Whether you’re an artist or a dedicated fan, tours can take you to cities you’ve never been to before. Check out our team’s picks for their favorite local venues and artists, as well as places they think you should visit if you happen to find yourself there for a show.
Phoenix, Arizona
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“Arizona Financial Theatre, The Van Buren.”
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“Arizona Science Center, the ‘Her Secret is Patience’ sculpture on ASU Downtown Campus, Via Della pizza across the street from The Van Buren (really good crispy pizza, punk rock vibes), Harumi sushi (not all you can eat, upscale sushi and Japanese dishes, and fun unique cocktails), and First & Last (Italian-American cuisine, great cocktails, and a speakeasy downstairs).”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Park on the street just south of the venue on 5th and Monroe. If you get there early, you can get a meter and save yourself a bunch of money. There’s also a big free parking garage at 7th Ave and Van Buren. Enter from either 7th Avenue or Adams Street and go past government buildings to reach the large parking garage on the northwest side of the lot—parking is unrestricted.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“Ashley O'Mara—https://_slpashley.500px.photography/;
Brittany Lee—https://bleephotoaz.format.com/livemusic”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"Benja—@benjajams on Instagram. Gives Led Zeppelin vibes, improv jam, funky and groovy; the closest genre is probably rock, but it’s hard to categorize their stuff.
Bad Cactus Brass Band—@badcactusaz on Instagram. New Orleans-style brass band, funky, groovy, very engaging, some originals and some covers with their own twist, popular protest band.
Metropolis Man—@themetropolisman on Instagram. Folk soul, rock n' roll, and some indie vibes.”
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“Ease of parking, it feels safe to walk at night, sound quality is great, and good seats no matter where you are. Van Buren has an upper level where you can either sit or stand; the lower level is standing room only and spacious, and they have a good mix of artists. AZ Financial Theatre is much larger, with a big GA section, several levels of seats above, and bigger acts.”
By Brittany Lee
Denver, Colorado
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“Fillmore Auditorium, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom (all Denver).”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Fillmore is one of the largest venues in Denver; it's a large ballroom that holds lots of standing room from front to back and has a completely free deck to sit down in a stadium style on the second floor backside. The best place to watch is on the side, first-floor decks, but you have to get there early to get a good spot on the rail. Cervantes is the same thing: lots of standing room and little-to-no VIP areas and a completely free second deck, but you must get there early to get a good spot on the second deck.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“ndimagery.myportfolio.com & @nd.imagery (Instagram), I have a large category of photo/video coverage for numerous artists and love doing art for artists! If they have a larger budget, there's a good photographer/videographer, Frankie Zarantonello (@franki3lee on Instagram), who works for a really good company called Butter Creations. They deal with major artists and are extremely experienced in big business here in Denver.”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
“The Speeks are an awesome, local indie band located out of Boulder.”
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“The amount of room/space/seats available is second to none. I've gone to multiple concerts in numerous cities, and I haven't experienced this amount of venues with so many views and areas to see your favorite artists. Red Rocks is THE most gorgeous venue I've ever experienced. Being able to see the sun go down over the city while the openers warm you up and then viewing your favorite artist with the best sound system in the country, in front of a lit-up Denver, is AMAZING!”
Anything else you'd like to add?
“See the openers! Denver is a hub for major artists of all sorts of genres to come through, and they always schedule great openers. I've discovered some amazing up-and-coming artists from any genre just by showing up an hour or two before the headliners!”
Maryland/Washington, DC
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"Baltimore, MD: CFG Bank Arena, Power Plant Live!, Pier Six Pavilion
Columbia, MD: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Silver Spring, MD: The Fillmore
Washington, DC: The Anthem, 9:30 Club, Capital One Arena
Bristow, VA: Jiffy Lube Live"
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“Lots of restaurants around all the Maryland and DC venues—too many to name!”
By Mads Pae
Worcester, Massachusetts (Boston area)
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
The Palladium—Worcester, Massachusetts; Mohegan Sun—Uncasville, Connecticut; MGM Music Hall, Fenway—Boston, Massachusetts.
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
Worcester, Massachusetts, has Birchtree for great breakfast and coffee. Mohegan Sun is a casino with everything. MGM Music Hall is right next to iconic Fenway Park.
