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Categories: Music Venues, Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
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i'm a firm believer in "life has a plan for you." i think that when opportunities come your way, you should seize them, since they have probably be placed in your way for a reason.
i also think that one of the best ways to explore a city is to hit the streets and see what happens. my two girlfriends and i were doing just that, and had been sight-seeing all day in seattle. on our way back to our hotel for a change of attire, we stumbled across the showbox. and who should be playing that night? method man and redman. though we were on our way home, a little tired, and had entertained no thoughts of attending a concert prior to this, it took only one look at each other, and we began our search for scalpers - i mean completely legitimate ticket sellers! when life hands you a method and red concert, you take advantage.
the showbox is a fairly large venue, with two bars set back on either sides of the stage. from the tables surrounding those bars you have a great view of the stage and crowd before it. the acoustics were good, beer was affordable, and they make some tasty chicken fingers! the show was incredible, and we got close enough to reach out and touch method. and as for any illicit activities that went on in the crowd or on-stage, i will plead the fifth.
For whatever reason, my experience here last night was better than it has been in the past. Better sound, the beer was fresh, and the security here has ALWAYS been sweeter than pie to me!
Pete Yorn is near and dear, and man was I happy to see him last night. It'd been since 2001 or so since I'd seen him. He put on a great show... lots of old favorites... he played for about an hour, 20.
I've seen lots of great shows here over the years and though I can't stand the SoDo location, last night was a reminder that this place really ain't half bad.
Cheap beer. The only reason you'd come here, me thinks, is for cheap booze and beer before a… Read more »
I came here for a "DJ Dance Night" with some girlfriends and had an awesome time. Showbox has a nice dance floor with some seating/bar stools around the perimeter and a bar. I could see it being a great place for a small-scale concert. Afterwards, there's a stand outside on the sidewalk for a late-night cream cheese hot dog! YUM.
Tip: it's hard to find free parking nearby. Either pay $$ for parking in a private lot or be prepared to drive around to find a spot.
Nice venue in a good location that I'd definitely go back to.
The Showbox is definitely better than a lot of other venues in town. However, that's not saying much. =P The sound is always loud enough but often not adjusted properly. The last show I attended (Mountain Goats) had the bass pumped up so high that it was tough to hear the vocals. Since there are regularly great performers passing through the venue, it's impossible to avoid it entirely unless you don't want to see a show. I'm also not down with the drink prices... a red bull & vodka ends up being $10 after tip. I do appreciate that they have earplugs available. It's generally reasonably clean/well organized and the security has been friendly.
As an avid music lover, the only thing I enjoy more than blasting tunes through my speakers and singing along is experiencing it live. The Showbox (MARKET! Don't even get me started on the evil SoDo stepchild... http://www.yelp.com/bi...) is by far my favorite music venue in Seattle.
The layout is fantastic. Many years spent on the floor and always a good view. Now that I am finally of age to bear the coveted stamp on my wrist, I can relax with my beverage of choice with a faultless, eye-level view of the stage.
No matter what the genre, the Showbox adapts. Be it hip-hop, punk, reggae, electronica, it just feels right in here. I've witnessed violin solos, turntablists battle, emcees bust freestyles and tender acoustic ballads all on the same stage. The collective vibe shifts at each show, but the Showbox is always welcoming. I have never had a bad experience, and for this: FIVE FUCKING STARS.
I should probably wait to review the Showbox until I see another show here, but I don't think I can. I'm kinda smitten.
At first I thought we were walking into the strip club, but this interior is devoid of stripper poles and lingerie. The layout is not perfect but close to it in terms of visibility. There are no huge support poles in the middle of the floor. Alas, being 5'2" will always be my main issue, but I think getting a spot along the sides or near the bar will guarantee a great view. Sound quality was good, and at this particular all-ages show there was minimal underage-pit-rowdiness. I appreciate not getting kicked in the face by overzealous crowd-surfing teenagers.
I'm not sure why it's necessary to have a drinking age stamp that is the size of my forearm, but whatever. It washed off easily.
