Feature artwork by Cap Blackard
Where did you attend your first concert? Mine was at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. It was Counting Crows touring their second album, and for every detail that can be recalled of the actual performance is a bit of memory on how the space felt. The Wiltern was seated back then, and from the ornate chandelier to the first glimpse at a merch stand, the lasting impression was of how big everything felt, how a venue was a place you could get lost in, where the rules of reality didn’t necessarily apply.
Of course, part of that feeling is just youth, but the great venues do have a transportive quality. Details of the box office or the bathrooms or the bar all hold their own weight, building significance both in spite of and because of the experiences held in the rooms. And some of these rooms are better than others. Sure, the most unexceptional concert venues might be near and dear to our hearts because of the shows we saw there or the people we met, but the really great venues go beyond that. There is history between their walls, features that are unlike any other concert space, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound that allow for artists to realize their vision of live presentation.
We took all of this into account when selecting the best 100 venues in the US. Both major and smaller markets are represented, while the sizes range from arenas to bars. There are venues whose history extends back 100 years, and there are others built in this century. But they all hold a certain common ground. A big one is the booking, with most still lining their schedule with the best talent. A few that don’t make their money on national touring acts are known for booking top-tier local acts. All of these venues, though, are known for quality shows regardless of who is actually up on stage.
We’ve already asked our readers to weigh in on their favorite American concert venues. And a number of artists have made their own selection. Now, it’s our turn.
–Philip Cosores
Deputy Editor
100. The Space
Hamden, Connecticut
Established: 2003
What You’ll See: Ian MacKaye, My Brightest Diamond, Cloud Nothings
Despite being sandwiched between two major cities, Connecticut is pretty barren when it comes to culture. Drive out to what feels like the middle of nowhere in Hamden, though, and you’ll find one of the state’s hidden gems: The Space. The all-ages venue sits in a huge, desolate parking lot, but once you step inside, it comes to life. Lights string the ceiling like silly string, a snack bar sits at the side with baked goods, and a flooded thrift store and arcade room hide upstairs.
It’s all types of cool without trying to win cool points, allowing The Space to boast the feel of a DIY Brooklyn space without all the pretension. Thanks to its tiny 150-person capacity and Connecticut’s limited venue options, concertgoers get an intimate show from bands that play far larger venues elsewhere on their tour. Then you step back outside and remember you’re in the middle of nowhere — which, ultimately, makes the venue feel all the more like an Alice in Wonderland trip.
–Nina Corcoran
99. Cain’s Ballroom
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Established: 1930
What You’ll See: Animal Collective, Leon Bridges, Tyler, the Creator
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 2003, Cain’s Ballroom has a long history of serving various purposes, not hitting its stride as a contemporary music venue until relatively recently. It was initially constructed in 1924 as a garage for Tulsa co-founder W. Tate Brady’s vehicles. Six years later (or five years after Brady’s suicide by gunshot), Madison W. “Daddy” Cain converted the place into a dance establishment, giving it the name Cain’s Dance Academy.
From then on, it’s grown more and more synonymous with musical happenings in Tulsa, playing host to the Texas Playboys’ radio broadcast on KVVO and, after being sold to Larry Schaeffer in the 1970s, even the Sex Pistols in 1978. These days, a wide array of artists swing through for shows at 423 N. Main St. in Tulsa, including a considerable variety of hip-hop acts — A$AP Ferg, Tory Lanez, and Bones Thugs-n-Harmony are all scheduled for upcoming shows.
–Michael Madden
98. The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
Established: 2003
What You’ll See: Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Reba McEntire, Elton John
Yes, the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace looks like pure Vegas kitsch, a concert venue built to resemble the Colosseum of Rome. And yes, the residency program (inaugurated by Celine Dion) sometimes feels like an elephant graveyard for past-their-prime musical acts. But dig deeper, and this venue inspired by an ancient wonder soon reveals itself to be a modern marvel. The stage includes 10 motorized lifts as well as North America’s largest LED screen, which stands 40 feet tall and projects elaborate, seemingly three-dimensional backgrounds.
Despite a capacity of 4,100, no seat is more than 120 feet from the proscenium. That intimacy, combined with astounding acoustics and a stage spanning 22,400 square feet, means that everyone has a front-row seat for the always dazzling spectacles. All of these perks, combined with an extended stay in an exciting city, make these residencies very attractive to aging performers. If Rod Stewart or Reba McEntire aren’t your speed, that’s fine, but you’ll be glad it exists in 2031 when Jay Z starts his residency.
–Wren Graves
97. The Observatory
Santa Ana, California
Established: 2012
What You’ll See: Burgerama, Beach Goth, Morrissey, Fetty Wap, Jenny Lewis
Using the shell of the Galaxy Concert Theatre, which hosted B-level gets like Sugar Ray and Medeski Martin and Wood for its run from 1994-2008, The Observatory emerged from a massive restoration that turned a 550-cap concert theatre into a two-room concert juggernaut. The main stage hosts acts ranging from hip-hop elite to Orange County legends in a 1,000-person space, while its smaller 350-cap Constellation Room is the only place in the OC to catch an act like Mitski or Into It. Over It.
