Founded by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett, the concert hall boasts a variety of acts and a legendary festival for its inaugural peak season
L.A.’s newest stage seeks to build community while curating a quality experience for artists and music fans.
Founded by Ben Lovett of Grammy-winning folk band Mumford & Sons and his company tvg hospitality, Pacific Electric opened its doors in March and has welcomed an exciting slate of artists for its first summer.
Stacey Levine, who spearheaded The Theatre at Ace Hotel DTLA, The Wiltern and the 2008 reopening of the Hollywood Palladium is the senior general manager of the new venue. She said crafting Pacific Electric’s summer schedule involved prioritizing inclusivity.
“Our main goal is to create a diverse lineup that captures every genre personality in L.A.,” Levine said.
Located in the historic Naud Warehouse where Mission Junction meets Chinatown, the concert hall takes its name from the Red Cars that used to run through the city. Just like the railway, the concert venue hopes to connect Southern California residents.
With sight lines from across the room, plenty of lighting and strong acoustics, the intimate venue caters to the audience for a quality experience. Artists are also provided with star treatment thanks to Lovett’s years of experience as a touring artist.
Pacific Electric StageCredit: Patrick Huy
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“It’s like stepping into a nice hotel room when you come into our backstage,” she added. “This is completely different. This is very intentionally created to make an artist feel really comfortable and really at home.”
At a 750-person capacity, Levine said the concert hall is also a stepping stone for artists to reach new heights in their careers.
“It’s like that lightning in a bottle moment where you just see them just soar to the next level,” she said.
From neoclassical piano music to post-punk music and comedy, the venue has already featured an eclectic mix of entertainment. It debuted with a show from local band Dawes, followed by performances from Norah Jones, Alexander Stewart, Rose Gray, Hrishikesh Hirway, Voxtrot and a handful of stand-up sets for Netflix is a Joke Festival. Still to come this year are Phantom Planet, Pinhead Gunpowder and Peter Bjorn and John, among others.
Pacific Electric founder Ben Lovett with Dawes at Pacific Electric. From left: Z Lynch, Ben Lovett, Griffin Goldsmith, Taylor Goldsmith, Trevor Menear, Adam MacDougallCredit: Victor Arriola / BFA
But before summer officially takes a bow, Pacific Electric will host the industrial music scene’s beloved Cold Waves festival, bringing together rock, metal, synthpop, experimental and dark wave acts central to the genre. The festival first started in Chicago in 2012 as a memorial concert for musician Jamie Duffy, a core member of the city’s local music scene and guitarist for Acumen Nation.
What began as a fundraiser for Duffy’s family has turned into a multi-city festival with events in Los Angeles, New York and Austin. Cold Waves also serves as a fundraiser for suicide prevention charities and platform for mental health awareness through its nonprofit, Darkest Before Dawn, which provides support, community and resources to service and entertainment industry workers. The festival previously unfolded at other historic venues in L.A., including the Mayan Theater.
The 2026 edition of Cold Waves is set to hit Pacific Electric on Sept. 11 and 12, featuring performances from Stabbing Westward, The Black Queen, , Forever Grey and more.
Whether heading to Pacific Electric for a weekend of industrial music or to catch your favorite indie pop act, you’ll find more than live music. Fans can snack on street food from the popular L.A. Indian joint, Badmaash, available as a permanent food window at the venue’s garden or try the recently opened sushi bar, Mitsi, next door. Pacific Electric also includes two bars with riffs on ‘90s-inspired cocktails, including a long island ice tea and a fruit cart margarita.
“When you walk in, you have the garden where you can go grab a drink, go sit outside, and get a delicious bite,” Levine said.
Apart from concerts, the venue has hosted World Cup watch parties and, noted Levine, has plans for community events to happen as the venue grows. She invites any Angeleno to join the Pacific Electric mission. “Come talk to us. Let’s put it on together,” she said.