Showbox is my fave place to see a show. It's big and open. Kinda clean. Great sound quality compared to some places.
My 2nd favorite place to see a show. MSI always sounds so good here!
Oh, and i was here the night Obama was elected. So much fun!
I will say this is one of the better, well-put-together places to see a show. And as other posters have mentioned, reminds me of the Great American in San Francisco. Both have great features that make for a wonderful sounding show while still looking classy. Though the sound still relies heavenly on the production crew.
I will say one thing about the Green Room: $12 for three cans of PBR? Come on. I know that shit is canned gold, but still - four bucks a pop is insane.
Almost freaking DIED here when I got caught in a human infested excited fan crowded front row riot. That's cool, though. I understand Murder City Devil fans and all. Just wanted to squash the petite girl in the front to get closer to the stage. Whatev.
Rad place. Will definitely be back, but this time, back row.
saw Lily Allen and Regina Spektor here on separate occasions.
Floors are smaller than GA at arena concerts, but still give off a bit of a cold vibe.
Bonus points for the elevated bar area with great sightlines.
So - I am going to give the Showbox 3 stars because I am kinda torn between what a cool venue it is to see some up and comers - 5 Stars - and what a bunch of crackheads that they have working at the place - 1 star.
I have seen 5 shows here now and i really like the idea of the Green Room Bar - get in early if ya spend more money drinking here theme. AND I like the fact you can be in an all ages concert and still be in the 21 and over cocktail serving side of the venue!
Sweet!
Best of all you can be within mere feet of the performer of choice and mere feet of your cocktail of choice!
However - the dumbass toothless crackheads that are working there? Well i think I have said enough. They are inconvenienced that you just spent money to see a concert in the location that employs them.
Have fun at the show! Just avoid the staff - in a hindsight note - the 2 bartenders we had were great - I think its the security and door staff that are the issue? Maybe. Um. Yeah.
To be completely fair, I should write two seperate reviews of this joint. One as your normal everyday concert-goer, and one as the VIP groupie/roadie experience I actually partook in.
Everyday show-goer review: decent size yet still intimate venue, good acoustics, kind of grotty, decent staff and strong drinks, not a bad view from the all-ages floor or the 21+ elevated bars...and that's about it.
VIP Showbox experience: escorted through the entrance straight to the back of stage and the green room. Hang out with the band and drink free booze. Watch show from stage left with a birds-eye view. Almost get in a fight with the dumb bitches who poured wine all over me. Unadulterated in/out access for smokes, drinks and any other debauchery my naive self could possibly imagine. When navigating sold-out crowd, get aisles cleared for me by venue staff. Hang with band after show and chat up the genuinely nice people who work there. Go back to hotel with ears ringing and a slightly inflated ego.
I especially like the mature gentleman behind the bar closest to the men's lounge. Always a cordial greeting, like we are the only two people in the world...amid the chaos that really is going on.
Great sound, professional staff and security.
Consistently tp/soap in the ladies room, thank heavens!
I LOVE Showbox at the Market! It is my favorite venue for intimate, up close shows. The bar is also great, and feels like part of the main floor. This venue has an romantic, underground feel to it. At the same time, it feels like a true Seattle experience. The staff is friendly, and long lines tend to move quickly (unless you show up right when when doors "open.") Don't bother getting there early, because doors usually open late, and even if you're in the back of the floor, you still feel close to the stage. I've seen some of my favorite bands here, and I will always treasure the Showbox Market!
Oops I almost forgot- BRING EARPLUGS! This venue gets VERY loud! :)
The venue is still fabulous.
However, I had something interesting experiences with security.
This night was all-ages, so the bar area is 21 and the main floor, you could hit up if you were 18. And granted, this is Katy Perry. The pungent smell of cherry Chapstick was in the air: there were many girls there who were looking to kiss girls... and boys there to watch.
Security guard: *checking my ID* "Can you sign your name three times, for me on this paper?"
This is during him shining the light in my face. Am I a terrorist? Maybe in the bedroom... or drunk... but, no this isn't right. I am not drunk, you aren't a cop. Moving on.