One of the best aspects of the venue is how well it’s booked, landing better rap acts than any venue in neighboring Los Angeles, while often featuring bands offering warm-up shows before their much bigger LA or festival stops. It’s even become the sight of an occasional festival, with Burgerama and Beach Goth both utilizing the dual indoor stages and the outside parking lot.
–Philip Cosores
96. The Social
Orlando, Florida
Established: 2002
What You’ll See: Synths, sun tans, and a sanctuary from mouse ears
Orlando’s countless amusement parks, performance spaces, hotels, and mini-golf courses make the sprawling central Florida city into an east coast Las Vegas, albeit one that was hit especially hard by the mid-2000’s subprime mortgage crisis. But a few Downtown O-town local hot spots weathered this economic hurricane and thank goodness for that.
The Social is still standing! And shaking, and grooving, as it continues an energetic tradition as the city’s best place to catch rock, electronic, and weekly acid jazz sets. The midsize venue is mostly built around concerts, but has sustained itself over time by becoming an incredible dance space that keeps the club kids, the rockers, and the Salsa fanatics equally entertained.
–Dan Pfleegor
95. JJ’s Bohemia
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Established: 2007
What You’ll See: That 1 Guy, Thelma and the Sleaze, Future Islands
JJ’s Bohemia is many things, but none of them are chic. A tiny space with a big patio attached (or a big patio with a tiny space, depending on your view), it feels as if every inch of the joint is covered with a sticker, a knick-knack, a string of holiday lights, or the front of a VW van. The vibe is undeniably chaotic, which meshes perfectly with the experience of gathering there for a show — when the stage is inches from your nose and no more than a few feet above you, it’s hard to not feel like a part of rock and roll in the making. Add in the free weekly comedy open mic, bartenders with devoted followers, and a handy disc-golf basket, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to roam off the beaten path.
–Allison Shoemaker
94. Count Basie Theatre
Red Bank, New Jersey
Established: 1926
What You’ll See: Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, Kevin Smith
The ‘burbs need concert venues, too, and the Count Basie Theatre caters to the bridge-and-tunnel crowd without making them drive across a bridge or through a tunnel. To that end, there’s something special about seeing legendary, decidedly mature musicians like Brian Wilson and Boz Scaggs right in your Garden State neighborhood, especially when they’re flanked by the Basie’s gorgeously detailed proscenium and celestial blue dome. But such classiness doesn’t drive away the occasional rowdy act: Bruce Springsteen has made several surprise appearances, and fellow Jersey hero Kevin Smith — whose comics shop, Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, is a mere half-mile away — has filmed a handful of his specials there.
–Dan Caffrey
93. The Casbah
San Diego, California
Established: 1989
What You’ll See: Palm trees and great rock and roll
Like so many promoters-turned-club owners, Tim Mays was simply looking for a place to host shows when he opened The Casbah with Bob Bennett and Peter English in 1989. Eventually the venue became a haven for rock and roll of all shapes and sizes, from local heroes (Rocket from the Crypt, Three Mile Pilot) to alternative rock megastars (Nirvana! Smashing Pumpkins! Blink 182!). Now 26 years later, San Diego’s understated rock and roll mecca continues to be everything a small club should be.
With its 200-person capacity, there’s an intimacy to the current room (Mays moved the club up the street in 1994) even when your back’s against the bar. Posters adorning the wall pay homage to the city’s proud underground rock heritage, while the fake palm trees and year-round holiday lights give it the charm of a punk rock bungalow. There’s also music six nights a week, so yeah, it’s more or less a live music maven’s dream come true.
–Ryan Bray
92. The Crofoot
Pontiac, Michigan
Established: 2007
What You’ll See: Aesop Rock, Todd Barry, Eagulls, Mutual Benefit
The Crofoot is one of downtown Pontiac’s oldest structures. Nowadays, it’s a two-story building that contains three venues: the Crofoot Ballroom, the Pike Room, and the Vernors Room. It’s gone through numerous periods of turbulence in the past two centuries, facing the prospect of demolition as recently as 2005. It was at that time that the McGowan family of local preservationists sought to restore The Crofoot, ultimately leading to its reopening as a concert venue in September 2007.
Regular attendees are pleased to report their happiness about the above-average quality of sound and the politeness of the staff. While it may not draw household-name performers like some venues in Detroit and other areas of Michigan, the modern-day Crofoot’s combination of charm, intimacy, and historical value makes it an often underrated institution.
