We all recognize iconic music venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and Wembley Stadium in London. These places are legendary and host some of the biggest names in music. Attending concerts at such renowned locations is an electrifying experience, surrounded by thousands of passionate fans who share your enthusiasm. However, if you’re anything like the dedicated team at UCR, you’ve also spent significant time at smaller, more intimate venues where the atmosphere is quieter, yet incredibly vibrant. These are the hidden gems where up-and-coming artists hone their craft, and perhaps the bartender knows your name, creating a community that feels personal and welcoming.
These local venues play a crucial role in nurturing a diverse ecosystem of musicians, regardless of their commercial success. They are as vital to the community as your neighborhood post office, providing a space for creativity and expression. Many of your favorite rock bands likely performed at these intimate stages before achieving fame, carving their paths in the music industry. In recognition of the importance of these local establishments and the individuals who manage them, four talented writers from UCR have shared their favorite venues from cities across America.
Matt Wardlaw: Having lived in multiple cities before settling in Cleveland during my teenage years, it was here that I truly embraced the concert experience. The Cleveland Agora quickly became my favorite venue, capturing my heart as a devoted music fan. Founded by the visionary Henry “Hank” LoConti, this historic venue, originally known as Agora Beta, hosted nearly every legendary classic rock artist of the 1970s. A memorable example is a 1977 concert by AC/DC, along with iconic performances from Iggy Pop and David Bowie during the former’s tour for The Idiot. Notably, Todd Rundgren, a Cleveland favorite, recorded parts of his iconic Back to the Bars double live album here. Furthermore, Bruce Springsteen‘s unforgettable show with the E Street Band during the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour was later officially released.
Unfortunately, the original venue suffered a devastating fire in the early 1980s, prompting a relocation to its current address at 5000 Euclid Avenue. This new location became the backdrop for pivotal concerts in the 1990s, including a landmark free show in 1993 featuring Queen’s Brian May, who was on his first solo tour in the United States, and the legendary George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. A special “small hall gig” by Akron’s own Chrissie Hynde‘s Pretenders in 1994 was particularly formative for me, as was an electrifying performance by Joe Cocker that same year, shortly after his appearance at Woodstock ’94. The Cleveland Agora continues to thrive, retaining its authentic “rock club” vibe even after renovations, and the current ownership consistently books a diverse array of artists across various genres. Every city deserves a venue like the Cleveland Agora.
Allison Rapp: Residing in New York City, I find myself in proximity to Madison Square Garden, yet it’s not my personal favorite venue. I have a deep appreciation for the historic establishments that still stand in the West Village from the golden days of folk music, and among them, my favorite is The Bitter End. While the layout is far from practical, with the bar located at one end of a long, narrow room, forcing patrons to walk in front of the band to get a drink, and the bathroom so cramped that your nose nearly touches the wall, the charm of this venue is undeniable. I have had the pleasure of witnessing the storied history of this place firsthand. The stage remains nearly unchanged from when legends like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, and Stevie Wonder graced it with their performances. The walls are adorned with photographic evidence, including an iconic image of a youthful Lady Gaga performing there before she skyrocketed to fame. In a city characterized by constant change, where even historic venues are at risk of disappearing, The Bitter End stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and artistry that has always flourished in this neighborhood.
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Nick DeRiso: The Saenger Theatre in New Orleans once stood as the crown jewel of a now-defunct nationwide chain of movie palaces established by Julian and Abe Saenger during the silent film era. While many of these historic venues have closed their doors, the Saenger Theatre nearly followed suit until renewed interest led to its designation on the National Registry of Historic Places and a significant renovation in 1980. The grand reopening, hosted by Johnny Carson, reintroduced the theater as a thriving performing arts space. One of its most memorable events occurred when Styx recorded their album Caught in the Act under the stunning domed ceiling adorned with a constellation of stars. More recently, Paul Simon chose the Saenger to launch his comeback tour, further solidifying its status as a beloved venue in the music world.
Matthew Wilkening: Allow me to let my younger selves recount their experiences—they were far more fun than I am now:
New York City: The Bowery Ballroom was undoubtedly a standout, featuring remarkable performances from Queens of the Stone Age with Dave Grohl on drums and the iconic White Stripes. One of my most memorable moments in New York City was witnessing Joe Jackson casually walk through the front door and head straight to the piano to kick off his show at The Bottom Line.
Boulder / Denver: The Fox Theater is an absolute gem, previously hosting legendary three-night stands for George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars. I also had the extraordinary experience of seeing John Fogerty perform CCR hits for the very first time, radiating an infectious joy that I can still feel in my heart.
Meanwhile, Red Rocks stands out as the most breathtaking venue globally (apologies to the Gorge, but it’s the truth), and I believe everyone should experience a concert there at least once in their lifetime. There are countless unforgettable shows I’ve attended—such as The Flaming Lips opening for Ween, the incredible Primus facing a fierce windstorm, and Chris Isaak transforming the stunning rock formations into a mesmerizing dance floor with his dazzling disco ball suit.
While the former Mammoth Events Center has since become the Fillmore Auditorium, I fondly remember the unforgettable shows I attended there featuring Pantera, Clutch, and Butthole Surfers, even if it meant navigating through questionable “water” lakes in the men’s room. At one of those shows, I learned the true nature of power as the women in the crowd quickly recognized Johnny Depp was filling in on guitar, effortlessly taking over his side of the stage and blocking off the rowdy boys.
San Francisco: Of course, the Fillmore is legendary, but I have to give a shout-out to the Great American Music Hall, where I witnessed magnificent performances by Melvins and Sleater-Kinney, and it’s also where I first encountered the brilliant Zepparella.
Skipping a few cities, I’ll share my favorite:
San Diego: The Casbah is the venue I miss living near the most. It’s the ideal shape and size, and I can’t recall anyone ever sounding bad there. Perhaps it’s just luck, but I also don’t remember anyone in the crowd ever being rude—maybe the proximity to the soothing Pacific Ocean plays a part?
Much like Fenway Park with its quirky dimensions and the Green Monster, the Casbah is directly across the street from the local airport’s landing strip. Consequently, a couple of times each night, the music has to compete with or gets overpowered by the roar of a landing jet airliner. Surprisingly, this doesn’t detract from the experience; it adds to the venue’s unique charm. I often found myself waiting for a band to launch into Back in the U.S.S.R.. If I had the opportunity to book a show there, that would be my first choice!
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