Me: "Sure, I can show you... my credit cards? I'm Kim Dao."
WHO THE HELL ELSE IS KIM DAO!?
Security guard: "Um, hold on - one second. I need to look at this more. How long have you been living in Washington?"
Me: "I don't live here, I am visiting."
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A SECURITY GUARD? YOU F-ING DOUCHEBAG.
So after awhile of this interrogation in the style of terrorism, level orange, foreign, semi-almost cavity search... he finally decides to let me in after examining my signature.
I thought he was going to make me empty out cavities. I wasn't in the mood. And frankly, that would have been irritating.
Security guard: "This picture is really old. Really old. You should go get a new one."
I WANTED TO TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT, BECAUSE MY FACE LOOKS ROUNDER IN THE PHOTO... But irritated enough to only think, ARE YOU THE DMV?!?
Whatever.
Last time, I was here... I also could get into the Showbox early if you got into the bar next door The Green Room. This saves you all that jazz of trying to beat people down for a nice spot. it didn't happen this time. Even if we tried to bribe the security guard. He joined his fellow colleague in being a D-BAG. That's okay, rules are rules.
It's okay, I understand rules are rules. Had fabulous bar service, it's the only venue that seemingly carries Sierra Nevada in Washington. It still remains three stars because the venue is still nice and retains as being a great place to catch some live music. If I ever have to come here again, I'm hoping to change my opinion to it's original.
Um, I loved this venue. It's unlike anything in California.
They have a seperate eating venue and the…
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People are always talking about how they love to see shows at the Showbox - Market; that the performances always seem so great, there isn't a bad seat in the house, security is friendly, food and drinks are good, etc. etc. etc. The Showbox is like any other venue or establishment in town: when you have great people working in your place of business, giving out great service, you wind up with happy patrons -- including the performers who come to play on the stage.
My band is Stay Tuned, we've played here several times now. Every time I play here, I wish I could keep on adding stars. From beginning to end, the folks at the Showbox take care of us and our audience. We are usually the opening act (one day we'll headline, I'm sure of it!), but regardless the staff treats us like VIPs.
It begins with the booking folks, who keep us in mind for upcoming shows (!!!), then lay out all the information we need. Rarely do we need to write back and get more details.
When we show up, the stage manager (Jay has been filling that role the last two times we were there) arranges for parking in the lot next door, and meets us outside with a huge dolly and helps us bring our gear in. He helps us load our stuff on stage, and helps us unload it off stage. He's super friendly, and keeps our equipment safe after we're done playing. I've never worried about my equipment at the Showbox, even though it's sitting right at the edge of the stage where people could get to it if they really tried.
The fellow in charge of Catering (Vincent) and his staff took our orders for food and promised that though the kitchen would be closed, they would cook up some burgers and bring them to us hot after we were done. (He also requested Land of the Lost. Hell yeah man, that's one of my favorites!!). Sure enough, when we were done playing, he and his staff had hot food waiting for us, as well as beer and water backstage.
The sound engineers are always amazing. We had Sabrina (spelling?) and Chris this last time, and they made sure we could hear everything we needed on stage, and that it still sounded awesome off stage.
Brent was the head of security, and his staff remembered us, were friendly to us, and friendly even to the drunk folks who required escorting out (though one girl did get a bit tackled when she tried to rush the stage). Thanks guys, that keytar is delicate and we appreciate the added protection! We watched the security folks keeping an eye on the crowd and defusing potentially bad situations. It was awesome.
The house managers have been Glen and Amy, and they are always really great to us, accommodating our weird requests for things like sharpies and scissors, or extra back stage passes for photographers and merch sales. We get paid promptly after the show, either cash or check, and they keep our keys safe for us.
The end result of all this? We have a BLAST playing on this stage. And when we're having fun on stage, you're having fun watching us.
Of course it helps that there isn't a bad seat in the house, nor any difficulty getting a drink from the multitude of bars located around the perimeter. Or that the air circulation is good enough that condensation doesn't build up and rain sweat down on the audience like the SoDo location.
