In some towns, it can be difficult to find live music shows on weekend nights, let alone during the week. In Athens, however, you would be hard-pressed to find a night where there isn't live music somewhere. Whether you’re looking for a big act or a more low-key scene, there’s always a show somewhere in Athens. Here’s where you need to look:
CASA NUEVA
4 W. STATE ST.
Casa is known for its local, mother-earth-friendly food as much as its music. But both are amazing. Hosting a wide range of musical acts and various dance nights, Casa has something going on almost every day of the week. An added bonus: Casa now often opens its doors for free.
THE UNION BAR AND GRILL
18 W. UNION ST.
“Variety” may be the best word to describe The Union’s music scene. Featuring the infamous Dave Rave one night and a rock show the next, The Union always hosts great shows with great crowds. Whatever music you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it at The Union.
JACKIE O’S PUB AND BREWERY
24 W. UNION ST.
Good food, good beer and good music abound at Jackie O’s. With shows in the pub and brewery side, one can always find a good rock or folk show with a true old-time brewery feel. Even if you’re underage, Jackie O’s still offers a great scene with some truly talented acts.
THE SMILING SKULL
SALOON 108 W. UNION ST.
If rock of any sort is your genre, The Skull is the place to be. Serving up the best of Athens’ indie, punk and rock, The Skull has a “biker bar” feel but still manages to attract people of all sorts, and its weekly karaoke nights are quite a sight to see (and hear).
DONKEY COFFEE AND ESPRESSO
17 ½ W. WASHINGTON ST.
Loud crowds and a bar aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, so if you’re looking for fresh-brewed coffee and a more low-key show, Donkey is your hangout. With Designated Space, an open stage for poetry, prose and spoken word every Tuesday and a musician’s open stage every Thursday, there’s always new talent to discover at Donkey. The coffeehouse also hosts musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.
THE TEMPLETON-BLACKBURN ALUMNI MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM & THE CONVOCATION CENTER
While smaller acts populate the uptown bars, Ohio University brings in the bigger names. Last year we saw acts like B.o.B, Ben Folds and Lee Ann Womack. OU tries to cater to all music tastes and often brings in several acts a year for the Performing Arts Series. You can even catch the occasional musical (“Spring Awakening,” “Legally Blonde” and “Avenue Q” all came last year). Tickets can be pricey, but if you want to see several acts, you can save some green with season tickets.
While these venues are the most popular, shows happen everywhere in Athens, from people’s basements to out on the streets. Nelsonville also has a scene worth checking out with Stuart’s Opera House hosting regular shows, and the annual Nelsonville Music Festival, a weekend-long event that in the past has featured artists such as The Flaming Lips, Neko Case and The Swell Season. No matter what your taste, you will always be in for a show.
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@ThePostCulture
