by Jay Ahuja
Having lived in Charlotte for 40 years now, I’ve been here long enough to remember when our live music options were extremely limited. Ovens Auditorium, what is now Cricket Arena, and later, McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, were the big dogs.
The Double Door Inn, The Milestone Club and Ty’s Music Room were the more modest mainstays. A handful of other places, including Excelsior Club, Yellow Rose, Kidnappers, the Pterodactyl Club, 1313 Club, Park Elevator, Jack Straw’s, 4808 Club and Tremont Music Hall had their moments, but have all come and gone.
These days, there are plenty of live music options.
With any luck, they’ll continue to thrive for decades to come. Here, in ascending order of seating capacity, are some of the music venues in Charlotte:
Capacity: Roughly 75
Address and Website: 2224 Park Road, www.cometgrillcharlotte.com
This is Charlotte’s home for free live music. Highlights include Friday nights with The Lenny Federal Band and Sundays with Omari and the Hellhounds. This place is tiny and packs up, so arrive early and enjoy dinner, because they offer a terrific menu of sandwiches and burgers. Acts here play for tips, so be sure to bring cash and pony up if you enjoy the show.
Capacity: 100
Address and Website: 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, www.petrasbar.com
Another small venue, shows here vary from rock to bluegrass and indie-pop to jazz. The crowd is respectful and pays close attention to the musicians. On Monday nights, Petra’s pays tribute to local legend, Bill Hanna, inviting jazz musicians to sit in with The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session. Tickets are just $7 in advance and $10 at the door. These shows are no longer a well-kept secret and can fill up fast.
Capacity: 80 seated or 100+ standing
Address and Website: 3227 North Davidson Street, www.eveningmuse.com
I’ve seen a handful of shows at this former coffee shop and am eager to continue returning. Intimacy is its biggest selling-point, but the knowledgeable, music-friendly crowd is another. Staff is friendly and helpful, while the list of who has played here is surprisingly full of brand-name artists. Acts can range widely, but pay attention to their website. If you see a show is selling well, that’s a pretty good sign that they’ve booked an up-and-coming, under-the-radar, national act.
Capacity: 109
Address and Website: 510 Briar Creek Road, www.smokeyjoescafe.com
Another small dive that presents live music every night, with set performers Sunday through Thursday night. Their Tuesday Open Mic Night, hosted by the Smokin J’s, is always fun. Wednesday nights feature Josh Daniel and Friends; this is the core of the incredible crew that performs “The Last Waltz Experience” every year at Visulite on the night after Thanksgiving. Friday and Saturday nights here offer talented touring bands. Cover charges are modest and I have found them to always be worthwhile.
Capacity: 125-150
Address and Website: 1228 Gordon Street, www.snugrock.com
On any given evening, you may find anything from rock to country and everything in between on stage at Snug Harbor. And, when I say anything in between, I mean it. This place has a more diverse array of music than anywhere else in Charlotte. The throwback décor is reminiscent of dive bars that have been around decades longer, while the staff is professional and courteous. The music room itself is a jewel, reminiscent of places I stumbled upon in New Orleans. Cover charges generally don’t exceed $20 and can be half that, depending on the night of the week and artists.
Capacity: 170-180
Address and Website: 3400 Tuckasegee Road, www.themilestoneclub.com
The grandaddy of local music venues has hosted an incredible array of legendary acts over the years. My first visit was in 1986. The place was a dive like I had never seen before, but that is part of the attraction. Fans are right on top of the stage with nothing between them and the musicians. Keep an eye on their concert calendar. They have a keen eye for up-and-coming talent and, while you may have missed R.E.M.’s performance here, you could catch the next act on their way to the big time.
Capacity: 200 seats
Address and Website: 300 South Brevard Street, www.middlecjazz.com
This upscale place has a cabaret feel to it, with tables and chairs facing the stage in an arc. Middle C wasted no time making a name for itself by bringing national talent to the stage. No expense was spared in the way of sound system and decor, and the service staff is friendly and attentive. They generally have two shows per night. They offer pre-show dinners prepared by Rare Roots Hospitality, the folks who run Dressler’s, The Porter’s House and Fin & Fino, so it’s next level. Shows can sell out quickly and memberships are available.
