El Rey Theatre

Located in the Miracle Mile of Los Angeles, The El Rey Theatre is an acclaimed concert venue as well as a registered Historic-Cultural Monument that was built in 1936. Originally a movie house, The El Rey rebranded itself in 1994 and now programs new and established bands within its art deco ballroom. A smaller venue with great acoustics located in a neighborhood with optimum food choices, The El Rey is popular among locals and performers.

Getting Tickets at The El Rey Theatre
The El Rey is a general admission venue with entrance into the theater on a first come, first serve basis. The interior is that of a large ballroom with an elevated stage. Concertgoers generally stand, although there are a few seats on the sides. Occasionally, the upstairs VIP balcony lounge is open, but that is on an event-by-event basis and may cost a premium price. Advance tickets are only sold online at TheElRey.com. The El Rey's box office is open on the night of the show only for Will Call pickups and to sell any unsold tickets.

Parking and Public Transportation at The El Rey Theatre
The El Rey is located at 5515 Wilshire Boulevard (cross street is Burnside Avenue, a few blocks west of La Brea Avenue). The El Rey offers either valet parking for a fee, or self-parking in a covered parking structure at 5455 Wilshire Boulevard (entrance is on Cochran Avenue), also for a fee. A few metered parking spots may be found on Wilshire Blvd. and surrounding cross streets. Public transportation is available via LA Metro Bus Lines 20 and 21, which stop directly in front of The El Rey Theatre.

Types of Concerts at The El Rey Theatre
The El Rey Theatre is home to all types of music from Country to Alternative to Hip-Hop/Rap. New artists as well as acclaimed Grammy-winning bands play at this venue that holds approximately 750. The venue can also be rented out for private functions.

Food and Other Places to Visit near The El Rey Theatre
The El Rey Theatre has a full bar (patrons 21 and over are given drinking wristbands upon entry). An adjacent storefront to the east is often open during the show to sell food items. There are other dining options all along Wilshire Blvd. to the east and west as well as on La Brea Ave. Restaurants include chains like Chipotle, Five Guys, Subway and Starbucks, as well as fine dining establishments like Luna Park and the exclusive Republique, both on La Brea Ave. For museum fans, further west along Wilshire Blvd., one can visit LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits, and CAFAM before the show.

Where to Stay Near The El Rey Theatre
There are no hotels within a short walking distance to The El Rey. However some of the closer hotel options are Hotel Wilshire at 6317 Wilshire Blvd., the Farmer's Daughter Hotel at 115 S. Fairfax Avenue, and the Sofitel Los Angeles at 8555 Beverly Blvd.

Insider Tip for Visitors to The El Rey Theatre
Be sure to arrive to The El Rey for the opening act because often these bands are as talented as the headliners. After the show, patrons can walk to Luna Park (672 S. La Brea) for Late Night Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturday nights (10 to 11:30 p.m.); mention you saw an El Rey show and on occasion there may be an additional special.

Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment, the arts and travel. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of various film, TV, and arts organizations.