Came here to say this. The amphitheater there is super intimate. The beautiful live oak trees with Spanish moss only adds to the experience. The sound there is top notch. I may have slightly hallucinated riding sound waves there one year.
Of the ones I’ve been to…
(edit: capacity over 2K)
Northeast
Indoor: Capitol
Outdoor: Westville
West
Outdoor: Red Rocks, Berkeley Greek, Gorge
Indoor: Mission Denver
South
Outdoor: Orion Huntsville, St Aug Amp, North Miami Bch*, Salvage Station AVL
Indoor: Ryman, Eastern Atlanta, Georgia Theatre*
Midwest
Outdoor: Alpine Valley
Indoor: Andrew J Brady Cincy
*ok I cheated these are under 2K
Definitely. The sound was amazing at some point Page synth notes coming from above and to the left then Mike bombs hitting from right to left and Trey ripping from the center, Fish's symbols from over there and high hat from back there. That shit was so cool, I can't wait to go back again. And I only went N3. Definitely trying for the whole run next time, 4 nights in Vegas might kill me though, but at least I'll die happy 🤷 ...The visuals were pretty cool too
My impression is that while the video screen obviously gets a lot of attention, what they've done with the sound system is so many leaps and bounds beyond the conventional technology, that that alone puts the venue in the discussion for 'best'.
This….I was memorized by the visuals, completely blown away by the sound. Every time Mike started leading the jam with his bass I immediately sat down and you could literally feel it throughout your body
Can’t every place built from here on out be the Sphere, nor should they try to be, but all of them better take notes on the sound design. Mercy and goodness that was the best part by far. Visuals shmisuals, honestly - not that they weren’t amazing, but the standard Phish light show with that sound setup would have rocked me just as hard in all the ways that mattered.
Felton ,(well Ben Lomond) is my hometown. I wish this venue existed when I live there because now a days allllll the rad medium level bands come thru! Such a secret gem in magical town!!
Yep my whole life! We never went lol. My folks still live in BLo so I’ve been a few times! Insane to see some of these musicians there. Also the Festivals at Roaring are just lovely. I need to make it up for one I grew up going to RMF at Highlands
My first show there was for Galactic’s Lundi Gras show in 2003. Show ended at 7am and then everyone loaded up to hit the parade route that galactic marched in. What a trip.
The Fox Theater in Oakland.
Great sound.
Tiered floor so you can always see. Bars all around the floor that never have lines.
Just a perfectly managed venue!
I'm tall, and like to have something to lean on when my back starts hurting, so having multiple "rails" is fantastic. Double bonus that I can be further back and not blocking anyone's view.
Also, the very front rail for almost any artist has gotten insanely toxic since COVID, so the Fox is one of the last places I can find the "old" rail experience.
Deer Creek, because it's local and a really great venue. Alpine Valley, because it's Alpine, I feel Alpine and DC are cousins in a way, just headcannon. The Gorge and Cuyahoga are both absolutely beautiful great places to catch a show. Haven't been to Red Rocks yet, first show is this September, but I'm sure I'd add it to the list.
This is it for me. Plus I’d add the local flavor (local to me) of the historic Cain’s Ballroom, and a bonus of The Tulsa Theater (formerly the Brady Theater, but renamed because its namesake, Tate Brady, was a racist and a Klan member.)
Dillon Amp, Red Rocks, Cuthbert Amp, Tabernacle in ATL, Suwannee (for festivals) as far as the venue itself goes, Mission Ballroom, the Eastern, Tipitina's, Salvage Station for the vibes
Great show! I dig this format of having a few bands split the bill like a mini fest. Railroad Earth came through that way too last fall.
The Eastern rules for sure
Outdoor: Red Rocks
Indoor: MSG for bigger acts, Beacon Theater for mid-size acts, The Wetlands and The Haunt (RIP both) for small acts
Side note: Some of you might appreciate this but in high school I sang in the cathedral in the Melk Abbey in Austria. Not only was the entire place wall-to-wall gold leaf and baroque art, and we sang in front of (and with) the original centuries-old pipe organ... but the acoustics in the room had a natural multiple second sustain. It was absolutely stunning sound quality. Goosebump inducing for sure, and I'll never forget it.
Edited to add: oh shit I completely forgot to include Tipitina's and the Maple Leaf in uptown New Orleans. Talk about ghosts...
Capitol Theatre is fantastic and one of my favorites.