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Mohegan Sun is free parking; any seat is a good seat. MGM: I usually street park, but there are lots of paid garages around. MGM has standing room on the floor, and balcony seating is great everywhere. The Palladium has street parking and a couple of lots nearby. The floor is great, but it gets overcrowded.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“Me!”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
“I admittedly am not hip with the local scene, but for country, I’d say Chris Shelby.”
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“Mohegan Sun is great for large acts with great seating. MGM makes you feel so close, and The Palladium makes it feel like a small venue and more intimate.”
By Justin Lawson
Southern New Jersey (near Glassboro)
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"The Fillmore—Philadelphia, PA
House of Independents—Asbury Park, NJ
The Stone Pony—Asbury Park, NJ
Union Transfer—Philadelphia, PA"
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
"Philadelphia, PA—Historic District, Penn’s Landing, Graffiti Pier, South Street, Tattooed Mom (bar), Doom (bar/smaller venue).
Asbury Park, NJ—Asbury Park Boardwalk, Cookman Ave (lots of great restaurants and mom & pop shops)."
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
"Always bring cash/change for the lots and street parking; there are some lots right next to The Fillmore, but they fill up quickly.
All the venues are standing room/GA, so it’s best to get there early because the earlier, the better!"
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"NJ bands:
shutter—“kinda rock/emo”; alternative/indie
twomoonsaway—“recommended for nighttime use”; indie rock
buffout—post-hardcore
the haunting—“alternative medicine”; emo alternative
PA:
close drive—indie rock"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“The Stony Pony and House of Independents are both great hubs for the local Jersey music scene. The Fillmore is a chain venue but still is an amazing place for big and small talent to perform. There is a chandelier that hangs from the ceiling, which I think is pretty cool, especially when the lights hit it during a show.”
By Olivia Parker
Albany, New York
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"Empire Live/Empire Underground, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)."
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
"Alias Coffee and Wizard Burger (vegan) for Empire Live in Albany. SPAC is in the Saratoga Spa State Park, which has beautiful scenery. Downtown Saratoga has a lot of good cafes and stores like SPoT Coffee, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Candy Co., etc."
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
"If it's a sold-out show (or close to sold out) at Empire Live, be sure to get there early for parking or a decent spot in line. SPAC usually has a lot of parking, whether premium parking by the venue or a grass lot across the street."
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
Kylie Spinelli, Elisa Ebersold, Hilary Crannage-Gallina, KT Miller.
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"Man Must Explore, New Monarchy, Arrow Through Me, E.R.I.E. (alt-rock/indie punk)
KAKOS (rock/metal)
Lucid Street (rock)
Lennox (pop)"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
"Around the corner from Empire Live is Empire Underground, where smaller artists usually play. It has a laid-back, intimate vibe, and a lot of artists that play there love to stick around and interact with fans at the merch table after the show."
By Gabby Groves
Rochester, New York
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
Blue Cross Arena, Kodak Center, Water Street Music Hall.
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“Strong Museum of Play, Memorial Art Gallery, Strasenburgh Planetarium, Dinosaur BBQ, Dogtown (restaurant).”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Parking—get there as early as possible for the best spots (sometimes free on-street parking).”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“Sean Maciejewski—https://skmconcertphotography.com”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“Blue Cross is the largest venue with about 12,000, Kodak Center is about 2,000, and Water Street is about 1,000 in capacity.”
Anything else?
“Got to try a local food favorite when in town...The Garbage Plate!”
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"1. White Rabbit Pub (3030 Fort Bragg Rd)
2. Paddy’s Irish Public House (Raeford Rd)
3. The Warehouse (310 Hope Mills Rd)"
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
"Within 10 minutes of the venues, you have downtown Fayetteville with several cool points of interest.
1. The Vagabond Cafe & Rude Awakening coffee shop
2. Veterans Park & Airborne and Special Operations Museum
3. A notable restaurant is Anchor Allie’s (1204 Bragg Blvd)—a military-themed retro diner fit with delicious breakfast and lunch foods, mimosas, ‘man-mosas’ (vodka and orange juice), great coffee, and a friendly atmosphere."
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Parking can be tight, but venues and surrounding businesses usually accommodate.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
"1. Luminary Photography (@Lvminaryphxtxgraphy on Instagram)—Zaylie Jasieowski focuses on high-definition photography of live shows and events throughout the local North Carolina scene.
2. Jordan Fuller (@Jordan_Fuller on Instagram)—focuses on live show events and promo pictures and dissects using photo editing to bring photographs to life.