I've been to the Showbox now as both a member of the audience and a performer on stage. Like most… Read more »
A very grand venue dahling, as is evidenced by the huge chandelier, large pillars extending toward the ceiling with flower-shaped lights at the top, red carpet, etc. Also pleasing to the eye are the extensive bars. So many shiny bottles, so little time!
The place was packed, but not uncomfortably so. Make sure you get there early if you want to be able to snag a table. I *thought* I was getting there with plenty of time, but instead found myself at the back of a line that wrapped halfway around the block. By the time we actually got inside, we had to settle for standing around in the bar area. More specifically, we were hanging around the photo booth, whose curtain was broken, so more than once we were asked to hold it closed for the groups of 8 girls that would pack themselves in at once.
Anyway, the music was rad, the drinks were good (and so fancy, with lime wedge *and* a cherry!), and the experience was unforgettable. Can't wait to go back!
Caught a show here on Friday and I have to say the wait to get in was kind of insane. If the ticket reads doors open at 8 shouldn't ticket holders get to escape the cold promptly at 8!!??
Anyways, I liked that there was seating stratigically placed where I could watch the show and not be in the middle of some mosh pit--although this was in the 21+ area which must have sucked for the kids who wanted to sit and enjoy Lykke Li but had to be on the floor.......
A great place to see Laibach on a Monday night.
I think the key to really enjoying yourself here is to:
1) Go to a 21+ show.
2) See a band that won't sell the place out. It gives you lots of room to enjoy yourself and not be cramped and having to smell that one dude's really bad BO.
3) Understand that you'll be standing the whole night. It makes a trip to the bathroom that more enjoyable!
So yeah, I'm bumping this place up to 5-stars! I didn't deal with any bar staff last night, so that also may have helped. Plus, they have clean bathrooms with seat liners and paper towels to dry my hands when I'm done.
Oh, and god bless the hot dog guy outside. Few things beat a cream cheese hot dog lathered with onions after an awesome show and standing on your feet all night.
I want to give this place 3-stars, but sadly the reasons I want to give it 3-stars have nothing to… Read more »
My feet hurt from standing and dancing for 3 hrs, but I don't really care. I went to my first show at the Showbox - Blue Scholars - and man, was it good! I can't really think of anything I dislike, although a tiny bit more seating wouldn't hurt, would it? I know the space is small and intimate (I like that, don't change it!), but...maybe just a few more tables in the bar? I especially dig the upper-level bar area (stage left), where I had a great view of the stage and could really feel the vibe of the crowd (not to mention, the floor bouncing from dancing!). Drinks were reasonably priced and convenient. Sound was pretty good, but not the best I've heard. Still, the Scholars were incredible. Parking was surprisingly convenient, too.
Mmmm...yes. It was also a clear bonus that the friendly bouncers and door dudes didn't bother all the pot-smoking peeps, rendering lovely, thick clouds of smokage for everyone's enjoyment. Pass the dutchie down the left-hand side, please.
This is the only venue I've been to in Seattle, so I know nothing. That said, can it get much better than this? I think not, but I can liken it to the Roseland in Portland or Mississippi Nights in STL.
Note: If I could write a review of the Blue Scholars' performance, they'd get 10 stars, easily. If you have the opportunity, go see them!
Hallmarks of a great venue:
1. Good acoustics
2. One that isn't so small that you are smushed, but at the same time is not so large that it is impersonal.
3. Good sound guy/gal running things
4. Efficient bartenders who can manage long lines at the bar
5. Friendly, happy crowd
6. Nice aesthetics to enjoy when you are standing around waiting for another band to take the stage
I'm happy to say that Showbox at the Market has all of these things. It reminds me a little of the Great American in SF. Every where I stood I had a good view and all the staff, EVEN the bouncers, are really nice. I wish I lived in town so I could go to the venue more often, rather than when I was just visiting.
Admittedly, I haven't patronized this venue in a minute, but I enjoy the hell out of myself every time i do.
It's the better Showbox.
