Live music guide to Los Angeles

LOS Angeles is full of people trying to make it big – so check out the talent at these LA music venues, and perhaps spot someone before they're famous.

YEAH, Sheryl Crow may wanna have some fun 'til the sun comes up over Santa Monica Blvd, but you know what's more fun?

Watching the sun go down on the Hollywood Hills, particularly from the back benches of the Hollywood Bowl. The $1 cheap seats are made for kickin' back, taking up space and absorbing an awesome mash-up of music, nature and community.

From the LA Phil to Lyle Lovett to Sheryl Crow herself, there's no bad seat in the house. Speaking of the LA Phil, the only place better than the Bowl to hear classical music is the acoustically superb Walt Disney Concert Hall.

But one man's sublime is another man's snooze, and headbangers might prefer mixing it up on the Sunset Strip where old faves like the Roxy, Whisky-a-Go-Go and the Viper Room rock on for the faithful.

The young and the rowdy – and those who have all day to sleep – should head east to Hollywood Blvd and the Cahuenga Corridor for the newest, most energized late-night clubs. Jazz fans can check out the cool grooves of Hollywood's Catalina Bar & Grill or the funkier sounds of Santa Monica's rowdy Harvelle's.

Best small venues for singer-songwriters

LA is full of people trying to make it big, and it stands to reason that some of them are actually good – check out the talent at these venues, and perhaps spot someone before they're famous.

Hotel Café

Unsigned bands get their due at charmingly intimate Hotel Café, where an appreciative crowd comes for the music and not the scene. Seen as a stepping-stone for up-and-comers, the calendar includes an eclectic mix – from touring Australian cult faves John Butler Trio to rock legends such as Pete Townsend. The narrow, redbrick interior fills quick, so arrive early for a table or a meal.

More: Hotel Café is located at 1623½ N Cahuenga Blvd.

McCabe's Guitar Shop

Fast approaching its 50th birthday, this is the little guitar shop that could – hosting some of the best small-venue shows around in its no-frills but still cosy back room. Past bluegrass, folk and indie standouts include Ralph Stanley, Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

More: McCabe's Guitar Shop is located at 3101 Pico Blvd

Troubadour

A mix of rock legends, cult faves and MySpace up-and-comers keep the rafters rising at this legendary rock hall – open since 1957 – where a beer-drinking crowd serious about its music keeps attitude to a minimum. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Guns N' Roses played early gigs here.

More: Troubadour is located at 9081 Santa Monica Blvd.

Extract from Lonely Planet's new pocket city guide Los Angeles Encounter, by Amy C. Balfour. $18.95.