–Michael Madden
91. Rams Head Live!
Baltimore, Maryland
Established: 2004
What You’ll See: Queens of the Stone Age, Purity Ring, Metric, The New Pornographers
A lot of the best music venues in the US are anchored by their history, but there’s something to be said about what a modern room can be. A great example of this is Rams Head Live!, a concert hall that gets an exclamation mark in its name and doesn’t waste it. What might be most interesting about the space is that it doesn’t have to work with antiquated design.
Two levels of balcony zigzag the crevices of the space, allowing for viewing not just from the front of the stage, but from the side as well. When full, this can boost the energy to feel like the stage is surrounded by fans. History can be earned in time, but for now, Rams Head Live! provides a worthy alternative than traveling to DC for a mid-level band’s club show.
–Philip Cosores
90. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Providence, Rhode Island
Established: 1975
What You’ll See: Deer Tick, Max Creek, Panic! At the Disco
For anyone that’s ever dreamed of opening a bar or venue, Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel is the paragon of accomplishment. Rich Lupo originally opened the club mainly as a place for folks to come drink and hang out in the notoriously dry downtown Providence. The dream was always to get big enough so Bo Diddley would play there, and live music night, which prominently featured local blues rock acts like Wild Turkey, The Young Adults, and Backslap Blues Band, expanded within a year to national touring acts like the Ramones, Roy Orbison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and more.
Diddley ended up playing nine consecutive gigs there in 1977, but that still wasn’t the apex of the venue’s history. Over the years, the Hotel switched locations thrice, each time expanding in size and becoming more of a concert hall. The current location, which opened in 2003, can hold a staggering 1,900 people for bands as varied as Eagles of Death Metal and Wakka Flocka Flame. Though the building has changed, and the space is often shared with the separately owned nightclub Roxy, the portraits of deceased musicians by Dan Gosch still line the walls, and the heart of rock and roll beats loud in Rhode Island.
–Ben Kaye
89. Louisville Palace
Louisville, Kentucky
Established: 1928
What You’ll See: The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Sturgill Simpson, Bonnie Raitt
They weren’t kidding when they called this place a palace. Since its grand opening in 1928, the Louisville Palace has pretty much set the standard for elegance in downtown Louisville — a neighborhood that’s no stranger to elegance. Architect John Eberson made sure the Palace would stand the test of time, outfitting it with a Spanish Baroque motif that feels a lot more like Europe than the American South.
Though the 2,800-seat venue has hosted more theater than music throughout its long history, these days it’s a hotbed for high-profile solo artists (Chris Cornell, Sturgill Simpson) and legacy acts (The Monkees, Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys). Let’s put it this way: If you’re seeing a nationally treasured rock band in Louisville, it’s probably at the Palace.
–Collin Brennan
88. Bluebird Nightclub
Bloomington, Indiana
Established: 1973
What You’ll See: Dawes, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Titus Andronicus, Leon Bridges
The Bluebird is the consensus darling of the city of Bloomington’s rock community, catering equally to state-college students, grandparents, and local musicians. Founded as a non-music bar in 1973, it quickly rebranded itself as a jazz club before evolving into a hidden Midwest indie-rock and country treasure in later decades and ultimately expanding into its state’s most distinguished venue for bands in general.
Some niche crowds might know it as a premiere destination for cover bands or as a regular host of live-band karaoke. But its brightest badge might very well be its rich history of bizarre moments bearing improbably colossal names. One gloriously strange night in 1987 featured Lou Reed sharing its stage with John Mellencamp, and on another in 2011, it became an unlikely, spur-of-the-moment substitute venue by cramming in a few hundred of the thousands holding tickets to a rained-out EDM farm festival headlined by Deadmau5.
–Steven Arroyo
87. George’s Majestic Lounge
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Established: 1927
What You’ll See: Dark Star Orchestra, Robert Cray, Leon Russell, North Mississippi Allstars
The longest-running club in Arkansas sure looks the part, with its rustic brick interior, worn-in atmosphere, and impressive collection of University of Arkansas yearbooks dating all the way back to 1911. (If you’re a regular, they might even ask you to sign one.) George’s Majestic Lounge began hosting regular live shows sometime back in the 1970s, and it’s a good bet that some of the white-bearded dudes sitting at the bar on any given night were there for at least a few of them. These days, the music tends to skew toward blues and roots rock (this is the South, remember), and luminaries such as Robert Cray, Leon Russell, and Charlie Robison have been known to stop by from time to time. It’s hard to blame them, seeing as how there aren’t many bars like this left in the world.
