OC Music Magazine

Where to play?

This is our index of Orange County Music Venues.  This list will always be growing (and unfortunately sometimes shrinking), so check back often!

Alex's Bar

Website: http://www.alexsbar.com/

Location: 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804

Phone: 562-434-8292

Booking Information:  http://www.alexsbar.com/booking.php


Alex’s Bar has been around as the original punk rock bar for years. The atmosphere is incredibly original, and the service is always friendly. Live music is held Thursday through Sunday nights and all patrons and musicians must be 21+. They promote both local and touring bands, though “unproven” bands can only play there on Thursday and Sunday nights. This is definitely the venue to play if you have a harder, more punk based band. And this is definitely the place to come for an alternative atmosphere, good drinks, and hot bartenders. The bar is free to enter when there is no live music.

Anthem

Website: http://www.myspace.com/anthemvenue

Location: 19900 Grove Community Dr., Riverside, CA  92508

"ANTHEM is a venue in Riverside CA that does more than throw shows.

ANTHEM is a community of artists and musicians
dedicated to expressing their God-given creativity.

Concerts, art shows, film nights, parties and
other gatherings is what brings this community together."

Angels Sports Bar

Website: http://www.myspace.com/angelsbar

Location: 1650 E 6th St, Corona, CA  92879

Arrowhead Pond

Website: http://www.hondacenter.com

Location: 2695 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA  92806

Contact Number: 213.480.3232

Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, Tustin

Website: http://www.aulddubliner.com

Location: 2497 Park Ave, Tustin, CA  92782

 

Beach Fire, Ladera Ranch

Website: http://www.beachfire.com

Location: 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy, Building I Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

Contact Number: 949.542.7700

Local Booking: fun@beachfire.com

 BeachFire is more than a restaurant – We offer a place for people to connect and be self-expressed, while offering high quality food prepared with respect to our Earth’s valuable resources served with love by our exceptional staff and supporting local artists and musicians by showing over 400 pieces of original works of art and nightly smooth entertainment.

Chain Reaction

Website: http://www.allages.com/

Location: 1652 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801

Phone: 714-635-6067 Fax: 714-635-1237

Booking Information: tim@allages.com

Chain Reaction took a look around and realized that nearly all good venues were located in LA or Riverside. They knew this needed to change. They took a chance and created the most successful all ages live music venue in Orange County.

They have all types of bands that play here; Punk, Hardcore, Rock and Alternative. No matter what type of music you're into you can guarantee it has its place on their stage. And all shows are affordable – usually between $8 and $20. They also offer private parties and events. Make sure to contact them if interested, and make sure to check their calendar, they always have something going on!

The Coach House

Website: http://www.thecoachhouse.com

Location: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Contact Number:  949.496.8930

Local Booking: adam@thecoachhouse.com

The Coach House seats 480 guests and 300 seats are reserved specifically for dinner patrons they are closer and more central to the stage.  The earlier you make reservations, the better your seats will be.

DiPiazzas

Website: http://www.dipiazzas.com

Location: 5205 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804

Contact Number: 562.498.2461

Local Booking: davecornblum@yahoo.com

DiPiazza's Restaurant, Lounge and Niteclub is a family owned business.  DiPiazza's have been doing business in the area for twenty five years and are committed to bringing top local and touring entertainers to their stage! Dipiazza's dedication to giving young bands a friendly and safe inviroment to play has made the Sunday all ages show a huge success.

The Galaxy Theater

Website: http://www.galaxytheatre.com/

Location: 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92704

Phone: 714-957-0600

Booking Information:  adam@thecoachhouse.com

This Vegas-style theatre features an eclectic mix of pop, rock and punk--both big names and up-and-comers--with an emphasis on local talent. The sound is great and you can wander onto the dance floor -- to dance or just to press against the stage. Located in a fantastic central O.C. location, this dinner theater offers a full delicious menu which you can view on their website. They also offer VIP rooms for parties of 14 or more. They are strong advocates in local bands and helping unknown bands get recognized, so contact them today if you are looking to book yourself!

The Glass House

Website: http://theglasshouse.us/v1/home.html

Location: 200 W. Second St.
Pomona CA, 91766

Phone: 909-629-0377  
Info Line: (909) 865-3802

Booking Information:  theglasshouse@theglasshouse.us


Pomona isn't exactly the closest city to most of us, but the drive may be worth it just to see some amazing talent perform in a non-LA venue. Regularly hosting bands like the Black Keys, Rilo Kiley and Blonde Redhead, it's no wonder that this moderately sized venue will often sell out. The Glass House is all-ages, so no booze - But they do have decent pizza and a great sound system. There is an upstairs that has seating, but most of the venue is standing room only and it can get crowded pretty easily.  This is a great place to play as well as watch, as the caddy-cornered stage provides a lot of interaction with the fans. Highly recommended!

The Grove of Anaheim

Website: http://www.thegroveofanaheim.com/

Location: 2200 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806

Phone: 714-712-2700

Booking Information:  http://www.thegroveofanaheim.com/booking/default.aspx


Presenting national acts of almost every genre two to five nights a week, the Grove of Anaheim is one of Orange County's premier venues for pop music. Considering it is smaller than the typical rock stadium, the caliber of musician it attracts is quite impressive. But it doesn’t stop at music – This venue holds many plays and musicals as well. It is in a prime O.C. location, next to Disneyland, the Honda Center, the Stadium, and is freeway close. Most music performances are general admission only with no seating, so be sure to get there early. Their events are always updating, so be sure to check out their calendar often!

