What are the iconic music venues?

[Molo]

Wellfleet Beachcomber better get there soon before it falls into the sea

[BostonDavid]

Wellfleet Beachcomber better get there soon before it falls into the sea

"The 'Coma" is certainly iconic, if a bit gritty and sometimes a meat market. Also catch a show at the Payomet tent in Truro. Payomet hasn't been around long enough to be iconic but it's a unique venue and they get terrific listings. The 'Coma and Payomet together make for a nice summer trip!

[swag]

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.

Heck of a first post. Welcome Mo Man!

[redelman]

Eddie Vedder throws a yearly small festival in Dana Point California at a park on the beach. It's late September. About 35k attend over three days. Eddy invites current headliner acts as well as performers who rarely venture out any more but answer his call. Big treat is he joins some of them on stage for a few songs. It's very intimate, he does an acoustic set. You get there early, lay down your towel near the larger of two stages, and wander around. Park, Beach, sun, festival beach attire. Very special happy vibe on and off the stage. Watching female big name performers crush on Eddy during duets is a sight to behold.

https://www.ohanafest.com/

I'd also recommend South Florida. From Miami to Palm Beach area there are a over a dozen concert and performing arts venues, built by culture loving communities. During the winter season, December through April. there are hundreds of concerts. Last year I was in Fort Lauderdale and was less than an hour from all of them. Standout venues include Kravis Center https://www.kravis.org/, Broward Center https://www.browardcenter.org/, Arsht Center https://www.arshtcenter.org/

[funkkjunkie]

Stooped, thanks for one of my favorite threads we've had in a long time! I love traveling for music. I got to experience Telluride and their jazz festival this past August and do some cannabis shopping at the same time! Epic 2 week road trip. Also I returned to Spirit of Suwanee Music Park for the first year of Suwanee Rising last April. I always love the first year of a fest because it's small and cozy and SR didn't disappoint. It returns in mid April, the weekend before the jazzfest. I agree with Tugs the Mushroom Stage is a favorite. Plus you can walk up the road just before dusk to see the bats do their thing. I don't camp anymore but there's a hotel 10 minutes away.

[funkkjunkie]

Yes to Hollywood Bowl and Lettuce has played the Caverns twice now. Or will be playing their second time soon. Also if you're in Pensacola, Florida, (my favorite spot along the gulf), visit Paradise Inn for music-outdoors with sand under your feet and the bay right next to you. Mo Man, welcome! Love your list and your goal. I think I'm going to make a list and see how many states I've covered. I also love Ophelia's in Denver -- that stage backdrop is awesome! I visit George's several times a year since I'm an Arkie.

[funkkjunkie]

If you want to hit a small blues festival, Kenny Brown's Picnic is a good one. But it's around the 4th of July. In the South. So it's usually miserably hot. While you're there, check out Clarksdale and Red's Juke Joint and Cathead Music and Art.

[MormonMatthew]

The PARADISO in Amsterdam (Gregg Allman, George Clinton's P-Funk)

Due to extreme "Jet Lag" (yeah, that's right, Jet Lag) I have the dubious distinction of accidently nodding off and sleeping thru of a substantial part of The Radiators' show at Paradiso sometime back in 2000 or 2001. Not one of my finer moments, but I was as absolutely physically exhausted as I can ever remember being, and I somehow found a place to sit for a moment or two in the back, and within a few seconds, well, that was that.

As luck would have it, I just last week grabbed tickets to see Los Lobos back there this coming May, so I will be on my guard against a repeat performance.

[Headless Hornman]

Due to extreme "Jet Lag" (yeah, that's right, Jet Lag) I have the dubious distinction of accidently nodding off and sleeping thru of a substantial part of The Radiators' show at Paradiso sometime back in 2000 or 2001. Not one of my finer moments, but I was as absolutely physically exhausted as I can ever remember being, and I somehow found a place to sit for a moment or two in the back, and within a few seconds, well, that was that.
.

I had a similar experience though it was only a brief nap at the Warfield during the original Meters reunion in 2000. It was jet lag, no quotes.

[MormonMatthew]

I had a similar experience though it was only a brief nap at the Warfield during the original Meters reunion in 2000. It was jet lag, no quotes.

Paul, that is surreal.

In a lifetime of travelling to hear live music, (getting on a plane, successfully navigating a distant city, finding the venue and going into the show only to crash during the actual performance) that has only ever happened twice, once in A'Dam at the aforementioned Radiators gig, with the second time being at the "Original" Meters reunion show at San Francisco's glorious Warfield Theater.

I was Down For The Count for a good 20 minutes during the first set, (although I remember well the obvious initial tension and clear lack of musical chemistry between Leo & Zig and ol' Art , with George seemingly trying to act as a bridge between them all) but my friends eventually knew that no matter how badly my body apparently needed sleep, I would never have forgiven them for not physically rousing me (rather roughly, I recall) and getting me back in the game.

When they finally all musically came together for that epic, joyous, celebratory Second Set, sleep was the last thing on anyone's mind...

[Headless Hornman]

Wow, small world. Did you just fly in from from Utah? We came in from Florida the night before and ran around in SF all day; kicked our ass.

[chopitulas]

Due to extreme "Jet Lag" (yeah, that's right, Jet Lag) I have the dubious distinction of accidently nodding off and sleeping thru of a substantial part of The Radiators' show at Paradiso sometime back in 2000 or 2001. Not one of my finer moments, but I was as absolutely physically exhausted as I can ever remember being, and I somehow found a place to sit for a moment or two in the back, and within a few seconds, well, that was that.

As luck would have it, I just last week grabbed tickets to see Los Lobos back there this coming May, so I will be on my guard against a repeat performance.

The Paradiso is a nice venue though my Amsterdam fav would have to be the Melkweg.

[Mo Man]

I found these two old links that helped me plan some trips to some of the great venues I mentioned in my last long winded post. They are fun to look over at least.

https://www.businessinsider.com/amazing-concert-venues-around-the-world-2015-7#the-ancestral-home-of-the-conyngham-family-and-the-frequent-roaming-grounds-of-king-george-iv-irelands-slane-castle-located-in-county-meath-has-been-staging-concerts-throughout-the-year-since-1981-it-has-hosted-some-of-musics-biggest-names-including-the-rolling-stones-bob-dylan-queen-and-david-bowie-111114

and

https://consequenceofsound.net/2016/04/the-100-greatest-american-music-venues/

[Gards]

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 !

Great stuff

[duende]

I missed the days of the Armadillo (good country music from Amarillo & Abilene), made it to Keystone Corner & Wolfgang's in SF, and I've been to some venues that my memory has elevated beyond the shabby decor/ambience. Some I'd put on the list for the range of listening tastes here:

• Continental Club - Austin (I'd put the Broken Spoke up there, but it's really a dancing hall - not so great to stand'n'listen like we tried to do at a Jr. Brown shoe)
• Gruene Hall - Gruene, TX
• Greek at UC Berkeley
• Mountain Winery in Saratoga (Nevilles + Dr. John show is on my all-time best-10-list)

I'd love to see a similar state-by-state/international list of "listening/player's rooms" for my bucket-list makin', like the Baked-Potato, Max's Kansas City, McCabe's, Ronnie Scott's, etc.