Club Review : Power House Has People Power
The Power House is one of those Hollywood jukebox joints that long ago created the recipe for today’s thriving club scene.
With just enough space for some cozy green booths, a few bar stools and a hint of a performance space, the Power House opened its doors 35 years ago. Now, if you throw a rock in any direction you’ll likely hit one of a dozen trendy nightclubs that have adopted this blueprint.
The Power House’s main appeal is simply the folks who go there. It seems as if all pretensions are left at the door--no small feat in this neck of the woods. Musically, the atmosphere is pretty much bluesy rock ‘n’ roll. The club, which features live music on weekends, offers a blues band on Fridays and everything from rock to punk to psychobilly and country bands on Saturday.
But don’t expect too much--it’s BYOSS (bring your own sound system), and if it’s packed, you’ll have a tough time angling your way to the bathroom--the “stage” is right in front of the facilities. The Power House’s jukebox, however, is one of its key music attractions, offering tunes from such artists as the Jam, Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard and the Sex Pistols. If it’s a weekend night, go easy on the ample Tom Jones selections. If the bartender hears another note of “What’s New Pussycat,” he’ll get downright irritable.
* Power House, 1714 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Over 21. $1 cover on Friday and Saturday. (213) 463-9438.