This venue is located on the outskirts of DTLA, hop and a skip and a jump away. Took the bus straight there from Whittier, no stopping and landed, down the hill from the Bellwether. It was a very short walk and this whole trip was cheap and convenient. I paid the extra fee for The Looking Glass lounge because I hate lines, crowds and no seating. When I got to the location, there were two lines, one for the aforementioned lounge and one for general admission. I was immediately allowed in with a minor bag search and climbed up some stairs that landed me outside the lounge. It was air conditioned, there were plenty of seats and I absolutely loved the charcuterie boards that were set out. There was soda water, water and alcohol available. The charcuterie boards had a variety of cheeses, cookies, crackers, veggies and overall was a 5 out of 5. Bartender was a bit unfriendly considering the price paid for entry and what I mean by that unwilling to explain what was included in regards to drinks in the Looking Glass Price. Overall, I found the other staff to be very accommodating.
The Looking Glass Lounge has its own bathrooms, and they're gender neutral. There were two stalls available. It was generally clean. When I bought the ticket for the lounge, it stated there would be a second merch table available specifically for people who paid extra, that was not true so I had to go back to the general admission area and find the merch table. Luckily, the line was very short when I realized what was going on.
This venue is disabled friendly in that there is an elevator, wide walkways and a special roped off area for people with disabilities. The bathrooms were also disabilities friendly.
I attended to see The Violent Femmes on Friday, July, 31. The weather in Los Angeles was scorching hot. The lounge itself was cool. But the interior area, where the band played was hell. Not sure if their air conditioning wasn't working, if the outside heat combined with the amount of bodies made it impossible to cool down the place but it was dangerously hot inside. There is no excuse for this huge oversight. It is absolutely inexcusable. If you're going to attend this venue during the summer, come dressed appropriately. And in this case, it would have been appropriate to wear a bikini top and shorts. Because it was so hot, I had a bathing suit top and coverup and I was still hot. Add to that and beyond my comprehension, the venue was blowing out air with incense. Where is the logic in that move. For those of us with allergies, it was a major nightmare.
Is The Looking Glass Lounge worth it? Depends on who you are as an individual. I'm picky so, yes, any rest from the heat allowed me to continue enjoying the show rather than packing it up and going home.
In regard to the quality of sound and view. This is a 5 out of 5! It was a great view. I'm short so if I had only paid for general admission, there is no way I would have been able to handle the crowds. The Looking Glass Lounge price allowed me to get one of the best views in the house. The Violent Femmes were spectacular (they always are) and the sound system was on point. Keep in mind the extra money was paying for less crowds. You could get the same view on the opposite side without paying BUT you would be unable to leave your spot without losing it.
Now in regard to behavior. There was no assigned seating. It was survival of the fittest, in a way. Some people were acting very territorial. It was strange. In one instance, there was a pretty, younger woman standing next to me. Minding her own business, not bothering anyone. All of a sudden, I felt someone touch my bottom, I was like oh oh. Only to turn around and see a drunk, elderly, blond lady. Once I realized that it was simply a drunkard, I ignored it. I subtly realized what was going on and didn't react. The young woman next to me probably also felt the elder touching her and was most likely shocked. Well, the elder blond woman started harassing the young woman. Saying things about millennials. It was so incredibly rude and unbecoming and beyond uncalled for. So be aware that there is alcohol at The Bellwether, that anyone with money can buy a ticket but that it does not buy boundaries, class or respect. There was a lot of entitlement out at that show. It was really strange and disturbing. I don't know if The Bellwether should have a set of signs with basic rules or not but it might be needed. It was not the only instance of that behavior. Happened with the guys behind me too. Insane behavior to have out in public.
Overall, if the air conditioning had fully worked, I would have given The Bellweather a 5. Maybe best to go during the winter, if you have a choice. After the show, I took an UBER home and it was only $35. In general, a great value. read more