Club Review : Swinging the Night Away at the Revamped Derby

Many ambitious proprietors attempt to invoke old Hollywood visions when restoring one of the city’s venues, but few succeed with such style and grace as the owners of the Derby.

Located in the Los Feliz district, the Art Deco club was revamped by ex-husband-and-wife team Tammi and Tony Gower last year with such detail that the clientele is inspired to dress in ‘30s and ‘40s styles as they swing the night away.

With its historic origins--the facility was built by Cecil B. DeMille in 1929 and has been Willard’s Chicken Inn, a Brown Derby and Michael’s Los Feliz Restaurant in previous lifetimes--the lush-looking venue already had a lovely, genteel feel about it. But the Gowers unveiled the building’s amazing domed ceiling, which had been covered up for decades, refinished period chairs they discovered in the basement and decorated the two-room club with a mix of amber, burgundy and cobalt blue.

But the music is the Derby’s gem. Although the club features a rotating lineup of live jazz, swing and rockabilly, Wednesdays continue to be the biggest night. The seven-piece house band, the Royal Crown Revue, performs a blend of swing-era classics and early R&B; to an adoring crowd sporting zootsuits and classic attire. Newcomers take heart: Free dance lessons are offered at 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays to add pep to your step to keep up with regulars.

* The Derby, 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. Over 21, $5 cover . (213) 663-8979.