Part art gallery, part music venue, Koo’s has gained a loyal following as a nonprofit establishment with its heart and art deeply rooted in the local community.

After giving up the old place in Santa Ana, Koo's called several temporary spaces home before finding a current—and let's hope permanent —abode in Long Beach. Since 2003, the new-and-improved Koo’s has entertained local Long Beach-ians (or is it Long Beach-ites?) with a wide range of musical acts, experimental art shows, and everything-in-between performance art and live stage shows. Every performance at the recently remodeled venue is open to all ages, and Koo's is strict about maintaining its drug- and alcohol-free environment. Browse the current art instillations in the daytime, which are often for sale by the artists, and enjoy the eclectic music offerings—everything from indie to prog rock to classical —at night. The art installation changes on the second Saturday of the month, coinciding with the super-cool Long Beach Art Walk.—Amir Kenan