Vinyl has never truly gone away.
Even as streaming reshaped how we listen to music, records have remained a constant—offering the ritual of sliding an album out of its sleeve, dropping the needle, and hearing that warm crackle as the music begins to play. For longtime collectors and new listeners alike, vinyl carries a sense of nostalgia and connection that digital formats just simply cannot replicate.
Record stores, in turn, are more than just places to buy albums. They’re community spaces where fans gather to dig through bins, talk music, and sometimes stumble into an in-store performance. These live shows carry a different kind of magic—intimate, raw, and often unforgettable.
From iconic Hollywood landmarks to small neighborhood shops, Southern California is filled with record stores that keep the spirit of live music alive. Whether you’re searching for a rare pressing or catching a band in an unexpected setting, these spots remind us that live music is as much about the experience as it is the sound.
Here are seven iconic record stores that still host live music in Southern California.
Amoeba Music
Amoeba’s Hollywood location is iconic for more than its endless aisles of vinyl. The store has built a reputation as one of Los Angeles’ most beloved live music hubs, with everyone from Paul McCartney, Lana Del Rey, Gracie Abrams, Bastille, to Billie Eilish gracing its stage. The new Hollywood Boulevard location continues the tradition with free in-store performances that feel just as legendary as its record collection.
When: Varies; check events calendar
Where: 6200 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
Information: amoeba.com.
A customer browses the racks of vinyl at Amoeba Music.
(Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Permanent Records Roadhouse
Part record store, part bar, part performance venue, Permanent Records Roadhouse is one of the most unique hybrids. In Cypress Park, the space buzzes with energy, hosting everything from local psych-rock bands to DJ nights. It’s a record digger’s paradise that transforms into a stage after hours.
When: Weekly events
Where: 1906 Cypress Ave., Los Angeles
Information: permanentrecordsla.com.
Programme Skate & Sound
More than just a shop, this Fullerton staple blends skate culture, music retail, and live underground performances into one vibrant space. By day, they stock vinyl, cassettes, skate gear, and zines—by night, the venue turns into a DIY punk and rock showcase, keeping Orange County’s punk legacy alive. It’s where locals cross lanes between skating and moshing.
When: Events vary, check their schedule or follow local listings for show dates
Where: 2495 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton
Information: programmehq.com.
Permanent Records Roadhouse in Cypress Park is a unique blend of record store and music venue, hosting everything from local punk to touring psych-rock acts in an intimate, welcoming space. Guests can enjoy live music and leave with vinyl treasures in hand.
(Photo by Hoda Mallone)
Poo-Bah Record Shop
A Pasadena institution since 1971, Poo-Bah Record Shop has long been a haven for underground hip-hop, experimental, and eclectic music buffs. Situated on East Colorado Boulevard next to the Guitar Center, the shop packs its walls with vinyl, cassettes, and CDs that cater to offbeat tastes. While its primary focus is on physical media—with buy-sell-trade service and rare finds—it also plays a quiet role in the local music ecosystem. The store occasionally hosts local musician events and offers listening stations that turn browsing sessions into mini music discoveries.
When: Check their social media for more up-to-date information
Where: 2636 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Information: poobah.com.
The Record Parlour
Located in the heart of Hollywood, The Record Parlour is a haven for vintage enthusiasts, stocked wall-to-wall with vinyl records, classic audio gear, and music memorabilia. The shop also doubles as a performance space, hosting intimate live sessions that are sometimes recorded straight to vinyl, giving fans a true old-school listening experience. Adding to its charm, The Record Parlour made a cameo in Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis’ latest film, “Freakier Friday,” securing its place as Hollywood lore.
When: Select evenings for special events
Where: 6408 Selma Ave., Los Angeles
Information: instagram.com/recordparlour
Fingerprints Music
A Long Beach institution, Fingerprints has become the go-to spot for intimate in-store sets. Past performances by Ty Segall, Chicano Batman, Banks, Chromeo, Coldplay, and local favorites have solidified its status as a hub for both big names and emerging artists. Its cozy, neighborhood vibe makes each show feel personal.
When: Varies; check events calendar
Where: 3811 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach
Information: fingerprintsmusic.com.