Echo Country Outpost (CLOSED)

To call the Outpost a music venue doesn't quite do it justice. This unique performance space, amazingly well-curated (if a little cramped) by owners Chris Hajek and Erica Fornet, hosts stellar music acts, for sure: Both local and traveling bands—often with a country, bluegrass or singer-songwriter kick—count it among their favorite places to play in LA (and SoCal, and the west, etc.). But the Outpost is also a flexible, indoor-outdoor space that's been everything from a gallery to a classroom to a backyard BBQ (complete with barrel bonfires, darts and pillow forts). The Outpost is a quirky, colorful place where art shows, flea markets and frog fries are regular occurrences, bringing together a community of east side folks who are creative, welcoming and yes, muscially-minded. If you're in the mood to square dance, see local art and shoot the shit with some country-lovin', curio-collecing new friends, check out their Facebook page to see what's coming up at the clubhouse.