W Hollywood Expands Music Programming with Velvet Hour Blues and R&B Lounge
September 8, 2026
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — W Hollywood is adding Slow Burn, a weekly rooftop blues and R&B series, as part of the programming at Velvet Hour, the hotel’s new rooftop lounge overlooking the Hollywood skyline and Capitol Records.
The Thursday night series, which kicked off Sept. 10, will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Velvet Hour, with entertainment by Dennis Graham and his band MRCL & The Melodiks, along with special guest performers. A cover charge of $40 includes bar bites, bar service and bottle service. Guests can book their spots through OpenTable.
“Slow Burn draws upon my deep love of Blues and R&B to create an experience where you can truly feel the music,” Graham said. “There’s no background noise here. It’s all rhythm set against the best rooftop in Hollywood.”
The lounge is centered on a 360-degree circular stage that is designed to place guests around the performers and provide visibility from every seat. The design draws from mid-century modern influences and Hollywood production history, with a central chandelier by Payman Pakzad of the Creative Production Agency, integrated lighting, metallic finishes, velvet and silk textures and a jewel-toned palette.
“Velvet Hour marks the next step for this reimagined destination to create spaces that feel culturally connected and experience-driven,” said Nick Rimedio, general manager of W Hollywood. “Music has always been part of W’s DNA, and we’re leaning into that legacy in a way that feels both intimate and unexpected.”
The food and beverage program will include small plates and cocktails tied to the lounge’s nightly programming. Menu highlights include a rotating taco-truck-style feature, pizza from Pizza Girl, sushi and a signature Smash Melt.
In addition to Slow Burn, Velvet Hour will host Open Call, W Hollywood’s weekly karaoke experience, on Wednesdays from 7 to 11 p.m. The event will allow guests to perform from the venue’s circular stage and will include bar bites, bar service and bottle service. Open Call will also be bookable on OpenTable with no cover charge.
Throughout the year, Velvet Hour is expected to host additional live performances curated with music partners, comedy showcases and specialty entertainment events. The venue also will be available for private buyouts and customized event experiences.
The lounge adds to W Hollywood’s broader sound-focused programming. The property has introduced a partnership with Tempo AI that creates a real-time soundtrack based on guest presence, weather and energy levels. At The Loft, the hotel’s rooftop venue, Tempo Immersive adds a 3D spatial audio system for artist showcases, installations and creative events.
W Hollywood also includes The Creator Lounge, an Art Deco-inspired content studio with murals by artist James Peter Henry, sculptural lighting, a private terrace, a sound booth, customizable lighting and microphones for podcasting and self-produced content.
