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5 Star Bar, DTLA’s haven for underground music, reopens under new ownership

BBG News

Just like other parts of the nation, downtown Los Angeles experienced the closure of several cherished local businesses during the pandemic, including the iconic 5 Star Bar – a classic dive bar that offered affordable beer, delicious grilled burgers, and hosted live music events. Regrettably, it’s only when these humble bars and music venues shut down that their true value comes to light. Thankfully, Dice, a well-known figure in the Los Angeles DIY music scene who goes by one name, has taken on the task of reopening the 5 Star Bar. This noble effort aims to give artists a stage, offer a haven for music enthusiasts, and boost the surrounding community.

5 Star Bar, located within a building erected early in the 20th century, stands today with its lofty ceilings and intricately tiled floors as remnants of a more youthful Los Angeles. Before its shutdown in 2021, the Cordova family had managed 5 Star Bar since 1971. Marco Cordova’s father, Roberto, obtained it shortly after buying a billiards hall called First Street Billiards in Boyle Heights. Regrettably, Roberto passed away in 1992, at which point Marco took charge of both establishments, infusing his passion for live music into their operations.

By the end of the ’90s, Cordova had set up a stage, obtained sound equipment from John Norwood Fisher, Fishbone’s original bassist, and collaborated with local event organizers to organize shows. In a 2019 mini-doc, Cordova asserted that the 5 Star was under scrutiny by the Los Angeles Police Department’s vice squad due to its association with punk rock bands and their audiences. He recalled a lieutenant who assisted him in obtaining an entertainment permit explicitly advising against booking hip-hop, metal, and punk rock acts. “To me,” Cordova stated, “that’s stereotyping. That’s not how I manage my business.

2Mex, an iconic hip-hop artist from Los Angeles, alongside pioneers of hardcore punk like The Adolescents and psychedelic cumbia revivalists, initially known as Thee Commons but now Tropa Magica, are just a few examples of the numerous acts that graced the stage at the 5 Star over two decades. Additionally, the bar was often opened to film crews who shot scenes for various television shows, movies, and music videos, including the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s song “i,” which showcases the interior of the 5 Star Bar, a project that was completed before the rapper gained widespread fame.

As I pen this critique in 2021, a somber notice hangs in the window of an iconic establishment – the 5 Star Bar, marking its 50th anniversary by temporarily closing its doors. This announcement, while unexpectedly timed, wasn’t entirely shocking. The 5 Star had defied demolition orders from a new landlord back in 2016, demonstrating an indomitable spirit that echoed through the music communities nationwide.

However, as we emerge from the shadows of COVID-19 and step onto the stage once more, we find that many of our cherished venues are silent. The next few years will undoubtedly be a period of reconstruction, with DIY shows continuing to thrive and new venues eventually rising like phoenixes from the ashes. The symphony of music may have been silenced temporarily, but the rhythm of resilience beats on.

Moving forward, the 5 Star Bar’s next chapter will be steered by Dice, an established figure in the DIY punk and metal communities of our local area. As a youngster, he used to host concerts right in his San Fernando driveway. In about 2017, he began working with a DIY venue in downtown LA called The Rec Center, where he arranged numerous punk rock, metal, and avant-garde shows. This venue quickly became a must-visit spot for local acts like the punk rock band Dead City and garage rock group Warm Drag.

Just a short while after the permanent closure of our beloved Rec Center, I found myself joining forces with another grassroots venue downtown – Towne Square. This fresh space opened up new avenues for me, enabling me to host larger gigs and even expand my horizons past just music. Looking back, I remember it as an old art gallery, which offered a unique canvas for expression. I welcomed tattoo artists into the fold, giving them free rein to express themselves through their work on the very walls that surrounded us. It was a vibrant, creative time, indeed.

Town Square remains an ongoing event space, but Dice is no longer associated with it. Instead, he’s devoted his time to a place that holds significant personal meaning for him: the 5 Star Bar. “In fact,” he chuckles, “this was one of the bars I used to sneak into as a kid.” Over the years, Dice attended concerts at the 5 Star during the 2010s and eventually collaborated with Born for Burning, a heavy metal production company that managed events there. Born for Burning, led by Kim Galdamez who also DJs and hosts a show on NTS Radio, has since brought international bands to Los Angeles, arranged tours, and organized events nationwide.