The one you take home to meet your mom. The one you go to bed with at the end of the day. The other one... Its like the drunken accident of convenience. It was there at the right time... it had something you wanted, and you felt bad about it afterwords.
This is probably my favourite venue in Seattle. I've seen many, many shows here over the last 6 or 7 years, and I don't think I've ever had a bad experience.
It's the perfect size and style for my musical inclinations. The floor is not so big that you can't see clearly from the back half, but not so small that you get too much personal contact time with Moshing Metalhead or Spastic Dancing Scene Kid. Same goes for the range of musicians the Showbox attracts: I've seen everyone from Mastodon to Minus the Bear to Maroon 5 here, and neither I nor the band has ever felt out of place.
Once I was old enough to drink, I also came to appreciate the bar. There are two separate bar areas, both of which are elevated, which cuts down on crowding and ensures a good view from just about anywhere. Drinks are priced as they would be at any music venue, and they are strong -- this is the only place I've ever had to ask to water down my rum and coke because I got an 8oz glass of booze with a spritz of coke, which most would regard as worth the $7.
Oh, and I am also told the backstage has pretty snazz showers.
I go to a lot of shows and Showbox at the Market is by far the venue that is most satisfying. I will not go to an all-ages show unless it is here, simply because most of the other venues keep you from having from a good view while you are trying to enjoy your Vanil-Coke. The bar is either too high or not risen at all, or completely shot off from the stage. Showbox at the Market has two bars and they are both the perfect height.
I've been to sold-out, limited-seating shows here and they pulled out folding chairs. It's like it became an entirely new venue.
Having already been to the Sodo, the Showbox's inconvenient, bastard offspring, I didn't have especially high hopes for this place. And again with the all ages! Jesus Christ -- getting flash-lighted every time I want to walk up and down a set of stairs is so annoying. Are you looking at my face? I in no way look like I could be under 21. But the repeated scrutiny! I keep expecting the bouncers to ask for access to my orifices. And not in a friendly way.
Well, despite the fact that only flaming gay men and fat goth girls (two of my favorite subsets of society, truly) seem to like Cut Copy and the Presets, the venue was cool. Good sound -- MUCH better than the Sodo. Nice chandeliers, good lighting.
But who the hell decided to put the restrooms on either side of the stage? Every time I had to pee, I had to elbow my way through fist-pumpers and jumpers. Harrowing. I'm surprised I didn't lose an eye.
No Stoli. Again. I need to find a different standby drink, apparently.
Sometimes I am overcome with the urge to punch Seattle in the face.
Finally made it to the showbox at the market last night. I've walked by it many times; there always seem to be shady people out front, so I imagined it to be a real dive. I was impressed with the interior - a visually appealing space with a pit surrounded by two elevated bars, allowing for good views and tables.
Why such poor rating? The acoustics. I saw one of my favorite bands, devotchka, and the sound was absolutely disastrous. I saw them earlier this year at the showbox sodo which had perfect sound that I can now appreciate. Also, the show "started" at 8PM but Devotchka did not make it on stage until after 10:30PM. The opening band was decent but too different from Devotchka's style, the DJ played even worse music between sets, which set up a very bad vibe for the time the exhausted band got up in front of the exhausted audience. Showbox at the Market seemed more interested in selling drinks and making money than providing a good show.
Also, don't buy your tickets from ticketmaster, which charges fees in excense of 50%. You can go to the box office to avoid these fees. And be prepared to pay a $3 coat check (per coat, no doubling up).
What do you do when there's a somewhat crappy venue that has all the best artists? You reluctantly go.
That's the general feeling I get every time I go to a Showbox show. Here's my typical experience after 6-7 shows there:
I arrive at the venue early, going into the Green Room beforehand for a drink. About 30-40 minutes before the doors are to open, people start lining up in the Green Room. We do too, sipping on drinks until they open the cage (15-20 minutes late, if not later). We race in so we can grab a table or good spot on the floor, only to wait like fools for the Will Call line as people start racing past us with their tickets. We get in, grab a table, then an overpriced drink and wait for the show to start.
