What are the iconic music venues?

[stooped]

Newly retired, not many good years left due to health, and loving the venues as much as the shows . I've done most all the venues in NOLA (except the Jazzfest riverboat), Nashville,Seattle,San Francisco and Detroit. The 3 Fox theaters, Carneghie Hall, London Palladium but not yet Royal Albert Hall. Just was at Red Rocks. Some memorable festivals with special scenery like Santa Cruz Blues and Telluride and Hardy Strictly. Thinking about the cave where they do bluegrass and maybe the Hollywood Bowl. Believe me when I say I'm most grateful for all we've done so far. So...where else? Outside the U.S? Cruises? By the way, my doodle ate my original bucket list and it had more ideas that I can't remember.

[20/20]

Capitol Hill in Washington DC. There is so much song and dance.

[stooped]

I'm past my punk rock angst phase. Maybe they should all go to a show at Kennedy Center (or Ford Theatre?)

[Lit]

Definitely Hollywood Bowl.

Newport Folk Festival.

[Marignygregg]

In Chicago.

The Auditorium Theatre
Chicago Theatre
Civic Opera House

[smallyak49]

Definitely catch a show at Hollywood Bowl. I have not been, but all my friends who have been to the Gorge say it is Amazing. I assume since you said you covered Seattle, you have been there though. Being someone that grew up in NY, I must add Radio City Music Hall and Bowery Ballroom as well. Metro in Chicago some people consider Iconic, but maybe only people from Chicago lol.

I have only been to a couple of shows and one festival out of America. The festival was Primavera Sound in Barcelona, and it was incredible. Probably the best fest not named New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival that I have been to lol. Regarding international venues, of the ones I have been to, there are 2 that stand out and that I will always remember. First was this really old (1800s I believe) circus house in Stockholm that now mainly hosts concerts, with cool art, architecture and great sound! I believe it is called Cirkus. The other one was to me a once in a lifetime experience, as I got to see one of my all time favorite bands (Radiohead) in Lyon France at this venue called Théâtre antique de Lyon. It was a theater built partially in 15 BC and partially in the 2nd century, per wikipedia and confirmed by a tour guide in Lyon. Images of the theater in the daytime and of the radiohead show below.

[Captain Twister]

Hard to beat the Acropolis...

[tuggernuts]

The Mushroom Stage at Spirit of the Sewanee Music Park.

https://ibb.co/Z2TwBq0

[tuggernuts]

Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Thinking about the cave where they do bluegrass and maybe the Hollywood Bowl.

I've never been but here is info for The Caverns in TN. About 70 miles from Nashville.

https://thecaverns.com/

[fesstgeek]

The Green Mill in Chicago, a jazz club dating from before (and during) Prohibition. Al Capone hung out there.

[halley8]

Santa Barbra Bowl
Palace in Louisville

[chopitulas]

I have always said the top three still going venues for me are The Fillmore in SF, Tipitina's and the Continental Club in Austin based on the quality of experience I have had there. The Saenger and the Warfield also mean a lot to me, as well as Slim's and the Great American Music Hall in SF. And you have to include the Greek Theater in Berkeley. (I will admit Tipitina's is really not what it once was but, like the Fillmore, you can't deny its importance given who has played there.)

And, truth be told, the Fairgrounds would qualify, too. Despite changes in booking/atmosphere, it remains a wonderful venue for a festival.

[MormonMatthew]

I have been blessed with having had the chance to see 40+ shows at Red Rocks over the years (Van Morrison, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Neville Brothers, Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, Radiators, George Clinton & P-Funk, Galactic, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, etc.) and that is one place that NEVER gets old.

The Gorge is a stunning venue, (been there several times, including 2 nights at a triple billed show featuring Bob Dylan, Van Morrison & Joni Mitchell which was awesome), of but it is just too far away from civilization, so you either need to make arrangements to camp overnight, or be prepared to drive the nearly 3 hours back to either Seattle or Portland.

[Mo Man]

A few years ago, after returning from Europe yet again, I was asked if I had been to all 50 states yet. I hadn't, so I decided to see concerts in all 50 states. Still have five to go. Anyway, I'll mention some of my favorites and what I saw to give you an idea of what acts play there.

First, Europe quickly: #1. Dahalla, Sweden (https://www.dalhalla.se/en/om-dalhalla/). Venue is a former quarry. Hard to get to, but worth it. I saw Swedish band The Sounds, but acts like Neil Young, John Fogerty, etc have played there. Other great places. The PARADISO in Amsterdam ( Gregg Allman, George Clinton's P-Funk ), Royal Albert Hall in London ( Eric Clapton ), will see Clapton and Friends Ginger Baker Tribute at Eventim Apollo in Feb., so I can report back on that venue later. WHELAN's in Dublin is a good smaller joint ( Badly Drawn Boy).

