America’s Most Amazing Music Venues

By Lauren Hutchens on March 3, 2017

Pack your bags! It’s time to visit some bucket list-worthy venues. From the “Mother Church of Country Music” to a BBQ, there’s something here for every music lover. These 10 incredible venues have been graced by the legends of yesteryear, the icons of today—and everyone in between.

1

9:30 Club | Washington, D.C.

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The 9:30 Club, one of America’s best-known rock clubs, is credited for beginning a brand new rock movement in Washington, D.C.

Festival Footprints

2

The Gorge Amphitheatre | Quincy, WA

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This 20,000-seat outdoor theater offers panoramic views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Range. It’s been home to festivals such as Lollapalooza, Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour.

Gorge Amphitheater

3

Hollywood Bowl | Los Angeles, CA

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This band shell amphitheater is set against the iconic Hollywood hills for a view that will leave you starstruck.

Consequence of Sound

4

Radio City Music Hall | New York, NY

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This art deco theatre transports attendees back to old Hollywood.

Bobby Rivers TV

5

Red Rocks Amphitheater | Red Rocks, CO

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This venue, the world's only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater, is definitely bucket-worthy!

Stevie Crecelius

6

Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, TN

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Known as “The Mother Church of Country Music,” this venue has been graced by greats such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Louis Armstrong.

The Tennessean

7

Stone Mountain Arts Center | Brownfield, ME

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This lesser-known venue boasts an intimate living room feel. The 200-seat center leaves no guest more than 45 feet from the stage.

David Griffin Photography

8

Troubadour | West Hollywood, CA

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The iconic West Hollywood Troubadour club has helped launch some of contemporary music's most talented performers—it's also where Elton John played his first American show.

Troubadour

9

The Tabernacle | Atlanta, GA

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This downtown Atlanta venue was first occupied by a church. In the mid 80s, the church relocated and the venue remained vacant until the 1996 Olympics, when it was converted to a House of Blues club.

Atlanta Music Scene

10

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q | Austin, TX

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Cold beer, BBQ and live music—what could be better? If you’re in Austin for SXSW or Austin City Limits, be sure to pay Stubb’s a visit, as it is known for hosting unannounced shows during festival season.

Merrick Ales