Soundcheck: L.A.'s Live Music Revival

6533 Hollywood Blvd Unit 111, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Velvet underground: This historic Hollywood speakeasy retains the golden elegance and clubby glam of the city's gilded past, despite its newness on the scene. Expect old-school jazz of the first order.

1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

With '20s-era dancing and frivolity making a major comeback, this Santa Monica stalwart--it's actually the oldest music venue/ blues club on the Westside--is worth revisiting. Especially since the economic climate is feeling very much like it did back in the days when speakeasys were booming.

1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (map)

Though not technically new, L.A.'s famed sports venue boasts cutting-edge everything and those A-list amenities that ensure Jack Nicholson's comfort at Laker games. When the crowds descend upon this branch of the L.A. Live compound, bigtime acts like Tina Turner are sure to rock them.

842 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (map)

Hello, gorgeous: One of L.A.'s most venerable landmarks gets a long-awaited and well-deserved facelift. How very L.A. Most towns have a theater by this name, but only ours would look this good. Past musical acts have included the likes of Cake, and "The Pink Floyd Experience" is scheduled this winter with several comedy, improv and acting troupes.

6215 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Music powerhouse Live Nation restored Hollywood's famed music venue to its former glory with a line-up of stellar acts--from this past October's grand opening headliner Jay-Z (you may have heard of him) to mega metal bands--and an $18-million overhaul.

1154 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

The (cool) kids are all right: With so many different acts and scenes to choose from, this slightly plush, subterranean haunt below the Echo is an incredible Eastside night out. Catch acts like Everest and The Henry Clay People, then make a beeline for the nearest taco truck.

777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (map)

You may remember when Bjork kicked things off in December 2007 to officially open this new branch of the L.A. Live complex. The state-of-the-art expansive theater across from Staples Center is now drawing big, wildly diverse and far more mainstream names like George Lopez, Patti Labelle and Thomas the Train.

6126 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Indie kids rocking out together alert: This recently reworked vintage venue keeps concertgoers coming with its state-of-the-art sound system, rooftop speakeasy and laidback scene. M. Ward, The Raveonettes and Simian Mobile Disco are all slated for big shows this season.