The Gypsy Lounge

Website: http://www.thegypsylounge.com/

Location: 23600 Rockfield #3A
Lake Forest, CA 92630

Phone: 949-206-9990

Booking Information: http://liquid-el.com/vf/gypsy.html

Located in a hidden mini-mall, this club is one of Orange County's most popular places to hear live music. They always have good bands, cheap drinks, and a authentic cool, hip feel to listen to live music. Mostly local artists, it’s a great chance to discover new musicians that you have never heard of, or to book yourself to expose your talents. They have incredibly comfortable seating on couches, friendly bar service, and a unique relaxed yet hip atmosphere. Do beware, this place is 21+ only and can sometimes get crowded, so show up early!

Hogue Barmichaels

Website: http://www.hoguebarmichaels.com

Location: 3950 Campus Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Contact Number:  949.261.6270

Local Booking: http://www.hoguebarmichaels.com/booking.html

Full lunch and dinner menu.  Happy hour 4-7.  Offer live recordings ($10).  Karoake night every Monday.

House of Blues: Anaheim

Website: http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/anaheim/

Location: 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

Phone: 714-778-2583

Booking Information: Jamie Fischer – 714-520-2310

House of Blues Anaheim opened in 2001 and is located in Downtown Disney. A key aspect of the HOB's popularity has been its ability to capture the irresistible charm and eclectic, down-home look of its Southern roots. It's a smaller, more intimate version of the L.A. HOB, offering a decent-sized dance floor, numerous full bars, an outdoor lounge upstairs and an outdoor patio downstairs. Although the picturesque spot is a treat, the best thing HOB has to offer is its amazing sound system that draws the best in all music genres. They also offer fine dining downstairs from the venue with a full and delicious menu – And if you are there for a show then your meal is discounted! This place has it all. Be sure to check their calendar, as their schedules and events are always being updated. They also offer up special events like Sunday Gospel Brunch, special club nights (SIN on random Sundays; Club Crasher on Mondays), etc.

Long Beach Terrace Theatre

Website: http://www.longbeachcc.com/terrace.htm

Location: 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA

Phone: 562-436-3636

Booking Information:  http://www.longbeachcc.com/terrace.htm


The Terrace Theater is a full production theater used year round by local performing arts groups. It includes seating space for wheelchairs and infra-red and assistive listening systems for the hearing-impaired installed through the in-house audio system. It seats 3,051 people and is shaped very comfortably in a continental style. The lobby has a full glass front view of the large fountain out front, and the back has a beautiful ocean view. Drinks are served in the lobby, but are not allowed in the seating area. This venue holds every type of event from live music to performing arts. This is a larger venue, so if you are interested in booking here, I would suggest that you are certain that you will bring a large crowd.

The OC Tavern

Website: www.octavern.com 

Location: 2369 El Camino Real, San Clementa, CA 92672

Contact Number: 949.542.8877

Local Booking: octavern@gmail.com

All shows 21+ unless otherwise noted.  Standing room only.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily.

The Prospector

Website: http://prospectorlongbeach.com/
http://www.myspace.com/theprospectorlongbeach

Location: 2400 E. Seventh St.
Long Beach, CA 90804

Phone: 562-438-3839

Booking Information:  theprospector@mac.com


The Prospector is the perfect spot to meet up with old friends or to make new ones over a few drinks and live music. Its small stage is a popular one with local favorites. The decor is a little different, but who doesn’t like different?  The place definitely has a "dive bar" vibe to it, but actually serves as a family restaurant during the day time. They seem to have different types of bands in all the time, and there is usually one playing at least every other day. Make sure to check their calendar if you are interested – And if you are interested in booking, this place is recommended because of the open minded comfort and casual atmosphere for newer bands.

The Sandpiper

Website: http://www.geocities.com/sandpiperlounge/

Location: 1183 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach 92651

Phone: 949-949-4694

Booking Information:  949-949-4694


The Sandpiper is a landmark in Laguna Beach and is known by locals as “The Dirty Bird.”  This is a little seaside pub where the owners are two of the greatest guys you could ever meet, the staff is extremely friendly and outgoing, the atmosphere is relaxed, the beers are aplenty, and the music is upbeat. After 65 years this classic dive bar hasn't changed a bit; it’s dark, a little musty, lit by only the glow of red candles and a few strands of Christmas lights. Bands start at 9:30 and play until half past one… 7 nights a week / 365 days a year. They have strong drinks, darts and games in the back, and even the bouncers will give you a smile. Be aware that it is 21+ only, and there is always a $5 cover.

The Vault 350

Website: http://www.vault350.com/

Location: 350 Pine Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90814

Phone: 888-808-2858

Booking Information: Joe Mohanty -  joe@vault350.com


The Vault 350 is an awesome little hidden gem in the heart of downtown Long Beach. It is large enough to cater to names like The Faint and Kanye West, but still small enough to attract local bands and fans of all kinds. The venue gets its name because it is actually built inside an old 1920’s bank building, and this gives it an attractive dark vibe while still maintaining its upscale allure. It is larger than it looks at 28,500 square feet, with three levels and large projection screens. The bars are a little difficult to get to when it gets crowded, but the drinks are worth the wait. This venue is highly recommended for both artists and fans alike, and they also offer private parties complete with catering.

The Verizon Amphitheater

Website: http://www.casenet.com/concert/irvine.htm

Location: 8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618

Phone: 949-855-8095

Booking Information: 949-855-8096


This venue was voted to have the best outdoor concert of all Orange County venues. It has been home to some exceptionally large names, and is especially popular for day long concerts because of the vast room to put up merch booths and activities. As a fan, this is one of the best venues you could ever attend a concert in. Despite the long and hilly walk to your seats, the sound quality is amazing and the view is incredible from any seat, even the lawn. If you are interested in booking this venue, you must understand that it is very costly as it typically caters to much larger events.