Yesterday, we went to the Hollywood Palladium to see Scissor Sisters.  I ventured out of my beloved Pasadena and traveled about 20 minutes to a whole new world in Hollywood.  Why am I including this in the 365 Things To Do In Pasadena?  Well… it’s so close and so entertaining!

Hollywood Palladium was built in 1940 at a cost of $1.6 million.   Standing proudly over the site where the original Paramount Studio lot was, it was built in a Streamline Moderne, Art Deco style and includes an 11,200 square foot dance floor with room for up to 4,000 people. Designed by Gordon Kaufmann, architect of the Greystone Mansion, the Los Angeles Times building and the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia. He was also the architect for the Hoover Dam and early Caltech dorms.

Over the years, the theater hosted many concerts, Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards amongst others.  And, for those old enough to remember Lawrence Welk, in 1961, became a home to his long running Lawrence Welk Show.

The Hollywood Palladium has also been featured in many movies, specials and tv shows throughout the years.

Now, it is mainly being used as a venue for leased events and in 2007, the current owners agreed to a long-term lease to operate, manage and exclusively book the Hollywood Palladium with Live Nation, a Los Angeles-based company.

Concert tickets are not overly expensive and run usually starting around $25+.  It’s standing room only so be prepared for a long wait as the line to get into the Palladium itself starts forming early.  You should plan on arriving at least a half an hour early and folks are let in 30 or so at a time.  However, standing in line is always entertaining.  You never know who you will see.  So don’t despair and enjoy your people watching opportunities.  If you’re hungry, vendors frying onions and huge hot dogs are available to satisfy the empty tummies.

Bring your IDs and stop by the table immediately to the left upon entry for the ID check and a bracelet.  You will not be served alcohol without being checked first.  The interior is a huge dance floor with balcony levels on either sides for VIP seating (check in on the side of the Palladium).  You can usually upgrade on the spot for $50 per person – bring cash.

The venue offers a great opportunity to get close and personal not only to the group you’re there to see, but to all the event attendees.  Choose your space carefully, if you can.  Put your dancing shoes on and ENJOY!

By the way, the best concert that we’ve seen there was by MIKA.  Here’s a clip of his fun Big Girls (You are Beautiful!) video!

Here’s Scissor Sisters with their I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ hit:

Location:
Hollywood Palladium
6215 West Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA  90028
(323) 962-7600
Ticket and Show Availability

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