When your favorite band is coming to town, it's necessary that you go to the right venue. Below are what I believe to be my all-time favorite venues. For an unforgettable musical experience, you have to visit one of these venues because, after all, it isn't just about the live music. It's also the environment that can make or break your night.
1. Union Transfer
Union Transfer is a venue with a lot of history. They started as a luggage transfer station for Reading Railroad, was The Spring Garden Famers Market, a boxing arena, a repair shop, and even a Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant before becoming the concert hall that they are known for today. They were featured in Rolling Stone Magazine's "Top 20 Venues in America" and has a whopping 3 bars.
1026 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
2. House 0f Independents
House of Independents is easily one of the best venues in Asbury Park. Not only do they put on many memorable concerts, but they also have the ability to pull out 275 stadium seats for comedy shows and theatre productions. Some shows that they are known for hosting are Emo Night Brooklyn, the 90s By Nature Dance party, and The Little Mermen.
572 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
3. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia is a working church by day, but by night they are blasting punk rock from their basement speakers. After all, this venue is where Arcade Fire got their "big break," according to Elizabeth Fiedler. With no bar, this church basement became a home for all the underage fans that couldn't get into the surrounding 21+ venues. Although because of Union Transfer and Boot and Saddle opening R5 Productions (the company that operates the church's concerts) have decided to cut back on the number of shows they are booking.
2125 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
4. The Pharmacy
Originally a medical clinic/pharmacy The Pharmacy is now a coffee shop with a love for music and art. With local art displayed on the walls, The Pharmacy satisfies their love for music by hosting concerts after hours. They also have a recording facility and graphic print studio in their basement that operates under the name Alternative Underground, according to the venue.
1300 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
5. Starland Ballroom
Opening in 2003 Starland Ballroom has hosted concerts with New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen, The Jonas Brothers, and My Chemical Romance, among many others. They also serve pizza throughout the night and have Johnny's Pork Roll Food Truck parked out front for every concert, according to the venue.
570 Jernee Mill Rd, Sayreville, NJ 08872