–Collin Brennan
86. The Bomb Factory
Dallas, Texas
Established: 2015
What You’ll See: Explosions in the Sky, Ms. Lauryn Hill
I have toured internationally with a handful of bands on a handful of different tours, going to Europe once and all across the US each time. But there’s only ever been one venue on Earth where the way the venue was set up made the performance noticeably better. At Dallas’ The Bomb Factory — that’s not just a showy name; the place used to be a legitimate bomb factory during World War II — bands have a private lounge with free arcade games, fountain drinks, coffee, and a built-in laundromat, as well as a giant stage with an unparalleled light show. It’s relatively new, so it may not have the history of some of the other co-conspirators on this list, but since its rebranding last year, the 4,300-capacity venue has already hosted the likes of Erykah Badu (who played the first show there) and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
–Dan Bogosian
85. Club Downunder
Tallahassee, Florida
Established: 2001
What You’ll See: Tokyo Police Club, Elle King, Ted Leo
Granted, our high number of FSU alums makes the inclusion of this small, on-campus club a little biased (Go, Noles!), but Club Downunder’s calendar speaks for itself. Because Tallahassee has a serious lack of midsize music venues, most indie acts not popular enough to fill the Tallahassee Civic Center (i.e. most indie acts in general) end up here. From the years of 2002 to 2006 alone, I caught Stars, Transatlanticism-era Death Cab for Cutie, Tallahassee-era Mountain Goats (of course), The Fiery Furnaces, the late Jason Molina, and other musicians who, in a larger city, would be playing to crowds much bigger than the couple hundred CDU accommodates. Best of all, every show is free for students, and the general public only has to pay between $5 and $15.
–Dan Caffrey
84. Rialto Theatre
Tucson, Arizona
Established: 1920
What You’ll See: Jimmy Eat World, Modest Mouse, Explosions in the Sky
When the Rialto opened back in 1920, the only music to be heard came from a massive Kilgen pipe organ that accompanied the theater’s silent films. The Congress Street landmark continued to show films through most of the 20th century, until the mid-’90s, when it transformed into a concert venue that hosted some of that era’s most iconic rock bands — including Modest Mouse, The White Stripes, and The Black Crowes.
The theater then shut down for renovations and reopened again in 2004 with a bang, showing off some decidedly modern perks (like air conditioning … in Arizona) alongside the same art nouveau elements that accompanied its original opening. Today’s theater is located in a bustling section of downtown Tucson and retains the same classic marquee — making it not only the most recognizable concert venue in Tucson, but perhaps the entire Southwest.
–Collin Brennan
83. Bardot
Miami, Florida
Established: 2009
What You’ll See: James Murphy, Peanut Butter Wolf, Bob Moses
David Sinopoli books some of the most influential and talented acts South Florida can handle. His venue, Bardot, has a schedule so authentic and close to home, one often wonders whether it’s coming straight from their go-to playlist. Bottom line: Bardot has a pulse on pop culture that South Florida has been begging for. What’s more, the venue has survived not only the second wave of gentrification within Wynwood, but also outlasted some of the largest venues in the Miami area, namely the former world-renowned Grand Central. To date, Sinopoli and his team have brought the best of the best into their own living room. Grab a drink, play some pool, and feel cool. Hell, maybe local hero Iggy Pop will stop by — you just never know.
–Phillip Roffman
82. The Empty Bottle
Chicago, Illinois
Established: 1992
What You’ll See: The Men, Strand of Oaks, Bully
On The Simpsons episode “My Sister, My Sitter”, a new downtown area opens that caters to yuppies. At first, it looks like Moe’s has another, much swankier bar there, but when one fellow ventures down the overly long entranceway, he finds himself at the original location. “This isn’t a faux dive,” he scoffs. “This is just a dive.” Anyone might make the same observation about Chicago’s The Empty Bottle.
Traditionally, it’s packed to the brim with local heroes and bands praised by critics. But no matter how famous acts like The Men, Bully, and The Ponys (R.I.P.?) get, they’ll always have bite. They’ll always sound best in a place that’s tiny, a place that looks nondescript from the street, a place that’s a great local bar even on nights when there aren’t any shows (which is rare). The Bottle isn’t a faux dive; it’s just a dive. And we mean that as a compliment.
–Dan Caffrey
81. The Forum
Inglewood, California
Established: 1967
What You’ll See: The Eagles, U2, KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas, Justin Timberlake
For decades, the “Fabulous Forum” was a sports venue first and a concert hall second, hosting the Lakers, Sparks, and Kings of Los Angeles. And truth be told, it wasn’t a great place to see an arena show, cavernous and impersonal, not designed for acoustics other than the roar of a crowd. Still, it created a memorable backdrop for everything from The Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson to Pearl Jam. But in 2012, everything changed.
The MSG Company bought the building, long vacated by sports teams in favor of Staples Center. They poured 50 million into it and created a large-scale indoor concert hall, complete with super comfy seats and pristine sound. Now it’s where U2 sets up shop for a week, where local radio stations host their holiday bashes, and where awards shows and boxing events occur. There’s a definite catering to VIPs that is profoundly LA, but even in the cheap seats, there aren’t many better places to see, or hear, a massive spectacle.