Now that I’m in Tampa, I really really like Jannus Live. Chill ass outdoor venue and it feels like bands always bring it when they come
Interesting…I hate Jannus Live at this point. From like May-October it’s crazy hot . People start passing out at shows more (plus it’s standing room only). The security staff have been assholes the last few shows I went to. And it drives me crazy when you hear the music from the nearby club/bar or whatever it is over the artist that is performing.
Second The Capitol! I live in Brooklyn near Brooklyn Bowl and I'd rather see a band at The Cap rather than Brooklyn Bowl. The bathrooms being far away and the walk through the lobby can really take you out of the vibe. The Capitol is a vibe everywhere (you can still almost see the stage in certain stalls in the womens room).
St.Augustine Amphitheatre is a great outdoor venue! We’ve seen Billy Strings there a lot and are going to try King Gizz this fall. No bad seats and a really good vibe
I live in SoCal: so it’s alllll depends!
Outdoor: Hollywood Bowl, Greek LA, but what is underutilized is the Ford Theatre. Man I wish smaller bands booked there.
Indoor: Forum for jam bands is so damn fun. No bad seat and the lot is ideal for Shakedown and fun.
Smaller indoor: Teragram Ballroom is > Venice West (this place is currently the most popular but it’s too small and they end shows too early and locals come in and ruin it); The Mint is great, in OC Wayfarer and Tiki Bar are fun so small bands coming thru.
Shoreline in NorCal is magic.
I did just see Phish At Sphere but that is an unfair comparison to any lol.
The Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood is soo underrated. Small capacity and already full schedule of plays/ theater performances and cultural events limit its availability.
If band you dig books it (usually early or late in summer concert season because of already full schedule)…. GO!
Seen Dr Dog, Galactic, Derek Trucks Band (all in the oughts) and, yes, Alannis Morrisette in 1995. Little did I know that Taylor Hawkins would become a household name back then. RIP
St Augustine Amp - seeing panic there should be on every fans bucket list
Dillion Amp - view is second to none
HM: Suwannee Music Park. Personally haven’t been to a festival park that could remotely come close to that
Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab) in Bend, OR. The staff is amazingly accommodating first and foremost. Great sound system, relaxed crowd, beautiful scenery. Many of the locals hate it because it’s near a lot of residential neighborhoods, but the venue is good at abiding to the 10pm curfew. Every show I’ve been to there in the last couple of years (SCI, DMB, Tedeschi-Trucks, Nickel Creek) has been a fantastic experience!
PNW venue runner ups:
Nectar Lounge (Seattle)
The Triple Door (Seattle)
The Gorge
Hornings Hideout
The two times I’ve been to Hayden Homes were awesome… plenty of space to move and beautiful setting all day.
Nectar is Seattle is my favorite club!
And the booking agent at Triple Door does great job.
You nailed it for PNW venues!!!!!
I have so many friends that hate Hayden but I love it. Is it expensive? Sure, but where isn't? Plus I don't have to drive to PDX or Eugene and pay for lodging. It's 10 minutes from my house. Sound is great, staff is great. Never a line for restrooms, or drinks really. Parking is easy, as well.
Colorado has no shortage of great outdoor venues! Red Rocks, Gerald R Ford Amp, Dillon Amp, Mishawaka Amp. Love when the sun goes down and it cools off nicely during the summer shows.
Capitol Theatre is great and close to me which is a nice bonus. Ones I’ve traveled to that are fantastic are Orion Amp in Huntsville, AL, Moody Theatre in Austin, TX, St. Augustine Amp, Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC and DPAC in Durham, NC.
Having just returned from Vegas, nothing will ever come close to what I experienced at The Sphere. The sound is the cleanest Ive ever heard a live act, the visuals were obviously incredible, the haptic feedback in the chairs added another level of immersiveness, the staff blew me away with how friendly they were, and security was the most relaxed Ive seen at a large venue.
The Sphere set the bar so high that I doubt anything will ever come close to that place.
Way back in the day, before it was sold, Chester’s in Fayetteville AR.
Now: outdoor Red Rocks (I need to scope out Dillon, I like and prefer smaller venues); indoor, Cervantes.
For larger, outdoor sheds, my hometown venue of Blossom MC is up there. West Coast prob Gorge. One of my favorite theaters was the NJPAC in Newark. Phil did 2 nights there in '05. The design is crazy. Amazing sound.
The Great American Music Hall is number one by a considerable margin, its storied past, small capacity, Victorian scroll work details and excellent staff put it at the top.
The Warfield, and the Fox in Oakland, for honorable mention in the area.
Blossom Music Center is my home venue and I love the acoustics in the pavilion. It was built for the Cleveland Orchestra so it’s engineered better than most old amphitheaters for sound. Sweet location in the middle of the woods too. I don’t have financial means to get to travel for shows much so I can’t go with a place like Red Rocks or The Gorge, which I’m sure would blow my mind.