Capacity: 300 in main room
Address: 3601 South Boulevard, www.goldiesclt.com
A relative newcomer, this place has nice sightlines, terrific acoustics, and the audience is engaged and clearly there to see the band. You’re not likely to see superstar acts, but the talent is real, the drinks are generously poured, and the food is first-rate bar chow. There are a handful of stools to occupy but this place is mostly standing room only.
Capacity: 300
Address and Website: 1801 Commonwealth Avenue, www.therabbitholeclt.com
After The Double Door Inn closed, we went here to see several bands who used to play there and we were impressed with the place. A spacious, well-kept room with excellent sound, lighting and a good-sized stage. Acts vary from funk and punk to bluegrass and blues, with a good bit of electronic and hip hop thrown in. Biggest drawback here is parking nearby, so we tend to use ride-share.
Capacity: 650 standing
Address and Website: 130 North Tryon Street, www.blumenthalarts.org
Part of AvidXchange Music Factory, this big box venue is sparsely decorated, but as a Live Nation venue, it attracts up-and-coming national acts as well as established bands. It is largely standing room only, but seated VIP sections are offered at times and include bar service. The twin bars are well-staffed and wait times are generally minimal. It’s worth keeping an eye on their music calendar.
Capacity: 436 seats
Address and Website: 130 North Tryon Street, www.blumenthalarts.org
This is the smaller venue at Blumenthal Arts and it’s a terrific room for small and mid-sized acts. The seating is comfortable and well-positioned, with good views from anywhere in the room. Keep an eye on their concert calendar as, every now and then, they can surprise you with some well-known acts playing in an intimate setting.
Capacity: 500-540
Address and Website: 1615 Elizabeth Avenue, www.visulite.com
A former movie theater, this place is beloved by live music fans. Concert aficionado Bob Foster may have put it best, “The viewing options are hard to replicate in a larger venue, with the standing area ‘pit’ up front for the more enthusiastic fans, the mid-tier counter and stools, tables, and chairs, just above and behind the pit, and then the area behind that and around the bar is all just right.”
Workers here, from ticket takers to bartenders, sound techs to merch folks are all top-notch. The line forms early on show nights as there are a handful of tables and chairs that go fast. Parking here is rarely a problem and there are a few solid eateries nearby.
Capacity: 600-700 people
Address and Website: 1423 South Tryon, www.amossouthend.com
Within a mile of uptown Charlotte and easy to get to via light rail, this gritty, multi-level venue has hosted brand name artists, including The Flaming Lips, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Echo and The Bunnymen, Beastie Boys and Hootie and the Blowfish, to name a few. Bar staff here is fist-rate and adeptly handle thirsty crowds.
Capacity: 906
Address and Website: 230 North Tryon Street, www.thecarolina.com
It’s been a long time coming, but this place has potential to transform the uptown music scene. The ornately decorated room now hosts “Music with Friends” concerts and boasts a $10M sound system. Larry Farber would not have chosen this place to host his private concert series if the sound and sightlines were not top-notch.
So far, concerts have been few and far between, but here’s hoping that changes as they settle into a routine. The lobby is spacious and well-appointed, with a classic marquee sign, but the concession set up struggles to keep up with demand when shows sell well. Upstairs concession stand has been better able to serve the masses.
Capacity: 956
Address and Website: 511 East 36th Street, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
This place was briefly a church before becoming anchor of the NoDa music scene. They present a diverse selection of musical genres and offer three levels of seating; the floor, an elevated VIP area with stools and tables alongside another spot that is SRO, and a ticketed balcony straight back from the stage. The sightlines and acoustics are phenomenal, and the acts they bring are first-rate. The bar staff at Neighborhood is also as good as it gets.
