How much does the venue impact the quality of the show?

[rincon2]

"The Wiltern is pretty sweet with its gentle tiers of standing GA floor and a rail for each tier.  2nd tier dead center puts you at eye level with the band right in the sweet spot for sound, perfect!"          I kind of regret not sharing that amazing spot with you guys, but first night was in the pit, kept my beer on the stage right in front of Jim, blew my ears out. The next two nights I sat back on the bar stools, with ear plugs, went into the pit for some of it. Your spot was the best vantage point I have ever seen for any show. I was told by my doctor not to stand for 4 hours 3 nights in a row.Had just had minor surgery on my leg.

[Jaimoe]

I've seen MMJ five times in Toronto and MOF once. Venue et. al and set lists mean everything.

MMJ at the Kool Haus was hit and miss because the venue is arguably worst in the city. 

The other MMJ gigs were great.

MOF at Massey Hall was memorable and the historic venue and legendary acoustics amplified a good show to near greatness.

[LBSUNFLWR]

I think it has a major impact. especially when it's GA because i'm 5"3 and always go to shows where its mostly guys and they always have to be tall!!!

In NYC to me the very best is Town Hall, followed by Radio City.
The Wellmont in Northern NJ is pretty sweet as well. GA downstairs and seats upstairs.
The 9:30 Club is one of the coolest spots in the country for sure.
and I have been pleasantly surprised since I moved to Louisville at how awesome Headliners is!!! it's small and some really great bands come through. The Palace is pretty sweet as well!!!

[Shug]

"The Wiltern is pretty sweet with its gentle tiers of standing GA floor and a rail for each tier.  2nd tier dead center puts you at eye level with the band right in the sweet spot for sound, perfect!"          I kind of regret not sharing that amazing spot with you guys, but first night was in the pit, kept my beer on the stage right in front of Jim, blew my ears out. The next two nights I sat back on the bar stools, with ear plugs, went into the pit for some of it. Your spot was the best vantage point I have ever seen for any show. I was told by my doctor not to stand for 4 hours 3 nights in a row.Had just had minor surgery on my leg.

I understand, rincon, its takes a lot to stand that long all those nights.  We sure could've used a bigger group of fans up there to "protect" the space, though.  First night some cool kids we made friends with stood behind us and kept latecomers from trying to shove their way upfront, which was awesome, we were totally relaxed all night.  2nd and 3rd nights we had to be more vigilant to keep the latecomers from trying to squeeze in which was a bit distracting.  Next time, let's all coordinate and take that rail en masse.  The sweet spot goes to those who wait in line for hours!

[joey_rogo]

Venue is important to me, but the people surrounding me are even more important. During the At Dawn show at T5, some assbutts came in late and stood RIGHT in front of me and a few others (I remember capn being close by). It totally ruined the show for me until Just Because I Do when they moved to somewhere else.

At PC night 3, I was surrounded by some awesome dudes a few people rows behind the forum crew. Those guys were fun. Perfect level of enthusiasm, bordering on slightly over-the-top, but just under. Combine that with the crazy energy setlist and it was probably my favorite show ever. We hugged when it was over.

[WinstonLegthigh]

The first time I saw the band was at Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago) this past summer. I had lawn, and struggled to see the stage at all for much of the night (as anyone who attended and also had lawn will tell you). We got in line for beer around the time Band of Horses took the stage, and stayed there for their entire set.

I had an amazing show despite the venue. The skyline backdrop on a warm summer night probably rectified some of the shortcomings I mentioned.

The Port Chester shows were at an outstanding venue and added to what already would have been three memorable shows.

I guess the ideal place to see a show is either an outdoor amphitheater (eg Alpine Valley), or the cozy indoor venue (Capitol Theatre, Chicago Theatre, etc.). Arenas are definitely less conducive towards a good show. I hate seeing a show at the United Center or Allstate Arena here in Chicago.

[CHIMMJFAN]

The first time I saw the band was at Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago) this past summer. I had lawn, and struggled to see the stage at all for much of the night (as anyone who attended and also had lawn will tell you). We got in line for beer around the time Band of Horses took the stage, and stayed there for their entire set.

