You might have heard the phrase, “rock is dead.” But at Rocknite, a weekly concert spotlighting three local alternative bands at The Goldfish in Highland Park, rock music is alive and thriving – at least until last Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, the bar announced it would cut Rocknite’s programming, with March 25 as the last show.
In typical funeral fashion, attendees dressed in black, and the final band that performed, Pop Free, tossed white flowers into the full crowd, memorializing the loss of Rocknite at The Goldfish.
While Wednesday night marked a period of mourning, the mood was anything but somber. From crowd surfing, moshing and electric energy, it was clear that rock isn’t dead. It’s just changing its address.
“We don’t want the party to end just because we have to find a new venue,” said Elle Davidson, the founder of Rocknite.
Davidson, a USC Annenberg alum, started Rocknite with a team in March 2025.
“We felt like having a show at the same time in the same place every week could encourage people to come out and support local music,” Davidson said.
Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Rocknite hosts a free concert showcasing three local bands.
“Maybe we hadn’t heard of the artist before we booked them, but loved their stuff…and then they hop up on stage at Rocknite, and it’s like 250 kids moshing to their music,” Davidson said. “It just feels good to create those opportunities for artists and potential fans or new friends to connect with each other.”
The reasoning behind the bar’s recent decision to stop programming for Rocknite is unclear, Davidson said, but she said she believes that they may be redirecting focus toward the restaurant and halting any kind of show programming.
With Thai food, 8-Ball, cocktails and bartenders sporting “Rock Bands Play Rock Shows” merch, the last show at The Goldfish went out with a bang, featuring the bands Telecomm, Smog and Pop Free.
“Thank you guys for coming and supporting the last Rocknite here,” said Jacob Beaver, the lead singer of Pop Free, a band based out of Orange County.
The dimly lit room was electrified not only by the shining mirrorball hanging from the ceiling, but also by the slashing guitars and lively crowd fusing with the music.
While Rocknite is leaving The Goldfish, Davidson said the free rock shows are here to stay, just under a different format.
“We’re going on tour in L.A. for the month of April, and every Wednesday is going to be at a different location,” Davidson said.
Rocknite’s next show will be hosted on April 1 at the Moroccan Lounge and make its way across venues throughout L.A. before finding a new home in May.
“We hope the community that we built through Rocknite and everyone who is a part of it continues to show up and support local artists, even though we’re changing locations,” Davidson said.