Parking here can be a challenge on weekends, so we tend to rideshare to and from. One big plus is the incredible selection of top-notch restaurants within a short walk of the venue (the better ones can book a week or so in advance).
Capacity: 995
Address and Website: 2319 Wellesley Avenue, www.gambrellcenter.org
The Sandra Levine Theatre, at Queens University, is a gorgeous room, with a sleek design featuring warm woodwork. This was home to the “Music With Friends” concert series before it moved again to the Carolina. Seats are comfortable, upstairs and down. First row seats in either balcony are terrific, and well worth consideration if spots down stairs are largely taken. The Levine lobby is among the very best in town. Lots to take in pre-shows and well-situated for concessions.
As the center’s executive director, Laura Kratt, reminded me, “Queens University is a Steinway school so excellent concert grand pianos grace these stages because these concert halls were built for music, musicians and the audiences that love them.” This place is also home to the 150-seat Kathyrn Greenhoot Recital Hall, a gem of a music room that is something of a best-kept secret in Charlotte.
Capacity: 1,192-1,200
Address and Website: 430 South Tryon, www.blumenthalarts.com
Located in Charlotte’s uptown museum district, I have come to love the size, style and seating of this spot. With just two levels, there are no bad seats. The second home of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has incredible acoustics and sightlines. Fun fact: portions of “The Hunger Games” were filmed here. Another plus of Knight Theater is that it is surrounded by a bevy of exceptional places to enjoy food and drink before and after a concert.
Capacity: 2,000
Address and Website: 820 Hamilton Street, www.fillmorenc.com
A sister property of the Underground, this is a Live Nation venue that is largely standing room only. They often offer VIP sections in front of the sound board and to the side of the stage. These VIP sections offer drink service. This place has brought some incredible concerts to town and shows no signs of slowing down.
Recently, they upped their beverage selections at concession stands, but be prepared to come off the hip as prices are steep. Parking is also pricey. One big plus for all the venues at Avid Exchange Music Factory is that they do a nice job getting rideshare vehicles in and out of the place.
Capacity: 2,118
Address and Website: 130 North Tryon Street, www.blumenthalarts.org
Designed by famed architect, Cesar Peli, it’s reminiscent of classic European theaters. They do a wonderful job of keeping the place fresh, while maintaining its class and charm. This is the first concert hall I want to bring out-of-town visitors to see and enjoy a show.
Seats here are as comfortable as they get in Charlotte. They claim that the most distant seat is just 135 feet from the stage, but seats upstairs in the very back can feel far off. Everywhere else in the building is terrific. The entire staff, from ticket takers to ushers, is accommodating, friendly and eager to help.
If you can, see at least one show from the Grand Tier boxes, upstairs along either side of the room.
Capacity: 2,447
Address and Website: 2700 East Independence Boulevard, www.boplex.com
Oven’s may be old, but upgrades and renovations have helped it remain a relevant place to see live music. Seats are very comfortable, sightlines and acoustics are excellent, while parking is included in the ticket price in recent years.
The quality of talent that plays here is also second-to-none. When I miss out on seats near the stage, rather than sit on the first level under the overhang, I prefer the first few rows of the first balcony. Concession stands and restrooms can get overwhelmed, but not so much that it’s kept me from returning here year after year.
Capacity: 3,000 to 3,500
Address and Website: 4621 Wilkinson Boulevard, www.coyote-joes.com
This is among the premier east coast venues for country music. Anybody who has hit the big time has likely played here and many of them continue to return. All shows are 18+ and general admission, but VIP seats are available for select performances.
Local country music stations and NASCAR teams frequently host special events here. Some are open to the public. Fun fact: Netflix’s new Series “The Hunting Wives” filmed select scenes here. And, yes, there is a mechanical bull on site. Important to note that once inside, this is a cash-only establishment.
