Teragram Ballroom, the new live music venue on the border of Westlake and Downtown, is scheduled to open this Sunday with a sold-out show by Spoon. Snagging tickets for this weekend may be a lost cause, but you can look forward to a stellar summer schedule including shows by Delta Spirit, Palma Violets, Allah-Las, Albert Hammond Jr. and more. We stopped by this morning for a peek at the space and a chat with the venue's owner, Michael Swier (the man behind New York City's Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge and Music Hall of Williamsburg). We're sold, and here's why:
1. This isn't their first rodeo. Firstly, there's Swier, who's left a wake of live music staples on the east coast. Teragram's booking is handled by Scott Simoneaux of popular music blog Aquarium Drunkard. And their partner in the business is Joe Baxley, an investor in next door's beloved Monty bar.
Michael Swier in front of Teragram's box office
2. That's right, Monty is just down the block, which means drinks—and more importantly, dancing—pre/post shows. Aside from rubbing elbows with a great bar, Teragram boasts ample free parking and easy access from Downtown, Hollywood and the Eastside. We have no doubt this stretch of 7th Street is about to blow up.
3. While Monty is conveniently close, the venue has its own options for libations, and food to boot. On the right side of the venue is a bar housed in what was once the film-famous Quality Cafe (look for it in Mad Men, Se7en and Old School, to name a few). On the left is a bar and restaurant where patrons can get food before shows, and potentially during regular daily hours.
Teragram's future bar and restaurant space
4. Teragram has strong entertainment history. The building dates back to 1913, when it was a popular silent movie theater. More recently, the bar/restaurant portion of the venue was a violin shop whose owners used the stage next door for rehearsals and small performances (take note of the window frames behind the bar, which were salvaged from the back of the building). That's over 100 years of music merriment, folks. A good legacy to kick off the building's newest incarnation.
The Teragram stage
Teragram Ballroom opens this Sunday, May 31st.