3 RoxyOriginalsPhotography (@RoxyOriginalArts on Instagram)
4. Bria Johnson Photography (@Deviantbria92 on Instagram)—High-definition photos, and is very playful and intelligent on angles and colors from live shows.”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"1. Vagabönds (Nü-Deathcore)
- Thus Spoke (2000s-era Metalcore)
3. Ethris (Metal)
- Crooked Cult (Thrash Metal)
5. Militia2Six (Punk)
- Fear State (Rock n’ Roll)
7. Morior (Metal)"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“White Rabbit Pub is a favorite; they’re a small venue that is a community bringer and has been rooted in the town for local acts for years. They strive to build this form of unity amongst the scene, creating events and charity shows for good causes, and it is a very welcoming place to visit and play at.”
Kernersville, North Carolina
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"Closest is Greensboro, NC. We have a brand new venue called The Pyrle that I'm excited about (850-1000 cap), and we have First Horizon Coliseum (22k cap) and Piedmont Hall (2300 cap) as well."
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“A bar and arcade called Boxcar, and a cat cafe called The Crooked Tail.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“ME—@darkbloomcreative and darkbloomcreative.org”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
“Water Culture (emo/post-hardcore)”
Raleigh, North Carolina
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"Chapel of Bones—Raleigh, NC
Reggies—Wilmington, NC (about 2 hrs. from Raleigh)
The Underground—Charlotte, NC (about 3 hrs. from Raleigh)"
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
"Chapel of Bones in Raleigh is a coffee shop during the day hours, and they sell coffee during shows as well! Next door to the venue is Trophy, a brewery that also makes really good pizza! It is common for food trucks to be outside of the venue as well. The venue is a short drive (maybe 10-15 mins) away from downtown Raleigh, which has numerous restaurants and museums to explore.
I have not spent any extra time in the areas of the other two venues that I listed aside from attending the shows. I do know that Wilmington has a tight-knit community, and there are many restaurants and bars a short drive away from the venue, though none that I can say I have been to. The Underground is near some walkable places for food that are decent. They are usually trendy places, though, so it can be a bit pricey. If you want to go to Waffle House after a show at The Underground...it is virtually impossible. I have attempted several times; don't try. All of the Waffle Houses in the area are window order only, and some of them close for the night too."
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
"Chapel of Bones has a small parking lot. Unless you get there early, you will be parking on the street. Parking is free in the lot and on the street, but be mindful of the signs and park accordingly, because they will tow on that street!
Reggies in Wilmington also has a small lot, but there is plenty of free street parking around the venue as well. I never have an issue with parking there!
The Underground in Charlotte is bad for parking, not gonna lie. There is plenty of it, but you have to pay for it. I have seen it range from $11 to $40 depending on the artists playing that night. I also usually try to leave before the last song ends so I don't have to sit in a ton of traffic trying to get out of the lots."
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
"Chapel of Bones:
Me, Austin Spruill (@gingymayne), Courtney Breen (@chewing.glass)
Reggies:
Me, Lacey Lammonds (@laceslensphotography), De'Andre Hansley (@beauty_beyond_the_beholder)
The Underground:
The owner of MSM (Mel), Brian Krahe (@briankrahephotography)"
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"Chapel of Bones:
Krosis (technical death metal), Death of a Tyrant (deathcore), Flesh Feeder (extreme metal), Ireveri (metalcore)
Reggies:
EscapeVelocity (progressive metal), Prone (progressive metal), Donneybrook NC (deathcore), Shallow Signals (metalcore)
The Underground:
Laniidae (metalcore), Wiltwither (metalcore), Egocide (twang/swampcore/slam hardcore)"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
"Chapel of Bones and Reggies are both very inclusive places. They will have a crowd at any show! And a lot of the people that show up usually don't even need to know who is playing; they are just there for a fun time.
The Underground is one of the bigger venues in NC for touring regional and national bands."
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
"The Fillmore, Brooklyn Bowl, Theatre of Living Arts."
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
"Brooklyn Bowl and The Fillmore are right next to each other, so there is a nice cafe called Mamajuana Cafe. The Theatre of Living Arts is right on South Street, so there are a lot of food options like pizza, cheesesteaks, and more.”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Find street parking. Parking in Philadelphia is expensive.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“Me. https://mcintyr3media.myportfolio.com/”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"Bleary Eyed—Shoegaze
Special Hug—Indie
Humilitarian—Indie Rock"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
York, Pennsylvania
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“Capital City Music Hall and Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center in Harrisburg, PA; Mickey’s Black Box in Lititz, PA.”