When his business associates proposed reviving the 5-Star Bar, Dice recognized a chance not only to advance his own ventures but also to preserve the legacy of a place he had personally experienced. As he puts it, “I’ve always aimed for legitimacy in my endeavors. Each step up feels like a level-up. Rec Center was unique, Towne Square was distinct, and I believe the right people have been joining me on this journey. Through these experiences, I’ve grown significantly, leading me to something as significant as this.

Despite undergoing a change in ownership, Dice intends to preserve the 5 Star Bar’s name as a tribute to its past. “I want to maintain the name,” he says, “not for any particular reason other than to carry on this tradition. I have a deep connection with this place, so being able to continue it and operate it in a manner that aligns with my values is an incredibly exciting prospect.

He’s open to helping emerging bands and promoters, but he’s also established a strong network during his time in the DIY scene. After years of successful events with these groups, he aims to offer them a venue where they can continue their projects, especially as they enter middle age. “This is something they do for fun,” he explains, “so I want to ensure they don’t have to keep using backyards because they’re attracting larger and larger acts. They’re putting money into what they’re doing, so I want to provide them with a suitable space to continue their investments.

Beyond the primary space at the 5-Star Bar, Dice’s rental agreement encompasses the adjacent room. Previously a CrossFit gym, this area appears to be approximately double the size of the main bar. Given the surge in punk rock festivals in Los Angeles during recent years, such as Lie Detector Fest and C.Y. Fest, it’s plausible that Dice might host larger events in that part of the establishment. Furthermore, there are smaller rooms located at the back which he intends to utilize as artist green rooms and a screen-printing studio. This way, the venue can produce merchandise for artists on the spot.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that my vision might seem quite lofty, but with my past experiences under my belt and an incredible support network by my side, I’m confident we can make it happen. My parents’ construction company, friends, and local community members have all lent a hand in transforming the place, making it a smoother process than I could have ever hoped for. So far, I haven’t encountered any major obstacles, and things are moving along at a brisk pace towards our grand opening.

I’ve gone ahead and made the initial months of operation available to my peers, and securing dates has been a breeze while I continue to tackle those final touches. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead!

5 Star’s location at the northeast corner of 3rd and Main streets instills confidence that it can positively impact the local community. Unlike other downtown areas, this neighborhood has not undergone significant gentrification. Yet, with The Smell and The Regent nearby, it’s not the only music venue in the vicinity. With its reopening, the 5 Star is expected to attract more pedestrian traffic to Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), which will undoubtedly benefit surrounding businesses, venues, and food trucks as well.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to two DIY projects – Towne Square and the Rec Center. Beyond the movie magic, these ventures have played a significant role in nurturing relationships within our community, particularly with those who are without homes. We organized collection drives for essential items and provided opportunities for odd jobs, thereby earning their trust.

“Since then,” I recall saying, “the community has wholeheartedly supported me. From tidying up after events, handling recyclables, to even taking a stroll around the block to ensure cars weren’t disturbed – these tasks have been instrumental in my journey.” This proactive approach led me to discover Roger, whom I subsequently employed full-time as a handyman at Towne Square. He will also be part of our esteemed 5 Star team.

Ever since its grand opening in March, I’ve been captivated by this venue that’s become a beacon for Los Angeles’ underground music scene. It effortlessly accommodates a diverse array of genres, keeping the spirit of independent music alive and vibrant.

In a refreshing twist, Dice, the proprietor, emphasizes that this isn’t just an exclusive hideout for a select few. Rather, it’s a place open to all, where everyone is welcome without any hidden agendas or exclusivity barriers. As he puts it, “This ain’t something I keep under wraps for my inner circle. This is for everyone. You don’t need to be part of the ‘in-crowd’ to enjoy this.

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2025-04-04 13:32

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