Multi-purpose Performance Complex in the Heart of Hollywood: Musicians Institute in Hollywood now extends its reputation as a multi-faceted cutting-edge music college with the creation of a state-of-the art live performance and event space near Hollywood & Highland. Designed by Michael Warren of MW Audio––a premier installer of high-end audio systems with a client list including the likes of Google, YouTube, Electronic Art Games and Red Bull––Live House is part of a 15,000 sq. ft. educational, cultural and entertainment complex that includes MI’s sister school IDA (International Dance Academy) and a conference room, coffee bar and a large lounge that also includes a small stage, lights and a wireless sound system. The dedicated Live House section measures 5,000 sq. ft. (including back of room and a “green room”) has a capacity of 417, a 700 sq ft. stage, and 18x10 ft LED video wall behind the stage, 120,000 watts of power and full broadcast and recording capabilities. The entire building also features state-of-the art DANTE connectivity that can accommodate 20 HD-ISDN video camera feeds as well as a 64 channel/96k ProTools HD system. Tuned by Warren, the venue is also soundproof, and its subfloor is designed to be completely bass absorbing.
The Big Launch: Live House Director and longtime MI Program Chair Charles Chemery envisions the room as both an educational hub catering to the needs of MI students, as well as an income-generating private performance venue. Beyond rehearsals and concert showcases, it can accommodate video shoots, TED talks, standup comedy, yoga classes, award shows, product presentations, seminars, and parties (via an easy transformation into a nightclub vibe). At 6 p.m. on Sept. 28, after a ribbon cutting ceremony, legendary guitarist Steve Vai took the stage to launch 54 hours of continuous performances that were livestreamed on Facebook, generating more than 2.5 million views. This charity event raised money for leading foster family non-profit and adoption agency Extraordinary Families. The “Big Mama Jama Jam-a-Thon” included performances by Moby, Dave Navarro, Al DiMeola, Lee Ritenour, Dweezil Zappa, Steve Morse and many others. Chemery says, “During the event, Steve Vai mentioned that he feels that this is now the best sounding venue in LA.”
In Capable Hands: In addition to creating and chairing such prominent MI programs as the DJ Performance and Production program and the Artist, Producer & Entrepreneur program, Live House Director Charles Chemery is a world-class DJ and artist (known as “Charlie Sputnik”) who has dropped beats everywhere from Havana and Casablanca to NYC, Paris and Tokyo. The French-born artist and educator has produced tracks for The American Film Institute, Audi, 20th Century Fox and Disney, and has shared the recording booth and/or stage with Chaka Khan, Gnarls Barkley, Jurassic 5 and others. “My goal is for this extraordinary venue to have an impact on the city and move the needle culturally, so that it can be used to further the cause of musicians and other artists. We want to expose the public to many interesting artists and art forms, using cutting-edge technology while also helping our students to learn and continue crafting their artistry.”
Contact Live House Hollywood, 323-860-1106, livehousehollywood.com
