Relaxing in the Neighborhood

In this era of oh-so-trendy clubs, when reservation lists and long lines are commonplace and chichi restaurants are nearly impossible to get into, the Gig is trying to set itself apart.

The West Los Angeles hang is all about hanging out. Comfort. Being a neighborhood bar. A place where everybody knows your name and everyone is welcome.

Music is a mainstay at the Gig, ironically. The razzle-dazzle club with its bright-purple facade and come-as-you-are clientele features live performances nightly and packs a hefty crowd most weekends, when it saves the stage for its biggest and best entertainers.

For the most part the bands that play this rockin’ music venue all have a rhythm ‘n’ blues twist. After all, owner Neal Rocklin wanted to open a blues bar. The first-time club owner got word from other club folks in the know who told him, “You gotta have more than the blues to get people in there,” and he listened.

Hence, the Gig has branched out to soul and jazz and even some bands with a disco twist. Alternative rockers have yet to play on this stage, but there’s a first time for everything, and Rocklin certainly doesn’t rule out the possibility.

And the Gig is full of possibilities. Hip locals converge on the casual joint, the former site of Igby’s Comedy Cabaret, hanging out on the lazy sofas and beds that surround the stage and the half-moon bar that provides a killer view of the action.

The shiny disco balls are a nice effect, but don’t count on the flashy lights being turned on unless the mood is right.

The denim-clad denizens who flock to the Gig are a less-than-bashful bunch who boogie the beat, whatever beat that may be. Those with slick moves groove to songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Chain of Fools,” and dancing fools can at least feel comfortable in the knowledge that no one seems to notice or care whether you’ve got rhythm.

At the door a gent in khakis cards patrons, allowing in only those of age. He is Skip Alexander, an old-time friend of Rocklin’s whom the owner jokingly calls the oldest doorman in Los Angeles. He’s sixtysomething, and he has no problem pushing someone right out the door.

On a busy Saturday night a few weeks back, an overzealous scenester was clearly annoying members of Casey and Condition Groove, a hot band churning out classic rock and original tunes, with her in-your-face I-want-to-talk-to-you-while-you-sing dance style. Alexander took her outside for a chat.

The friendly bouncer gave her a second chance, allowing her to return. He ended up dancing with her in a neighborhood bar style of crowd control.

All in all, the Gig is really pretty tame. One club-goer likened the place to a less trendy, much-mellower Dragonfly, referring to the soft mood lighting that illuminates the casual scene and the crowd that seems to do its own thing despite the music.

Some patrons dance. Some don’t. Some hang by the aquarium. Some opt for the bar. And some lounge at the tables way in the back, oblivious to the night passing by.

BE THERE

The Gig, 11637 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles. (310) 444-9870. 21 and over. Cover varies. Bar menu.