Son Volt
Son Volt, Kelly Willis
Lodge Room104 Avenue 56, Los Angeles 90042
Son Volt comes to Lodge Room in Highland Park with Kelly Willis featured on the bill. The evening centers on the band led by Jay Farrar, whose current run includes the 2026 Record Store Day limited-edition LP Sound Signal Serenades. It is a chance to hear a group with a long catalogue behind it, alongside a guest artist named on the presentation.
Farrar first spearheaded the alt-country movement with Uncle Tupelo before pursuing his own vision in Son Volt. The band recorded three landmark albums in the 1990s, then went on extended hiatus while Farrar made three solo LPs. In 2004, missing the exchange of ideas and surprises that come when simpatico musicians play together, he assembled a new Son Volt lineup. Since then, Son Volt has released nine albums. Farrar’s songwriting often seeks out the ghosts of America’s discordant or forgotten past, conversing with them at length while writing songs that stake a claim to a better future. That history frames this performance as part of an ongoing body of work rather than a retrospective exercise.
The Lodge Room offers a distinctive live music experience on the second floor of a building in Highland Park, where the room’s modest size brings the stage close to the audience, creating a direct connection with the performers. The venue features a bar but does not serve full meals, encouraging guests to focus on the music while enjoying drinks. Shows typically start in the evening, with doors opening around 7 pm and performances beginning an hour later, often including multiple sets or late-night shows. Seating is limited and generally first come first served, so arriving early can secure a good spot. The space’s walls and layout emphasize the music, making it a place to listen attentively while still allowing for a relaxed social vibe. This venue remains a lively part of the local music scene, hosting a range of artists and styles.