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“In Harrisburg, there are tons of great restaurants in the city—one being directly across from Capital City Music Hall named Lovedraft’s Brewing Company, a great spot to eat and enjoy music. Mickey’s Black Box has a few food options around, including Fetish Brewing Company and also Hotel Rock Lititz, all right on campus.”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center is primarily street parking, but bands often get front-row availability. There is a parking garage close to Capital City Music Hall, but garage parking can be a bit pricey as a heads-up—otherwise it is street parking. For Mickey’s Black Box, there is ample off-street parking directly at the venue with side stage access for on/offloading.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
"There are multiple phenomenal photographers I’ve gotten to meet in and across these areas. Definitely recommend checking all of their styles out and seeing which one you vibe with the most!
Matthew Thompson (house photographer @ Mickey’s)
Ian Mimnall (currently touring thru mid-March)
There are SO many I don’t have listed. 🥲”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
“Behead the Betrayer—Deathcore/Slam
Casual Cruelty—Metalcore
Elsewhere—Progressive/Post-Hardcore
Defiant—Punk/Hard Rock
Lives Lost—Alternative Metal
Making a Mockery—Progressive/Metalcore
Morimvr—Djent/Metal
Samaritan Snare—Progressive/Post Hardcore"
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
"Capital City Music Hall and Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center both have 2 sized stages for artists of all shapes and sizes—which I find can be a make or break for whether an artist ends up coming thru to a city (and they also have great brews/drinks).
Mickey’s Black Box is a fairly large venue with a great sound & light crew—literally some of the best stage crew people I have met. It’s definitely my favorite local venue period to be at.”
By Taylor Bandy
Columbia, South Carolina
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“The Colonial Life Arena, The Township Auditorium, The Senate, and New Brookland Tavern.”
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“If you're planning to spend the day in town during the summer, tubing down the Saluda River is a great way to beat the heat and takes about 4 hours.”
Dallas, Texas
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“House of Blues, South Side Ballroom, The Bomb Factory.”
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“For any venue in Deep Ellum, Serious Pizza is an incredible place to get a massive slice after a concert (open till 3 am). There are also a lot of fun bars like Reno’s, Three Links, Tree’s (smaller music venues and bars), Twilite Lounge, etc.”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
“The venue parking lots are always ridiculously expensive. Usually if you can find a parking garage nearby, it’s a little cheaper.”
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
“Hayley Knight—Instagram: @hayley_knight”
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
“They are decent sized but still feel intimate.”
San Antonio, Texas
Name 1-3 venues in or near your city that you go to frequently.
“The Rock Box, Paper Tiger, The Starlighter—San Antonio, TX; Come and Take It Live—Austin, TX."
Are there any quick stops (like sculptures, monuments, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) within a short distance of the venue(s)?
“Gravves Coffee, Curry Boys BBQ, and Demo’s Greek Food by Paper Tiger. Sunset Brews for coffee and drinks, which is on a strip with local businesses that include food, virtual reality gaming, and tabletop gaming next to The Starlighter.”
Do you have any tips for your venue(s) or surrounding areas?
"Park off of Ashby Street next to the Paper Tiger. Parking lot behind Panadería Jiménez for The Starlighter. Parking garage behind Sage off of W Chestnut Street. $10 all-day parking next to The Rock Box."
If an artist was looking for a local photographer to shoot their show or take promo photos, who would you recommend?
Space Ranger Music Photography
Or all three! We usually work the same shows together. 🫶"
If an artist was looking for a local opening act in your city, who would you recommend?
"Roshii, mypilotis, The Frog & Bandit, Honeybunny—indie rock
et al—progressive rock
Left IV Dead—metal”
Do you have a favorite thing about your venue(s) that sets them apart from other venues?
"Lighting and stage space—The Rock Box
Small intimate stage—The Starlighter
Classic venue, courtyard, and indoor area for hanging out and merch setups; it has two stages and usually holds two bills at the same time—Paper Tiger.
Come and Take It Live—upstairs viewing area”
Anything else you'd like to add?
"Best after-hours food to get in San Antonio:
Ramen—Cherrity Bar
Ramen, curry, noodles—Kimura
Burgers—Burger Boy
Coffee—Gravves Coffee
Places to hang out—Japanese Tea Gardens
Mall—Wonderland Mall"
By Ryan Cagle