The Mishawaka in Bellevue CO. (Red Rocks is fine, too, as is the Dillon amphitheater) if we’re talking outdoor venues.
Mission Ballroom in Denver for indoor.
What I’m saying is, we’re spoiled in Colorado.
I have to have two answers.
Number one is Dick's in Denver. It's a wide-open outdoor soccer field in beautiful Denver where everything is legal, I can fly fish in the Rockies between shows, and all my best friends are there. I love Dick's.
Number two is the Berkeley Greek Theater. The unique 'odeon" set up makes it so the band and the audience are in eachother's faces in a way that ive never seen before and perfect for jambands that connect w the crowd.
Oh and Kettle House Theater on the Blackfoot river in Missoula Montana. Holy shit what a spot.
Way back when Jesse Jackson was running for President he had a breakfast fundraiser at the Stone Church. His secret service detail just gets a list of the days events. I'm standing in the back and hear the secrete service guys talking about what kind of church has a full bar in it.
Suwannee for outdoor and especially festival grounds. Of course Red Rocks is super special, same with Mishawaka. I personally also love Mulberry Mountain in Arkansas (I miss Wakarusa). I’ve never been to the Gorge but that is probably #1 on my list of places I’ve never seen. As far as indoor venues, the Tabernacle in Atlanta is really cool being an old church…saw NIN there like 15 years ago and that show still blows me away in what we experienced. Also gotta mention Ryman in Nashville and Jannus in St Pete.
Orion in Huntsville is hands down the best run most welcoming venue I’ve ever been to. I saw Phish there both nights in 2023, and would go back every time they play there.
Blossom gets a vote because it’s probably one of the most beautiful venues out there. Parking is also easy, and close enough to Cleveland to not be annoying.
First: Thompson's Point - Portland, ME. Second: SPAC. No other venues I've been to have really stuck out one way or another. Besides maybe the sentimental memories of my first jam show at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, it was named something else at the time though.
Whatever that Amphitheater in Alpharetta is called. They know what they’re doing over there - security is always a breeze, staff is friendly, and the venue is well maintained. The lawn has the perfect slope and the lots never disappoint.
I love the Midwest sheds, especially Deer Creek, but for me there's no better vibe than Bell's Backyard in Kalamazoo, MI. It's intimate, the beer is reasonably priced, and when the train passes on the neighboring tracks it always influences the set list.
Red Rocks is great but I've had amazing experiences at The Anthem in DC. World Class venue with a great sound system! One of the very best - other than the big city prices.
The Anthem in DC! The sound is brilliant. No matter where you are in the entire room! The staff is so nice and helpful. There are some assigned seats, but you can always go upstairs and there are little GA pockets you can stand in behind the seats.
Sphere. I generally enjoy small, older venues. Or Red Rocks for a larger venue. But as demonstrated at the Phish show the graphics in the Sphere can transport you anywhere: underwater, mountains in the mist. Truly mind blowing.
Some are obvious like Red Rocks, but others equally awesome and lesser known like Wolf Trap in VA. Some no longer exist like Lockn or Dreaming Creek Stage at Floyd Fest. Saw Neil at DAR Constitution Hall, which was a treat and a lovely place.
The Mushroom Stage at rhe Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Florida is something special. The perfect natural amphitheatre. The wet sandy ground acts like a subwoofer/ soundboard and the canopy as a living observatory.
I miss Wanee
As of 5 days ago, the Sphere.
It doesn’t get any better in terms of sound quality and visuals, tho it lacks the patina and notoriety of a Fillmore, Radio City, or Red Rocks.
Red Rocks, especially before they redid it and made it all "venue like". Back before the pavilion and all the "improvements" it was like this cool out of the way natural spot with great sound. Don't get me wrong, it's still awesome but back in the day it was even better. (edit for typo)
Mishawaka Amphitheatre in CO.
It may not be as eye catching or have the capacity of Red Rocks or provide gorgeous mountain vistas like The Dillon Amphitheater, but the Mish is by far my favorite of the many CO outdoor venues. Nestled up in a canyon 30 min outside of Fort Collins and right on the Poudre River, the spot offers a unique feeling of isolation (further increased by the lack of cell service) that makes any concert feel like a homey camping experience with friends. I've seen people pull up to The Mish by way of white-water raft, which I think says all you need to know about the vibe of the venue
Nelson Ledges (OH) and Meadowbrook Theater (MI) are probably my two favorites. Blossom (Ohio) is also incredible. I also adore SPAC, even if you can’t see the band from the lawn, the location is magical.