–Philip Cosores
80. The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, New York
Established: 1970
What You’ll See: Ryan Adams, Phil Lesh & Friends, Alice Cooper, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Way back in the day, Port Chester’s 1,800-capacity The Capitol Theatre was designed by prolific architect Thomas W. Lamb, opening on August 18th, 1926. Originally a movie palace, the theatre was around to show contemporary films, including Gone with the Wind and Casablanca, the cost of admission being as little as a nickel for a double-feature Sunday matinee.
In 1970, once the venue was renovated for use as a performance space, promoter Howard Stein booked the likes of the Grateful Dead, who played 18 dates at the venue between 1970 and 1971, and Janis Joplin, who wrote the Pearl a cappella “Mercedes Benz” at nearby Port Chester bar Vahsen’s.
As a result, the two-part venue is known as “the original rock palace.” Though it was also a catering and special events facility for a time, The Capitol Theatre reopened as a concert venue in 2012. The first performer to grace the stage after the reopening? A good one: Bob Dylan.
–Michael Madden
79. Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts
Established: 1977
What You’ll See: Of Montreal, Run the Jewels, Grimes, Wavves
Ask any Boston veteran about local music and they’re bound to bring up the Paradise Rock Club within a matter of seconds. It’s the go-to club for big names seeking intimate sets (Death Cab for Cutie, Grimes, Snoop Dogg) and rising acts about to break into the mainstream (Frank Ocean, Tame Impala, First Aid Kit). The historic venue opened back in 1977 to cater to the city’s enormous student population.
A redesign in 2010 rid the venue of its pesky poles (not that one), though two still stand on the floor like giant, metallic trees, giving it that love-to-hate-it charm. Booking ownership has been passed down from one set of hands to the next, drastically changing the acts that perform there, but it’s most revered for its early days when it snagged The Police, Blondie, and even U2 on their first US tour — a show that Bono and co. still say made Boston the first city to embrace them outside of Dublin.
–Nina Corcoran
78. Georgia Theatre
Athens, Georgia
Established: 1978
What You’ll See: Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, Willie Nelson
Thirty-one years after being established, the Georgia Theatre, which opened in 1978 and hosted hometown band The B-52’s the same year, suffered a serious setback on June 19th, 2009. That morning, a fire caused major damage to the iconic Athens venue, collapsing the roof and causing headlines nationwide. It was the incident that was the subject of the 2011 documentary Athens Burning, directed by Andrew Haynes, Jacob Kinsman, and Eric Krasle.
But while some were quick to deem the place done for following the blaze, it did reopen in August of 2011, triumphantly so. In the years since, it’s hosted Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, Willie Nelson, and many more. It’s safe to say the beloved venue has made an impressive recovery. We consider it the Classic City’s best venue save for the 40 Watt Club, which, coincidentally, also opened in ‘78.
–Michael Madden
77. Paper Tiger
San Antonio, Texas
Established: 2015 (but, really 1996)
What You’ll See: Built to Spill, Swans, Antwon, Frightened Rabbit
Paper Tiger wouldn’t be what it is without The White Rabbit, San Antonio’s former favorite spot for local music. The venue looked like a rundown building that was more concerned with housing local bands than achieving fame by bringing in an influx of burgeoning and ubiquitous artists. While the venue had its share of hip-hop like Tyler, The Creator, the venue was a dingy, steamy mecca for under-21 teens looking for a dose of heavy metal.
Even though the Rabbit stood on its own for 18 and a half years, the owners sold it, which spawned a new brand, new look, and new everything. Thus the Paper Tiger was born. The venue is partners with Transmission Events, who also run Fun Fun Fun Fest, which brings national touring bands who had previously bypassed San Antonio for Austin. The new venue is a nice addition as it has brought in a more eclectic roster of hip-hop, indie, punk, and electronic.
–Alejandra Ramirez
76. Henry Miller Memorial Library
Big Sur, California
Established: 1980
What You’ll See: Yo La Tengo, Jonathan Richman, Arcade Fire
Prolific American writer Henry Miller was a resident of Big Sur, and when he died in 1980, his best friend, Emil White, converted his own house into the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Situated in the midst of a lush forest that runs along California’s Central Coast, the cozy, rustic house is now a non-profit organization that continues to honor Miller’s memory with gallery viewings, creative workshops, and, yes, live music performances. But wait, you might say, how on earth could a tiny house in the woods double as a concert venue?
The concerts actually take place outside, taking full advantage of Big Sur’s natural beauty (and the house’s generously-sized yard). Local folk and acoustic acts are a common sight on the bill, but this place has also hosted an impressive number of indie icons, including Yo La Tengo, Animal Collective, and even Arcade Fire, who famously stopped by in 2010. Oh, to watch The Suburbs in the middle of the woods. Irony aside, that would be something special.
