Inside: Temporary Spaces

With its neon-clad, shaggy-haired clubbers, buxom waitresses and scuffed-up décor, Temporary Spaces might seem like any other edgy L.A. bar. But it’s more a creative concept than a proper venue.

Helmed by Sean Patrick, Temporary Spaces is like a roaming art exhibit housed inside the parameters of a bar. Instead of paintings on the walls, the art is in the creation of the environment itself, from the soundscapes to the chandelier lighting to the chocolate brown furniture to, of course, the events themselves. Its first incarnation is currently housed in a former east Hollywood dive bar; at the end of its two-month run in late August. Patrick will pack up everything (even the bathroom fixtures and the lock on the front door) and set up shop at another empty location.

To the partiers that know Patrick as an A-list DJ—he spins megawatt events for the likes of Kanye West and Justin Timberlake—it might seem odd that that he’d stray from the mainstream Hollywood scene; but Patrick only ventures into that scene for the cash to fund his true vision. Inspired by the creative movements in Paris, London and Berlin, Patrick has set out to execute a creative revolution in L.A. with the help of his artist collective I.D.E.A., comprised of DJs, event producers, musicians and artists.

At Temporary Spaces—he’s calling this one Volume 1—he’s set out to host about 30 events this summer. She Wants Revenge’s DJ Adam 12 and Lady Sovereign kicked things off in June and, a few weeks ago, DJ Valida hooked up with five other female DJs to host Ladies Love. Also on the books: a five-course vegan dinner hosted by Maroon 5’s Mickey Madden, a show by post-punk band Moving Units and a performance by the dildo-wearing phenomenon Peaches.

As for exactly when he’ll pack up and where he’ll go? That’s the mystery that keeps people coming back each week for more. Though, it doesn’t hurt that the bartenders look like ‘40s pinup girls with their red lipstick and black satin jumpers.

Décor: In an incredible feat, Patrick only spent three weeks revamping the dingy space into a vintage-inspired lounge; He painted the walls teal, fixed up the exposed brick, put in chocolate brown furniture and old-school cash registers, and hung vintage chandeliers.

Sounds: DJs vary from event to event, but you can usually expect Patrick to take over the decks for a little while. Expect it all from '80s, hip-hop and soulful downtempo to original tracks and remixes.

Insider tip: There are two to three events each week. Email ideaevents@sbcglobal.net to get on the mailing list and to RSVP for events.

Click here for Temporary Spaces' address.

Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.