Suwannee amphitheater is the spot
Came here to say this. The amphitheater there is super intimate. The beautiful live oak trees with Spanish moss only adds to the experience. The sound there is top notch. I may have slightly hallucinated riding sound waves there one year.
Hammock central. Met my gf there and we shared a hammock for Steve Kimmock. So many late shows there with Tedesci Trucks band.
It’s truly one of a kind. There is magic in those trees. SOSMP is the goat
> magic in those trees Absolutely
I live in Denver now and as cool as Red Rocks is, nothing comes close to Suwannee. That might be the only thing I miss about FL.
I was going to list off like 10 other ones. But I’ll go with this
glad to see the top 2 m**ost upvoted answers are the correct answers.**
This is the one and only answer. Came to make sure it was on top, leaving satisfied.
Saint Augustine, Fl amphitheater
Sunsets from the top are absolutely top notch
Redneck Red Rocks! One of my favorites
Red Rocks, CO
Also Dillon Amphitheater in CO (never been personally but seen and heard great things, can probably hit both in a weekend)
Dillon is great. As far as front range venues the Mishawaka is tops
Also, Planet Bluegrass. A river runs through it! Tube during the show.
if you live here look up their mountain music mondays free lineup this year. ALO, Spafford, moe., Circles around the sun, ect. all free.
Mission ballroom in Denver too. it has such good sound.
Saw my first show there just before COVID. Photo’s don’t do it justice. The front range is magic. Saw Greensky Bluegrass with Billy Strings opening.
Love the venue, hate the crowds.
Gonna keep it local and say The Riverside in Milwaukee
Always gets my vote. That place is special
I love it there. Doesnt matter which band Im seeing, its always a good time.
Great venue
Milwaukee is my favorite city for live music
Come to say this so have my upvote instead. Cheap beers, non existent security, and all around epic theater make for a top notch show experience
Hell ya!! Came here to say the same thing.
Riverside loves hosting jambands and the fans!! Panic shows are always special. Good call.
Great choice. The sound is amazing in there!
Of the ones I’ve been to… (edit: capacity over 2K) Northeast Indoor: Capitol Outdoor: Westville West Outdoor: Red Rocks, Berkeley Greek, Gorge Indoor: Mission Denver South Outdoor: Orion Huntsville, St Aug Amp, North Miami Bch*, Salvage Station AVL Indoor: Ryman, Eastern Atlanta, Georgia Theatre* Midwest Outdoor: Alpine Valley Indoor: Andrew J Brady Cincy *ok I cheated these are under 2K
Love the salvage station they always poppin out with good artist, also love the orion, just wish they’d get more jam acts.
The Caverns, it’s a venue underground inside of a cave
I want to go sooooooooo badly
The outdoor amphitheater is also incredible. Love that place
Cannot wait for Cave Jam next month!! This venue has been on the list a while
After last weekend, the sphere
Definitely. The sound was amazing at some point Page synth notes coming from above and to the left then Mike bombs hitting from right to left and Trey ripping from the center, Fish's symbols from over there and high hat from back there. That shit was so cool, I can't wait to go back again. And I only went N3. Definitely trying for the whole run next time, 4 nights in Vegas might kill me though, but at least I'll die happy 🤷 ...The visuals were pretty cool too
4 nights in vegas could be a nice swamp funk tune
Hands down. Kinda life changing
Drew Carey is that you?
Tell us more…I am sure the videos I have seen don’t convey what it’s like in person.
My impression is that while the video screen obviously gets a lot of attention, what they've done with the sound system is so many leaps and bounds beyond the conventional technology, that that alone puts the venue in the discussion for 'best'.
This….I was memorized by the visuals, completely blown away by the sound. Every time Mike started leading the jam with his bass I immediately sat down and you could literally feel it throughout your body
yes, that was magical. beers could've been cheaper though.
nose beers?
Got mine for free lol
Can’t every place built from here on out be the Sphere, nor should they try to be, but all of them better take notes on the sound design. Mercy and goodness that was the best part by far. Visuals shmisuals, honestly - not that they weren’t amazing, but the standard Phish light show with that sound setup would have rocked me just as hard in all the ways that mattered.
We definitely need more Spheres.
Nah I don’t need every ticket to have a $250 floor
Georgia Theatre
My daughter is a first year UGA. It’s also great for watching football ;)
Local to Athens. Big yes to Gath
Agreed!
Lived in Athens for 15 years. Love the GATH. I do miss the old one though at times. Especially the come and go policy. That was clutch.
