Renowned jazz concert promoter Derrick Pipkin merged two of his passions together. He has promoted jazz concerts in the Southern California area for years, including shows at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills.
When he was growing up in Los Angeles, his grandfather would take him to an Italian restaurant on La Brea Avenue, just north of Pico Boulevard. Back in 2010, he was driving by and saw that the property where his favorite Italian restaurant sat became available, so he moved in three days later with the idea of merging music and great Italian food.
Pipkin’s idea came to fruition, as his restaurant mixes music and food made for the soul. Pip's on La Brea attracts music lovers and foodies because it has a casual and comfortable environment, and people love the ambiance. The interior of the restaurant has an artistic feel to it, and the patio feels enchanted, with large trees that offer a lot of shade and lights hanging from the branches.
“We just ask that people come in and dine with us, and the music comes along with it,” Pipkin said. “The music enhances the experience, especially because there is no cover charge. It’s great jazz. People sit out on the patio or they sit inside and they mingle.”
Pip's on La Brea is great for meeting up with friends, or for getting to know new people.
“We always say that it’s L.A.’s best date spot because of the vibe here,” Pipkin said.
The lineup of musical acts is top notch.
Tuesday night features legendary blues songstress Barbara Morrison.
The following night is Wine Down Wednesday, which features Darryl Woodfolk’s Created Yesterday band. Bottles of wine are half off.
Thursday nights feature martinis and sticks (cigars). The cigar night features discounts on martinis.
Friday night features Jazzy Soul with Jeff Robinson.
Coming in August will be a return of Sangria Saturdays, and the evening will feature a steel drummer.
Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch features sax man Cal Bennett, followed by Reggae Sundays that afternoon.
For more information on Pip's on La Brea, visit their website at www.pipsonlabrea.com