Bridgeport Amphitheater (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
I think Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater is a really underrated venue in Connecticut, and in New England in general. The sound is always cool there, it’s a great medium size and tickets are never toooooo expensive (given today’s prices). They also do a $29 ticket deal if you buy in the venue for some shows. Lastly, YTG came on at 8:00, Cage came on at 9:25 and played until about 11:00.
District Music Hall (Norwalk, Connecticut)
From “Show Thoughts: Real Estate with Marina Allen, Friday, April 19th, 2024“
The District Music Hall is small and it was close to full for this show, but there was space. There’s a GA area that I would guess fits 200-300 people, and a balcony that fits probably 100 or so. Maybe less. Was pretty quick and easy to get a drink at the bar that’s straight back, centered with the stage. Sound was not fantastic in there, and I’m not some guy who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to proper sound quality in a venue, it just got a little vibrate-ey at times and I just think I’ve heard better at similarly-sized venues like College Street Music Hall in New Haven. It could’ve just been the band’s sound and my sub five star review of the District Music Hall’s sound may be inaccurate, but who knows. It was not a deal breaking problem, however, just a small critique. I would happily go see a show there again.
The Anthem (Washington, D.C.)
From “Show Thoughts: Briston Maroney at The Anthem on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 Opening for Peach Pit”
I’ve said it before, I think The Anthem is the best music venue in D.C. The size is near perfect to bring in big bands in a more intimate setting than a stadium or big amphitheater, and for a decent price (most of the time, depends on the band). One thing I discovered this time around was the marquee bar they have upstairs outside (it’s above the marquee, hence the name). Cool spot to hangout at for a little while if you get to a show a little too early, which I did this time because I thought Briston Maroney was the only opener. BNNY came on when I got there. I didn’t write about them, not because I thought they were a poor performance or anything, they just didn’t interest me. Their final song caught my ear a little bit. Anyways, it does get a little crammed in the GA area at The Anthem for some shows, but there are big bars on all three floors on both sides, so it’s about as easy as they can make it to go get a drink and find your way back to your spot. It’s much easier to navigate if you stand on the sides, and your view is still pretty good from there in my opinion. I have never bought anything but a GA ticket at The Anthem, I just don’t think paying more for a balcony ticket is worth it. There’s no bad view that you can’t move out of on the GA level, and is almost always great (one Mt. Joy show I went to, the sound was a little low, but that seems like a rare one-off now).
From “Show Thoughts: Caamp Headlining at The Anthem on Friday, June 20th, 2025 With Whitney”
I think The Anthem is the best music venue in D.C. It’s size is pretty unbeatable. Fits about 6,000 and the GA section is big, and they have one on all three floors. I’ve seen some excellent shows in there, and the sound is almost always fantastic. There are big bars on both sides of the GA section, and you can always run up to the second or third floor if it gets too crowded. Bathrooms are the same way. It was $12 for a beer though, which you’re gonna get at most venues these days, unfortunately. For the music, however, it’s a top tier venue.
Go see Caamp, and go see Whitney. And please add your perspective in the comments. Tell me I’m dead wrong, tell me I’m right. Tell me I’m slightly off. Tell me something about Caamp or Whitney, or both, and I’ll be happy.
The Atlantis (Washington, D.C.)
The Atlantis is tiny. BUT, it’s a very cool venue. It feels old fashioned, and like a place where upcoming bands come to play at before they make a name for themselves. Google says it holds 450 people, which sounds about right. I’d say maybe even less, but I don’t know. There’s a ground level and a balcony level up top. I highly suggest the floor GA, unless you plan on getting to the top level very early with a group to hold down your spot. I saw Lime Cordiale there months ago and we went up top late, and it just wasn’t worth it. Once a row of people are in front of you, ya really can’t see beyond them well at all. You’ve got a much better shot on the floor. It fills up quick, and you could be backed up watching from the bar if you’re later depending on the show, but you’ll still be able to see the stage. There’s a bar on the floor and on the balcony level, and the only bathrooms (that I know of) are upstairs. There’s also a rooftop bar that I’ve been up to that is cool, I just can’t imagine a great time to be up there if you’re there to see a show. It’s a cool idea, and I liked it up there, you definitely will get a drink faster, although it was pretty quick downstairs too, but even if you go up there between sets to hangout, you don’t want to lose your area where you were standing. So, whatever floats your boat. It’s a cool thing and worth checking out, I just think a rooftop bar at a concert venue can only be used so much.