I had an amazing show despite the venue. The skyline backdrop on a warm summer night probably rectified some of the shortcomings I mentioned.

The Port Chester shows were at an outstanding venue and added to what already would have been three memorable shows.

I guess the ideal place to see a show is either an outdoor amphitheater (eg Alpine Valley), or the cozy indoor venue (Capitol Theatre, Chicago Theatre, etc.). Arenas are definitely less conducive towards a good show. I hate seeing a show at the United Center or Allstate Arena here in Chicago.

For me the early curfew really restricted what MMJ could play. I wasn't that big of a fan of Pritzker Pavillion. The venue is gorgeous and to be outside near the lake was great, but yeah the long beer lines, the bass was up way too high, and the curfew kinda bummed me out.

I loved the Chicago Theatre shows, Chicago Auditorium was amazing! I even liked the Northerly Island show they did by old Meigs Field.

Even though I know it won't happen, I would love to see Jim James solo tour at Schuba's. I know the size isn't big enough but I love shows there. Lincoln Hall, Chicago Theatre, Chicago Auditorium, or the Vic seems likely.


CHIMMJFAN

[LBSUNFLWR]

I liked the Pritzker, but I had a great seat in the pavillion, and I don't drink beer!! 

the lines were ridiculous! it was just a beautiful setting there and a walk from my hotel and it was my first time ever in Chicago...so I had a great experience.

just seeing pictures of that place and knowing MMJ and Band of Horses were playing there prompted the trip to begin with!

[Taterbug]

The first time I saw the band was at Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago) this past summer. I had lawn, and struggled to see the stage at all for much of the night (as anyone who attended and also had lawn will tell you). We got in line for beer around the time Band of Horses took the stage, and stayed there for their entire set.

I had an amazing show despite the venue. The skyline backdrop on a warm summer night probably rectified some of the shortcomings I mentioned.

The Port Chester shows were at an outstanding venue and added to what already would have been three memorable shows.

I guess the ideal place to see a show is either an outdoor amphitheater (eg Alpine Valley), or the cozy indoor venue (Capitol Theatre, Chicago Theatre, etc.). Arenas are definitely less conducive towards a good show. I hate seeing a show at the United Center or Allstate Arena here in Chicago.

For me the early curfew really restricted what MMJ could play. I wasn't that big of a fan of Pritzker Pavillion. The venue is gorgeous and to be outside near the lake was great, but yeah the long beer lines, the bass was up way too high, and the curfew kinda bummed me out.

I loved the Chicago Theatre shows, Chicago Auditorium was amazing! I even liked the Northerly Island show they did by old Meigs Field.

Even though I know it won't happen, I would love to see Jim James solo tour at Schuba's. I know the size isn't big enough but I love shows there. Lincoln Hall, Chicago Theatre, Chicago Auditorium, or the Vic seems likely.


CHIMMJFAN

The ridiculous beer lines at Pritzker impacted me more than anything 
It is a great place to see a show if your in the Pavilion.  I noticed when I was on the side of the stage though it sounded like they were in a tin can because of the structure.  The best sound hands down in the city is the Auditorium IMO.  I concur WinstonLegthigh  about the United Center and Allstate arena.  The AKOO Rosemont Theater is pretty decent venue for a Jim solo show or even Patten Gymnasium at Northwestern would be cool. I saw MMJ & New Pornographers with Stephen Malkmus their.

[CHIMMJFAN]

The first time I saw the band was at Pritzker Pavilion (Chicago) this past summer. I had lawn, and struggled to see the stage at all for much of the night (as anyone who attended and also had lawn will tell you). We got in line for beer around the time Band of Horses took the stage, and stayed there for their entire set.

I had an amazing show despite the venue. The skyline backdrop on a warm summer night probably rectified some of the shortcomings I mentioned.

The Port Chester shows were at an outstanding venue and added to what already would have been three memorable shows.

I guess the ideal place to see a show is either an outdoor amphitheater (eg Alpine Valley), or the cozy indoor venue (Capitol Theatre, Chicago Theatre, etc.). Arenas are definitely less conducive towards a good show. I hate seeing a show at the United Center or Allstate Arena here in Chicago.

