies, classics, and shorts. When the (free) film's over, the DJ party starts at around 10pm and goes until 2am. Check the CineSpace event calendar online to see what's playing, then call to make a reservation. It's located in the heart of Hollywood at 6356 Hollywood Blvd. at Ivar Street on the second level; tel. 323/817-3456; www.cine-space.com.
