THAO
THAO, Katie Alice Greer
Lodge Room104 Avenue 56, Los Angeles 90042
Thao Nguyen performs at Lodge Room under the name THAO, with Katie Alice Greer featured on the bill. The billing marks a return to the shorter THAO name, which Nguyen adopted after retiring the Thao & The Get Down Stay Down moniker in 2021. It is a chance to hear a songwriter whose work moves between direct personal writing and larger questions of freedom, belonging and cultural roots. Her sixth studio album is due in 2026, while she continues to tour alongside work in film, writing and theater.
Originally from Falls Church, Virginia, Nguyen is known as a songwriter, musician, producer and performer, and has toured internationally both solo and as leader of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. Her album Temple drew on her first trip to Vietnam and also inspired Nobody Dies, her PBS-premiered documentary about that journey. Outside records, she has guest hosted Song Exploder, hosted PBS’s Southern Storytellers, scored film and dance projects, and co-created, starred in and wrote music for Amongst The Disquiet. Reviews of Temple called it “a triumph in individuality and courage,” praised its balance of “rock and pop,” and said it pushed “the limits of alternative rock.”
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.