–Collin Brennan
75. The UFO Factory
Detroit, Michigan
Established: 2014
What You’ll See: The Detroit Cobras, The Hentchmen, John Krautner, Pretty Ghouls
UFO Factory has an extraterrestrial name, but the bar, art gallery, and live music venue has worked its way into the very fabric of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood since landing there in 2014. The space — which used to be a DIY venue in Eastern Market, once upon a time — is now located right across from where the old Tigers Stadium once stood, and it’s a prime example of the “New Detroit” movement that seeks to attract artists to the inner city.
The venue certainly makes it worth the trip for musicians, with everything from a premium sound system to a popcorn machine (not to mention, vintage arcade games and a giant projection screen for showing films). But UFO Factory is first and foremost a local venue, and its silver-painted halls have hosted the likes of The Detroit Cobras and punk legends The Hentchmen.
–Collin Brennan
74. High Dive
Gainesville, Florida
Established: 2011
What You’ll See: Against Me!, Chuck Ragan, PBR, and plenty of star tattoos
High Dive exists at SW 2nd Avenue as Gainesville Rock City’s demilitarized zone. Like the Dothraki holy site Vaes Dothrak, you’re welcome as long as you aren’t an asshole. And it’s been that way for many years. The spot has welcomed several owners and name changes since the early 1990s, but it’s perhaps best known as the flagship location of Nigel Hamm’s legendary venue Common Grounds — which officially closed in 2011 after a meteoric 15-year run.
During Common Grounds’ run, the likes of Hot Water Music, Less Than Jake, Morningbell, Holopaw, Isaac Brock, and Conor Oberst could be spotted hanging out, whether they were scheduled to perform or were just enjoying a cold Mexican beer as the Florida humidity burrowed past the outdoor porch and into the midsize rectangular structure.
As such, Common Grounds lived up to its name, improving on the whimsical, albeit slanted, design of the Covered Dish before it by transforming the weekend venue into a daily town hall that mingled national acts with emerging indie artists and side projects, comedians, college kids, The Fest punks, and plenty of sun-baked locals. Years later, High Dive continues this tradition, ensuring that Gainesville remains Florida’s most alternative city and a cool place to see live music.
–Dan Pfleegor
73. Newport Music Hall
Columbus, Ohio
Established: 1984
What You’ll See: Baroness, Chief Keef, Eagles of Death Metal, Migos
This Ohio hall is owned and operated by the Columbus-based PromoWest Productions, which runs several venues, Newport being the one that made this list. It’s positioned across the street from the Ohio Union of the Ohio State University, and in the period of time that it’s been there, it’s become “America’s longest continually running rock club.”
Formerly known as the State Theater and the Agora Ballroom, the name has always implied class. With beautiful ballroom architecture, the 1,700-capacity hall at 1722 North High Street has a particularly gorgeous look to it from the outside. Inside, it’s elegant, too, with a timeless look. For a place that appears timeless, though, it’s remarkably consistent about booking cutting-edge acts.
–Michael Madden
72. Churchill’s Pub
Miami, Florida
Established: 1979
What You’ll See: Jacuzzi Boys, Negative Approach, Thee Oh Sees, Charlie Pickett, Shannon and the Clams
In the heart of Little Haiti, right next to Sweat Records, Churchill’s Pub serves as Miami’s No. 1 spot to catch live punk, jazz, and everything in between. It has a rich history, booking both local bands going nowhere and nationwide acts on the rise. In the past decade, its booking has only gotten better, as more and more bands make their way down to Miami, from La Luz to Iceage. It’s a lovable shithole, often referred to as the CBGB of Miami, what with its grotesque bathrooms and general grime.
But Churchill’s is also undeniably unique, thanks to a dedicated community and a diverse slate of shows and events. It’s more or less the foundation of South Florida’s freaky scene, having hosted the likes of noise legend Rat Bastard and metal rockers Torche. It’s a place where you can catch free jazz on Monday night or watch someone take a shit on stage during International Noise Conference. Dirty, small, smoky, and worn out, Churchill’s keeps Miami weird.
–Rebecca Bulnes
71. Tennessee Theater
Knoxville, Tennessee
Established: 1928
What You’ll See: Gregg Allman, Ghost, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Sturgill Simpson
Originally designed by Chicago architects Graven and Mayger, Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre is an absolute visual stunner, a mix of architectural styles featuring French/Czech chandeliers and Italian terrazzo floors. Located inside Knoxville’s 10-story Burwell Building, it first opened as a movie palace in 1928, and its breathtaking interior is why the venue’s still easy to call “palatial” today.
The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation was started in 1996 to preserve, maintain, and operate the Theatre, leading to a $25.5 million renovation and restoration that commenced in 2003 and resulted with its reopening in 2005. Some credit the project with boosting the overall appeal of downtown Knoxville. Outside of concerts, the Theatre hosts performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, in addition to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
–Michael Madden
70. Music Hall of Williamsburg
Brooklyn, New York
Established: 2007
What You’ll See: Lucius, The Districts, Vince Staples
Though it’s now seen as a touchstone of the midsize venues that populate the New York City area, the Music Hall of Williamsburg has its roots in the city’s rich DIY history. MHoW started out as Northsix in 2001, becoming one of the first venues to bring indie and underground live music over the bridges from Manhattan. And oh, what music they brought; bands like My Morning Jacket, Sonic Youth, Spoon, and The Mars Volta all took the stage at Northsix. Elliott Smith performed a three-night run there in 2003, his final NYC performances prior to his death.
