How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Melissa Etheridge

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Melissa Etheridge, renowned for her folk-rock hits from the ’90s (“Come to my window” being one of them), has recently completed work on a new album set for release next year. Throughout her songs, a recurring theme reflects her personal journey towards liberation at this point in her life.

Etheridge emphasizes the importance of not striving for perfection in every situation. She also suggests giving up on the attempt to alter others to bring happiness, as this approach usually fails.

During her Yes We Are Tour with the Indigo Girls, she engages with us, referring to it as an unforgettable ladies’ night out. As she puts it, “The concert has drawn a crowd of women – grandmothers, mothers, and daughters. The music resonates deeply, creating a sensation that is truly wonderful.

Next week, the tour is set to visit the Greek Theatre, a place that will almost feel like a heartwarming return for the artist who has resided in L.A. for four decades now. Melissa Etheridge and her wife Linda Wallem, along with their grown-up children, have established themselves in the Calabasas neighborhood, finding solace in its many delightful features. Today, Etheridge, who cherishes “numerous wonderful Sundays” around town, shares a picture-perfect day. It kicks off with a leisurely walk near home, followed by a downtown excursion for brunch and art, and concludes in Studio City with a delectable deep-fried Fluffernutter treat.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

7 a.m.: I rise early and embark on a refreshing morning stroll. This daily ritual takes me around a distance of approximately one and a half miles, and it’s truly delightful. I have the pleasure of living among wonderful neighbors, and our neighborhood is simply amazing.

8 a.m.: We’d grab a cup of Coffee with an extra dose of affection

Then, we would head over to the La La Land Kind Cafe located at The Commons in Calabasas. This unique cafe is known for its employment of foster children and has a heartwarming owner who infuses the place with lots of love. It’s very L.A., as they even offer “extra love” when you leave, saying, “We love you!” The drinks are quite special too – like the butterfly matcha latte, which is a vibrant blue and green color. After that, we’d pick up some bagels from Hank’s Bagels for the kids.

At nine in the morning, we’ll be blasting some tunes as we head downtown after taking care of things at home. Our car radio is tuned to Chris Stapleton on Sirius XM, and we’re also playing my latest album that won’t hit the shelves until 2026.

Food

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At 10 a.m., let’s indulge in a relaxed brunch at the enchanting Girl & the Goat. Chef Stephanie Izard serves mouthwatering biscuits and chicken that will leave you speechless. We’ll avoid the overly fancy atmosphere, aiming for a casual yet satisfying experience. So, from 10 to 12 p.m., we’ll savor every bite, taking our time to truly enjoy this culinary journey.

At midday, let’s check out the displays in downtown Los Angeles. Last time we visited, it was “Luna Luna.” It was fantastic! On another occasion, they had the King Tut exhibit.

3 PM: A brief visit at Atrium first. Then, picking up the kids follows. On our return journey, we plan to stop by one of our preferred cannabis stores, specifically Atrium located on Topanga [Canyon Boulevard]. Another favorite is Coast to Coast in Canoga Park. We’ll grab some supplies as we’re headed to our beloved movie theater tonight.

3:30 p.m.: Visit my cherished music haven, Norman’s Rare Guitars in Tarzana. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Sundays, but if only for a moment, I could imagine it open. The owner, Norman Harris, boasts an extraordinary collection that has been coveted by many great musicians, such as Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and myself.

Occasionally, I swap guitars with Norman, while other times he exhibits extravagantly priced guitars for me to appreciate, and I inform him I can’t afford it. There’s always an exciting event taking place there. In fact, I’ve even sat in the store with my friend Ashley McBryde and sang together. It’s truly a unique place, found only in Los Angeles.

5 p.m.: An evening at the Cinépolis movie theater

We’ll be heading to our preferred cinema, Cinépolis, where we plan to catch the newest flick. They offer dinner and drinks right in the theater, making for an enjoyable night out. The last film we watched was “Thunderbolts,” which was amazing. I’m a huge fan of Florence Pugh! Initially, my kids were hesitant about Marvel, but they ended up liking it quite a bit. It feels nice not to have to cook or clean on a Sunday. Today, we’ve already consumed around 10,000 calories!

Movies

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At 8 p.m., we’d be on our way to Studio City, down the 101, if only we could cram all the fun into one night! There, at Chef Antonia Lofaso’s Black Market Liquor Bar, there’s a dessert called Fluffernutter that’s simply divine. It’s a deep-fried delight, and oh boy, it’s incredible! So, we’d head there for our sweet treat, then drive home afterwards.

10 p.m.: Wind down the evening by gathering around our outdoor fire pit, gazing at the night sky with our star-gazing equipment from the Atrium.

I frequently find myself contemplating a move away from Los Angeles, but we explore the globe extensively. Yet, each time I return, it feels as though I’ve found my way back home – this truly feels like where I belong.

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2025-08-01 16:39