MEAGAN CLEMENTS | staff writer

From the O.C. to L.A., these hip venues are wallet-friendly and spotlight ripe new talent.

THE PLUSH CAFÉ

When the sun sets, the city of Fullerton is an instant throwback to the Hollywood nightlife. In a quad surrounded by neighboring clubs and restaurants, Plush Café is a wallet-friendly venue and eatery in one. Café is the penny-pincher’s solution for indulging in strawberry smoothies, pan pizzas, scrumptious sandwiches and live music.Painted in light colors to keep you in an upbeat mood, this far-from-fancy hangout is one of the best ways to discover rising new talents. Booking primarily indie entertainers with their acoustic at hand, Plush Café is casual and comfortable. Local collegians relax in the café’s lounge, offering accolades to the breakout performers. “What I like about Plush Café is that it has a very relaxing atmosphere,” Azusa local and La Verne University student Stephanie Paul said. “I like that it is very open and that there are many places to sit and be comfortable especially near the stage. The stage is [lifted] only a little higher than the level the audience is standing/sitting on, making it easy to communicate with the artist throughout their performance.”

For more information, visit plushcafe.

com or call: (714) 738-5300. Tickets average

$5.

 THE HOTEL CAFE

At 5 p.m. on a Friday night, the freeway is jam-packed and impatient drivers nervously scan their watches awaiting a break in the rush-hour traffi c. It is the end of a hectic 8-hour work day for many, but only the beginning of a vibrant nightlife. In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, only 35 minutes from APU, the fl orescent lighting branding tattoo parlors, vintage dress shops and trendy eateries glows. But if there’s one “hole-in-the-wall” joint that you probably didn’t notice, it’s the Hotel Café, an intimate 21+ venue for listening to live music. Perhaps it’s the venue’s maximum capacity of 150 people and diverse dinner menu ranging from the simplistic cheese quesadilla to the all-American burger and fries which gives it its charm. Either way, the Hotel Café was designed for die-hard music fans with an ear for listening. The stage may be small, but the talent is big. Tables and booths complement the intimacy of the venue and provide for a relaxing evening of live music. “I love the vibe at Hotel Cafe. Somehow despite its location in the middle of the most jaded musical town there is, it feels like music is worth something in there. The people that work there treat the artists great and have really cool, eclectic taste,” APU alumnus Andrea Hamilton said. The Hotel Café is proof that music is an escape from life for the young and old. It is one venue that won’t disappoint.

For more information, visit hotelcafe.

com or call: (323) 461-2040. Tickets average

$8.

 THE KNITTING FACTORY

A 5-year-old boy wishes he could soar like Superman, a 6-year-old girl fancies a tea party with Cinderella and every indie rocker dreams of tearing up the Knitting Factory, Hollywood’s trendiest venue for live music. Although a cult of hard core music fans frequent this venue often, The Knitting Factory welcomes fi rst-time goers who wish to let loose and have fun. Between the venue’s Main Stage to its Alter-Knit Lounge, there is never an evening shy of entertainment. While immersing your ears in the music’s soulful sounds, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of respected recording artists who have come to explore their competition. “The Knitting Factory is a great place to see all ages shows in Hollywood. Being right in the heart of Hollywood [and] on the same street as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre where they host the Oscars, there’s definitely a buzz around the area that really makes the venue a great place to gosee shows at,” singer/songwriter Curtis Peoples said. “I’ve had a blast every time  I’ve played there.”

For more information, visit knittingfactory.

com or call: (323) 463-0204.

Tickets average $8.