MUSICIANS IN LA
Musicians in Culver City
Culver City venues on Google Maps →Culver City's music scene is different from other LA neighborhoods—it's more focused on the business side of music (studios, post-production, sync licensing) than live performance. Musicians here often work in film/TV scoring, ad music, or production for other artists. That said, there are venues worth knowing, and the community is full of working professionals who can teach you how to actually make money from music. If you're interested in sync licensing, session work, or scoring, Culver City is where those conversations happen.
What are the best live music venues in Culver City?
Culver City has 3 notable live music venues listed below — each with a description and address for musicians booking gigs or attending open mics.
The Mandrake
Bar with small stage booking indie rock, folk, jazz. Neighborhood hangout vibe, supportive local crowd. Good for emerging artists building draw.
2692 S La Cienega Blvd
Culver Hotel
Historic hotel with occasional live music in the lobby bar. Jazz, acoustic, upscale vibe.
9400 Culver Blvd
The Jazz Bakery
Legendary jazz venue focused on education and performance. Serious listening room, older crowd, high standards.
9820 Washington Blvd (Culver City location)
Where can musicians record or rehearse in Culver City?
Culver City offers 2 studios and rehearsal spaces — listed below for tracking, demo sessions, and band practice.
- Sony Pictures Studios – Not accessible to indie musicians, but knowing it's here matters—many session players and composers work out of Culver City specifically for proximity to studios.
- The Bridge Recording – Professional studio in Culver City, indie-friendly rates, great gear. Multiple rooms for tracking and mixing. Address: 6050 W Jefferson Blvd.
What local tips help musicians succeed in Culver City?
Downtown Culver has most of the venues and musician hangouts—Washington Boulevard and Main Street. Parking is metered during business hours but free evenings/weekends. The scene skews professional and older—this isn't where you'll find DIY house shows. Best nights are weekends for venues, but weekday networking lunches are more valuable here. Join Culver City Musicians Facebook group and attend monthly composer/producer meetups at local cafes. If you're interested in sync licensing, take meetings at Coffee Connection or Sidecar Doughnuts—lots of industry folks work in the area. The Culver City music scene is less about "making it" and more about making a sustainable living from music.