My Favorite Venues

By Desiree
August 17th, 2008

Besides the music, another thing that can make or break a concert is, of course, where you go to see a band play. The following list consists of ten amphitheaters, venues, music halls and theaters that are great places to experience live music. The ones I haven’t been to, I’ve heard excellent reviews from others who have.

Red Rocks Amphitheater: Morrison, CO

Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater that is totally unique. It should be the eighth wonder of the world. My No. 1 goal is to get to this amphitheater and experience it for myself. Nine Inch Nails will be there in September. I think that’s my calling.

The Gorge Amphitheater: George, WA

The Gorge Amphitheater’s official Web site says the site has been voted the best major outdoor concert venue in North America by the readers of Pollstar magazine nine times. It’s located near the Columbia River in Central Washington. This is on my list to visit after Red Rocks.

Radio City Music Hall: New York, NY

This is where I experienced my first concert when I was 13-years-old. Unfortunately, the first band I ever saw is a bit of an embarrassment… the Backstreet Boys. But, I recommend going here. Though I was in the nosebleed section, it was still a great view.

Madison Square Garden: New York, NY

Madison Square Garden is probably the most well-known music venue/arena in the world. Everyone needs to experience this place just for the fact that almost every major music act has played here.

Launchpad: Albuquerque, NM

Yes, this place looks like a hole on the wall, but it’s a great place to see a show. This is where I saw my favorite band, Ours, play for the first time.
There are two stories in the Launchpad. Upstairs is for the 21+ crowd, and it includes comfy couches, booths, a pool table and a pinball machine.

Stubbs: Austin, TX

Stubb’s just isn’t great BBQ sauce. It’s actually a music venue as well. How can you go wrong with live music and ribs? Though it’s a small place, big acts such as Blue October, The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie and Snoop Dogg have graced the stage.

The Roxy Theatre: West Hollywood, CA

This is another venue that is special only because of the acts that have played here. You have to go just because it’s legendary. Artists that have graced the Roxy stage include: Neil Young (who was the first performer there for the opening in 1973), Candlebox, Everlast, Ours, One Republic, Dolly Parton, Finch and many, many more.

The Joint (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino): Las Vegas, NV

The Rollng Stones, Bob Dylan, Velvet Revolver, Coldplay, Norah Jones, The Killers, The White Stripes, Tom Petty, Duran Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Depeche Mode, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This venue has to be doing something right for these acts to come through. The Joint is the most relevant rock club in Las Vegas – maybe it’s the 25-foot speakers.

House Of Blues: Various Locations

House of Blues is also one of the best known music venues in the United States. The original House of Blues was a historic colonial house. Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi, Aerosmith, River Phoenix, Paul Schaffer and many others financed it’s purchase and transformation. The original House of Blues opened its doors to the public after serving a group of homeless people on Thanksgiving Day, 1992.

The Congress Theater: Chicago, IL

You (yes, you) can actually rent out this beautiful theater. The inside is breathtaking – a big reason in itself to go here. Past events have included: Evanesence, Iggy Pop, Nine Inch Nails, Modest Mouse and Billy Idol.

Now, where are you planning to see your next show?

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