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Catch It Live: 9 Music Venues Around Cincinnati
Music is such a significant part of Cincinnati's culture that it gave rise to the slogan, "The City that Sings." Whether you prefer country, rock, blues, jazz, R& B, or hip-hop, you'll find it at these lively music venues around Cincinnati.
Ludlow Garage
342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
No, it's not a figure of speech. Ludlow Garage was originally an auto shop that became a legendary rock venue in the 1970s, hosting acts such as Santana, The Kinks, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and Allman Brothers Band. After stints as a restaurant, yoga studio, and hardware store, the Garage was reborn in 2015 as a gastropub with a menu of upscale bar food and once again offering live music. Upcoming shows include The Wallflowers (August 23), jazz legends Spyro Gyra (September 10), and Joan Osborne (September 24). Pub hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 - 9 p.m.
MOTR Pub
1345 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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MOTR Pub is devoted to showcasing performing arts in all forms. In addition to live shows by cutting-edge musical acts, MOTR features open mic nights for comedy and writing, with no cover charge for any event. Each month, the works of a different local artist are displayed around the dining area. A light menu of burgers and munchies is available. Writer's Night is every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9 p.m. Other events include Comedy Night every fourth Thursday at 9 p.m., The Midwestern Swing (September 3), and Spoils with the Fairmount Girls (September 9). Most shows have no cover charge. MOTR is open from 4 p.m.. - 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday.
The Woodward
1404 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Across the street from MOTR is its sister venue, the Woodward. Both facilities have the same ownership, and several musical acts have started out at MOTR and "graduated" to the larger venue. The Woodward made its debut in 1913 as a silent movie house but couldn't survive the Great Depression. Like Ludlow Garage, the Woodward went through various incarnations over the decades until its grand reopening in 2014. Future shows include Built to Spill (August 22) and Carriers with Speaking Suns and Christian Nicholas Gough (September 30), but the Woodward still honors its roots as a movie house with periodic screenings and film festivals.
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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For more than 60 years, The Blind Lemon has been a Cincinnati institution. Words almost can't do justice to the experience, beginning with a descent down a narrow passageway that opens onto a charming brick courtyard with an oversized fire pit. The indoor bar is also rich in atmosphere, with a classic tavern decor and eclectic collections of model airplanes, campaign buttons, and other quirky memorabilia. The Lemon, as it's affectionately known, has been visited by celebs such as George Clooney and hosted a birthday party for David Crosby. Visit the website for the current schedule. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - midnight Sunday.
Memorial Hall
1225 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
With a name like Memorial Hall, you know a venue is bound to be special. Built in 1908 as a monument to Cincinnati's war veterans, the stunning 556-seat Memorial Hall features Tiffany chandeliers, marble staircases, and decorative murals. The hall also serves as a mini-museum with displays of artifacts related to local civic and military history. Over the next couple of months, you can enjoy shows as diverse as Girl Named Tom (September 1), Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (September 19), and A.J. Croce playing the music of his father Jim (October 5).
Bogart's
2621 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
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If you have to move when the beat grabs you, Bogart's is your spot. With a colorful past that includes vaudeville shows and German film screenings, Bogart's today is a spacious yet intimate music venue that provides plenty of space to get up and dance. Capacity is approximately 1,500 people with three viewing levels along with six bars. The Premium Seating program offers reserved seating and amenities such as in-seat cocktail service and dedicated concierge. Upcoming events include The Afghan Whigs (September 11), Stryper (September 12), and The Prince Experience (September 23).
The Comet
4579 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Perhaps the best description of The Comet comes from an online article about the best music venues in Cincinnati: "a grungy little slice of Brooklyn ... without the attitude or $12 cocktails." This old-school dive bar is beloved for its incredible Mexican food and the intriguing lineup of reggae, garage rock, punk, bluegrass, and avant-garde bands. De facto house band Comet Bluegrass All-Stars performs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The Comet is open 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday.
Ghost Baby
1314 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The name conjures up an aura of mystery, and Ghost Baby definitely has the vibe of a private hideaway. Several flights of stairs lead to an underground bar with a darkly elegant ambiance. The atmosphere and live music lineup helped land Ghost Baby on Esquire's recent list of "Best Bars in America." Visit the website for the schedule of performers. Ghost Baby opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Schwartz's Point
1901 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Schwartz's Point brings European style and sophistication to the Cincinnati music scene. The cobblestone building, flickering candles, and cozy space make you feel as though you're in a private home or club. Jazz is the main event at Schwartz's Point, whether straight-ahead, smooth, be-bop, avant-garde, or fusion. A small soup-and-salad buffet is available, along with craft cocktails like Tito (Puente) Mojito and Chet (Baker) Basil. Be sure to catch upcoming shows with the Melvin Jackson Trio (August 26), Phil DeGreg's Trio Brasilliero (September 10), and jazz violinist Luca Volipiano (September 18). Hours are 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Dance to the Music!
Where's your favorite spot in Cincinnati to bust a move?
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