Swing

The swanky Derby opened four years ago on the cusp of a swing revival in Hollywood and helped usher in some retro class in L.A. area clubs. Others have joined in on the swing beat, so if you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon, you can try your luck at the following venues:

Atlas Bar & Grill, 3760 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 380-8400. This Art Deco club is one of the city’s prettiest rooms. Despite its Wilshire and Western location--home of the Wiltern Theatre but clearly no longer club central--Atlas has managed to survive on the virtue of its classiness. Along with swing, Atlas books jazz and cabaret shows. 21 and over, cover varies.

The Derby, 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz, (213) 663-8979. Just think, you used to be able to catch Royal Crown Revue here each weekend for five bucks. Times have changed, but the Derby hasn’t. It still offers a lovely setting. 21 and over, $5 cover.

The Dresden Lounge, 1760 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz, (213) 665-4294. Before swing was hip, there was Marty and Elayne Roberts. By the year 2000, the duo will have been performing at the Dresden for about two decades and it doesn’t get any sweeter than this. Six nights a week, they give listeners a reason to fall in love. 21 & over, no cover.

Mr. Phat’s Royal Martini Club at the Viper Room on Thursdays, 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-1880. One of the finest, most fun swing club experiences, with the real excitement during the monthly shows (there’s one tonight) by the Pussycat Dolls, a kittenish dance troupe that puts a howl in the meow. 21 and over, $10 cover.

Pangea’s swing brunch at the Hotel Nikko on Sundays, 465 S. La Cienega, Los Angeles, (310) 246-2100. Eat sushi and Belgian waffles from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. while listening to a 14-piece orchestra. Those who just want to dance the jitterbug simply can stop in and dig the swing-time grooves performed by the Paul Turner Orchestra. All ages, no cover (brunch, $35 per person).

Sandsa Bar at the Gig on Tuesdays, 11637 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 444-9870. At the former site of Igby’s Comedy Cabaret, the Gig features blues, jazz and swing in a low-key lounge environment. On Tuesdays, swing, rockabilly and surf acts jam this joint, which also features the occasional swing band on additional weeknights. 21 and over, cover varies.

Swing at the El Rey on Sundays, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 936-6293. Claiming the city’s largest swing-night dance floor, this fabulous old theater makes a great nightclub for the swing set and has featured all the usual suspects, including numerous out-of-town bands. 18 and over, $8 cover.