Los Angeles has its fair share of bars and nightclubs, offering a discerning (and often picky public) a ton of cool options to relax, unwind, and let loose after a hard day’s work or play.  Whether you are in to live music, great restaurants, or just love an amazing pub experience, there is typically something to suit everyone’s fancy in the City of Angels.  That being said, it can be a little overwhelming to choose a place to go in a city where there are hundreds (if not thousands) of amazing choices are available on any given day of the week.   For many it’s a daunting task that relies on recommendations from friends, family, or even a click or two on Yelp in order to make a good decision on where to go.  With all the unbelievable choices a city like Los Angeles has to offer, how do you narrow down your options and make a decision?  Well, we can solve for every night of the week but can offer up a solid recommendation for Tuesday nights - The Ultimate Jam Night.    

For those who do not know, Ultimate Jam Night is a kick ass Rock N' Roll extravaganza that takes place every Tuesday night at the World Famous Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California.  Organized by Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), Matt Starr (Mr. Big / Ace Frehley), and Mitch Perry (The Edgar Winter Group), this show takes concert goers on an amazing journey with some of the greatest musicians to ever walk the planet.  Set lists vary by week and cover a wide range of popular music (along with some deep tracks which you may have not been heard in years).  One thing that sets this show apart from others is that it's completely unrehearsed.  Every two or three songs a new supergroup is formed, each with its own unique character and style.  To say these shows are improvised would be an understatement.  You never know what you are going to get at Ultimate Jam Night!

Here are three reasons you should make UJN your one-stop shop every Tuesday night:

Location, Location, Location:  There may not be a better place to see live music in Hollywood than at the storied Whisky a Go Go.  Located in the heart of the Sunset Strip, this iconic venue has helped to launch some of the most amazing careers in music industry including acts such as The Doors, Guns N’ Roses, and of course the mighty Van Halen.  Minutes from just about anywhere in Los Angeles, you’ll be amazed at the Whisky’s great food, cold beer, and all of the ghost’s that roam this immortal Hollywood venue.

Amazing Live Music:  One might think that pulling together a group of talented musicians with little to no rehearsal time would be a recipe for disaster.  Well, that has NEVER been the case at Ultimate Jam Night.  I have attended countless UJN shows over the past year and each one has sounded incredible from start to finish.  Chuck Wright has a knack for creating solid weekly lineups with world-class musicians that amaze and inspire.  The quality of these shows is second to none and I cannot think of another place that can pull this off with this type of precision.

The Ultimate Jam Night Family:  This may sound cliché, but the Ultimate Jam Night is family.  When you enter the Whisky on any given Tuesday night, you will immediately understand what I am talking about as the experience is unlike any other in Los Angeles.  It’s not just a crazed social scene or typical Hollywood meat market, but one where people actually care about each other along with the music they have come to know and love.  These is a warmth here that is hard to describe and yet easy to find on any given Tuesday night. Get down here and be part of the “Jamfam”!

If you happened to attend last week’s show, you would have probably experienced for yourself the amazing venue, incredible live music, and the Ultimate Jam Night family as each were in fine for form for show #78 – Heavy Metal Edition.  Opening the show on Tuesday was the Damage, Inc. – considered by many to be the premier Metallica tribute band in the United States (and quite possibly the world).  These guys kicked some serious ass!  There look, sound, and mannerisms were spot-on and each delivered a high-energy performance that failed to disappoint.  Immediately following Damage, Inc., Paulie Z introduced the UJN house band consisting of Matt Starr (Mr. Big), Mitch Perry (Ratt), Walter Ino (Survivor), August Zadra (Dennis DeYoung), and the Captain Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot).  These guys are so tight and absolutely crushed the 1982 Scorpions classic- “Blackout”.  Simply Amazing!  Some of my favorite moments from the evening (and there were to many to list) included covers of:

Danzig’s “Mother” – performed by Brett Copeland, Vinny Vinciguerrra, Gabe Maska, and Nazim Chambi

Godsmack’s “I Stand Alone” – performed by Sean Nichols, Tommy Gibbons, Jesus Mendez, Ira Black, and Erick Tsinger

Black Sabbath’s “Changes” – performed by Debby Holiday, Walter Ino, Kevin Parker Robinson, T Bone Anderson, and Ray Luzier

For those unable to attend the UJN’s 78 edition live and in person, Zinna TV kicked off its season long broadcast of the show allowing real-time viewership on any mobile or internet-connected device.  “Zinna.TV gives music fans around the world the opportunity to experience Ultimate Jam Night live each Tuesday” said, Ultimate Jam Night creator and Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright. “We believe it’s the first unrehearsed weekly live music show broadcast” said, Wright. “Our goal is giving music lovers a chance something fresh to experience on the live music scene.”   With the addition of live UJN coverage along with special guest interviews throughout the evening, you could not have asked for a better start to this amazing partnership – well done.

The show wrapped up just as it started with ridiculous cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” from the UJN house band.  Each put their heart and soul into the song for what capped-off a blistering metal extravaganza from start to finish. There is no doubt in my mind that Chuck Wright has tapped into something special in Ultimate Jam Night – there is truly nothing like it in Southern California or beyond.  If you truly want to experience the Hollywood music scene in a way that few ever get a chance to, head on down to Ultimate Jam Night next Tuesday and be part of rock n’roll history in the making.  Until next time…

Stay Frosty and Rock On!!