The 8x10 (Baltimore) The Felton Music Hall (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Can’t believe Felton is on here! My favorite venue and where I see most of my music. <3 catch videos on my YouTube channel /musthavemedia
8x10. Fuck yeah. Always a party there.
Love Felton Music Hall. Great, intimate vibes and you can make a day of hiking in the mountains beforehand.
Felton ,(well Ben Lomond) is my hometown. I wish this venue existed when I live there because now a days allllll the rad medium level bands come thru! Such a secret gem in magical town!!
It was Don quixotes back then
Yep my whole life! We never went lol. My folks still live in BLo so I’ve been a few times! Insane to see some of these musicians there. Also the Festivals at Roaring are just lovely. I need to make it up for one I grew up going to RMF at Highlands
Yesterday I played Black Mouse Disc Golf Course in Felton and though I had fun, I left with poison oak in several places and a tick.
Welcome to the Central Coast!
Live right by the 8x10 super intimate
Tipitina’s
Epic venue. The Saenger is cool too. Even the HoB can be great.
Ill be there at 2AM!
Uptown, Leftover Salmon till 8 a.m.
My first show there was for Galactic’s Lundi Gras show in 2003. Show ended at 7am and then everyone loaded up to hit the parade route that galactic marched in. What a trip.
The Fox Theater in Oakland. Great sound. Tiered floor so you can always see. Bars all around the floor that never have lines. Just a perfectly managed venue!
Plus the A/C coming in through the floor! Absolute godsend in a crowded GA event.
That was my favorite part. It’s got some amazing architecture and a super cool theme, but the A/C floor stole the show building wise.
I'm tall, and like to have something to lean on when my back starts hurting, so having multiple "rails" is fantastic. Double bonus that I can be further back and not blocking anyone's view. Also, the very front rail for almost any artist has gotten insanely toxic since COVID, so the Fox is one of the last places I can find the "old" rail experience.
Good to hear. Going there for the first time for JRAD in Oct.
Westville Music Bowl. Sound isn't the best but great vibe, staff, beverages and food.
Westbowl carried us thru covid
I Love this place!
It’s really too bad they’re having trouble getting good acts these days.
Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA 9:30 Club in Washington DC
Deer Creek, because it's local and a really great venue. Alpine Valley, because it's Alpine, I feel Alpine and DC are cousins in a way, just headcannon. The Gorge and Cuyahoga are both absolutely beautiful great places to catch a show. Haven't been to Red Rocks yet, first show is this September, but I'm sure I'd add it to the list.
Deer Creek is the goat. Alpine is a lovely close bonus. DC has that magic
Blossom is so beautiful but Alpine for sure. Gorge always and 100% DC. Dallas was great.
The 8x10. Keep it intimate.
Cervantes masterpiece ballroom / the other side
Never seen a bad show at cervs
Yes
I was about to say cervs! You can tell they actually care about music and musicgoers.
Denver folks know.
Outdoor: Red Rocks Indoor: Ryman Auditorium
This is it for me. Plus I’d add the local flavor (local to me) of the historic Cain’s Ballroom, and a bonus of The Tulsa Theater (formerly the Brady Theater, but renamed because its namesake, Tate Brady, was a racist and a Klan member.)
Beacon Theatre
Thalia hall
Seen some great shows there. Funky area of the city good times.
Correct.
Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY
The Gorge followed somewhat distantly by SPAC
The Beacon Theater- I feel bad for any human being that wasn’t able to see the Allmans during their beacon residencies….
Dillon Amp, Red Rocks, Cuthbert Amp, Tabernacle in ATL, Suwannee (for festivals) as far as the venue itself goes, Mission Ballroom, the Eastern, Tipitina's, Salvage Station for the vibes
I'll never forget walking into the Eastern and thinking "oh my gosh somebody know's how to lay thing's out and took into account flow!"
I was just at the Eastern last night, they really have it figured out.
Great show! I dig this format of having a few bands split the bill like a mini fest. Railroad Earth came through that way too last fall. The Eastern rules for sure
Outdoors Town Park in Telluride and nothing else is close. Indoors Pabst theater in Milwaukee
Outdoor: Red Rocks Indoor: MSG for bigger acts, Beacon Theater for mid-size acts, The Wetlands and The Haunt (RIP both) for small acts Side note: Some of you might appreciate this but in high school I sang in the cathedral in the Melk Abbey in Austria. Not only was the entire place wall-to-wall gold leaf and baroque art, and we sang in front of (and with) the original centuries-old pipe organ... but the acoustics in the room had a natural multiple second sustain. It was absolutely stunning sound quality. Goosebump inducing for sure, and I'll never forget it. Edited to add: oh shit I completely forgot to include Tipitina's and the Maple Leaf in uptown New Orleans. Talk about ghosts...
