There are as many places to see a live show in Charlotte as there are to buy a cd of the band. These places are spread far and wide, Uptown to University area and South End to S. Tryon. But it’s not about the area you go that makes a difference, it’s about the place. You can see the same band in each of the venues and come away with a different perception of the feel and the music of the band. Which venue you chose for which band makes all the difference.
The biggest and most well-known venue for live music is Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (oftentimes called by its former name Blockbuster Pavilion). This venue can seat 19,500 people to see some of the biggest names in the music business. The Amphitheater is known for festivals and stars, such as Ozzfest, Brooks and Dunn, Santana, James Taylor, and the Lilith Fair. That’s the good news. The seating? The lawn tickets are the cheapest, and the best bet- if the screens are working. The music is the same volume in the lawn as they are under the cover, and usually the video screens display the performance on stage. But don’t expect the audience around you on the lawn to be as in to the band as you are- most sit and chill (however at the End of Summer Weenie Roast, though blankets are clearly marked on entrance rules as an allow, any blankets to that show were denied). Under the roof, in the seats, fans don’t use the seats they paid for- they came to have a good time at the show. Mosh pits are forbidden at this venue (and every other one in Charlotte), and security prominently stands guard to make sure the audience doesn’t get hurt. Despite the expensive prices for food and beverage, many concert goers manage to have a good time, and enjoy the show no matter where they are sitting. The music must be worth it, though, to attend this venue, or the show just won’t be as good with all of the negative aspects. Check your ticket to see if it includes parking.
On the web: http://www.verizonwirelessamphitheater.com/charlotte/
Just off of I-85 at I-485. Follow signs on Highway 29 (University) to Pavilion Blvd, and follow parking personnel.
707 Pavilion Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Concert Line: 704-549-5555
Tremont Music Hall is one of the loudest places a concert goer can see a band at. The Hall used to an old warehouse, and was transformed into a venue with pool tables, a bar, a lounge area of old couches and bar stools, and a stage where every “seat” in the house is a good view. There is some old plywood stacked up in the back that some choose to sit on, but if you go, prepare to stand while the band is setting up, in between acts, and for about 10 minutes after the show as everyone tries to squeeze out the door at the same time. Local bands sometimes play here, but more often it is the semi-famous bands who come. Evanescence came right after the release of their album, but before the duet of Amy Lee with Seether. Sevendust, determined to keep true to their roots, will always play at Tremont. This is a place where the next big thing is born, or the music is just too loud and heavy to be played anywhere else. Ticket prices are reasonable, from $8 to $20 for top names. This venue is a favorite among many rock fans in Charlotte, because of the frequency of the acts (usually several in a week), but the variety of music is almost non-existent. This venue is a rock house, and country fans, jazz listeners, and boy band lovers will find it hard to enjoy this venue.
On the web: http://tremontmusichall.com/
On the corner of South Tryon and Tremont Avenue. Parking in front of club, in grassy field across the street, or wherever you can find it.
400 West Tremont Ave
Charlotte, NC 28203
Concert Line: 704-343-9494
Amos’ Southend is a wonderful experience to get close and personal with local and has-been bands. This small venue in South End is within walking distance to dozens of shops, restaurants, and clubs, but once you’re in the doors, you stay through the whole performance. Almost every night there is live music, and Amos’ features Tribute bands, older bands like Poison, and up-and-coming like Angie Aparo. While there’s no much room inside, the atmosphere is smart casual and is more like a bar setting than a mosh-pit venue. It is usually crowded, but the concert goer is able to get in a good conversation with the fellow fan alongside while still being able to hear the music. While the main focus is rock, there are occasionally softer sounds, usually in the form of a Hootie and the Blowfish Tribute. The atmosphere is truly the most redeeming quality of this venue, for it will mold even “just ok” bands into a good time. Tickets range from $5 to $10.
On the web: http://www.amossouthend.com/index.html
Next to Jillian’s Downtown on the corner of East Bland Street and South Tryon. Parking all around it.
1423 S Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28203
Concert Line: 704-377-6874
For a classier, most likely quieter show, try the Charlotte Neighborhood Theatre. This smaller venue has 550 seats, and concert goers tend to look more smart casual than just plain casual. The Charlotte Neighborhood Theatre is perhaps the most variety-driven venue in Charlotte, with bands and musicians ranging from Rock to Reggae to Country, to Folk to Popular to Dance. While all bands are either local or unknown, a good time is almost in the bag at this venue, where the seats all have a good view and the music is enjoyable at a softer tone. Tickets range from $8-16, though some larger names in Folk and Blues have gained a price as much as $25 here.
On the web: http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/
Just past Corner of 36th and North Davidson on E. 36th in the arts district known as NoDa, downtown Charlotte. Parking on E. 36th.
511 E. 36th St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
Concert Line: 704-358-9298
There are many other venues to check out:
Blues Fans should seek the Double Door Inn. On the web: http://doubledoorinn.com/
Live acts ranging from Poetry readings to Small Southern Rock groups are often at the Evening Muse in a coffeehouse-style setting. On the web: http://www.theeveningmuse.com/
The Grady Cole Center hosts everything from college basketball games to musical acts such as The Not-So-Acoustic Christmas featuring Train and Ben Folds. On the ticketmaster web: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/114761
Symphony performances can be seen free on Summer Sundays at Southpark Mall, or at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (which also has classical, jazz and Broadway plays). On the web: http://www.performingartsctr.org/
There is something for every music fan in Charlotte.
