Live Music in Phoenix Beyond the Big Venues

Phoenix's live music ecosystem extends well beyond the stadium and arena shows that dominate the entertainment press. The small and mid-sized venue network supporting local, regional, and touring independent artists is where the city's actual music culture lives. Crescent Ballroom on North Central Avenue is the essential mid-tier venue — 500 capacity, excellent sound, strong booking relationships with touring acts in rock, country, hip-hop, and Americana. The outdoor patio and restaurant make it a destination independent of the show calendar. The Van Buren, a converted warehouse on Van Buren Street downtown, holds 1,900 and programs more commercially ambitious touring acts in the 1,000 to 5,000 ticket range. The Rebel Lounge in northeast Phoenix is the Valley's best small rock venue: 200-person capacity, a genuine stage, appropriate sound, and a booking history that has included early shows by artists who went on to arena tours. Dada in Tempe and The Rhythm Room on Indian School have served the local blues, soul, and roots music community for decades. ASU's Gammage Auditorium handles the performing arts touring calendar at the highest production level available in the Valley.