The Echo

The Echo is a live music venue on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, and together with the larger Echoplex, the second room in the same building, it is one of the main homes for independent and emerging music on the east side of Los Angeles. Many artists who now fill bigger halls played early shows here, and the programme remains a good guide to what is new.

The two rooms host a busy calendar of gigs, club nights, DJ sets and other events, so there is usually something on most nights of the week. The Echo is the more intimate space, while the Echoplex hosts larger crowds. The bars serve drinks throughout, and the venue publishes a food and drink menu on its website.

Tickets for most shows are sold online through the links on the venue's calendar, and popular events can sell out in advance. Some events are restricted to over-21s, so check each listing before you buy and bring identification. The venue publishes information on accessibility and frequently asked questions on its website, and its stated aim is that everybody should be able to enjoy live music.

The Echo suits music fans, solo travellers and groups of friends who prefer standing in a small room close to the stage over a seated concert hall. Ticket prices are generally modest compared with larger venues, which makes it a good-value night out. Arrive early if you want a spot near the front.

For enquiries the venue lists the email [email protected], and it offers text updates about upcoming shows. Set times are usually posted shortly before each event, and headline acts often play later in the evening. If you are visiting from out of town, look at the calendar a few weeks ahead of your trip, as the programme changes constantly and a small-venue gig can be an inexpensive introduction to the city's music scene. Doors usually open well before the first act, so you can have a drink and explore the neighbourhood's bars beforehand.

Echo Park is a neighbourhood of hillside streets, cafés and bars a few minutes from Downtown. Echo Park Lake, with its lotus beds and pedal boats, is a short walk away and is pleasant before an evening show. Buses run along Sunset Boulevard, and ride-shares are the most convenient option late at night. Dodger Stadium is nearby, so traffic can be heavy on game nights.