Anyways, The Atlantis is a good venue, but it has its limitations with size. I prefer a size a bit bigger like The 9:30 Club, right next to it. The best venue in D.C. in my opinion. But The Atlantis has good character, and if you just get there cautiously early, you’ll be able to enjoy a show just fine.
From”Show Thoughts: Sawyer Hill, Headlining at The Atlantis on Thursday, April 24th, 2025″
I think The Atlantis is one of the cooler music venues in D.C., it’s got a cool history with how it was introduced and seems to have quickly become a staple. My thoughts after last night:
You definitely have to get there early for a show because it fills up fast. There’s not a lot of space in there, which is a real blessing and a curse, but a blessing more so because there are few venues that host the bands/artists that they do in an up-close setting. Doors opened at 6:30, even it not being a sold out show it was still pretty filled. The top area fills up mighty quick, and it’s nearly impossible to “infiltrate” for lack of a better term. The bottom is pretty tough too, but you have a better chance of getting a good view if you’re late.
The sound is pretty damn good in The Atlantis. It’s hard not to be because of its size, but Lime Cordiale sounded excellent and Sawyer Hill was the same last night. It feels like you’re inside a boom box, in fact my right ear was ringing a little bit this morning.
There’s an outdoor bar all the way up at the top, totally quiet in between sets. Really cool and a great idea. I didn’t notice it when I went to Lime Cordiale a couple months ago. I must’ve missed the big blue sign that said “Rooftop Bar” downstairs. Whoops.
Last time I was there it was really hot, much cooler this time. They did a good job of that. Had to have some AC running or some serious fans.
Draft beer was $11.75, bars on the first and second floor, and the rooftop that I mentioned. The lines have been minimal both times I’ve been. I didn’t move during the show, but I would imagine it’s pretty quick if you wanted to grab a drink then, and you are still so close to the music. They don’t sell food to my knowledge
I’m pretty sure it’s six single bathrooms up on the second floor. Didn’t see bathrooms anywhere else.
Some really good character in The Atlantis with all the postings about other DC/DMV area shows. I know that’s typical of any venue, but it just feels like the heart of affordable and good live music in D.C., so all the ads for Merriweather, 9:30 Club, and the Lincoln Theatre just feel good to see. Other places that echo a similar theme for fans.Overall, it feels like an important place for music in the city that also doesn’t take itself too seriously. Next time I’m in there I’ll pay closer attention to what’s on the walls, I’m sure they give some kind nod to their history and the history of the music scene in D.C.
The 9:30 Club (Washington, D.C.)
I love The 9:30 Club. D.C. feels like a great music city in there. It’s really a legendary place with all the names that have played there, and more importantly, it’s the perfect size and in a great location, and the sound is really good. 1,200 capacity and the GA fits plenty of that 1,200, with bars on both sides that have never required a long wait in my experience. I love the room on the back right side with all the CDs and records (I assume it’s CDs of bands that have played there at some point), and the balcony isn’t a bad bet if you can get there earlier enough to hold a spot, but I find GA to be the most convenient decision for a show. And the bands/artists you get there… you are sometimes spoiled because you’re catching a top-tier band just before their peak. The peak before their peak, if you will. The 9:30 Club seems to be the last stop that truly great bands make before graduating to The Anthem, Merriweather, Capital One Arena, etc. (speaking on D.C. area venues only here, but the example applies anywhere), and, their ticket is about to get more expensive. It could be the last chance you can see them for a decent price. So, you can find yourself thinking, “I’m surprised they’re performing here and not at [a bigger venue].” And that is an awesome feeling as a fan, because you know you just saw something rare, and special. And in other scenarios you could see a band that never gets bigger than The 9:30 Club (or similar sized venues), but they’re a favorite of yours and you’re getting to see them in a tighter space, a more special experience. Or, you’re seeing a band that’s aging, coming down from their days of larger venue tours, but is still special to you and puts on a great show. My point is, you’re likely to get something good at The 9:30 Club. And it’s on the metro line on U Street, really easy to get to with The Lincoln Theatre just down the way. That street has a lot of character, and I love that there are two timeless music venues on/right off of it.