Though gentrification forced Northsix to sell to Bowery Presents in 2007, the rebranded, remodeled Music Hall of Williamsburg remains a perfect, 550-capacity location to catch acts like Dr. Dog, Swans, Mitski, Chelsea Wolfe, and others. (You can still see the original layout in the opening scene from School of Rock.) Each of its three floors features its own bar (the basement could double as a regular hangout spot if it weren’t for the pull of whatever concert is upstairs), and views from anywhere in the main room or the balcony are almost always clear. Slightly curved walls lead to excellent acoustics throughout, meaning there’s no better place in Brooklyn to comfortably catch your favorite bands.
–Ben Kaye
69. Fitzgerald’s
Houston, Texas
Established: 1977
What You’ll See: Bun B, Napalm Death, Caribou, Parquet Courts
One of the longest running venues in Houston, Fitzgerald’s has a long and complicated history that ties closely to the city’s own story. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, the venue served as a host for acts like R.E.M., the Ramones, and Sonic Youth, and over the last five years, the organizers behind Houston’s Free Press Summer Festival have worked tirelessly to revitalize both the venue and the surrounding scene itself. During that time, they turned Fitzgerald’s into one of the city’s true powerhouses.
This year, they left to open up a new venue, White Oak Music Hall, but Fitzgerald’s lives on under new management. Already, they’ve booked bands like Parquet Courts and hosted memorable events such as last week’s Prince tribute. Granted, it’s still a work in progress, but its central location in the Heights neighborhood undoubtedly cements Fitzgerald’s as a landmark for Houston. And much like the spirit of its city, the venue should be able to weather any changes and keep bouncing back.
–David Sackllah
68. Liberty Hall
Lawrence, Kansas
Established: 1912
What You’ll See: Neutral Milk Hotel, Modest Mouse, Beach House, Hozier
Lawrence’s Liberty Hall doubles as both a concert venue and a movie theatre — but wait, there’s more! The whole thing’s also connected to its own video rental store and coffee house. This historic establishment (rebuilt after two fires, it is now said to be fireproof) books all genres from indie to EDM and has hosted a variety of entertainers from Oscar Wilde to Wu Tang Clan.
Yet out of everything Liberty Hall offers, two of its best features are oft-forgotten mundanities. The venue’s floor, which is mildly stepped, allows for shorter folk to almost always have a good view of the stage. Up above, the ceiling radiates with beautiful painted murals that depict an ascension into heaven, which is how many concerts make people feel.
–Lyndsey Havens
67. The Ready Room
St. Louis, Missouri
Established: 2014
What You’ll See: Charli XCX, Tycho, Earl Sweatshirt, Catfish and the Bottlemen
A newer addition to The Grove’s many hipster-friendly destinations, The Ready Room has made quite an impression on St. Louis’ entertainment scene over the past two years. As its name suggests, the 750-capacity venue is basically just a room, boasting little more than four walls and a bar. But that’s really all it needs. With a stage more intimate than The Pageant and more visible than The Firebird, The Ready Room gives young fans (usually of hip-hop, indie rock, and synth-pop) a relaxed environment where moving and macking is made simple.
The logistics of the place are superior as well. Parking is a breeze, and leaving is even breezier given a garage door that opens post-concert, allowing spectators to exit quickly to the many bars outside. In its short history, the venue has already experienced some noteworthy moments. For those lucky enough to witness it, The Ready Room will always be remembered as the place that a tearful Killer Mike gave a disheartened speech about the jury decision in Ferguson, which was only 20 miles from the venue itself. It was a shame that the speech had to be uttered, but no venue or audience was more fitting than the passionate young crowd gathered at The Ready Room.
–Danielle Janota
66. Zanzabar
Louisville, Kentucky
Established: 1938
What You’ll See: Bully, Dan Deacon, DIIV, Pallbearer
Our favorite venue in Louisville is Zanzabar, aka Zbar, which is notable for appealing to as wide of a variety of age groups as possible. A big reason for that is that it’s home to the city’s only vintage arcade, where it hosts pinball tournaments every week. (You may be tempted to shatter your piggy bank before a visit.) Additionally, its low-key atmosphere makes it an intimate favorite for locals in comparison to other area venues.
Even so, it’s still good about playing host to upcoming, buzz-worthy artists, especially on the indie rock front, having booked bands like Surfer Blood, Ought, Woods, and DIIV for the coming months. That combination of old-school characteristics and up-to-date music gives it a unique balance, allowing opportunities for Louisville youth to stay in touch with current music and the city’s older concertgoers to feel nostalgic for their youth.
