![The Front [Yann Tiersen, 04/16/10]](http://s3-media2.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/ilVzttNXQt10TLWpfVjykA/xss.jpg){kind=small}
![The Stage [Yann Tiersen, 04/16/10]](http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/IchTaEfR-xxhrCfckff5fA/xss.jpg){kind=small}
- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Rio Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
1205 Soquel AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-1812
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for Rio Theatre
39 reviews in English
-
Review from Don G.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
I love old school theatres. My wife and I saw The Ryan Adams at the Rio and appreciated the layout of the space and acoustics.
The view was completely unobstructed no matter where you sit. I would come here again to listen to other bands. -
Review from Janet O.
Came to watch the World-famous-popovich-comedy-pet-theatre
From the outside the Rio looks small and retro. I didn't mind really. The surprise was waiting for us inside.
The theater is actually spacious and has comfortable seats. Excellent view of the stage wherever you sit is a big plus.
Absolutely clean inside and great helpful staff.
The ticket booth that sits outside the double doors to the theater is so small and looks like it would only fit the guy that was it there. This is where retro truly resides:)
As most every reviewer commented. Parking is a tad difficult. So set some time just for that and you will be fine. It's a busy stretch of steet but we found parking right next to the theater.
For empty stomachs there's a really good burrito place next to the theater while you wait in line to get in.
There's two lines to get in. One to buy your tickets and the other one to get in. I mean you buy your ticket and you fall in line again to get in. So it's best if you and a friend can tackle the two lines simultaneously.
Ticket booth opens at 6 pm for a 7 pm show and door opens at 6:30. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011
Sitting down or standing in front, this charming venue is great for shows.
Find some street parking, slip down the street to a nearby bar beforehand if that's your thing, and then relax and enjoy the music.
The Rio feels surprisingly spacious, so it tends to lose some intimacy with the band. I want to say there's no photography allowed, but my pictures of The New Pornographers' recent show tells me a different story. -
Review from Sepi S.
San Jose, CA
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've seen Cocorosie and The Civil Wars here. once with no seating in the front and then a theater/chair set up. both times were really amazing. good sound and very intimate. its 420 friendly if everyone else is smoking. parkings not bad, on the street.
only wished they served some booze -
Review from Meghan R.
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am torn between A-OK and Yay I'm a fan!
I went to the Rio for my first and only time last night to see Andrew Bird and had an enjoyable experience so am sticking with Yay I'm a Fan for now. Of course Andrew Bird isn't some sort of rager concert either.
* The theater was well lit, nothing too fancy but not chintzy.
* The stage was enormous
* The gold circle ticket holders don't have to wait in the GA line (awesome) and get to choose from awesome seats up front.
* For a seated venue, the seats were comfy.
* If you wanna step outside, they trust you enough to give you a stamp on your hand to come back in, nice.
* I liked that the staff were older, organized and polite. I don't need the staff to be young to trust that they are capable of doing their job.
* This venue has that laid back easy-going vibe like the Mystic in petaluma.
- where the mystic has this place beat though is serving alcohol. I didn't even think to look for drinks at the Andrew Bird show last night but I know I would have been bummed if I had.
- I think this venue has a lot of potential to fill the gaping hole in the "music scene" of santa cruz if they could get more current acts to play there. which may require booze.
- the women's restroom is reminiscent of an elementry school bathroom, low stall doors, only cold water taps.
- parking seems like it may be an issue here (thankfully, i walked!) -
Review from Brian B.
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Rio Theatre is nice. They play "off-beat" movies and lectures, and occasionally have concerts too. I usually go to the Rio for surf movies that are in town as part of their tour, and for the annual Warren Miller Film. Recently, I also attended UCSC's Halliday Lecture in Astrophysics, which was packed and good fun.
The theatre is old, but they keep it well enough. It's generally clean. The seats are old, and not the most comfortable things ever, but they do just fine. We were at full capacity for the UCSC lecture, which I think meant there were something like 500 people in the room...it's a pretty good sized theatre.
Not much more to say. Parking can be difficult. In general, expect to park a couple blocks away and walk...especially for more popular events. -
Review from Miss Ally A.
Los Gatos, CA
2/12/2011
Suh-weet!