Typically, the opener starts 20-40 minutes late and lasts too long. By the middle of the opener, the Showbox really starts to warm up. I mean, really warm. Uncomfortably hot. If you're on the floor? Forget about it. You're going to die of heat stroke and hipsters will just step over your lifeless body.
Then the headliner comes on. If you're on the floor, you'll notice that only the first two rows of standing folks will dance. Everyone else does the Seattle bob (barely shifting their weight back and forth to the beat). I found this particularly sad when I saw Stars and Ladytron there.
About 6-7 songs in, I'm usually done. The acoustics are unique to the Showbox -- you need to be prepared to listen to a live sound that's unique to the Box, not the acoustics you may have been expecting. And since it's so hot on the floor, I usually opt for a table. But with a generally partially obstructed view and little energy in the crowd, my patience wears thin and I usually bounce.
When I leave, I'm usually thinking longingly of the Metro in Chicago. Now THAT'S a venue.
Pretty sure this is my favorite music venue in Seattle. Mostly because its a semi large venue with a really intimate setting, and maybe also for nostalgic reasons. I've seen some great bands here and love it every time!
I love that they have a photo booth too :)
Also, the bar is reasonably priced and pours some strong drinks!
Going to concerts can be frustrating for a shorty like me. I gave it up for a while, actually, because I was tired of getting stepped all over and hated only being able to see the backs of people's t-shirts. Of course, I was spending more time at Neumo's in those days, and I've since learned my lesson.
The Showbox gives me options. I can watch the band from the elevated bar area or try and snake my way through the crowd to the front or stand closer to the back wall to open up the view.
The staff here has never treated me like I just got off the stupid truck either. They have always been patient and helpful. The bartender at the Green Room the other night was a doll. He was so fast and super nice. I wanted to take him home with me.
Lastly, I've never been pushed around or crushed under someone's giant boot here. I've never felt claustrophobic either. Hot, yes, but still able to breathe.
For all these reasons, and the fact that they have awesome acts, Showbox gets five stars from me.
I've seen a lot of venues come and go, and have had my favorites, from RCKNDY, The Fenix Underground & Moe's Mo'roc'n Cafe to Sit n Spin, the OK Hotel and the dearly departed Crocodile Cafe.
The Showbox has really matured - the Green Room was a classy addition (though I do miss Rudy's Vintage, which used to be in that space - got a great overcoat there).
From BRMC last week to Gutter Twins, Echo & The Bunnymen, Lush, Love & Rockets, Dandy Warhols - I've had many a memorable night here (and a few I can't remember). Long live The Showbox!
Hurray for the Showbox! I've seen so many shows there and plan to see many more - even in my advanced - harrumph - age.
Good sight lines, no poles to block your view - multiple bars to quench the savage thirst.
I'm most impressed by the quality and diversity of the bands the Showbox gets. From Fripp's "Slow Music" to Steve Vai to Squeeze to Elvis Costello etc. etc.
I'd say it's my 2nd fave place to see a band after the Triple Door, but the lineup of shows that come to the Showbox blow Triple Door away.
Really good mid-size venue. Bar area is nice (especially for all ages shows) and great sight lines.
Probably my favorite live venue in Seattle. I love feeling the wood floor shake when the crowd starts jumping.
Photography-wise...great lighting conditions to shoot in (they don't hide the performers under red lights and make it impossible to get a clear flash-free shot).
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE LIVE MUSIC VENUE IN SEATTLE.
I don't go out to as many concerts as I used, but this venue remains my fave. Most recent shows? Um... Brandi Carlile, last year maybe? Moby, back in June and Liz Phair last month. It's got a slanted floor, which works wonders for my 5'4" self - I usually always have a great view of the band! Other highlights include 3 bars, quick service and seating areas!
No matter who's playing, I know I'm going to see a good show here and have a great time!
Memo
To: Tiffany S.
From: The Showbox
You're old.
But thanks for trying to stay awake for a show that started at 10:40 pm.
Nice use of our massive columns for leaning. Did we actually see you close your eyes at one point?
We'll see you back here when we start running an Early Bird Special.
