Scene details from Whiskey a Go Go

There's a popular music venue in West Hollywood, California called Whiskey a Go Go, or as the cool people call it, "The Whiskey." My son's good friend plays guitar for a teen band, Gravity Hill, and they scored a gig at The Whiskey (Scored? Gig? The Whiskey? Am I cool yet?).

We went to see this super talented group of kids sing and play. As most writers do, I took mental notes of the scene. In case you've never been there, and in case you can use these scene details, here's what I remember:

The Venue

• Small brick building with neon sign. 
• Horns honking on Sunset Blvd. as more than one accident almost takes place.
• Entry tickets: red with black writing. No band name printed on the ticket, but hand-written on the back.
• Inside...black walls and floors.
• Red semi-circle booths in back, reserved for $100.
• Stairs with pipe railing leading to the second floor, where the bar is located.
• Mid-sized stage angled in the corner.
• Band name on stage banners and also on the big drum.

The People

• Folks of all ages standing in line before showtime. Teens, young adults, older adults *ahem*.
• "Bouncer" at the door checking bags, patting down guys, stamping the right hand of adults only (he threw away my bottled waters...*angry face*).
• Inside, teens clustered together talking and texting before the music begins.
• Teen guy with a green, yellow, and red beanie cap.
• Teen girl with short shorts, high heels, loose tank top, studded belt.
• iPhones held high during show, taking still shots. No video taping allowed.
• My son's friend's band was clean cut and wore simple jeans and T-shirts. The second band was older, edgier. More piercings, less parents in the audience.

The Sounds

• Band members warming up, saying, "check, check" in the microphone several times.
• Screaming fans.
• Audience members singing along to old favorites.
• A trio of girls talking during the show instead of listening. 
• Loud guitars, keyboards, and drums. 

Have you ever heard of Whiskey a Go Go? Have you ever been there? Are you uncool like me?

photo credit