For me the early curfew really restricted what MMJ could play. I wasn't that big of a fan of Pritzker Pavillion. The venue is gorgeous and to be outside near the lake was great, but yeah the long beer lines, the bass was up way too high, and the curfew kinda bummed me out.

I loved the Chicago Theatre shows, Chicago Auditorium was amazing! I even liked the Northerly Island show they did by old Meigs Field.

Even though I know it won't happen, I would love to see Jim James solo tour at Schuba's. I know the size isn't big enough but I love shows there. Lincoln Hall, Chicago Theatre, Chicago Auditorium, or the Vic seems likely.


CHIMMJFAN

The ridiculous beer lines at Pritzker impacted me more than anything 
It is a great place to see a show if your in the Pavilion.  I noticed when I was on the side of the stage though it sounded like they were in a tin can because of the structure.  The best sound hands down in the city is the Auditorium IMO.  I concur WinstonLegthigh  about the United Center and Allstate arena.  The AKOO Rosemont Theater is pretty decent venue for a Jim solo show or even Patten Gymnasium at Northwestern would be cool. I saw MMJ & New Pornographers with Stephen Malkmus their.

Damn was that the Patten Gymnasium show with the "Dondante" version that started off with Carl on the sax? Hands down one of my favorite "Dondate's!"

CHIMMJFAN

[rincon2]

At the back of the Wiltern where there were about 14 bar tables with two chairs each, the crowd was surreal. I went to night 2 with my 22 year old son who is into very hardcore punk. He was amazed at how nice everyone was. He let an 8 month pregnant lady sit in his chair for 5 songs, and her husband bought us 2 beers, a sizable investment. They soon left, she felt 'pregnant'? The next night I took my only friend that has been bitten by the bug. I took him to the rail where Shug was. He said let's stay here. I said wait, lets check out the pit, then the back. He saw those barstools, sat down, and said "I found my spot". He was amazed at how the crowd was. The friendliest bunch of strangers I have ever seen. He totally tripped, especially when I introduced him to a few people from this forum. he said, "I got to get into that internet shit." He had the same experience with me at the Pantages show, and New Multitudes. He said he will never turn down a show I offer to take him to. I got Mike Cooley tickets for next month. his mind may get blown again.

[sweatboard]

I NEED to visit The Capital and The Wiltern   

[rincon2]

I NEED to visit The Capital and The Wiltern

If they ever play the Wiltern again, and you are a Roll Call member, YOU HAVE TO GO. Roll Call members get in first, and they only give like 200 wrist bands for the pit. First come first served, and not all of the wrist band wearers stay in the pit, so it is loose, and maneuverable. You can worm your way to the stage, watch a few songs, then retreat, only to return again if you wish. That is how I got my beer to rest on the stage in front of Jim. For those who have not seen it...My Morning Jacket Lay Low solo   My iPhone handled that noise better than my ears did!

[sweatboard]

hahaha....holy shit!!  That's IT!!!! 

[rincon2]

hahaha....holy shit!!  That's IT!!!!

My single greatest highlight of several hundred concerts over 35 years. . Started at Cal jam II in 1978. And I got  (IMHO) the best part of all three nights at the Wiltern, on video.

[Woody]

Brooklyn was perhaps the wost concert I've ever seen. And it had NOTHING to do with the band.

couldn't agree more, and it was a hometown show for me.

I'll third this. The venue was meh and the show talkers killed me!

[Fully]

Vanderbilt's Memorial gym was a terrible venue for sound, but then the band played the shit out of that show and the weird sound did something unfuckingbelievable to Dondante. Unfortunately, we'll never get to here that again because they wouldn't let the taper in and the band won't release it.

[vespachick]

You can worm your way to the stage, watch a few songs, then retreat, only to return again if you wish.

Not on my watch, brother! Stand firm!

[Shug]

Don't mess with vespachick!   

[rincon2]

You can worm your way to the stage, watch a few songs, then retreat, only to return again if you wish.

Not on my watch, brother! Stand firm!

The ones who never left kept my spot. Plus, like I said, it was loose, meaning not crowded. Very peaceful and mellow crowd. (Vespachick, Erik, Exist10z, pointed you out to me in the line for night two at the Wiltern. I was going to introduce myself, but you were involved in conversation).