Los Angeles

i'd like to hear from some of you who live in l.a.

what's the scene like?
who is there to play with?
what kind of opportunities are there?
where are the clubs?
where are the sessions?
how much do gigs, weddings, etc pay?
who do you have work on your instrument?
where are some good affordable places to live with kids?

any input would be appreciated--thanks


...and, yes, i do play upright, NOT electric, and i am most interested in playing jazz, but i am also interested in hearing the perspective of anyone willing to comment