Best Live Latin Music In Los Angeles

The muy caliente music of Latin America has played an important role in shaping the vibrant cultural heritage of Los Angeles. Over 50 percent of our city's population is Hispanic or Latino, so it should come as no surprise that outside of Miami, Los Angeles is home to the best that Latin Music offers. Whether you're looking to dance, relax or learn more about the rich musical tapestry that makes up our city, we've found some of the best events and joints playing Latin tunes in L.A.

Latin Sounds at LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
www.lacma.org

Hours: Sat – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Every summer from May to September, LACMA hosts Latin Sounds, a program of Saturday Concerts in the Hancock Park area of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art campus. The newest addition to LACMA's free to the public concert series has featured world-class Latin artists for the past several years in the park behind LACMA and between the main buildings and the tar pits. Latin Sounds alum Ricardo Lemvo will kick off the new season later this month. Bring your own wine and cheese picnic and unwind to world class Latin artists in your own backyard.

El Baron Restaurant and Night Club
8641 W Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 841-6298

Hours: Daily – 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

When you're out to live la vida loca locally, this is the place to go. El Baron's large dance floor is perfect for large groups and the bands the nightclub books always have the floor packed. Most bands are local and offer the expected mix of merengue, bachata and salsa with an unexpected flair that's sure to energize you. There is also a restaurant and bar at the venue offering tasty El Salvadorian fare for when you need to re-fuel.

PIPS
1356 S La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 954-7477
pizzapastasalads.com

Hours: Tue to Sat – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday evenings at PIPS Pizza Pasta and Subs on La Brea are "Hot Cali Nights with Bob DeSena's Latin Jazz Band." The band starts playing at 7:30 p.m., perfect for some after-dinner live entertainment. The cozy atmosphere of this delicious California eatery is thoroughly charming. PIPS staff is friendly, fast and attentive. Since there is live world-class music most nights by regular local bands, reservations are highly suggested.

Matsumoto's 2nd Street Jazz
366 E 2nd St
.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(310) 849-5938
www.2ndstjazz.com

Price: $10 (comes with a $5 drink ticket)
Hours: Mon to Fri – 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sat to Sun – 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The East LA College's Latin Jazz Orchestra wows audiences on the last Wednesday of each month. The residency is one of the most loved nights on the calendar, and the venue is usually packed, so don't be late if you want a great seat. 2nd Street Jazz is located in the Little Tokyo neighborhood in downtown LA. The venue is a no-frills bar and live music joint only, so don't go hungry and be sure to eat beforehand. If you arrive early enough and are drinking, the cover is usually waived.

Related: Best Jazz Spots in LA

Coupa Café
419 N Canon Dr
ive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 385-0420
www.coupacafe.com

Hours: Sun to Tue - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wed to Sat - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This colorful, bright café in Beverly Hills serves up some of the best Latin cuisine in the whole city. The ambiance is upbeat and welcoming, prices are fair and portions are more than generous. Coupa Cafe boasts a beautiful setting in the heart of Beverly Hills, so it's a highly coveted spot to catch some live entertainment. Food and drink are presented beautifully, and Latin Music plays from open to close with live Latin bands in the evenings.

Related: Best Sound Systems at LA Music Venues

Kristen Lowman spends her days writing and her nights at concerts. She lives on the Miracle Mile in the City of Angels. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.