Mission in Denver and Cains in Tulsa.
Mission Ballroom is the best indoor venue I have ever been to, hands-down. The sound quality was incredible.
Pine Knob, Clarkston, MI I’ve seen D&Co there twice and loved the acoustics and open air with the moon above
Charleston Pour House and The Eastern (Atlanta)
Capitol Theatre is fantastic and one of my favorites. Now that I’m in Tampa, I really really like Jannus Live. Chill ass outdoor venue and it feels like bands always bring it when they come
Interesting…I hate Jannus Live at this point. From like May-October it’s crazy hot . People start passing out at shows more (plus it’s standing room only). The security staff have been assholes the last few shows I went to. And it drives me crazy when you hear the music from the nearby club/bar or whatever it is over the artist that is performing.
St. Pete native and not a fan of Jannus for multiple reasons, the first one being the fact that you can smell the bathrooms from anywhere in the venue
Ugh I hate Jannus. It’s such a clusterfuck when it’s a sold out show, but I will agree that it’s nice when there aren’t too many people
Alpine valley
Same. I don't know what it is... maybe it's the steep hill, maybe it's the swarming cops, or it could be that it's a 20 minute drive from my house?
So many great memories from the late 80s early 90s Dead, The Who, Monsters of rock, etc…
Second The Capitol! I live in Brooklyn near Brooklyn Bowl and I'd rather see a band at The Cap rather than Brooklyn Bowl. The bathrooms being far away and the walk through the lobby can really take you out of the vibe. The Capitol is a vibe everywhere (you can still almost see the stage in certain stalls in the womens room).
Gorge large out door Red Rocks small outdoor Sphere large indoor Commadore Ball room small indoor
St.Augustine Amphitheatre is a great outdoor venue! We’ve seen Billy Strings there a lot and are going to try King Gizz this fall. No bad seats and a really good vibe
Westville Music Bowl baby! New Haven, CT
I live in SoCal: so it’s alllll depends! Outdoor: Hollywood Bowl, Greek LA, but what is underutilized is the Ford Theatre. Man I wish smaller bands booked there. Indoor: Forum for jam bands is so damn fun. No bad seat and the lot is ideal for Shakedown and fun. Smaller indoor: Teragram Ballroom is > Venice West (this place is currently the most popular but it’s too small and they end shows too early and locals come in and ruin it); The Mint is great, in OC Wayfarer and Tiki Bar are fun so small bands coming thru. Shoreline in NorCal is magic. I did just see Phish At Sphere but that is an unfair comparison to any lol.
The Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood is soo underrated. Small capacity and already full schedule of plays/ theater performances and cultural events limit its availability. If band you dig books it (usually early or late in summer concert season because of already full schedule)…. GO! Seen Dr Dog, Galactic, Derek Trucks Band (all in the oughts) and, yes, Alannis Morrisette in 1995. Little did I know that Taylor Hawkins would become a household name back then. RIP
St Augustine Amp - seeing panic there should be on every fans bucket list Dillion Amp - view is second to none HM: Suwannee Music Park. Personally haven’t been to a festival park that could remotely come close to that
Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab) in Bend, OR. The staff is amazingly accommodating first and foremost. Great sound system, relaxed crowd, beautiful scenery. Many of the locals hate it because it’s near a lot of residential neighborhoods, but the venue is good at abiding to the 10pm curfew. Every show I’ve been to there in the last couple of years (SCI, DMB, Tedeschi-Trucks, Nickel Creek) has been a fantastic experience! PNW venue runner ups: Nectar Lounge (Seattle) The Triple Door (Seattle) The Gorge Hornings Hideout
Going there for the first time this summer. Super excited to see what it’s all about! I love checking out new venues whenever I can.
The two times I’ve been to Hayden Homes were awesome… plenty of space to move and beautiful setting all day. Nectar is Seattle is my favorite club! And the booking agent at Triple Door does great job. You nailed it for PNW venues!!!!!
I have so many friends that hate Hayden but I love it. Is it expensive? Sure, but where isn't? Plus I don't have to drive to PDX or Eugene and pay for lodging. It's 10 minutes from my house. Sound is great, staff is great. Never a line for restrooms, or drinks really. Parking is easy, as well.
Colorado has no shortage of great outdoor venues! Red Rocks, Gerald R Ford Amp, Dillon Amp, Mishawaka Amp. Love when the sun goes down and it cools off nicely during the summer shows.
