The Bellwether is LA’s Newest Mid-Size Venue

The Bellwether lights crowd

The entertainment capital of the world is home to a brand-new venue. The Bellwether opened on July 11th at 333 South Boylston Street in Downtown Los Angeles. It boasts a 1,600-capacity main room along with a lobby bar, 270-degree wraparound balcony, private event space, and restaurant.

Behind the new venture is Michael Swier, who also runs the Teragram Ballroom and Moroccan Lounge. Previously, he launched the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. Joining him in the endeavor is Another Planet Entertainment (APE), a Bay Area promoter.

So far, world-famous acts like Tycho, Buscabulla, Panda Bear and Sonic Boom have headlined The Bellwether. Porter Robinson, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tegan And Sara, Tove Lo, and Wilco are among the artists slated to perform there throughout the rest of 2023.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Change of Hands

Los Angeles Magazine notes that the space now known as The Bellwether has had a revolving door of tenants. One of them was the late music icon Prince, who renamed his own incarnation of the venue Gram Slam. None succeeded in keeping it open for very long, but Swier is hopeful he can break that streak.

“The goal is to express inclusivity through diverse programming, booking everything from rock to electronic, hip-hop, soul and funk, eventually expanding it to comedians and speakers,” according to Nick Barrie, the head talent buyer. He became connected to the new establishment through his work with APE.

Aside from its wide variety of bookings, d&b sound system, acoustic treatment, and posh decor, The Bellwether stands out for being the only independently promoted venue of its size in Los Angeles. Live Nation or AEG oversee bookings for establishments similar in size throughout the area.

More information as well as a full event calendar is available on The Bellwether’s website. The venue also has active pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.