Charlotte's best live music venues
Plus: Top news of the week— GOP grills sheriff at hearing; Former council member pleads guilty; Early voting begins; Moynihan pay rises to $41M; Catholic conversions on rise
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An insider’s tour of the venues — big and small — that define the Queen City’s ever-expanding concert landscape
by Jay Ahuja
Having lived in Charlotte for 40 years now, I’ve been here long enough to remember when our live music options were extremely limited. Ovens Auditorium, what is now Cricket Arena, and later, McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, were the big dogs.
The Double Door Inn, The Milestone Club and Ty’s Music Room were the more modest mainstays. A handful of other places, including Excelsior Club, Yellow Rose, Kidnappers, the Pterodactyl Club, 1313 Club, Park Elevator, Jack Straw’s, 4808 Club and Tremont Music Hall had their moments, but have all come and gone.
These days, there are plenty of live music options.
With any luck, they’ll continue to thrive for decades to come. Here, in ascending order of seating capacity, are some of the music venues in Charlotte:
Comet Grill (Opened: 1996)
Capacity: Roughly 75
Address and Website: 2224 Park Road, www.cometgrillcharlotte.com
This is Charlotte’s home for free live music. Highlights include Friday nights with The Lenny Federal Band and Sundays with Omari and the Hellhounds. This place is tiny and packs up, so arrive early and enjoy dinner, because they offer a terrific menu of sandwiches and burgers. Acts here play for tips, so be sure to bring cash and pony up if you enjoy the show.
Petra’s (Opened: 2007)
Capacity: 100
Address and Website: 1919 Commonwealth Ave., www.petrasbar.com
Another small venue, shows here vary from rock to bluegrass and indie-pop to jazz. The crowd is respectful and pays close attention to the musicians. On Monday nights, Petra’s pays tribute to local legend, Bill Hanna, inviting jazz musicians to sit in with The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session. Tickets are just $7 in advance and $10 at the door. These shows are no longer a well-kept secret and can fill up fast.
The Evening Muse (Opened: 2001)
Capacity: 80 seated or 100+ standing
Address and Website: 3227 N. Davidson St., www.eveningmuse.com
I’ve seen a handful of shows at this former coffee shop and am eager to continue returning. Intimacy is its biggest selling point, but the knowledgeable, music-friendly crowd is another. Staff is friendly and helpful, while the list of who has played here is surprisingly full of brand-name artists. Acts can range widely, but pay attention to their website. If you see a show is selling well, that’s a pretty good sign that they’ve booked an up-and-coming, under-the-radar national act.
Smokey Joe’s Café (Opened: 1984)
Capacity: 109
Address and Website: 510 Briar Creek Road, www.smokeyjoescafe.com
Another small dive that presents live music every night, with set performers Sunday through Thursday night. Their Tuesday Open Mic Night, hosted by the Smokin J’s, is always fun. Wednesday nights feature Josh Daniel and Friends; this is the core of the incredible crew that performs “The Last Waltz Experience” every year at Visulite on the night after Thanksgiving. Friday and Saturday nights here offer talented touring bands. Cover charges are modest, and I have found them to always be worthwhile.
Snug Harbor (Opened: 2007)
Capacity: 125-150
Address and Website: 1228 Gordon St., www.snugrock.com
On any given evening, you may find anything from rock to country and everything in between on stage at Snug Harbor. And, when I say anything in between, I mean it. This place has a more diverse array of music than anywhere else in Charlotte. The throwback décor is reminiscent of dive bars that have been around decades longer, while the staff is professional and courteous. The music room itself is a jewel, reminiscent of places I stumbled upon in New Orleans. Cover charges generally don’t exceed $20 and can be half that, depending on the night of the week and artists.
Milestone Club (Opened: 1969)
Capacity: 170-180
Address and Website: 3400 Tuckasegee Road, www.themilestoneclub.com
The grandaddy of local music venues has hosted an incredible array of legendary acts over the years. My first visit was in 1986. The place was a dive like I had never seen before, but that is part of the attraction. Fans are right on top of the stage with nothing between them and the musicians. Keep an eye on their concert calendar. They have a keen eye for up-and-coming talent and, while you may have missed R.E.M.’s performance here, you could catch the next act on their way to the big time.
Middle C Jazz Club (Opened: 2019)
Capacity: 200 seats
Address and Website: 300 S. Brevard St., www.middlecjazz.com
This upscale place has a cabaret feel to it, with tables and chairs facing the stage in an arc. Middle C wasted no time making a name for itself by bringing national talent to the stage. No expense was spared in the way of sound system and decor, and the service staff is friendly and attentive. They generally have two shows per night. They offer pre-show dinners prepared by Rare Roots Hospitality, the folks who run Dressler’s, The Porter’s House and Fin & Fino, so it’s next level. Shows can sell out quickly, and memberships are available.