Now my favorite spots in the U.S. ( many great ones have already been mentioned ) - I won't name every state, because I still have five to see shows in and some places were good but standard concert affair.
ARKANSAS ( Fayetteville ) - GEORGE'S MAJESTIC is a great venue ( Reverend Horton Heat/Red Elvises ).
CALIFORNIA - ( I still have to hit San Fran, so Fillmore of course, but in L.A. ) - HOLLYWOOD BOWL for sure, ( Jeff Lynne's ELO) and The TROUBADOUR ( Joseph Arthur ).
COLORADO (Denver ) - Must hit RED ROCKS ( Jackson Browne, Head & The Heart ), Bluebird and Cervantes are nice, but OPHELIA'S ELECTRIC SOAPBOX has been one of my favorite stops in the U.S. Saw Orgy of Rhythym, a Motet, Eddie Roberts of NMS mash-up.
FLORIDA - I'm always partial to The GREEN PARROT in Key West. Great hang with Honey Island Swamp Band there a few years ago.
GEORGIA - ( Atlanta ) - The TABERNACLE is fantastic ( Sting ), EARL's ( JD McPhearson ) is another great stop. In (Athens, GA) -The GEORGIA THEATER ( Joseph ) and 40 Watt Club.
ILLNOIS - ( Chicago ) - CHICAGO THEATER is a must stop ( Tedeschi Trucks Band ), BUDDY GUY's LEGENDS ( Buddy Guy with Earl Slick drop in ). My other two favorite stops are CALIFORNIA CLIPPER and the amazing GREEN MILL LOUNGE ( which someone already mentioned ) One of my favorite bars.
IOWA - ( Clear Lake ) - First visit Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Big Bopper's crash site in the corn fields and then hit the historic SURF BALLROOM ( The Wallfowers, Beter Than Ezra ). There's an updated sound and light systems, but not much else has changed there since the 50's. Great museum attached to venue. Must stop on history of Rock and Roll tour !
KENTUCKY - LOUISVILLE PALACE ( Jason Isbell / Josh Ritter ) - This beautiful Theater is worth a stop.
LOUISIANA - Everything and very place in New Orleans, but you all already know that ! My favorite music city ( where I lived for short time ).
MINNEASOTA - ( Minneapolis ) - Must stops included FIRST AVENUE and BUNKERs music Bar & Grill. Also saw a show at Prince's PAISLEY PARK, which occasionally has shows.
MISSOURI - ( Kansas City ) - UPTOWN THEATER ( Amos Lee / Leon Bridges ) is nice, but better and smaller is the GREEN LADY LOUNGE. A great Jazz Club !
NEW JERSEY- Most shows will be in Atlantic City, but I hate shows in Casinos; so I won't mention any. Instead try BOARDWALK HALL on the AC Boardwalk ( The Who ). Also in NJ, try COUNT BASIE THEATER in Red Bank ( Steely Dan ). For a small hideaway spot that sometimes has good shows is The VAULT at Victor Records (U.S. Rails) in Berlin, NJ. You'll get some the phonograph's history there. The BB&T PAVILION in Camden, NJ has a great view of Philadelphia (otherwise not a favorite place of mine. Full disclosure - I live in Philly, so too many acts to mention that I've seen there). A great time to go there is in July for XPN Festival, which starts next door at Wiggins Park and finishes in the evening at BB&T. It's always the same weekend as the Newport Folk Festival in RI and usually features many of the same acts. You can go the XPN fest on day and then drive to Newport Folk fest the next or vice versa.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - In Portsmouth during the summer, go to PRESCOTT PARK for free concerts ( normally an $8 suggested donation though ). Nice park along the river and great summer shows. I saw Iron & Wine and Aaron Neville. Line ups are always impressive and beautifully town to see.
NEW YORK - ( Woodstock ) - LEVON HELM's BARN ( Amy Helm ) is a must stop of music lovers. in (NYC), the BEACON Theater is an absolute must visit and one of my top spots on U.S. tour. Was there this past Monday for Sting's Rainforest show with his pals Springsteen, Mellencamp, James Taylor, Blondie, Eurythmics and more. In March, Love Rocks NYC takes place. Last year it features R. Plant, S, Crow, Hozier, M. Stalpes, Heart, B, Guy, Taj Mahal, Marcus King, Ken Mo, and many more. Just go to The Beacon for any show. And if you like jazz, hit Village Vanguard and/or Blue Note in the Village.
