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Best Folk Music Venues In Los Angeles

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Some people just want to sit back and listen to something a little more relaxing, like the sounds of folk music. There are a number of great folk music venues around the greater Los Angeles area, venues that can provide for some great music and fun times with friends, family, co-workers etc. No matter when you go, keep the following venues/shows in mind, giving you a night out with some folk tunes you're sure not to forget anytime soon.

folk music
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Downey Folk Music Jam
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center
7810 Quill Drive
Downey, Ca. 90242
(562) 904-7223
www.celticana.net
Dates: Fourth Tuesday Of Each Month

If you are in the Downey area, look no further than the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center on the fourth Tuesday of each month for the Downey Folk Music Jam. Guests can enjoy folk music under the direction of host Bea Romano this month on Aug. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. Romano and other musicians will provide you with an evening of relaxing music and fun times to boot. She can also work with you and/or your group when in need of musical entertainment on a variety of fronts, including music festivals.

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(credit: Africa Studio/shutterstock)

We The Folk
Seventy7 Lounge
3843 Main Street
Culver City, Ca. 90232
(310) 559-7707
www.wethefolk.com
Dates: Second and Fourth Wednesday Each Month

Providing entertainment on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, We The Folk has something for everyone. As they describe themselves, "With acoustic guitar, violin, accordion, bass, percussion, and plenty of voice, this Los Angeles-based band sings the songs of Cali-folk, young and old." Earlier this year, the band released its debut album entitled "WTF". We The Folk is also slated to play this month at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club in Santa Barbara on Aug. 25.

CalTech Folk Series
(credit: Lori C./yelp)

CalTech Folk Series (Featuring Dan Frechette and Lauren Thomsen)
California Institute of Technology - Beckham Institute Auditorium
400 South Wilson Avenue
Pasadena, Ca. 91106
(626) 395-4652
www.danandlaurel.ca
Date: August 27, 2016

If you are looking for a duo that can bring you to your feet with applause, Dan Frechette and Lauren Thomsen should fit the bill. The pair, slated to perform as part of the CalTech Folk Series in Pasadena on Aug. 27, actually came together after a YouTube sighting. It was a meeting that would pair up two entertaining and talented musicians (one Canadian, one American), with a love for folk tunes. Frechette and Thomsen also give back to the community by providing workshop instruction, along with visiting area schools to teach a love of music to younger ages. When you have these two in a room together, the music is sure to sound great.

folk
(credit: Africa Studio/shutterstock)

Santa Monica Traditional Folk Music Club
Sha' Arei Am (Santa Monica Synagogue)
1448 18th Street
Santa Monica, Ca. 90404
(310) 453-4276
www.santamonicafolkmusicclub.org
Date: First Saturday Each Month At 6:30 p.m.

When you have folk music on the mind, head on over to hear the Santa Monica Traditional Folk Music Club the first Saturday of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Dozens of folk music lovers converge for this monthly event, bringing together great music and old and new friendships. There is a requested $5 donation (for those who can do so) when entering, or admission is covered by showing your club membership card. Guests will enjoy traditional folk music on this evening, music that they are likely to tell friends and family members about. Before you know it, the group's circle gets even larger. Heck, even bring a date if you like.

folk music
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Beach Cities Folk Club (Third Tuesday of each month)
Wayland House
1642 Voorhees Avenue
Manhattan Beach, Ca. 90266
(310) 376-8760
www.beachcitiesfolkclub.org

Can you think of anything much better than hanging out in a beach community and listening to some folk music? For those living in and wanting to make the short drive over to Manhattan Beach (depending on traffic of course) the third Tuesday of each month, fun awaits. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (the next event is Tuesday, Sept. 20), folk music fans can enjoy listening (and participating if they so choose). Guests are invited (in fact encouraged) to bring some snacks and drinks for the evening.Keep in mind that this is one big circle of friends meeting, not an outdoor concert etc.

Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com
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