Just in time for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, these top Hollywood haunts should be high on your bucket list for any music-themed LA itinerary.
Gary Clark Jr. at an in-store show at Amoeba Music.
PAPARAZZI-PROOF
Check in at the Sunset Marquis (310-657-1333) hotel, West Hollywood’s super-private celebrity hot spot, where Steven Tyler, Matthew McConaughey, and other stars escape for a little R&R—rock ’n’ roll, that is. Located just off the Sunset Strip, the hotel features a spa with specialty massages for musicians and the Morrison Hotel Gallery, which showcases fine-art music photography.
BACKSTAGE PASS
Head to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live (213-765-6800), Downtown’s shrine to the music awards. Be sure to catch the exhibits “Sinatra: An American Icon,” which comes to a close on Grammy weekend, and “On the Red Carpet,” a display of unforgettable Grammy outfits.
THE TUNE-UP
Do like a local and kick off your high-octane Grammy weekend with a Soundbath at The Springs (213-223-6226). This oh-so-Zen space features a sound-healing class led by electronic artist Torkom Ji. Using special frequencies and sounds, the class brings guests to a blissful state, healing muscles and organs, and relieving stress. February 12, 8:30–10 pm
SCOUT FOR TALENT
The Hotel Café, located in the heart of Hollywood, is known for breaking up-and-coming artists in the industry with secret concerts, intimate showcases, and a jam-packed schedule of performances (five shows a night, seven nights a week).
GRAB THE MIC
If all the touring makes you want to sing your own tunes, belt it out at Blind Dragon (310-274-7500) in West Hollywood. Show off your Mariah Carey–esque vocal range (in your own private room, of course) at this upscale karaoke bar, and party it up with table service alongside LA’s A+-list.
LIVING LEGEND
Ditch the paparazzi at Staples Center on Grammy night (February 15) and grab a nightcap at nearby Clifton’s Cabinet of Curiosities (213-627-1673), formerly LA institution Clifton’s Cafeteria. After being closed for five years, this revived, revamped cafeteria and lounge—which dates back to 1935—keeps the cool party going (and the sips flowing) until 2 am.
ROCK ALL NIGHT
Stop by The Viper Room (310-358-1881) in West Hollywood for a late-night, heart-pumping performance. This recently relaunched LA classic (celebrating its 21st anniversary this winter) has seen the likes of Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Courtney Love take its legendary stage.
MUSICAL GIFT
Before leaving town, pick up a few souvenirs from the renowned Amoeba Music (323-245-6400) on Sunset Boulevard. The megastore features a matchless selection of records, CDs, DVDs, and even cassettes, including rare collectible items, as well as in-store performances by on-the-rise local talent