NORTH CAROLINA - ( Asheville ) Orange Peel ( Rusted Root) and they sometimes have concerts at the Biltmore Estate, which would be a great place to see a show; so look out for events there.
OHIO - After you visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, if it's summer try JACOB's PAVILION ( John Fogerty ) for small outdoor venue with nice views of the city.
OKLAHOMA - ( Tulsa ) - CAIN's BALLROOM is the place and a must see stop for anyone into music history. They call it the Home of Bob Wills. I took in a Allstar tribute to Leon Russell there. Every time I wear my Cain's t-shirt to a concert somewhere else, the artist I went to see stop me to talk about Cain's ! While in Tulsa, must stop, only a few blocks from Cain's, is the Woody Guthrie Center. Highly recommend a visit.
OREGON - Portland is a great music and BEER town ! Some nice venues include DANTE's ( Marshall Crenshaw w/Los Straitjackts ), DOUG FIR LOUNGE, Star and Crystal Ballroom.
PENNSYLVANIA - ( Bethlehem ) - STEEL STACKS ( Ben Folds ) is a great outdoor venue well worth a visit. The old steel mill looks amazing lit up at night ! ( Philadelphia ) I live in Philly across the street from Underground Arts venue and blocks from UNION TRANSFER ( Galactic, Old 97's Indie rock ). Union would be one of my top spots. For smaller and hip, try Johnny Brendas ( local and smaller touring bands like War on Drugs and Andy Frasco,). For smaller yet and out-of-the way, hard to find, go to Dawson Street Pub in Manyunk section of the city. You never know who you'll meet at the bar. Most people in there are musicians. The D has hosted walk-ins like Eddie Roberts, Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, Charlie Sexton and hosted nights with Amos Lee, Anderson East, National Reserve etc.
RHODE ISLAND - Newport Folk Fest is a must. Newport Jazz Fest is a week after the Folk weekend. If you go to Jazz Fest, you should go to this one as well.
SOUTH CAROLINA - City alone is worth the visit, but for music POUR HOUSE ( New Mastersounds - thanks Eddie for the hospitality !) and Music Farm probably the top spots.
TEXAS -( Austin ) My favorite was the CONTINENTAL CLUB ( Dale Watson, Hotclub for Cowtown ). Also tour and then see show at The Moody THEater, home of Austin Cute Limits TV show. Stubbs is another top spot and of course Bob Schneider's Lonelyland at Saxon's Pub. Many great spots in Austin, my second favorite music city after NOLA.
TENNESSE - (McMinnville) - The CAVERNS is a bucket list type of venue. Amazing ! A must visit for sure ! I have to go again, because from what I understand ,they have switched the Cavern. I went to a PBS taping with St Paul & Brokens Bones, Lone Bellow, The Suffers and JJ Grey and Mofro in the Volcano room. I believe there is a new venue area now.
(Memphis) Memphis is more about the music tours than venues for me. Graceland, Sun Studios, Gibson, Stax etc. Take in a show on Beale or elsewheand take the tours.
( Nashville ) RYMAN THEATER is the first and top stop for me ( Dr, Dog, Grand Ole Opry ) and a place any music lover should see. The STATION INN for Bluegrass music and Bluebird for songwriters. Just took in The Last Waltz with Robbie Robertson last month at Bridgestone Arena. Great show, but standard hockey arena.
UTAH - Another one of my favorite venues on my tour has been O.P. ROCKWELL'S ( Turkuaz ) in Park City. They thought of everything in this venue. Super cozy and great site lines, relaxing areas. It had it all !
VIRGINIA - The NORVA ( Squeeze ) in Norfolk is a nice spot as is the National in Richmond is also nice.
WISCONSIN - Pabst Theater and Shank Hall (named after Spinal Tap ) in Milwaukee are nice, but I'd recommend The MAJESTIC THEATER ( New Pornogrphers ) in Madison for shows first.
WYOMING - (Jackson Hole ) Beautiful scenery. In March, Jackson Hole have ' spring break ' shows. On Friday night ,the show is held in the town square ( I saw The Mavericks ), then on Saturday, the shows are held a short bus ride away, at the Teton Ski area with the mountains in the background. ( I saw Micheal Franti & Spearhead and Portugal The Man ). Each year the bands are different. Best part is that the shows are FREE!!!

Happy traveling and enjoy retirement !