A Place for the Faithful

At first glimpse, the Velvet Room looks like an old church. Oval stained-glass windows span the walls of this Los Feliz night spot, refracting the light shining in from the street lamps and illuminating red velvet walls.

Although a closer look makes it clear that this is a nightclub, there is a spirit at this neighborhood bistro and bar unlike that defining most clubs in Los Angeles.

The regular patrons here are entertainment seekers rather than scenesters, and they follow their favorite bands religiously, turning each gig site into a second home.

Yvonne and Bill Hollwedel are pros at this routine. The Huntington Park couple has followed the Jimmy McConnell Orchestra for 10 years and had never set foot in the Velvet Room. But now that the 18-piece band has added the club to its playlist, the Hollwedels say they will be among the regulars.

“Wherever Jimmy goes, we go,” Yvonne Hollwedel said.

The Jimmy McConnell Orchestra, many of whose members played with Count Basie, is a bona-fide, tuxedo-wearing big band that re-creates the sounds of yesteryear.

The old music is what the Hollwedels fancy so much. When Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” echoes across the room, Yvonne pulls her husband off his bar stool and they are the first ones out on the dance floor.

Bill spins his wife, who is dressed to kill in a gold satin evening dress and rhinestone earrings that sparkle under the big disco ball.

The couple dances straight into the next song.

Owner Paolo Greco smiles, happy to see his patrons having such a good time.

Greco says customers like the Hollwedels are common at his 7-month-old club, located in the back of the Primavera restaurant.

The orchestra plays on Saturday nights. On Fridays and Sundays the Velvet Room plays host to a variety show and rock ‘n’ roll bands that bring their own crowds.

For now, Greco hosts entertainment on weekends only and hopes the classy Saturday orchestra nights will be enough to keep the regulars coming while drawing a new crowd.

The orchestra plays both the oldies and rhythm-and-blues tunes that Greco hopes will attract younger club-goers.

A visit to the candlelit Velvet Room on a recent orchestra night turned up mostly a middle-aged, haute couture-conscious crowd.

Draped in a shimmering blue sequined evening gown, singer Caprice Clarke broke into a blues rendition of “Million Dollar Secret,” handing out some advice for the women in the room:

“Get yourself a young dude.” The women roared.

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Where: The Velvet Room at Primavera restaurant, 2138 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. (213) 666-8666.

When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Cost: Cover varies. Cappuccino, $2.50; domestic beer, $2.50; mixed drinks, $3.50-$6.