Capacity: 5,000
Address and Website: 11115 Upper Avenue, www.ampballantyne.com
This outdoor amphitheater, just south of I-485 at Ballantyne, is one of the newest additions to Charlotte’s music scene and is already making a big splash. It has a very open feel with ample concession stands, nicely situated seating on a sloped field with reserved and general admission areas.
Frequent concert-goer, both here and as a music-focused traveler, Julie Nofsinger appreciates ease of movement at The Amp, noting that, “there was plenty of lawn seating … the food was dotted around in a way that it made it easy to get back to your seats in a casual way, unlike bigger places.” She also observed that the parking, ingress, and egress were, “surprisingly well-managed.”
Capacity: 5,000
Address and Website: 100 NC Music Factory Boulevard, www.skylacuamp.com
This, along with The Amp, may be my favorite outdoor venue in town. It’s the perfect size, while concessions and restroom facilities are well thought out. For those without reserved seats, there’s space alongside the rail, between the seating area and the concession stands and restroom area, that fans are allowed to gather. Spots here can be quite close to the stage and fill up quickly. VIP seats here come with bar service and have even more comfortable chairs and tables.
The talent that has adorned this stage is truly incredible. I’ve sat everywhere from the pit to the very back of the lawn and have never had a bad experience. I didn’t want to love this place, but must admit that it’s my favorite local outdoor venue. The Amp has become a not-too-distant second.
Capacity: 10,829
Address and Website: 2700 East Independence Boulevard, www.boplex.com
Renovated in 2016, this place has seen its share of historic shows. While not the most comfortable seating, the views and acoustics are fine. There was a day that I only bought floor seats here, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate sections just off the floor for their slightly elevated perspective. Even upstairs seats are worthwhile. As hosts of hockey games and other larger events, there are plenty of concession stands throughout the venue. Restrooms here are dated and can have long lines, but not egregiously so.
Capacity: 19,500
Address and Website: 707 Pavilion Boulevard, www.truliantamp.com
This outdoor venue was all the rage when it first opened. Fact is, it has brought in a wealth of superstar acts for decades. Still does. Seats under the roof are highly desirable, especially in summer. Bleachers behind those are available too, while lawn seats are where most fans sit. Giant video screens, added years back on either side of the stage, make lawn seats that much more desirable.
A VIP section was added a while ago. You cannot see the stage from here, but it’s a nice option for chilling with a beverage before the show and between sets.
Having said that, I hope they reinvest in some upgrades, because the entire place is looking kind of tired, compared to newer outdoor venues. The biggest gripe I hear about this place is parking and rideshare accessibility, but concession lines/high prices are a close second.
Capacity: 18,000 for in-the round concerts or 13,000 for end-stage set ups
Address and Website: 333 East Trade Street, www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com
Best known for being home to the Charlotte Hornets, the Spectrum has been the scene of some legendary concerts. Billie Eilish, when she was 17, opened for Florence and the Machine here. The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, U2, Van Halen, The Police, Eric Clapton, Prince and nearly every big-time country musician has graced the stage. Recent renovations have made this an even better venue to take in a show. Pro tip: second tier seats are more comfortable than floor chairs and still have a good view.
Capacity: Roughly 74,000 (82,193 attended the Concert for Carolina)
Address and Website: 800 South Mint Street, www.bankofamericastadium.com
The stadium has upped their live music game in recent years. There was a time that I had sworn off attending any more stadium shows, but a complimentary ticket to Concert for Carolina changed my mind. Performed in the round, it demonstrated how more fans can occupy the stadium while still having a direct view of the stage from relatively close perspectives. Big shows have already been announced for this summer and beyond. More are sure to come.
It’s worth noting that a 4,400-seat indoor arena/music venue is being built near the North Gate of the stadium and is expected to open in 2030. It will be a Live Nation venue.
Jay Ahuja has lived, worked and played in Charlotte since 1986. He has one wife, two stepsons and two dogs. He’s had two sports travel guidebooks published and produced a documentary film, “Live From The Double Door Inn.” He works for WDAV 89.9FM, the region’s classical public radio station.
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