First off: We arrived to see Ryan Bingham & The Silent Comedy perform last week - 15 minutes after the show started.
Now, back in LA this would have meant: no parking! However, we snagged primo parking across the street w/out even trying for it!
Easy entrance into the venue - door people were super nice.
Open seating and a nicely sized open floor / dance area.
Bathrooms weren't that bad, actually. No real scene here, which is nice. It's like a stripped down place to watch music.
No beer / alcohol is a drag, however, if you're aware of it, you just plan ahead for it (ie. get your drinks before or slip a sweet flask into your purse).
Bottom line: a good place to watch a concert. Nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible about it at all.
Now, go see some live music! -
Review from Asha S.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2010 9 photos
We went to watch Yann Tiersen at the Rio Theatre today.. While Yann Tiersen has unquestionably mastered the ability to communicate something deep and powerful through sound, the Rio Theatre is most definitely not a worthy place for someone so talented. The acoustics are awful.
As you get off the highway approaching the theatre, if you've never been to Santa Cruz, you'd be shocked at how pseudo-suburbia it seems. And yet, finding parking proved somewhat difficult..
The theatre itself seems to be an old movie theatre cum venue for live shows. It's not too big, and the old theatre seats are used for "open seating" during performances for those who don't want to stand directly in front of the stage. There's a decent incline in the seats, but sitting closer to the center usually means you'll have to tilt your head a little to the left/right to get a good view.
There is no alcohol served inside. At all. No actual food, either, unless you want cookies and chips. (There is, however, a place next door that serves about, uh, 7 different types of wines.)
The crowd was lackluster.. It was the first performance I'd attended that was made up of people who seemed to think they were above applause or making noise. Right in front of us, there was a lady who literally stuck her fingers in her ears for 5 whole minutes as her friend shook his head. Two guys behind us were talking loudly. It was so disrespectful how so many people just up and left within the first hour. And even worse, that so many opted not to wait for his encore.
Yann Tiersen has changed his music style - even if you were expecting to hear his older stuff, you have to respect the genius behind all that beauty enough to at least LISTEN to whatever it is he's feeling inspired to do at present. He does incredible things with his violin. (The horsehairs kept snapping off with how quickly he was playing his violin!)
Also, Typhoon (the opener) wasn't bad, either. They sold their CDs from $5-$15, depending on what you could afford.
Anyway, Yann Tiersen is BRILLIANT.
The Rio Theatre, however... not so much. -
Review from Tammie W.
Scotts Valley, CA
1/29/2011
First the good. I haven't experienced the acoustical issues that others have mentioned here in the reviews. There really isn't a bad seat in the house and the shows are reasonably priced. We've seen some great shows here and the intimacy of the venue is a plus. And it beats a trip over the hill to San Jose, Oakland or SF to see acts. And most of the shows are all ages, which allows us to take our 14 and 17 year old to shows that aren't arena sized.
Downside. Yes, there is a lack of beverage options, beyond coffee and water. . My main complaint? The women's room is a cess pit and smells like one. And the venue itself could use some TLC and upgrades.
The Rio has the potential to be another Fox Theater but its going to take some overhaul.
Update: A recent show has seen an improvement in the bathrooms and the theatre is seeing a bit more TLC. Keep up the good work! -
Review from Lance G.
Boulder Creek, CA
12/12/2009
I'll be generous and give them two stars, they book some really cool acts here.
Parking kinda sucks in this neighborhood on the weekends.
No food.
No booze, not even beer and wine.
The Security Oaf takes his menial job waaaay to seriously.
The crowd generally sucks at the shows I've seen here.
A couple of years ago Katie and me got put on double secret probation for drinking beer and generally having a good time. Yep, they expected us to quietly sit with our hands politely folded in our laps at a Robert Earl Keen show. That's beyond stupid.
Listen folks, this is NOT the Opera it's twang bangin' Country. Get over yourselves already.
Fast forward to last night- Herbert and me went to go see Todd Snider. (I bet you can see where this is heading)
On the way there I warned Herb about the lame crowd, the double secret probation, the mouth breather that works security and the fact that we needed to keep our pocket beers on the DL. Sure enough at the beginning of the show we managed to upset a couple next to us and they had the oxygen thief Security Oaf come over. He poached Herb's beer but not mine (I was in super stealth mode).
That's OK fat boy I finished mine, went out to the Jeep and got us another round.
All this didn't go unnoticed by Mr. Snider. He went into a tirade about "Folk Nazis" and it was a thing of beauty. The couple behind us that up until this point were disgusted by our very existence were clearly uncomfortable when we both turned around and gave them a look that said "Yeah he's talkin' about people like YOU". That earns the other star.
I'm way more fun than this place. -
Review from Perci N.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2007
They Might Be Giants rocked the Rio this weekend. Watching Birdhouse in Your Soul and Istanbul Not Constantinople live was priceless. But I'm not talking about TMBG, which I also saw the following night in SF at the Fillmore. I'm talking about how much better Santa Cruz is in comparison.
Baby, you don't know what you got till it's gone.
Compared to the Rio, the Fillmore:
- Does not have ins/outs
- Does not have convenient free public parking nearby
- Does not have adequate A/C
- Does not have adequate seating
- Does not have food/non-alcoholic drinks (yeah, apples don't cut it)
- Does not allow you to take photos
- Does not have a smoke-free/pot-free audience (this means you, Fillmore douche bags smoking out at a show with children)
After a show in Santa Cruz, you have to worry about finding an open restaurant nearby. After a show in San Francisco, you have to worry about finding your car without getting mugged.
Best thing about the Rio: being a converted movie theater, the decor is still retro snazzy, and the elevated rear seating allows you to still see the stage, even if you're all the way in the back.
Which I wasn't. Front row, baby, front row.
\m/ @_@ \m/
P.S. The SC show was better. Go banana slugs, go! -
Review from Daddy O.
Long Beach, CA
4/8/2010
Finally! I got to see a show here! It's only been what, 4 years? Anyway, saw Rogue Wave last night and quite enjoyed the show immensely. Even though the show was really fun, I agree with many others regarding the acoustics in the Rio. They pretty much suck. That said, the ambiance is cool, there's plenty of floor space, assuming the show isn't sold out, and for old farts with babies like me, there's ample seating for those who don't want to stand with the huddled masses in front of the stage.
I don't know if it was the nature of last night's headliner, but the crowd and settings are really quiet. People just seem really chill. The atmosphere felt more like a live act at an intimate coffee shop or the Attic than a real concert venue. I'd definitely see more shows here. -
Review from K O.
Pacific Grove, CA
7/27/2011
Preferable to other venues in the immediate area, the semi attached lounge they added takes it up a notch. Passable IPA on tap for not many monies.
-
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
8/4/2008
OH, now this is just unfair. You want me to stand 10 feet from Conor Oberst as he drinks himself progressively more stupified after every song, while I bop harmlessly in a dry venue? I wish I had known to sneak something spiked in so that I would have had the balls to scope his bus out back when he "mysteriously" didn't show up for his encore (The Mystic Valley Chaps were marvelous for "pulling it out of a nose dive"*).
Everything else about the venue was tops. GREAT sound, lots of room, good vantage point from all corners, and clean restrooms. More importantly, it is in the strange, strange city of Santa Cruz, where adolescents don't claw at each other** to get closer to celebrities, and where you can buy water AND coffee at a CONCERT for A DOLLAR.
Tip to out of towners who may be hungry before your concert: the Rio is not actually in downtown proper. I recommend not resorting to the taqueria next door, where two boys behind the counter will bumble through a host of blah-quality ingredients to keep up with the demand of the line of people who thought this place might be a good idea for some pre-concert munchies.
*I must give credit of this phrase, which I mostly despise, but which is at the moment quiet appropriate, to J.H.
**This may be in large part due to the lack of alcohol at the venue.Listed in: So you want to "date" me, Fat and Drunk
-
Review from Heather J.
Bay Area
10/22/2010
I love seeing shows at the Rio!
My favorite show there so far was Rilo Kiley. Jenny Lewis is a really fun performer.
The venue is really big and has seating and a big standing space in front of the stage for fans. Tickets are usually cheap but they usually sell out because there's always an awesome line-up at the Rio. I suggest looking up shows wayy ahead of time.
I've had plenty of shows that I wanted to go to at the Rio but they've sold out months before the show so don't let that happen to you! -
Review from Valerie G.
Santa Clara, CA
12/31/2009
This past Tuesday I was able to check out a Beatles fribute band cover the white album at the Rio. I must have forgot how Santa Cruz rolls because I came fully unprepared. I was under the impression that we were going to be at a actual bar show. Low and behold I got in and there was a seated auditorium. There was plenty of parking availible outdoors and the lines were quick moving. They served cofee,tea and water. (which ruined our game plan of pre-drinking inside..we didnt have a chaser to wash down the straight alcky haha) It was a very straight edged/family oriented venue. I dont think I could really cut loose at this place and for that I give it 3 stars.
ps. Lady who was selling the crochet beanies out front I SHOULD OF BOUGHT the maroon one with the peace sign. Shucks. -
Review from Kelly B.
San Jose, CA
6/6/2010
I came here for the first time last night. Because I knew it would be general admission, I got there early enough to enjoy choice seating.
People were civilized out front while waiting. The people running the event that night were great about coming out and letting everyone know what time to expect to be let in, what isn't allowed inside (no food, alcohol or bottles) and what not. I was kind of expecting some jerky attitude from the staff here, in part because of some of the reviews here and in part because I am used to other event staff elsewhere being curt or rude. But hey! This is Santa Cruz, you know. Relax and go with the flow! The staff here was super friendly and that made for a nice surprise.
I saw a spoken word show so I can't really comment on the acoustics. They were fine for my event, but I can see how music shows may not be what one would expect. This place probably doesn't have the budget for top notch speakers and equipment, and maybe the interior structure doesn't compliment sound so well, so you have to accept it for what it is. I've been to enough concerts with bad sound, so I probably wouldn't be too bothered by it.
The show last night was extremely enjoyable. Very intimate. And the audience was great!
Coffee, tea and water are the only drinks you can buy inside, but you can certainly get your drink on before or after the show someplace nearby. Abundant parking on the surrounding side streets.
I think a place like the Rio is a gem that you have to experience in order to appreciate, something you can only find in Santa Cruz. I would definitely come back for another event. -
Review from Michelle D.
San Jose, CA
6/24/2010
When I heard that She & Him was coming to the Bay, I was so excited!!! I started debating on what day I wanted to go, Friday at Santa Cruz or Saturday at Oakland. I decided on Friday because I wanted to see them as soon as I could.
What a mistake.
They don't allow pictures. Wtf?! -_- How am I supposed to be their #1 fan/stalker if I can't even take proper pictures or record their performances?
The crowd wasn't as enthusiastic as I'd expected. I wish people were more into it. Clapping to the beat was pretty lame since no one was carrying it on.
Also, the lobby is tiny. It's really small. Fox's is a lot bigger, spacious, and the decor is nicer too. I usually wouldn't mind the size or decor, but since I wasn't allowed pictures, I decided to become a cynic. :(
Oh, and no food/drinking. That also rules out alcohol.
I guess this place isn't that bad. I mean, She & Him did choose this theatre. However, I'd definitely choose another one if I had the option. -
Review from Rocky F.
Capitola, CA
4/1/2009
I've seen a few shows at the Rio. The Waifs, Erin McKeown and Cesaria Evora come to mind. But the sound quality is HORRIBLE. They get some good acts here, so why don't they invest in some better sound equipment, or so something to help the acoustics?
I see that Lila Downs is coming there soon, and as much as I love her, no way am I spending money to see her at the Rio.
Please do something about the sound! -
Review from Ed S.
Los Banos, CA
4/14/2011
I went to see Arlo Guthrie here last night & was the first time at the theatre & had a great time. Cool old place & re-furbished nicely. The staff were friendly & helpful. The only reason I didn't give 5 star's is because it dosn't have it's own parking lot, other than that, I look forward to coming here again soon.
-
Review from Cat R.
Castro Valley, CA
9/21/2007
I really like the Rio. It's so small, but peasant. And I love all the different shows they have there. This week I saw Dave Brubeck, next week I'll be seeing They Might Be Giants!
I only give 4 stars because they only have 3 stalls in the women's bathroom. But it is an other movie theater, so there is not much they can do about that. It's just an endearing annoyance. -
Review from Faye A.
3/16/2009
The sound isn't great, but it's still a fun place to see a show; everyone has mentioned it - because this is a converted movie theater, the seats are elevated.
Somehow, I've managed to catch quite a few shows here, including Alejandro Escobedo and Mudhoney...as well as attended a few surf film fundraisers. My gym is right next door, I always check out the marquee in the hopes that someone good will pop in...
They let you bring a camera if you are so inclined, and everyone is really low-key. Me likey.
On the down side, they sell no booze, which is sort of a bummer, however, the Crepe Place is just across the street, they are open late on the weekends. They have a very inviting bar, with talented bartenders (though when they have live music the same nights as the Rio, it can get a little challenging). -
Review from Chris K.
La Mesa, CA
6/15/2008
I'm so glad I chose to see Orchestra Baobab (a band from Senegal) at the Rio instead of seeing them at Yoshi's in SF or Oakland. The Rio is low key and rustic with a bunch of hippies running it. It's an old movie theatre with the first several rows of seats taken out to make room for the stage and a dance floor. It smells old as well.
Some basic points:
-The sound system was alright but not perfect since it wasn't designed to be a concert venue.
- They don't sell alcohol so get loaded before you arrive.
- The men's bathroom is upstairs so if you're disabled, you need to hold it or use the women's downstairs.
- the bands that play have to walk down the stairs from the old projection room where they hang out before the show to the stage through the seating area. There's no backstage area. Kind of funky but also cool because you can ambush your favorite bands as they come and go from the stage.
I'll take this place over the two-drink-minimum-pack-em-in-overpriced-Ticketmast er-sell-out venue any day. -
Review from Anthony K.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2008
The venue feels classy but the equipment is dated. It all depends on what you come here for.
4 stars - I've been here twice and the first time was for spoken word by Chuck D, and this place fit his presentation style perfectly, since it was seated and all.
2 stars - But the last time I came I was surrounded by high schoolers at an Architecture in Helsinki show. We actually came for the openers (Glass Candy) but were disappointed that they didn't play their instruments or have more stage presence. Regardless, the sound wasn't the best I've heard (the Attic is much better) and the teens were just jerks.
This is the place to come for a sit down event, not as much for music. -
Review from Andy A.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/17/2010
I arrived and waited in line for nearly an hour tonight for a "free" lecture being offered by UCSC. After waiting for a while, an employee of the theater struts around asking for people who have "pre-registered" for the event. Pre-registered? Most everyone in line didn't know we COULD pre-register. None of the flyers around town or online even mentioned the possibility. I was one of at least a hundred people VERY disappointed and turned away after being told the theater was "over-capacity." Shame on you Rio Theater! UCSC! Get your marketing game figured out! Thanks for wasting my time.
-
Review from Jennifer E.
San Diego, CA
4/28/2008
This is my new favorite venue! It is the perfect size, no matter where you are sitting or standing you can see everything on stage.
AND I was allowed to take pictures.
True- no drinks or food, but do you really need to be fooling with that kinda crap when you see a concert?
Drink at a bar nearby if you can't see a show sober.
You don't get to keep your concert ticket stub :( unless you can remember to get one after the show. -
Review from Tom Y.
Carlsbad, CA
6/9/2009
This place is really a 3.5 stars joint.
I am not a big fan of the seated show for music and this place's area majority are seats, the acoustics are not that great in this place either. But this place does have a charm about it, although not as ornately decorated as other theaters I have seen but this is Santa Cruz, so it has to follow into the either the artsy or the 60s-70s charm which this place still has. The staff and surprising availability of street parking within a reasonable walking distance are great. This place does not offer alcohol of any sorts, so be prepared accordingly with and there was a lack of places that serve alcohol in the vicinity as well.
But this place offers a great view almost wherever you are in the theater itself. I will even forgive them for having the men's bathroom upstairs too. -
Review from Alie C.
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I walked in and instantly was reminded of the old Gaslighter in Campbell and was filled with nostalgia. I really liked this location for the show we went to. The standing room area is small but it's not like we were at a metal show where there would be moshing so it didn't really make a difference. The bathroom was small too but clean and maintained. They do not sell any type of liquor here, again which didn't really matter to us. We had no trouble finding parking. I like how old school this theater is and I'd definitely come see another show here in the future.
-
Review from Erin M.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2009
I love the Rio.
Granted, I've only ever seen small acts there (Jenny Lewis, Stephen Malkmus), and maybe their fans are a little less hardcore than others, but I've always found the crowd to be relaxed, low-key, and just genuinely happy to be there. I like being in the front, and it's nice to a) not have to shove my way up there, and b) not feel like everyone behind me hates me and is just waiting for the perfect opportunity to push me out of the way. Let's face it--sometimes concert-goers can be brutal, but the ones at the Rio all seem pleasant.
The sound is decent, not spectacular by any means, but I've never felt my experience was ruined because of it. It is a theater, but there always seems to be plenty of room in the front to stand. It's a very intimate setting, which is nice, as it allows the band to talk to the audience, and actually really engage them.
The bouncers/doormen are always very nice too, which is great, because usually at other places, they're total jerks.
Yes, there's no alcohol but, is that really why you're there? If you really need to be drunk to enjoy a concert, drink before, or try to sneak something in (I doubt it's that hard).
I really enjoy the Rio, and it's nice having a place in Santa Cruz that brings in some good acts. My friends and I have made a bit of a tradition of going to a concert, and then driving the short distance to the Santa Cruz Diner for some post-concerty grub. -
Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
9/8/2010
My favorite Santa Cruz concert venue. It's not brand spanking new, and the restrooms can have long lines, but the seating's comfortable, you get some great performers, and the sight lines tend to be good. The last show I saw there was Medeski, Martin & Wood--fantastic! Decent coffee & pastries/snacks in the lobby.
-
Review from jessie j.
Memphis, TN
11/4/2007
we came here tonight for architecture in helsinki. i've come to realize i'm secretly biased against the entire city of santa cruz, it's like everytime i visit here i need it explained to me why the city is considered a vacation "destination". so bear in mind that santa cruz and most of it's denizens are just not my thing.
the rio theater is charming, don't get me wrong- but theater style seating for live music other then an orchestra??? and where is the booze?? i cannot be expected to live it up at a live show on a SATURDAY night on bottled water and herbal tea (organic no less) alone! also, the crowd was relatively adorable but really, really young. can someone explain to me the revival of the side pony tail?? girls, come on now WTF??
the staff at the rio are very friendly and there is lots of free parking, but i don't think i'll be running back to see a show here anytime soon. i really am a city girl at heart. jesus sandals+nappy hair+the love of jam bands really freaks me the fuck out. -
Review from Pumpkin K.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/5/2006
The Rio is a converted movie theatre that gets a lot of pretty offbeat shows, from plays to bands to magic acts. It also still plays movies. It never fails to amaze me how this theatre can be packed with people yet it is totally quiet during the show. You would think from looking at the crowd that peeps were ready to rock, but all that weed and patchouli really mellows people out.
Listed in: In the hood
-
Review from Katie T.
1/31/2007
If you live in Santa Cruz, there is really no excuse not to see a show or speaker here now and again. But even if you are visiting, it might be worth checking out the schedule, just because it's such a cool old place.
Listed in: Groupie Love
-
Review from Andrew B.
Fairbanks, AK
12/5/2005
Its not a place to see a rockin show, because its all theatre seating- so you'd better be prepared to sit a spell. The seats are comfy though. The sound is good in here and I like the old school theatre decor.
-
Review from Carol S.
Santa Cruz, CA
6/24/2010
Don't compare it to the Fox, y'all. Apples and oranges. Lobby's too small? Well, this is a small city, what did you expect? Less-than-cutting-edge acoustics? It's not a cutting-edge theater; maybe you should stay on your side of the hill. Can't enjoy a show without been and wine? I hear 12-step programs can help.
I mean, let's not put the RIo down for what it doesn't have and what we don't need - let's evaluate it for what it is - our local, funky event tent. The tickets are cheap, the cookies are fresh, the acts are great, you can see the stage from any seat. You can park in the neighborhood - for free - and your car will not have a bashed-in windshield when you retrieve it.