From “Show Thoughts: The Tallest Man On Earth at The 9:30 Club on Sunday, October 5th, 2025 (With The Stilltide)“
The 9:30 Club is one of, if not the best venue in D.C. I’ve been to a good number of shows there over the last six months, and to me, it’s the perfect size (fills 1,200). I’ve never had any complaints about the sound there either.
It’s become my favorite venue in D.C. For a GA ticket to get you a great look from pretty much anywhere, and there’s an upper level. I personally almost always think the floor area is better for a show, but it is a great view from up there, you’re just pushing your luck on being able to hold a spot up on the balcony, depending on how big of a group you have and how early you get there. A lot more room to maneuver in the GA area.
Bars on both sides of the GA area, a cool record/CD room in the top right corner of the GA area, bathrooms very close by and don’t fill up very easily, and it’s easy to get to in D.C. It looks like there’s a “back bar” that you go down a stairwell to, I think it’s on your left as you walk in. I’ve never been down there, but would love to check that out. Let me know if you know what I’m talking about and have been down there.
12 freakin’ dollars for a 12 ounce beer, though. That seems to be the unfortunate cherry on top of any venue anywhere. It was an IPA, I think it’s under 10 bucks for a light beer there. I’ll give them that.
Anyways, go see a show at The 9:30 Club, a staple D.C. venue for good reason.
From “Show Thoughts: Spacey Jane at The 9:30 Club on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 With The Belair Lip Bombs”
I love The 9:30 Club. I saw the Brian Jonestown Massacre there the night before, and if you see my review of that show, I echo the same words about the venue for this review.
From “Show Thoughts: The Brian Jonestown Massacre at The 9:30 Club on Monday, September 8th, 2025”
I’ve said this many times, I love the 9:30 Club. It’s become my favorite venue in D.C. Perfect size (seats 1,200) for a GA ticket to get you a great look from pretty much anywhere, and there’s an upper level. I personally almost always think the floor area is better for a show, but it is a great view from up there, you’re just pushing your luck on being able to hold a spot up on the balcony, depending on how big of a group you have and how early you get there. A lot more room to maneuver in the GA area.
Bars on both sides of the GA area, a cool record/CD room in the top right corner of the GA area, bathrooms very close by and don’t fill up very easily, and it’s easy to get to in D.C. It looks like there’s a “back bar” that you go down a stairwell to, I think it’s on your left as you walk in. I’ve never been down there, but would love to check that out. Let me know if you know what I’m talking about and have been down there.
12 freakin’ dollars for a 12 ounce beer, though. That seems to be the unfortunate cherry on top of any venue anywhere. It was an IPA, I think it’s under 10 bucks for a light beer there. I’ll give them that.
Anyways, go see a show at The 9:30 Club, a staple D.C. venue for good reason.
From “Show Thoughts: Dope Lemon Headlining at the 9:30 Club on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 with Kate Peytavin”
The 9:30 Club is a really great venue in D.C., I’ve almost always had nothing but good things to say about it. The size is near perfect, tickets are generally cheaper, the bar set up is really easy access, and the character is strong. They have a cool record/CD room in the corner of the GA section that shows the amazing resume of bands that have played there. However, I will say it was fucking FREEZING in there. They had the AC and fans blasting. I know it’s hot and humid as hell outside, and I appreciate not being forced to sweat my ass off in there, but I don’t need to become a damn ice cube. Turn the AC down a bit, and we’re good.
From “Show Thoughts: Saint Motel Headlining at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025”
Aside from the very meaningful action they took to make sure my girlfriend was okay after passing out, I thought the 9:30 Club was one of the best venues, if not the best in D.C. when I walked up onto the balcony. I had been there one other time before for a Moon Taxi show years ago, I think late 2021, and it was during covid so the restrictions made it tough to really judge the place. It’s bigger than I remembered, and it’s just the perfect size. Or pretty close to it. After seeing a couple shows at The Atlantis right next to it, it was really satisfying to be in a small venue that wasn’t too small. I love The Atlantis, great place. But it’s crammed in there. The 9:30 Club gives a bigger and especially wider GA area, making it easier to get a better view. We were able to get up to about 20-30 feet from stage on the right side after watching the opener from up top. A few other notes:
Bars on both sides of the GA section, and a bar at the top of the balcony level, and a mini bar right off the stairwell to the balcony level. Plenty of options.