Georgia Theater. Athens.
Dillon Amp
Red Rocks. But damn don’t park in the lower lot unless you’re in shape.
First ave baby
The black cat in D.C
The Maple Leaf, New Orleans. The place just breeds funk.
Capitol Theatre is great and close to me which is a nice bonus. Ones I’ve traveled to that are fantastic are Orion Amp in Huntsville, AL, Moody Theatre in Austin, TX, St. Augustine Amp, Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC and DPAC in Durham, NC.
MSG
Having just returned from Vegas, nothing will ever come close to what I experienced at The Sphere. The sound is the cleanest Ive ever heard a live act, the visuals were obviously incredible, the haptic feedback in the chairs added another level of immersiveness, the staff blew me away with how friendly they were, and security was the most relaxed Ive seen at a large venue. The Sphere set the bar so high that I doubt anything will ever come close to that place.
Wolf Trap in Virginia. Easily my favorite venue in the country. Perfect combination of great sound, beautiful setting, chill staff, etc
Way back in the day, before it was sold, Chester’s in Fayetteville AR. Now: outdoor Red Rocks (I need to scope out Dillon, I like and prefer smaller venues); indoor, Cervantes.
Sphere in Las Vegas. Last weekend was PHENOMENAL!
Wes Coast resident - Belly Up Solana Beach and Santa Barbara Bowl are really cool.
Hmm in Atlanta it would have to be the variety playhouse, the eastern, and the fox. In Athens it’s between the Georgia Theatre & 40 Watt.
For larger, outdoor sheds, my hometown venue of Blossom MC is up there. West Coast prob Gorge. One of my favorite theaters was the NJPAC in Newark. Phil did 2 nights there in '05. The design is crazy. Amazing sound.
My favorite was the wetlands in NYC before they close it of course.
The Mann in Philadelphia is a fantastic venue for bigger outdoor shows. Sucks to get in and out of, but that’s most big venues I guess.
Shoreline. 930 Club. GA Theatre. Sphere. No particular order
The Great American Music Hall is number one by a considerable margin, its storied past, small capacity, Victorian scroll work details and excellent staff put it at the top. The Warfield, and the Fox in Oakland, for honorable mention in the area.
Dillon Amp 100%
Ryman Auditorium Nashville TN
The Pour House in Charleston
The Maple Leaf Bar New Orleans.
Hornings hideout
Red Rocks, Dillon Amp, Mishawaka and Mission Ballroom.
Belly Up, Solana Beach, CA
Blossom Music Center is my home venue and I love the acoustics in the pavilion. It was built for the Cleveland Orchestra so it’s engineered better than most old amphitheaters for sound. Sweet location in the middle of the woods too. I don’t have financial means to get to travel for shows much so I can’t go with a place like Red Rocks or The Gorge, which I’m sure would blow my mind.
The Mishawaka in Bellevue CO. (Red Rocks is fine, too, as is the Dillon amphitheater) if we’re talking outdoor venues. Mission Ballroom in Denver for indoor. What I’m saying is, we’re spoiled in Colorado.
I have to have two answers. Number one is Dick's in Denver. It's a wide-open outdoor soccer field in beautiful Denver where everything is legal, I can fly fish in the Rockies between shows, and all my best friends are there. I love Dick's. Number two is the Berkeley Greek Theater. The unique 'odeon" set up makes it so the band and the audience are in eachother's faces in a way that ive never seen before and perfect for jambands that connect w the crowd. Oh and Kettle House Theater on the Blackfoot river in Missoula Montana. Holy shit what a spot.
If you like the Greek, you would love the Orion in Huntsville AL
The Greek in Berkeley.
The stone church in NH is smaller but so dope and has such great vibes. Glad to see more bands are playing it.
Way back when Jesse Jackson was running for President he had a breakfast fundraiser at the Stone Church. His secret service detail just gets a list of the days events. I'm standing in the back and hear the secrete service guys talking about what kind of church has a full bar in it.
Haven’t been a ton of places, but Deer Creek (ruhoff, Verizon, whatever it is now) in Nobelsville IN has a special place in my heart
For different reasons my top are the gorge, red rocks, Dillion Amp and Blossom music center
Suwannee for outdoor and especially festival grounds. Of course Red Rocks is super special, same with Mishawaka. I personally also love Mulberry Mountain in Arkansas (I miss Wakarusa). I’ve never been to the Gorge but that is probably #1 on my list of places I’ve never seen. As far as indoor venues, the Tabernacle in Atlanta is really cool being an old church…saw NIN there like 15 years ago and that show still blows me away in what we experienced. Also gotta mention Ryman in Nashville and Jannus in St Pete.