Goldie’s (Opened: 2023)
Capacity: 300 in main room
Address: 3601 South Blvd., www.goldiesclt.com
A relative newcomer, this place has nice sightlines and terrific acoustics, and the audience is engaged and clearly there to see the band. You’re not likely to see superstar acts, but the talent is real, the drinks are generously poured, and the food is first-rate bar chow. There are a handful of stools to occupy, but this place is mostly standing room only.
Peculiar Rabbit/Jackalope Jack’s (Opened: 2021)
Capacity: 300
Address and Website: 1801 Commonwealth Ave., www.therabbitholeclt.com
After The Double Door Inn closed, we went here to see several bands who used to play there, and we were impressed with the place. A spacious, well-kept room with excellent sound, lighting and a good-sized stage. Acts vary from funk and punk to bluegrass and blues, with a good bit of electronic and hip hop thrown in. Biggest drawback here is parking nearby, so we tend to use ride-share.
The Underground (Opened: 2009)
Capacity: 650 standing
Address and Website: 820 Hamilton St., www.blumenthalarts.org
Part of AvidXchange Music Factory, this big box venue is sparsely decorated, but as a Live Nation venue, it attracts up-and-coming national acts as well as established bands. It is largely standing room only, but seated VIP sections are offered at times and include bar service. The twin bars are well-staffed, and wait times are generally minimal. It’s worth keeping an eye on their music calendar.
Booth Playhouse (Opened: 1992)
Capacity: 436 seats
Address and Website: 130 N. Tryon St., www.blumenthalarts.org
This is the smaller venue at Blumenthal Arts, and it’s a terrific room for small and mid-sized acts. The seating is comfortable and well-positioned, with good views from anywhere in the room. Keep an eye on their concert calendar as, every now and then, they can surprise you with some well-known acts playing in an intimate setting.
Visulite Theatre (Re-opened as a music club in 1999)
Capacity: 500-540
Address and Website: 1615 Elizabeth Ave., www.visulite.com
A former movie theater, this place is beloved by live music fans. Concert aficionado Bob Foster may have put it best: “The viewing options are hard to replicate in a larger venue, with the standing area ‘pit’ up front for the more enthusiastic fans, the mid-tier counter and stools, tables, and chairs, just above and behind the pit, and then the area behind that and around the bar is all just right.”
Workers here, from ticket takers to bartenders, sound techs to merch folks, are all top-notch. The line forms early on show nights, as there are a handful of tables and chairs that go fast. Parking here is rarely a problem, and there are a few solid eateries nearby.
Amos’ Southend (Opened: In their current location in 1999)
Capacity: 600-700 people
Address and Website: 1423 S. Tryon St., www.amossouthend.com
Within a mile of uptown Charlotte and easy to get to via light rail, this gritty, multi-level venue has hosted brand-name artists, including The Flaming Lips, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Echo and The Bunnymen, Beastie Boys and Hootie and the Blowfish, to name a few. Bar staff here is first-rate and adeptly handle thirsty crowds.
Carolina Theater (Opened: 2025)
Capacity: 906
Address and Website: 230 N. Tryon St., www.thecarolina.com
It’s been a long time coming, but this place has the potential to transform the uptown music scene. The ornately decorated room now hosts “Music with Friends” concerts and boasts a $10M sound system. Larry Farber would not have chosen this place to host his private concert series if the sound and sightlines were not top-notch.
So far, concerts have been few and far between, but here’s hoping that changes as they settle into a routine. The lobby is spacious and well-appointed, with a classic marquee sign, but the concession set up struggles to keep up with demand when shows sell well. The upstairs concession stand has been better able to serve the masses.
Neighborhood Theatre (Opened as a music venue in 1997)
Capacity: 956
Address and Website: 511 E. 36th St., www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
This place was briefly a church before becoming an anchor of the NoDa music scene. They present a diverse selection of musical genres and offer three levels of seating: the floor, an elevated VIP area with stools and tables alongside another spot that is SRO, and a ticketed balcony straight back from the stage. The sightlines and acoustics are phenomenal, and the acts they bring are first-rate. The bar staff at Neighborhood is also as good as it gets.
Parking here can be a challenge on weekends, so we tend to ride-share to and from. One big plus is the incredible selection of top-notch restaurants within a short walk of the venue (the better ones can book a week or so in advance).
🎶 For the rest of the list — including the larger, more well-known venues — click below:
The full list includes:
Sandra Levine Theatre at Queens University
Knight Theater
The Fillmore
Belk Theater
Ovens Auditorium
Coyote Joe’s
The Amp
Skyla
Bojangle’s Coliseum
Truliant Amphitheater
Spectrum Center
Bank of America Stadium
Jay Ahuja has lived, worked and played in Charlotte since 1986. He has one wife, two stepsons and one dog. He’s had two sports travel guidebooks published and produced a documentary film, “Live From The Double Door Inn.” He works for WDAV 89.9FM, the region’s classical public radio station.