It was just over $10 for a beer if I remember correctly, I got a Dogfish Head
I actually didn’t go to the bathroom, so not sure what the bathroom situation is.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that they actually sell food there. There’s a sign on the left of the GA section that says “FOOD FOOD” above what looks to be a little snackbar. I’m not sure what they sell there, so if you’ve gotten food at the 9:30 Club, let me know what they got.
It just feels like a veteran venue that’s clearly seen a lot of shows and great artists/bands, and knowing the history of it does make me a little biased. The best part of it to me though, is its size. Perfect for almost any band.
The Strathmore Theatre (Bethesda, Maryland)
A quick nod to The Strathmore Theatre. The sound was tremendous in there and it was a cool venue. Had no problems with anything, easy to navigate. 41 freakin’ dollars for two glasses of wine though, that’s not gonna go without a complaint. However, I will give it credit for free parking in the garage a short walk away on a weeknight. And more importantly, is it a good place to see a show? Yes. The seated shows are nice sometimes, especially for an artist like TMOE that isn’t going to make you wanna get up and dance for the most part. Would just rather be entertained by him. As ballistic as he is on stage, my goodness is his music somehow relaxing.
Union Stage (Washington, D.C.)
From Show Thoughts: Bad Bad Hats at Union Stage in Washington, D.C. on February 3rd, 2026 With Smut
I gotta say, I was quite happy with Union Stage. I’m a little biased because a big factor was that it’s probably the closest D.C. venue to me, but outside of that, it was super easy to park in the garage below the venue ($20). And I mean literally below the venue: when we were walking to the elevator in the garage and wondering how to get to the venue from there, we could hear the show above us through the ceiling. I just loved that. So that answered our question on where to go. Oh, and there’s a button on the garage elevator that says “Union Stage” on it, which I also found to be so cool.
The garage shoots you out right on the wharf, which is nice. You just walk shortly around to the other side to find Union Stage. Seriously, like a one minute walk. There’s a bar you enter through up top, and then you go downstairs to the stage.
I thought the sound in the venue was impressive. It’s a small GA area and we were in the middle, maybe a bit closer to the back, and the sound was strong but not overwhelming. I thought it was really good quality.
There was a bar on the right side that had a very decent food menu for a music venue. I can’t remember everything that was on it, but they had pizza that I trusted didn’t suck and I remember there was a pretty good deal for sliders. I’m sure they have their menu posted on their website. Also, draft beers were between 7-9 dollars, which is a damn good price for nowadays.
There was also a back area with some tables in the back right corner that some people were sitting at. I’m not sure if you have to pay more to sit back there, but I assume you do.
Wikipedia says that Union Stage capacity is 450. We were comparing it to The 9:30 Club and thought it wasn’t thaaaat much smaller, but The 9:30 Club apparently holds 1,200. So, maybe it is that much smaller. It does not have a balcony upper level, like The 9:30 Club does, so that certainly takes a chunk of people away. And this wasn’t a particularly crowded show, which was really nice. So I’m a little biased with complimenting how comfortable it was in there, that’s really more of a testament to the band’s popularity than the venue. But hey, I like plenty of bands/artists that only draw a couple hundred people. I mean, don’t we all wish we could have them all to ourselves? Haha.
Anyways, I thought it was great in there. It was my first time seeing a show there. I had heard of it many times before, but I didn’t even know where it was until I got tickets for this show. I loved the branding they have in the space, and most importantly, the sound was really good. I need to see some more shows in there from a greater variety of bands to give it a more legitimate shake, but I don’t know if they really attract anybody much bigger than BBH, for example. I would but it’s immediately moved into the conversation of my favorite venues in D.C. It’s small enough that you’re gonna get a good look at the stage almost anywhere, it’s easy in and out, in a great area of D.C., is metro accessible if you need it, (which is huge), and if you want to drive, parking is extremely convenient if you’re willing to cough up 20 bucks or so, and by the looks of it, most shows there are pretty cheap. I hadn’t paid as low as $30 for a ticket in a long time, and I haven’t been seeing anybody that big lately either. It’s hard to find reasonably priced tickets these days. So go see a show at Union Stage, and let me know what you think, and if you already have, please weigh in.
Xfinity Theatre (Mansfield, Massachusetts)
From “Show Thoughts: Third Eye Blind, Headlining at Xfinity Theatre on Saturday, July 13th, 2024“
Xfinity Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater that sits about 30,000, including some lawn seating in the back*