Looking for the best venues for live music in Davis? MUSE has compiled a list of the best places to consider for all musical tastes.
Name of venue:
Rockband University
720 Olive Dr. #H
Genres:
All
Description:
Rockband University is the place to go for young artists who hope to get out of their garages and create their own rock band with fellow musicians. The venue matches musicians with others to create bands, teaches them how to improve their skills in their preferred instrument and serves as a place for them to play and perform in live events. Additionally, Rockband University sets up live gigs for the bands at various local venues.
Entry: All ages, free
Name of venue:
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
129 E St.
Genres:
Indie
Description:
For those who are looking to grab a drink and listen to the newest up and coming artists from big indie record labels, Sophia’s is the place to go. Many of the artists booked by Sophia’s, like The Lumineers and The Head and the Heart, go on to become huge sensations in the indie scene, often going on to play at big name music festivals. The live music is played on the outdoor deck, so Sophia’s only books artists in the warmer season (late March to late October). To see upcoming events, visit sophiasthaikitchen.com.
Entry: 21 and up, $5 to $8.
Name of Venue:
Armadillo Music
205 F St.
Genres:
Indie folk
Description:
This is a great place to browse for records and enjoy some live music simultaneously. This record store serves as a live music venue for both local and touring artists, mainly booking indie folk, traditional folk and blues bands. Every second Friday of the month, you can expect music no matter what. Outside of that, bands are booked for Tuesday nights twice a month. The atmosphere is laid back, and artists will play from one to two hours in the store, where they sell their CDs and merchandise. To see upcoming events, visit armadillomusic.com.
Entry: All ages, free.
Name of venue:
Third Space
946 Olive Drive
Genres:
All
Description:
This is one of Davis’ live music venues that also functions as an art gallery. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-run multi-purpose venue where you can shop, use their art studio, do gardening and take guitar lessons. Third Space might have shows where an art installation is present during the show, and books all genres, such as math rock, dream pop, indie rock, bluegrass bands and emerging artists. Shows are twice a week. Doors open at 8 p.m. and shows start at 9 p.m. To see upcoming events, visit facebook.com/ThirdSpaceDavis.
Entry: All ages, $5 suggested donation.
Name of venue:
Little Prague Bohemian Restaurant
330 G St.
Genres:
Jazz, blues, contemporary; Open Mic
Description:
Part of what gives this restaurant its bohemian charm is its frequent and fun live music. In addition to Karaoke nights on Mondays and open mic nights on Tuesdays, Little Prague also has live performances.
Entry: All ages, free
Name of venue:
The Davis Graduate
805 Russell Blvd.
Genres: Country
Description:For country fans, this is the place to go to see both smaller local bands and big name bands and artists. Every Thursday night, local country bands perform. The Grad also has country dancing nights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for all levels in addition to Salsa dancing nights on Tuesdays.
Entry: All ages, 18+ and 21+ events. Ticket prices vary.
Name of venue:
Odd Fellows Hall
415 Second St.
Genres: All
Description:
Odd Fellows Hall is a great music hall to see all kinds of bands up on stage while you sit in the audience or grab a drink at the open bar. On the first Thursdays of every month, you can walk in to see a show for free. Odd Fellows Hall books smaller indie bands, big artists who perform at the Mondavi Center and everything in between.
Entry: All
Name of venue:
Delta of Venus
122 B St.
Genres: All; World
Description:
A block away from campus is Delta of Venus, a small cafe restaurant with earthy vibes and a pleasant outdoor patio. On Thursday and Friday nights, Delta has live DJs and occasional live bands who perform an eclectic mix of music that appeals to people with a more global taste. The music is literally all over the map, from Brazilian to Irish to contemporary DJs.
Entry: All ages, free
Name of Venue:
John Natsoulas Gallery
Genres: Jazz, Spoken Word
Description: This is one of Davis’ art galleries that also serves as a venue for live jazz and spoken word once a month. In their large, open back room, which they also use for their Poetry Night Reading and Open Mic series, a quality jazz ensemble plays for audiences in a casual, yet sophisticated environment on the third Friday of every month.
Entry: Free