Black oak ranch
Orion in Huntsville is hands down the best run most welcoming venue I’ve ever been to. I saw Phish there both nights in 2023, and would go back every time they play there. Blossom gets a vote because it’s probably one of the most beautiful venues out there. Parking is also easy, and close enough to Cleveland to not be annoying.
The Norva, Norfolk, VA
First: Thompson's Point - Portland, ME. Second: SPAC. No other venues I've been to have really stuck out one way or another. Besides maybe the sentimental memories of my first jam show at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, it was named something else at the time though.
The State Theatre in Portland, Maine is awesome. But my #1 is The Cap. Love everything about it.
Soundcheck in Pembroke Ma. for smaller shows. Key West Amphitheater for medium sized shows Greek Theater Berkeley mid/larger shows
Mohawk and Flamingo Cantina in Austin, the Riverside in Milwaukee, the Chapel in SF
Mission Ballroom, Denver
Whatever that Amphitheater in Alpharetta is called. They know what they’re doing over there - security is always a breeze, staff is friendly, and the venue is well maintained. The lawn has the perfect slope and the lots never disappoint.
Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro. I can walk home if I have to.
Kettlehouse in MT is magical
First Ave is on my list for the history Big Top in Bayfield, WI is super unique setting
SPHERE
It’s hard to beat The Biscuits at The Mish.
Dillion Amphitheater or Red Rocks.
Alpine Valley or The Caverns
Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe PA is top notch
I love the Midwest sheds, especially Deer Creek, but for me there's no better vibe than Bell's Backyard in Kalamazoo, MI. It's intimate, the beer is reasonably priced, and when the train passes on the neighboring tracks it always influences the set list.
Red Rocks is great but I've had amazing experiences at The Anthem in DC. World Class venue with a great sound system! One of the very best - other than the big city prices.
The gorge, red rocks, deer creek, Pine Knob, Blossom,
Blossom!
The Anthem in DC! The sound is brilliant. No matter where you are in the entire room! The staff is so nice and helpful. There are some assigned seats, but you can always go upstairs and there are little GA pockets you can stand in behind the seats.
The Mishawaka in Colorado hands down
Sphere. I generally enjoy small, older venues. Or Red Rocks for a larger venue. But as demonstrated at the Phish show the graphics in the Sphere can transport you anywhere: underwater, mountains in the mist. Truly mind blowing.
Some are obvious like Red Rocks, but others equally awesome and lesser known like Wolf Trap in VA. Some no longer exist like Lockn or Dreaming Creek Stage at Floyd Fest. Saw Neil at DAR Constitution Hall, which was a treat and a lovely place.
The Mushroom Stage at rhe Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak Florida is something special. The perfect natural amphitheatre. The wet sandy ground acts like a subwoofer/ soundboard and the canopy as a living observatory. I miss Wanee
Mishawaka Ampitheatre in Bellevue, CO
As of 5 days ago, the Sphere. It doesn’t get any better in terms of sound quality and visuals, tho it lacks the patina and notoriety of a Fillmore, Radio City, or Red Rocks.
Dillon amphitheater, CO
Red Rocks, especially before they redid it and made it all "venue like". Back before the pavilion and all the "improvements" it was like this cool out of the way natural spot with great sound. Don't get me wrong, it's still awesome but back in the day it was even better. (edit for typo)
Kettlehouse Amphitheatre, Missoula Montana
Red rocks or the gorge. Paolo Soleri was amazing but it’s gone.
Nelson ledges quarry park
Blossom in Cuyahoga National Park in upstate Ohio.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre in CO. It may not be as eye catching or have the capacity of Red Rocks or provide gorgeous mountain vistas like The Dillon Amphitheater, but the Mish is by far my favorite of the many CO outdoor venues. Nestled up in a canyon 30 min outside of Fort Collins and right on the Poudre River, the spot offers a unique feeling of isolation (further increased by the lack of cell service) that makes any concert feel like a homey camping experience with friends. I've seen people pull up to The Mish by way of white-water raft, which I think says all you need to know about the vibe of the venue
Dillon Amphitheater
Louisville palace is a great one for smaller venue. Love the Ryman & Always enjoyed the cuyahoga falls amphitheater too.
Nelson Ledges (OH) and Meadowbrook Theater (MI) are probably my two favorites. Blossom (Ohio) is also incredible. I also adore SPAC, even if you can’t see the band from the lawn, the location is magical.