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🎥 WATCH: Ledger reporters discuss the news of the week
The Ledger’s Lindsey Banks, Ashley Fahey and Tony Mecia discussed the news of the week on Friday in a Reporters’ Roundtable video chat.
We talked about the growing opposition over plans to expand I-77 near uptown, the start of early voting for the March 3 election, strong new jobs numbers for Charlotte, a mixed-use project in Charlotte’s West End, the start of soccer season and Valentine’s Day tips (hint: don’t show up with carnations).
You can watch here:
This week in Charlotte: I-77 expansion faces resistance; Vigil honors bank shooting victim; Charlotte ranks No. 2 in job growth, Bank of America CEO pay rises to $41M
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Politics
GOP criticizes McFadden in crime hearing: (WFAE) Republicans largely praised Charlotte leaders during a legislative hearing on crime tied to a fatal Lynx Blue Line stabbing, surprising city officials who expected tougher questioning. Instead, lawmakers focused their toughest scrutiny on Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden over management and misconduct allegations.
Debate erupts over ‘Cop City’ plan: (Ledger🔒) Democratic candidates for Mecklenburg County commissioner clashed this week over a proposed $118M first responder training facility in Matthews, with challengers criticizing the project as excessive while an incumbent defended it as a public safety and workforce investment.
Former council member pleads guilty: (WSOC) Ex-Charlotte City Councilwoman Tiawana Brown pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge for lying to obtain more than $40,000 in Covid relief funds, some of which prosecutors say she spent on personal expenses.
Local news
Early voting began this week: The 2026 primary election is underway. Learn more about polling places and who’s on your ballot with The Election Hub’s voter guide.
I-77 toll lane expansion?: (Charlotte in Motion) Pressure is growing on Charlotte leaders to pause or stop the $3.2B I-77 toll lane expansion as west Charlotte residents warn the elevated lanes could harm neighborhoods and repeat past highway damage. Some council members support a delay, but transportation planners say the project may already be out of the city’s hands.
Vigil honors Charlotte shooting victim: (WBTV) Community members gathered outside a north Charlotte bank to honor Ina Lang, who was killed in a shooting earlier this week, sharing memories of her kindness and impact. Her husband, Michael Lang, told the crowd, “I feel robbed, of the rest of our life.”
Business
Charlotte ranks No. 2 in job growth: (Ledger) The Charlotte region added 37,600 jobs in 2025, the second-most of any U.S. metro area, trailing only New York City.
Moynihan pay rises to $41M: Bank of America said it approved $41M in total 2025 compensation for CEO Brian Moynihan — including a $1.5M base salary and the remainder in equity — a 17.1% increase from the $35M he received in 2024. (Reuters)
Sports
Carolina Ascent builds women’s soccer following: (Ledger🔒) Charlotte’s only professional women’s soccer team is quietly growing a loyal fan base at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Supporters say the team is helping shape the city’s soccer culture and giving young girls a visible place in pro sports.
NBA hands down suspensions after Hornets brawl: (NBA) The league suspended four players following the Pistons–Hornets fight that broke out during Monday’s game at the Spectrum Center.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Extending an olive branch. Plus: Charlotte ranked No. 2 in U.S. for job growth; Local florist weighs in on Valentine’s Day trends; Bank of America employee killed in shooting at bank branch; Leaders to testify on public safety
Wednesday (🔒)
An imminent ascent for Charlotte soccer. Plus: Sycamore proposes new beer labels; Early voting begins this week; Election Hub returns; Candidates spar over ‘Cop City’; Toppman reviews ‘Primary Trust’; Former council member pleads guilty
Friday (🔒)
Catholic conversions on the rise. Plus: Closer look at West End mixed-use project; Searching for Charlotte’s soul; Attack fliers put MAGA ballcap on Democratic incumbent; Camp North End sold; Pantsless mayor explains himself
Ways of Life (🔒)
In memoriam: Florence Turner, a life full of friendships and connections. Also remembered: Substance abuse worker for decades; head golf professional at Quail Hollow; longtime preschool teacher in several Charlotte schools; an accomplished Charlotte area DJ
Will Charlotte City Council rescind its support for I-77 toll lanes?: $3.2B project aims to reduce congestion, but concerns mount over the effect on neighborhoods
‘Primary Trust’ banks on subtlety — and cashes in: ‘Primary Trust’ runs through Feb. 22 at Three Bone Theater, 1545 W. Trade St.
Can a West End project be a model for Charlotte? Plus: Retail developer’s plans for The River District; Historic landmarks commissioner sounds off on Manor Theatre deal; What’s on deck for Cousins in Charlotte; Specialty Shops ‘coming soon’
The dream his father couldn’t recognize: Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith has stayed grounded during his coaching rise after watching “the life go” from his father’s eyes while battling dementia.