And if you must be inebriated in order to appreciate the music, you can drink beer next door at Charlie Hong Kong, or wine across the street at The Crepe Place, before you get in line, okay?
As for the inconvenience of security guards who take their jobs seriously - if idiots would stop bringing things into theaters that they shouldn't, then there would be no need for that kind of security. Grow up and behave yourself. -
Review from tera m.
Monterey, CA
2/21/2010
Very cool spot to watch your favorite musicians play! it's an old theatre that's had many seats in the front removed so that you can get up close, dance and have some space to move around. They serve tea, coffee and treats and the band had some of their gear for sale. There were a number of people who brought their kids for the first part of the show. good times!
-
Review from Marissa G.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2007
I really liked this place, it had character. I went to see Henry Rollins and it was a great experience. Totally relaxed, great atmosphere. Rollins was the best part though, you can't go wrong.
-
Review from vanessa d.
Alameda, CA
2/17/2009
i caught the juana molina show over the vday weekend and it was bit bittersweet. the sweet part had to do with awesome seats for a great price. first come, first served. parking is a breeze. it was an outstanding performance from juana molina (if you're not familiar with her, she's like a cross between a spanish speaking kinney starr and ani difranco). ha, all very lesbianesque. while she can appreciate my kind of music, the SO has a more "masculine" music taste (whatever that means) and teases me all the time:
me: (warbling ani's "napoleon" or tori amos's "hey jupiter" in the shower)
SO: *screaming* will you quit that lillith fair renaissance turkey drumstick eating streamers in the hair corset parasol barefoot craptastic shit out? it's 7am!
me: okay... sorry. (sobs silently and slides dramatically against shower tiles)
hah, okay-- that was a little telenovela brought to you by my imagination. :) anyways, back to the venue...
i discussed the sweet part, now onto the bitter:
- there was a sad, 60-something ex-flower child standing next to the speakers, dancing all interpretive-like, in an evening dress and satin sash. the glaze in her eyes was eerie in a requiem for a dream kinda way. it was scary because i think she was alone. on valentine's day. all dressed up. with no caregiver. eek.
- there is no alcohol. this place looks like a movie theater and not a performing arts theater, so don't expect otherwise. heed the giant old school film projector collection in the lobby. while they do serve soft beverages, as well as coffee and tea, it left me wishing i brought my flask with me.
- the bathrooms are TINY. no, i mean, there are 3 stalls and there is barely a wait, but the actual fixtures like the commodes and sinks are set really low, like you gotta be no stranger to lunges before you can hold your own with those toilets. it's a quads-a-quivering good time. i felt instantly transported to kindergarten (not that i grew in height very much since then, but...). the sinks were my perfect level (i'm 5'1) and it tickled me inside to see taller women using them. it tickled in the way i suppose my 6'5 ex bf sees me climbing the counter to reach a cup on a top shelf in the kitchen.
that being said, the rio has varied performances and showcase them admirably. i would definitely go again. -
Review from Bernadette R.
Santa Cruz, CA
3/25/2011
I love The Rio! It is a quaint neighborhood theater that features great artists, speakers and documentaries. Most recently, I saw Mike Gordan the bassist from the band Phish and was so excited to see his name of the marque. Since I live walking distance from the venue I decided that I would pick up my tickets through will call....no biggie, right! Well, I regret that decision now because friends of mine who had received tickets in mail for this event actually got a Mike Gordan ticket stub. When I picked my 2 tickets up from will call they read the name of an artist who played 4 months prior to this show. When I asked The Rio staff why they did not print proper ticket stubs for this event I was told that they were recycling paper. Being a ticket stub collector, this really left a sour taste in my mouth for The Rio Theater. Later that night, I ran into Mike Gordan and wanted to have him sign my ticket stub but thought I would restrain from this request because it might be rude for him to see that it was not even his own ticket stub. WTF RIO!!! I know that when purchasing tickets to events at this venue there are many different fees tacked on. One of these fees must include printing the ticket with the artists name, RIGHT? I am very disappointed about this and feel that they half assed a great show. All in all, Mike Gordan killed it and I hope to see this theater get their act together with printing real ticket stubs with the artist who is playing that event that people pay to go see. Phew...I feel better now that I got that off my chest. Much Love!
