Ever wandered by a theater or rink or plaza that often hosts mondo events -- big hockey face-offs, humongous concerts, tony tune-filled productions -- on a quiet afternoon? It can be a little silent, so silent that you can hear a flier for a past game or show blow by past your feet, scraping along the sidewalk.
That sidewalk scrape is pretty unknown 'round L.A. Live. Even when the entertainment complex is free of concerts at Nokia Theatre or Club Nokia and games at Staples Center or its seasonal ice rink, the restaurants and Grammy Museum and hotels keep the destination bustling.
And will bustle even harder beginning on Friday, Aug. 22 when Downtown Dark Nights kicks off. It's a "local community celebration" set to bring an after-hours, Happy Hour-esque vibe to the complex. The "Dark Nights" bit reveals that the event will coincide, from time to time, when "no major events" are scheduled to fill out the complex.
Staples Center, Nokia Theatre, and Club Nokia? They'll be on the quiet side, but Nokia Plaza will not be: "local street performers, musicians, artists, dance groups, DJs, and more" will keep the fizzy feeling pumped and five-buck menu specials at the eateries will be part of the meal side of the merriment.
Oh yeah, also merry? Parking is a fiver in the West Garage via Gate B. There's a bike valet, too, in case you roll up, two wheel-style.
Will there be more to come? Well, the L.A. Live crew has to wait for those quiet in-between moments, and they do happen, though not often. Watch this space and take a look at the Dark Nights menus while you're at it. Clearly "$5" is the number to remember, both for plates and parking.
Very Happy Hour-esque, for sure.
