Jeff B.
Yelp
(Attended 05/30/25 FR @ 7:00pm): Such a fond old theatre!
It's been nearly ten years since I last visited The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood when I saw a then new up-and-coming musician named Aurora https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=zfJr2xmzaex6Y91WFdarvA with two other opening acts. Originally named The Music Box when it opened on October 20, 1926. In the following years, it had several name changes and usage, until 2012 when Goldenvoice acquired the facility, renamed it The Fonda Theatre (in honor of Henry Fonda), and to this day has been a thriving concert venue. How fond would I be with the theatre and concert!?
PURCHASE
Tickets/Seats ($35.45): The base price was a steal at $25.00 but a horrendously high $10.45 in service fees. "Seating" was all General Admission/Floor/Standing, so I made a home center stage up against the barrier of the soundboard. Honestly, there were no bad areas in the house, and the only obstruction would be if someone tall stood in front of you. There were a handful of seats in the balcony area, but it was mainly standing room only.
Boulevard Brewing Co. Space Camper IPA Beer 20floz Draft ($15.00): Amber color, hoppy aroma, light body, fruity hoppy flavors, drying smooth finish, and drying hoppy aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=ztmXHwvV44txRmupa0gIZQ
Grupo Modelo Modelo Especial Mexican Lager Beer 20floz Draft ($14.00): Amber color, light malty aroma, light body, malty watery flavor, smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste. One of my favorites! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=0rAphV1-56JV09ArX7KMJA
Miss Vickie's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Jalapeño Flavor 1 5/8oz Bag ($4.00): I simply needed something to munch on with my beers. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=YpKakWKa67Uj91Nx2kxEzQ
Souvenir T-Shirt ($35.00): Sadly, they didn't have any tour-specific shirts for sale, but this would do because of the cool graphic. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=btzK6lztapZxlnXbuuutyQ
THE CONCERT
I instantly fell in love with Blondshell's lyrics and music on her 2023 self-titled debut album. On this tour, she was supporting her latest full-album release, "If You Asked For a Picture". With a balanced playlist between two albums, and a casual warm welcoming performance, the adoring crowd sang and swayed in support of this L.A.-based band. Nearly a one-hour performance with a light encore, it was awesome seeing them live for my first time.
SERVICE
The online ticket purchase was seamless, the check-in line outside the venue went swiftly, there was little to no line when I bought my beers/snack, the merchandise line went quickly enough, and security was chill as heck - easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I went Metro and took the Red Line from my hipsterhood to the Hollywood/Vine Station and walked about five minutes the rest of the way. Otherwise, I had no idea how much nearby lots were charging.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
At roughly 1,200 capacity, this original Spanish Colonial Revital Style has been on a slow restoration process mainly to the interior https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=tcam_E2sMsWMv65spW6xPw which had a main two-sided central bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=EcS724j7078buu_bc19GqA in addition to a separate bar room https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=cNxfmD8AcyrcRZKXmqlxPg which may have been for special ticket holders, and a couple of ATMs. Outside was the marquee https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=IbgabOfrPyhtwn_KBZKPBQ for all to see. My Main Floor/Pit spot https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=FA52fLw2tES0-Cf6Uuml9Q provided balanced audio and a barrier to lean up against. Zero natural lighting while the electric house and stage lighting filled in the rest. There were a few monitors that showed the stage while background music played pre- and post-show.
ATTIRE
In general, it was a business casual affair with a buttoned-up shirt, jeans, and Doc Martens; the t-shirt, boardshorts and flip-flops stayed home.
OVERALL
It was an awesome evening at The Fonda Theatre! To L.A. transplants this "relic" from the 1920's may be worn, but with its long-standing history, a born-and-raised Angeleno such as myself appreciated and defended it. The intimacy of this place should prove favorable to both patrons and performers. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $107.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS