Red Light Lounge

I went for my very first time this past Feb. 8^th 2014. Without a doubt, far better than I expected and I had already expected quite a bit based on previous reviews! Honestly, it was one of the best times I have had at a show in quite some time. The atmosphere is soooo relaxed, elegant, sexy, intimate, warm, and cozy… etc. The place had a great energy, from the audience to the performers. If you love poetry and good music this place will meet all expectations… however, arrive early to get a seat as space is limited and can fill up quite quickly (but they also brought out more chairs throughout the evening and tried to accommodate everyone who arrived).
The performers/​poets/​musicians were simply outstanding… great talent and powerful performances. the night is filled with strong emotions as well as lots of laughter… Cashmere, the host, did a helluva job keeping the show moving and flowing. the house band was RIDICULOUS and the DJ… well the DJ just killed it with his selections, energy, and humor. Great interplay between audience, host, DJ, and band for sure!
This place is perfect for singles, coupes, whoever. Come dressed casual to classy as it adds to the charm of this place… everyone that night was dressed as if going to a nice fancy dinner & I thought it made the place look that much more cool! Kind of like a speakeasy (or at least what I imagined a speakeasy to be).
ONLY CRITICISMs: 1. Get some seat cushions for the bar stools along the stage. it felt like someone had kicked me in the tailbone the next morning.
2. Open Mic: While I’m all for talented performers, there were several acts which did not quite fit the vibe of the place/night…the abrupt change in style did make me tune out and had obviously done the same to much of the audience. though everyone was a good sport and showed support… but note to the RLL… I would try to make sure the acts, if possible, can somehow share some certain stylistic sensibilities to keep the fluidity of the night intact…
There are a number of lovely and classy women so for those men rolling solo… it may be the best place for ya!
If you need a great place/​original idea for a first date… come HERE! I took a date and she LOVED it. I really can’t imagine any good woman/​man not enjoying herself/​himself at this place.
It costs far less than they deserve to be charging (based on the quality of the show) so I think you really cannot lose by choosing to spend a night here.
Parking is limited to streets/​meters but there is one street just west of CAP that does not require permits south of ventura blvd. so if meters are full, look for this street.
I will be back every month and looking forward to one day taking part of the open mic portion they have :)
Thanks again to the RLL! Great time! Great show!
Peace!

Sat night, 2÷8÷2014
Red Light Lounge is a once-​a-​month show at the Complete Actors Place Studio in Sherman Oaks (2^nd Saturdays). It’s set up like a cabaret, with candle-​lit tables that face a semi-​circular stage. Doors open @ 8pm; show is 9-​midnight. $ 10 entry.
YEP:
*The host, Cashmere, is likable, fun, and good-​natured. He makes a great host for what is essentially a variety show.
*Great live band and DJ.
*Available on site: PAID bar (can of soda $ 2, unsure about cost of alcohol) and FREE buffet (no idea how the food was — I don’t do «food left out in the open with no attendant»).
*Good quality singers and spoken word artists (I truly thought «spoken word» was a punchline until I watched these acts — very deep, funny, and emotionally touching. And we got to clap, not just finger snap!)
*Relatively classy, adult crowd (however, I think many of them thought this was a meat market-​type event — lots of ladies in tiny dresses — the girl version of a sausage fest).
NOPE:
*Bar prices are listed as «suggested donation.» The old dude who runs the bar needs to stop the madness — there is either a price or there is a donation. «IRS on line one…»
*If the site has a parking lot, it’s unlisted. Street and residential parking was difficult at 8:45 p.m.
*Poor maintenance by CAP; ladies’ room toilet paper ran low wellllllll before the end of the night.
*Low quality open mic acts. Maybe the mic should stay closed (except for the «Dark» poetry guy… rock on bro).
FINAL ANSWER:
I like what Cashmere is doing here and I’ll be back. $ 10 is reasonable for a fun night — you won’t love every act, but you’ll see at least a few that bring you new experiences. Bonus points, Cashmere, for making sure that ladies don’t have to walk to their cars alone at the end of the night. Chivalry lives! I can tell the florist to stop work on his funeral wreath…

Nice location, inexpensive cover and drinks. The entertainment was good and diverse. All in all had a good time. I can only give three stars though. There were too many females and clearly not enough men.

I celebrated my birthday at the Nov 9 show & it was great! The host was super funny and the crowd was really cool! The band & the DJ were awesome and the games were really creative. I will certainly be going back!

I was a first timer and had a wonderful time last night. everything from the host to the live band and d.j. was great. It looks like I have a plan the 2^nd Saturday of every month.

I’ve only been once, so this may not be the case for every show.
but the show started at 9:50, thats almost an hour late…
It seemed like hardly anyone signed up for the open mic! There were a total of six acts, 4 of them were poets. The rest of the night was spent stretching out awkward games that no one was really interested in.

July 10^th show at The Red Light Lounge was one of the most interesting and entertaining shows I’ve seen in a long time. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Cashmere did a fabulous job hosting and his song about Columbine was a real masterpiece. All the talent was top rate. I am honored to be performing at the next RLL on August 10^th. Don’t tell to many people about this event, I can see lines forming down the street if this goes viral.

Nice, intimate setting for performances and a cool vibe. Great to take your date ;-)

Great show! I’ve been coming once a month for the past 4 or 5 months. The show has wonderful talent and is full of laughter and entertainment. I’m definitely a fan. The host really pulls you in and makes sure you’re enjoying yourself.
con:
Open bar… not quite, there’s a sign that says $ 4.00 donation per drink. Which is fine, but don’t call it an OPEN BAR. Because if you don’t have your $ 4 the bartender will point to the sign and let you know what the sign says, then give you a weird look like where’s my money.
In my case, I put whatever cash I had in my pocket in the tip jar ($ 3)… the bartender took the money out the jar opened it up to count it (in front of everyone), then proceeded to point to the sign that says $ 4. he says «you see that sign» … ok… ok… my bad… i’ll remember drinks are $ 4.
I’m just saying … don’t call it open bar.
All in all GREAT SHOW, I highly recommend it… drinks are $ 4

Dynamic show every month! My man Cashmere keeps it upbeat and lively. Where else can you get a great show with a live band and an awesome DJ for $ 10? Not to mention the open bar. I would and have recommended to friends…
See you there!
Ron