CIA - The California Institute of Abnormalarts

From the bands perspective:

I played here last night and we almost didn't get to play cause there was nobody there.  Before it became a dissapointment, I offered to pay the sound guys salary and all was good.  The owner's aren't bad guys, they just got to make money.

$15?????????  
Like everyone here, I was impressed with the decor. The staff and Managers are 'nice','friendly'......... But the place was EMPTY on a Friday night! Could be something to do with the $15 they charge on the door now!?????
Tell you what.... I'm a local and if I could get in for a $5, I'd be there every night! It's a cool place, it's loud, yes, but the stage and PA are great...... What's wrong with this picture?
I say lower your prices all around and have a grand re-opening. This place could really re-start a 'scene' out here.
Ladies get in free before 11pm? That might even get the Fellas to dig deeper into their wallets? Me'thinks... I little too rich for my bank account right now, but yes... Cool place!

Good Luck Guys @ CIA....... I wish I could afford to see you again soon but for now I'll have to stick to the "Other Place" down the road..... :-(

I first went here by a total fluke in the 90s when I lived in LA and met the owner that night who played Jeffrey Dahmer and the made-for-TV movie version. If that is any clue with the places like well that shows you. I have seen a lot of things in LA and my eight years there But this place had the most weirdness of all. It was a total freak show that night was some amazing bands and 6 foot five tall transvestites and fire eaters, mimes and all sorts of crazy stuff. It was hands-down the coolest bar I had ever been to and still might be to this day. Ive been to 28 countries and have seen some pretty interesting places but this place takes the cake. I went back in 2007 and 2008 and enjoyed it just as much. I look forward to going back again soon!!