I feel like I've been to a lot of concerts. In fact, I know I have been to a lot of concerts because there are security guards and sound guys that I have on speed dial. And the best part of going to so many shows is discovering the best places in the DC/MD/VA area. Here's my list of the top 10 indie music venues in the area.
10. Sonar (currently extinct): Sonar had two stages, so smaller bands could play in a close setting, while larger bands could rock out on the main stage.
9. Ram's Head Live!: It's large enough for well-established artists, but small enough to track them down for an autograph.
8. U St. Hall: I normally associated this place with being a dance club, but I recently attended a rock show where I was so close to the stage that the lead singer sweat on me.
7. DC9: The concert happens in the attic. You know you want that.
6: Hard Rock Live, Baltimore: Food and music are pretty much the best combination ever. Plus in the summertime, shows happen outside.
5. Empire: It's hard to find, but it's a pretty large space. My favorite part is that they segregate the over and under 21s.
4. Jammin Java: It sounds like a coffee shop, but it's also a great place to get up close and personal with cute band boys. Plus, it's across the street from a Chipotle (score!)
3. RāNBōHRōD: This venue is actually doubles as an art space so it's always covered in paint and artwork, and in between sets, there are cartoons playing on a wall. P.S. This place is so hipster, that for a few months, you couldn't even Google it.
2. 9: 30 Club: They have their own brand of cupcakes. Case closed.
1. Ottobar: Some people honestly think I work there because I'm always in attendance. Not only is there enough space to disrespect your surroundings, but it's also cozy enough to casually bump into your favorite band member/future husband.
Honorable mention:
* Croc Rock (PA): Croc Rock was the first place I met my favorite band, and therefore became a concert junkie. It's a pizza place with a concert venue in the basement. If their door guy were named Jesus, I would honestly think I had been to heaven. Everything from their stained couches to the dim lighting sets the perfect mood to let loose and rock out.
*AMF Westview Lanes: I attended a rock n' bowl at this bowling alley. I'll leave it at that.
This is definitely insighful. I like to find new places to explore and I like live music. I might have to hit one of these spots up. The one across from the chipotle and the one that has their own cupcakes sound like a score lol
ReplyDeleteWow! I only got been to one of these listed places. I always wanted to go to more concerts. I'm bout to start doing research on Beyonce concert.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of most of the places on this list. It does make me want to look more into them. I am a fan of just about all music so I will definitely look at the upcoming acts.
ReplyDeleteA few of the places on this list are in my hometown and I never been. I will be sure to check these places out now.
ReplyDeleteThis is truely insightful. I am always trying to think of fun things to do and new places to go. With my friends we can make any place fun so I would like to check out a few of these places.
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