*snicker*
It goes against nature to be stuck in a seat when a kick-ass band is playing, so I much prefer to see my favorites at a place like The Showbox vs. The Moore. I need to be able to move if so moved. (This is also why I have that Insufferable Music Snob thing where I stop liking a band when they start to sell out stadiums.)
I was disappointed, though, in the preponderance of steakheads at the Showbox show I attended. The venue is lovely, the sound was good, and yes, I will grumble if you shove your large sweaty body that's a head taller than mine in the foot of space between me and the person in front of me. There is no need to be a dick.
And while on the subject, dude checking IDs at the bar, I know it's an all-ages show and it's fun to pretend you're running a 1920s speakeasy, but dude, just calm down, take a deep breath, and know that a two-second backup of people entering and leaving the bar area is not "A SITUATION" and you do NOT NEED TO TALK LOUDLY IN ANYONE'S FACE -- not me, not the guy who was trying to get in as we were trying to get out.
I will close with some Ani DiFranco:
Maybe you don't like your job. Maybe you didn't get enough sleep.
Nobody likes their job. Nobody got enough sleep.
Maybe you just had the worst day of your life.
But you know there's no escape, and there's no excuse,
so just suck up
suck up and be nice.
One of the best things about this venue is that they don't do their ticketing through Ticketmaster, they use Ticketswest, so instead of paying an $8 service fee on a $15 ticket, you usually pay something between $1 - $4.50 (I think I paid a $5 fee on a ticket ONCE).
As far as seeing shows, it's a great place to go to see some bigger name bands without having to deal with the Moore or the Paramount, or even worse, the Key Arena. I've seen all sorts of people here from Elliott Smith to Blue Scholars. If you're there more for the show than for socializing, I'd recommend getting as close to the stage as possible. With the multiple bars, there's usually a good amount of drunken chatter (I've never understood the point of paying to see a show and then spending the whole time drinking and yelling - usually too loud to talk - to your friends - why not just hit a bar for free, actually be able to listen to each other, and not ruin the show for the people who are actually there for the music?). But if you're close enough you can see and hear very well.
And girls - the bathrooms are pretty good for a club - the doors lock, there are more than 2 stalls, they usually don't run out of the necessities - paper towels, soap, toilet paper.
My favorite venue in Seattle.
Take advantage of the Green Room. For an all ages show, they seat everyone in there first.
I really appreciate the Showbox because it's really one of the few places where I can actually SEE the show that I've gone to see. There's enough space to breathe, but it still feels like an intimate show. Excellent. Also, there's four bars (all elevated), so you don't have to wait in line for years and miss anything. Topping it off, they have a pretty rad photobooth.
Way cool venue.
Stayed cooler than I expected considering how packed in people were near the stage. Security is out to lunch though. I'm used to people getting bounced when they're being total asshats. The show headliners actually bitched some chump out between sets for being the huge tard that he was. After his shaming, he went somewhere else after he thought about it. Crowd surfing is cool too, but I thought that this one dude busted his head at this all ages show. After seeing the staff show up at the end of the last set, I understood what this place is about. They act like they're not getting paid, but get to see the show.
Perhaps that's the case.
Anyway. I'll completely be back, but I think I'll keep to the 21+ areas if I go to another all ages show. Having a barrier between the taking of myspace angle-shots and txting each other instead of watching the show would be a good thing. I wont have to pick anyone else up off of the concrete when they get dropped from shoulder height either. Good thing he was f'd up on something.
Cheap drinks for a show venue, but remember to get beer or go for the mid/top-shelf booze. Their well stock is serious paint thinner.
Twice Daily Happy Hour
Seattle, WA
Yelp Discount -- Sunday thru…
Neighborhood: Ballard
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Ballard
Category: Music Venues
sometimes, when i'm taking a break from being…
Things I love. Really love. Or wish existed.…
Some of my reviews with my attempts to be funny,…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Stay Tuned (http://www.staytunedth...) has been…
I tend to get stuck in a rut when visiting places.…
you're out of the woods, you're out of the dark,…
From movies to museums, music to performance…
