Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/607470
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; cliftonsla.com), 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; viperroom.com) 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; amoeba.com) 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. V paparazzi-proof Check in at the Sunset Marquis (310-657-1333; sunset marquis.com) 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; grammy museum.org), 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; thesprings la.com). 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 (hotel cafe.com), 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; blinddragonla.com) in West Hollywood. Show off your Mariah Carey–esque vocal range (in your own private room, of course) at this upscale karaoke Tell us about your must- visit places in LA. Tower Bar (sunsettowerhotel.com). It's a hideout—no paparazzi. Last time I was there, I ran into Simply Red. And, of course, I go to Madeo (310-859-4903) for great Italian food, and Cut (fourseasons.com/beverly wilshire) is always great. Chateau Marmont (chateau marmont.com) has never changed. If you want to see the up-and-coming, that's where you go. [For music] I go to Motown [Records] studios to get "the jelly"—if you will. Where is your favorite LA venue to perform and hear great music? I started out at The Forum (fabulousforum.com), and it's come back around again. I've gone to concerts there, and I cannot wait to play at the new Forum! The venue is just spectacular—that's like my living room, as far as I'm concerned. It doesn't look like you're slowing down anytime soon with a Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood coming up. I've always had the Italian- racecar-driver mentality: Whatever is behind me doesn't count; it's always what's next. I love what I do. music man On the eve Of his 2016 MusiCares award, Megastar LIoneL RIcHIe gives us the 411 On hOw tO enjOy graMMy seasOn. Gary Clark Jr. at an in-store show at Amoeba Music. inset, left: The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. GRAmmy-TAsTIc! Los AngeLes 4 8 hours in HItsvIlle l.A. 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. Calling all music fans! Forget the cheesy double-decker buses or the tourist trap that's Hollywood Boulevard—spot celebs and live like a rock star with a musical LA tour de force that will have you singing sweet melodies. Check off these rocking spots from your Los Angeles to-do list for a 48 hours you'll want to play on repeat. vegasmagazine.com 113