McCabe’s Concert Information

McCabe’s is an intimate venue staffed by friendly folks who are passionate about acoustic music. The 150-​seat concert stage at the back of the house offers great vantage points, though it is best to arrive early for sold-​out shows to get a seat close to the stage.
I enjoyed a splendid performance by Al Stewart, Peter White, Marc Macisso, and Roberto Vally on Friday (Feb. 6) that was one of the best nights of music in my life. Not only were the performers superb, but the cozy venue and friendly staff at McCabe’s enhanced every aspect of the evening.
Tips:
For an 8:00 show, doors opened at 7:30. If it’s sold out, plan to get there 45 minutes to an hour early to secure a prime seat as it is first come — first served general seating.
You may pick up your prepaid tickets in advance, but there’s really no point. The will-​call and admission line are one in the same, and the staff will hand out prepaid tickets while you’re waiting to be seated.
Maximum seating is 150 people on folding chairs. Ask for a cushion, as it will make for more comfortable seating during a long show.
Bottled water, coffee, soda and cookies are sold at a reasonable price. There is no alcohol or other food.
Restroom facilities are small, so be prepared for a wait or visit a neighboring fast-​food restaurant in advance.
Check their website for tips on parking — it can be a bit tight on weekends. Über is also a great way to go.
There is a strict no-​photography/​no cell phone use policy. Kudos to McCabe’s for doing this so politely. They ask you to power-​off your device, and invite you to immerse yourself in the experience without the distraction of social media and cell phone screens. It’s old-​school but well worth it.

What he said.

McCabe’s is actually a guitar shop, but they clear out the back room and setup chairs for some great and very intimate concerts.

Not a bad seat in the house. There is a post that’s right in the center of the room that partially blocked my view, but it wasn’t bad.
The price for the concert was very reasonable. I saw a top artist, Chuck Prophet, for only $ 20.
Seats are tightly packed, so if you’re claustrophobic, this isn’t a venue for you. There’s enough leg room, but not enough to get by someone without them standing up, and even then it would be a tight fit.
I feel bad saying this, but I was really disappointed with the sound. It was very flat, no resonance at all. I mentioned that to my friend. It didn’t bother him. He said it was part of the charm. I think the concert would have been much better, more dynamic, with better sound. To me, I thought some of that could have been fixed through the soundboard, but not all of it. The strings, which did not appear to be miked weren’t very noticeable because of the way the walls immediately absorbed their sound. Maybe that’s the way the artist wanted it to sound, so maybe I’m wrong about this.
Parking isn’t too bad. After 6pm, the meters are free. You might have to walk a few blocks, but it’s free, and that’s a big plus. Don’t park on the neighborhood side streets. It’s permit parking only after 6pm.
I’d absolutely go back and see a concert here, and I definitely plan to.

You have to go watch a show here. The stage is in back and all the seats are great ones. I saw one of my Blues heroes here not to long ago. Even spent a while talking with him after the show. If you get the chance, you really should check it out. I smell bacon, so I gotta split. Thank you very much for stopping by.
E.

Great concerts. However, the chairs can be very hard on the rear end and I don’t like having to stand outside on Pico waiting for the doors to open.

saw my first show at McCabes and it rocked — CHUCK MEAD and the Grassy Knoll —
only 50 seats and the sound was top notch — very friendly people — no booze

Acoustics not to bad, great place to see a show. First time here, wish it was closer I would go all the time. Mr Dave was great at this venue could watch him play and listen to his stories for hours.
Nice in-​between shows to pick up all kind of instruments and play.
Don’t forget the free pick :)

V. good, intimate venue in Santa Monica for hearing solo or small group acts. Talented performers, even if they are not (yet) big names. Yes, there are folding chairs for the audience – but at least you get a seat. The tickets are generally inexpensive and free parking is available in the lot of the nearby U.S. Bank.

I have seen about 20 shows at McCabe’s over the years. It is a really fun venue to see an artist perform as it is so intimate and unique; it seats about 150 people I would guess. This is a serious music venue, there are no side conversations during a performance, no people on their cell phones, just complete respect for the musicians.
The only reason why I can’t give it 5 stars is due to the fact that it is a bit cramped and there is no alcohol served. (Very minor complaints that many people might not even notice.) I would recommend getting there an hour before the performance as the seating is general admission, although there is not a bad seat in the house, it is nice to get in the first few rows.

I live an hour from LA and although, spent my formative years at all the concert venues in LA (in the 80’s) never went to McCabe’s, what a shame. Luckily we have a 20 year old daughter who keeps us connected. What a wonderful venue! With great artists. Have now gone to several shows and are taking our 4 year old granddaughter to the Sunday kids shows. I only wish I had learned to play an instrument and could appreciate the ones lining the walls.

This place is fabulous for intimate shows. You feel like you are hanging out while a friend plays. It’s nice to sit, even if the chairs aren’t so comfy.

Musicians I know love McCabe’s guitar shop. I can’t play, so I can’t comment on that. But they book some wonderful shows. I discovered M. Ward here. The venue is intimate, like a private party in a friend’s basement. Down side: sitting in a folding chair all night can be uncomfortable.

McCabe’s concerts are located behind the homey, folk-​like guitar shop. The venue for the concerts is even better, you enter a dark space with fold out chairs, guitar lined walls (have you ever seen a collage of guitars wall to wall?) and a cozy stage. Feels like you’re in a basement hanging out with 120 of your closest friends. Saw the most amazing concert, Redbird… they made me laugh, they made me cry. Too bad I don’t live in L. A or else I’d check out Michael Penn in a few weeks… remember him?! ha!