–Michael Madden
65. Belly Up Tavern
San Diego, California
Established: 1974
What You’ll See: Damian Marley, Los Lobos, Thievery Corporation
The Belly Up Tavern began with a simple vision: Two friends wanted a bar to be proud of in the town of Solana Beach. Founders Dave Hodges and Greg Gilholm weren’t thinking about music, but eventually some entry-level bluegrass acts started coming around, which shortly blossomed into notable blues artists like Bo Diddley and Etta James playing gigs. By the ’90s, the Belly Up started expanding into myriad genres like reggae, hip-hop, and rock.
Today, it’s San Diego’s most intimate space, a 600-person venue with personal touches like free parking and coat check. Any band from San Diego has the Belly Up as a target for reaching the next level, while mainstream talent like Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, The Rolling Stones, and Green Day have all stopped in to capitalize on the club’s personal feel and vibrant past. That’s quite an impressive distinction for a space originally intended as a SoCal watering hole.
–Zack Ruskin
64. Neurolux
Boise, Idaho
Established: 1987
What You’ll See: Tortoise, Beach Slang, Black Mountain
What makes or breaks a venue is the intimacy shared between an artist and its audience. Neurolux is nestled in Boise, Idaho — a city one can walk through at the pace of an aging Labrador in under an hour. But, part of that small-town charm is what makes the state capital’s crowning jewel of a music lounge even more alluring.
If only because the sheer layout of the town and its accompanying venue allows for nothing else but that type of relationship to exist. With its narrow walls, shallow stage, and extended happy hour (from noon to eight at night!), intimacy isn’t exactly the right word … perhaps happily cramped? Yeah, that’s it.
Zero complaints. With security tightening up everywhere, artists and audiences are getting further and further away from each other. Neurolux, lodged within Boise’s historic Hitchcock building, takes an old-school approach and shatters the barriers. On any given night, you could be bumming smokes from your favorite acts.
–Phillip Roffman
63. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Established: 1796
What You’ll See: Sheer Mag, St. Vincent, Bane, Beach Slang
Let’s get one thing out of the way: The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia isn’t your typical church. It belongs to a non-doctrinal and open-minded Unitarian Universalist congregation, and that open-mindedness extends to the rock shows that regularly take place inside the church’s expansive, ornate interior. Sure, you’ve got your typical indie bands that aren’t likely to ruffle anyone’s feathers — your St. Vincents and your Frankie Cosmos.
But this church is so inclusive that sometimes the lineups clash with the setting in ways that border on hilarious (Chicago powerviolence band Weekend Nachos and hardcore punks Bane are both slated to perform in 2016). Like most great venues, First Unitarian Church isn’t just about the music. Plenty of other programming goes on here, including dinner meetups and the typical Universalist church stuff, like union ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples.
God willing, this place isn’t going away any time soon.
–Collin Brennan
62. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Los Angeles, CA
Established: 1899
What You’ll See: Lana Del Rey, Bon Iver, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse
No, they have not been hosting concerts at Hollywood Forever Cemetery since the 1800s, but that just gives you an idea of the history that surrounds you at this non-traditional space. During the warmer months, outdoor events are held on a giant lawn and have recently included multi-night stands from the likes of Lana Del Rey and Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon, and Bon Iver hosting a slumber party and sunrise performance. Fans are invited to picnic on the grass, while never really disturbing the graves that include Johnny Ramone.
The space even holds a smaller room, the Masonic Lodge, that books bands year-round like tUnE-yArDs and Majical Cloudz who can fill a beautiful room packed with personality. But the intermittent performances on the festival-size outdoor stage are what local Los Angeles music fans devour, and each summer and fall’s docket arrives hotly anticipated and treated like a one-of-a-kind event. Hometown hero Miguel rose to the occasion last year, bringing out a parade of guests, including Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, and Snoop Dogg, who all entertained a crowd that spanned centuries.
–Philip Cosores
61. Trees
Dallas, Texas
Established: 1990
What You’ll See: Deafheaven, Lil Uzi Vert, Melvins, Savages, Chelsea Wolfe
Trees Dallas opened in 1990, and by the end of ‘91, Nirvana had already played the venue, the trio being just a month removed from the release of Nevermind. (That’s not to say it was the smoothest show; a quick YouTube search shows it definitely was not.) In the quarter century since then, Trees, founded by ex-Vanilla Ice drummer Clint Barlow and wife Whitney, has become the top venue in the Deep Ellum district of downtown Dallas. Attendees regularly praise the sound system, which is crucial for sets by heavy acts like Deafheaven, Melvins, and Savages. It’s a powerful punch for the venue that holds less people than Deep Ellum’s 4,300-capacity Bomb Factory, which Clint Barlow also founded, but ultimately one with more history and memories behind it.
–Michael Madden
