Undiscovered Territory

The Dials played their first gig in Los Angeles at the Sunset Strip’s punk-oriented Coconut Teaszer earlier this month, making it ever so clear why this two-stage, 10-bands-a-night club plays home to so many new music groups.

Though the Dials are a new alternative band, this alterna-type, musically inclined audience is one that pays attention to who is doing what and singing where in the music biz.

They came to hear the Dials because rumor had it that former Cramps guitarist Bryan Gregory was getting back on stage with this new band after a 15-year hiatus.

Those looking for chairs and a quiet night on the town need not visit the dimly lit and acoustically sound Coconut Teaszer Showroom.

Gregory, 45, was center stage, decked out in a metal breastplate and black leather to play sidekick to alterna-diva Arenella Canne, who crooned a 30-minute punkish set with her five-man (all in black) band as the musically judgmental crowd rocked approvingly.

“They were really good,” said Eric Morrison, who drove from Fullerton with pal Mike Wholton to catch the show. “They got a good sound you can dance to.”

For 10 years now the Coconut Teaszer has billed itself as a springboard for launching music careers, and music execs come to check out the acts.

Booking agent Len Fagan lines up 10 bands a night, five in the showroom and five in the cabaret-style Crooked Bar downstairs. More than a few have made the big time, including Hole, Green Day, the Stone Temple Pilots and Guns N’ Roses.

At “L.A.’s Best Kept Secrets” nights, more than 1,000 music industry types are invited to hear Teaszer faves, and at most of these events, a few bands get contracts. At the October show, the band Coal was signed by Elecktra.

Though punk and alternative bands are a staple on the music menu here, the Teaszer gives small, acoustic-type bands a fair shake as well. While the Dials rocked the showroom, the Wild Horses shared their mystical New Age music with an older, more sophisticated crowd in the quaint Crooked Bar.

Smoking a pipe and savoring the rhythmic sound of this contemporary band, Sherman Oaks chiropractor W. C. Hempsey, a band groupie, grooved in his seat on a comfy couch. When the Wild Horses completed their set, Psychic Cache, an acoustic female duo with an Alanis Morissette sound took over.

The Teaszer is full of character and characters. There are carousel horses in the bar and pool tables for patrons who want to listen to music and play and carry on a conversation at the same time.

The people are just as eclectic. Purple-haired, body-pierced punkers rub elbows with suits. It’s not uncommon to see an industry insider such as MTV’s Martha Quinn.

“This club is a hot spot for talent,” said Fagan.

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What: The Coconut Teaszer 8117 Sunset Blvd. (213) 654-4773.

When: Sunday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Cost: Cover varies. Domestic beer and mixed drinks, $3.75.