Tower Theatre

Got to check this place out during the Night on Broadway event back in January. I’m so glad to see these old theaters around here getting refurbished and being used again; they’re historic gems that have more life in them yet! Compared to a place like the Ace Hotel theater however, the renovations here have a little more ways to go – the ceiling still had a bunch of peeling paint and overall it still felt a bit run down but hey, if you’ve been around for a hundred years or whatever you’d need a lot of work too. The awesome band Mac Sabbath did a free show here and my friends and I had a blast – we got to see the stage from the balcony and the floor and both views were great. I’d definitely see more shows here.
STEPH JUDGEMENT: An old refurbished gem that could use a bit more polishing, but is great to see in action nonetheless.

This was our first visit here we came to see Panic! At the Disco 1÷19÷16 security staff here is amazing!!! My daughter got sick and they helped get her out safely made sure she was 100% before letting us back in, I wish I would’ve gotten names from all the amazing staff members they were courteous, and well mannered I would go back to this venue if another band booked a show there it’s a smaller venue but great view from all sections and the stage was close to the barricade. The band was outstanding too but of course we knew they would be ;) I just want to sent a heart filled thanks to all the staff members of the venue, security, and band for being so sweet to my daughter they turned a bad situation into an awesome experience for her THANK YOU!!!

I’ve never heard of this place until it was a venue chosen for Jessie Ware’s «unofficial» cd release party back in October. The window where the tickets were held were just a fold out table with tickets in a metal lockbox. Not very official but for the size of the venue and attendees, it was more personal and well-​suited. Love the architecture of the historic building and the intricate details of the interior. The acoustics were wonderful as well! There is a parking lot right next to a hot dog restaurant before you reach The Tower Theatre. Only $ 5 for parking! We almost missed the lot because the parking sign was a bit hidden.
Before heading into the venue, we had to stand in a line, that was wrapped around the building. Occasionally there were many strangers who would walk by and start asking patrons a lot of questions. Downtown LA for you. The security teams divided us by «men» and «women» lines for security checks before heading into the venue.
The venue is long and narrow and there are 3 floors. When you walk into the venue, it is basically the 2^nd floor, where the standing floor was. Below, are the restrooms; and on the 3^rd floor, there is balcony seating. The seats are very close together, back to front, but it’s nice to have seating for a concert. Only if you get there early enough because the seats filled up quickly within an hour since we sat down. For the cost of the tickets, it was well worth coming here! Though, it was rather hot as it started to warm up throughout the wait of the concert to start and during the concert. The venue brought out big industrial fans to try to circulate the air but didn’t help much.
They had tables set up to sell drinks on the 2^nd floor, where the standing floor was, and also on the 1^st floor, right in front of the restrooms. A bit odd to serve drinks and snacks right in front of the restrooms but I guess they had nowhere else to serve it. As usual, the restrooms weren’t very clean and ran out of paper towels within an hour of the doors opening.
The wings of the balcony were quite narrow and some fans were allowed to stand there but I kept wondering if one would get drunk and fall over because the rails are quite low. Glad to see that everybody was safe and there was adequate staff around to help and answer any questions.

It’s a nice venue but alcohol sales were only permitted upstairs. That would have been great except the balcony was closed. If you wanted a beer, you cannot see the show. Also there is no air flow so the balcony would have been nice. If they fix this I would bump it up to 3 or 4 stars.

Is this place new? I had never heard of it, but my boyfriend found that Chvrches would be performing here, so we got tickets. Doors open 8 and we got here around 730 – line wrapped around the block! We paid for $ 10 parking across the street and the attendant asked when it started because he had never seen such a line. I love the architecture and interior. The bathroom was kinda dingy with only one soap dispenser, but better than most venues. Also, they had this random snack bar downstairs by the bathroom. This place doesn’t serve alcohol, but maybe they are working on getting the license. There is great stadium seating upstairs or you can stand along the left railing. Ventilation isn’t so good so expect to work up a sweat. Also security checks bags and pats down men, but really glad the line moves fast. Would love to come back and see more acts here. Small and intimate and I was still able to see with the stadium seating (I am 5’2″ and can never see over the shoulder of people in front of me).

Tower Theater, hmph. New venue in the area just saw Chvrches there last night. I’ll start by saying that there was NO A/​C and NO ventilation, but I’m assuming there isn’t much they can do about that in these type of old DTLA buildings so come prepared to sweat! Also, I’m guessing they don’t have their liquor license because there was no liquor sold only water and soda.
Overall the sound was good (loud), the venue is super small and intimate so you can be real close to the artist if you get there early. Standing room only on the floor, balcony looked seated in the center and standing on the sides.
Oh almost forgot, security is pretty darn useless so don’t expect help if some big 6′ tall guy is hurting a small 5′ girl. They will look at her confused. But they will pat you down and search you before you enter.
Enjoy the show!

The Tower Theatre is an old historic building on the corner of Broadway and 8^th. They recently started using the venue for concerts and other events.
The venue is long and somewhat narrow. There is balcony seating in the back of the theater. One nice feature is the standing room only balcony that extends along both sides of the hall, all the way to the front where the stage begins.
The stage is curved, and relatively low, less than two feet high. This may make it difficult to see the performers if you are standing on the floor, toward the back. Also, the floor is basically one level for most of the floor, and toward the rear, it has a small two step elevation.
Plenty of parking is available in lots and parking structures in the area and street parking is also available, if you get there late enough in the evening.
Note: on the evening I was there, it was pretty warm inside. Not sure about the a/​c situation but they had a couple of big fans running on each side of the stage. I heard a lot of complaints regarding the heat, including from the performers, so keep that in mind.