The h.wood Group, a leading hospitality and lifestyle marketing firm headquartered in Los Angeles, has unveiled its latest nightlife venture, Keys, set to open on August 1, 2024. This new venue pays tribute to an iconic chapter in LA’s party history and its predecessor, The Key Club. Keys is designed as a versatile music venue that encapsulates the history, glamour, and vibrant energy that have defined LA’s legendary nightlife, all seen through The h.wood Group’s unique perspective.
Located at 9039 Sunset Blvd, at the heart of the Sunset Strip, Keys represents a thrilling resurgence in LA’s nightlife. The h.wood Group aims to create a sophisticated dance destination that stands out in the current market. The venue will combine the group’s signature design, exceptional service, and lively atmosphere with the dynamic spirit of today’s live music scene, establishing itself as a premier entertainment hub.
The grand opening featured a notable foray into electronic music and other contemporary genres, headlined by DJ and producer Zack Bia. His electrifying performance kept the crowd lively into the early morning hours. Elan Bia and Toon also added to the night’s musical offerings, with Toon’s set highlighted by an invigorating violin performance by D Sharp.
The event marked a high point for The h.wood Group’s much-anticipated grand opening, with Bratz making a significant splash as the evening’s presenting sponsor. The famed brand, synonymous with cutting-edge pop culture, commandeered the iconic Sunset location with flair. The venue was adorned with Bratz-themed elements, including a striking billboard and a vintage Cadillac wrapped in Bratz graphics, perfectly complementing the sparkling entrance of Keys.
Among the notable guests were Michael B. Jordan, David Dobrik, Alex Pall of The Chainsmokers, FaZe Banks, Leah Khateb, Jordan Clarkson, Leon Bridges, Dennis Graham, Wiz Khalifa, Flavia Laos, Peyton Watson, Dre London, Trae Young, Michael Porter Jr., Jasmine Daniels, Daniela Ortiz Rivera, Sierra Sade Mills, Ken Pryor, Suede Brooks, Jordan Jones, Caroline Ricke, and Marsha Molinari, among others.
Brian Toll and John Terzian, co-founders of The h.wood Group, shared their enthusiasm about the debut of Keys on Sunset Boulevard. “We are thrilled to bring Keys to Sunset Boulevard,” they stated. “Our brand represents the spirit of Los Angeles, and we aim to honor the storied venues that once occupied this space while breathing new life into the Strip’s musical legacy. It’s an honor to contribute to the next golden era of LA’s live music scene—from renowned DJ sets and intimate acoustic performances to listening parties and hip-hop shows—and to further cement the city’s legendary nightlife culture.”
Covering a sprawling 12,420 square feet, the multi-level venue features three distinct floors, each with its own unique atmosphere, providing a tailored experience for both music enthusiasts and partygoers. The h.wood Group’s commitment to high-end, personalized service is reflected in the venue’s design, which accommodates those who want to be in the thick of the action as well as those seeking a more secluded environment. Each floor comes equipped with its own bar and access to a full-service kitchen.
The third floor offers an ideal vantage point over the main dance floor and stage, allowing guests to take in the music and energy from a more relaxed setting. This level includes a poker table and a selection of nostalgic arcade games. The lounge area, with its vintage appeal, features an opera box-style balcony for a more exclusive viewing experience of even the most energetic performances.
Keys is more than just a state-of-the-art music venue; it’s a sanctuary for musicians. Every aspect of the space has been crafted with precision, including LED displays that adorn the ceiling and blacklight piano keys embedded in the wallpaper.
Designed with input from artists, the venue features visuals by Production Club, live streaming fiber optics, and an L-Acoustics sound system meticulously engineered by Demetrius Moore, the longtime front-of-house sound engineer for Drake. The main floor boasts a large LED display that envelops the ceiling, creating an immersive visual experience.
During its early construction, the venue was 3-D mapped to incorporate a custom-fit sound system, ensuring a versatile and adaptable audio experience across various frequencies. This system is uniquely tailored to the venue’s different sections, allowing for customized audio that adjusts to the performance, space, and ambiance of each night.
The main level features a traditional concert setup with L-Acoustics A15i speakers and SB18s 2i subwoofers, delivering immersive 360-degree audio coverage. The open design of the third floor enhances and amplifies the sound from the main floor through strategically placed accent equipment, creating a cohesive sound experience. The sound systems on these two floors can also operate independently, demonstrating the venue’s flexibility.
Keys stands out as an artist-focused venue, offering top-tier sound systems, cutting-edge technology, dynamic visuals, and a modular layout. It also includes a spacious Moroccan-style greenroom designed to make touring musicians and their teams feel welcome and at ease.
Discover more from SNAP TASTE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
