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Best Live Music Venue in Columbus

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Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
405 Neil Ave Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 461-LIVE
This awkwardly-named live music venue (thanks, corporate America!) used to be called PromoWest Pavilion, but is now most commonly and simply referred to as "The LC." It's a transformer, too. During the winter, the LC affords climate control for 2200 rockin' patrons. During the winter, the stage opens up to a mini-amphitheater that seats 4500. The LC hosts a never-ending lineup of national acts crossing all spectrums of music, featuring talent like The Raconteurs, Matisyahu, KT Tunstall, Alice Cooper, Arlo Guthrie, G. Love...and Weird Al! Sneaky only has one complaint: if you're hungry, the only dining option is White Castle (thanks again, corporate America!). Not conducive to gastro-intestinal equilibrium for one...and even worse when magnified among a few thousand.
Newport Music Hall
1722 N High St Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-1659
The Newport has rocked the Ohio State campus for a couple generations. It hasn't changed since Nixon was President except that they mercifully added air conditioning about 10 years ago. Moshing gets kinda yucky when everyone is covered in a grimy layer of sweat. The acoustics are pretty good, and you can manage a good view of the stage from the bar in the back. Don't plan on sitting down, though. The Newport has maybe four chairs, and you ain't gettin' one.
Nationwide Arena
200 W Nationwide Blvd Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 246-2000
"Hello Cleveland!" Sorry, pal. You're 120 miles south of the Mistake by the Lake, but you'll still feel like belting out every arena rock cliche'. "Free Bird!!!!!" Nationwide Arena is most commonly known as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they also bring in a steady stream of big-name acts. You got yer Bon Jovi. You got yer Toby Keith. And you got yer Van Frickin' Halen! Ed-die! Ed-die! Capacity is 18,136 for hockey, and varies for concerts.
The Basement
391 Neil Ave Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 461-LIVE
With a name like The Basement, your expectations are probably pretty low...and this venue will meet those expectations. It's not all bad - The Basement seems to attract lots of diamond-in-the-rough national acts from the Indie scene like Dr. Dog, Ours, The Whigs, and the Duke Spirit. Plus you can count on being arms length from these bands as they perform. That being said, sightlines are pretty bad if you're not right in front. The sound can also be pretty overwhelming at times (how dare you call Sneaky old, you whippersnapper!). Don't misread us, though. This is still a solid place to enjoy the rock 'n' roll and a few beers.
Cafe Bourbon Street
2216 Summit St Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 228-9377
Despite it's name, Cafe' Bourbon Street may very well be the least-French facility in all of the Western Hemisphere. Instead of invoking berets, baguettes, and female armpit hair, Bourbon Street is here to rock you! The venue can barely hold 100 people, and the "stage" is maybe a six inch riser, but they host some of the wildest, sweatiest rock shows in town. Mostly local acts, but you never know when Mudhoney might show up. If you need another good reason, $5.50 will get you a 9" cheese pizza, well shot, and a PBR during happy hour (5-9 PM). The excellent Taco Ninja also serves up burritos each night. Open from 5p-2a every day.
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