Top Live music venues in Oakland, United States
Top Rated Live music venues in Oakland
Top Reviewed Live music venues in Oakland
Reviews
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Came to the Paramount Theatre to see Theo Von: Return of the Rat. The theater looks very beautiful inside. We got balcony seats and they are tiny. The acoustics weren't great, lots of echoes. I probably missed 30% of the show due to not being able to hear him. If you are gonna come here I would recommend getting a closer seat.
The security was working hard and did an amazing job. Quick and safe security check when you enter the building. We had very loud drunk men two rows behind us who were very talkative and one of the security guys got them completely under control. It did take him a couple of tries to calm them down but in the end, it all worked out.
3.5 stars just because of the balcony seats, but I would love to come back.
The security was working hard and did an amazing job. Quick and safe security check when you enter the building. We had very loud drunk men two rows behind us who were very talkative and one of the security guys got them completely under control. It did take him a couple of tries to calm them down but in the end, it all worked out.
3.5 stars just because of the balcony seats, but I would love to come back.
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Gorgeous 1931 Art Deco masterpiece! Great place to see a show and they have an informative/interactive tour select Saturdays at 10 am.
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Talk about a beautiful venue. I am fairly new to loving in the eastbay, so small venues like this one we're off my radar. This place is super clean, nostalgic, and a great place to enjoy a concert. So much so, that I bought tickets to another show in the near future.
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Went to see jazz mafia. What a great collective of musicians very small space very intimate. Definitely try the cheesecake and do not fail to gobble up. The graham cracker crumble that it is garnished with . It would be your loss. I actually asked for more because I just proportionately enjoyed it to begin with. What a treat ; the music, the venue and the cheesecake all definitely get my approval
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This is a beautiful venue. So much history. We saw a live concert and it was a packed house. EVERY employee that we spoke with was kind and knowledgeable. We asked lots of questions. Explored every level. The neighborhood is ok. We found parking in a lot right next door. The attendants were also very helpful.
A+++
A+++
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Karen & Robert are the best. They put 100% of their heart & soul into the Sound Room. Artists and patrons feel a genuine welcome.
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Place is ok, music is always awesome, ticket price is ok.
If you are professional videographer, photographer run from this place, the crew won’t be friendly with you at ALL. There’s no place to you set your camera, special if the house is full. And if you are a photographer forget to walk around, they will kick you Bt.
Be aware!
If you are customer and they know you, it’s ok.
For parking is kind of hard, come earlier to find a spot.
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If you are professional videographer, photographer run from this place, the crew won’t be friendly with you at ALL. There’s no place to you set your camera, special if the house is full. And if you are a photographer forget to walk around, they will kick you Bt.
Be aware!
If you are customer and they know you, it’s ok.
For parking is kind of hard, come earlier to find a spot.
.
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Did the walking tour today and what an experience! It was a trip back in time and was enchanted by how amazing everything is preserved and maintained.
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Excellent and intimate venue with great sound and sight lines, and top notch performers. Can't miss every time!
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I've been going to The Sound Room for years now, way back when they were at their previous location. The quality of the performances are always top-notch - my personal favourite is Kenny Washington, and most recently, Fog City Swing! Every show is a treat for the ears, and there is so much love and passion put into everything by the owners. I come here every time I am in the Bay - truly the best place for jazz in the area!
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Went to see Shane Gillis here. He was fantastic. And the theater was wonderful. There were no bad seats because of the placement of the seats and the venue size. Acoustics were great! I had a wonderful time and hope to go back and see another performance soon
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I grew up in the East Bay but moved away after high school so I had never seen a show at The Fox until I went to the Grouplove show.
My first impressions are very positive. I found a garage that only charged $5, a mexican restaurant across the street for a delicious pre-show meal, and then no line to get in about a 1/2 before show time.
The theater itself is stunning with its ambiance, a classic vintage setting. As soon as the show started I was impressed with our second platform viewing and the great acoustics were immediately evident.
All in all a great experience, I will definitely return soon 👍
My first impressions are very positive. I found a garage that only charged $5, a mexican restaurant across the street for a delicious pre-show meal, and then no line to get in about a 1/2 before show time.
The theater itself is stunning with its ambiance, a classic vintage setting. As soon as the show started I was impressed with our second platform viewing and the great acoustics were immediately evident.
All in all a great experience, I will definitely return soon 👍
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Amazing acoustics, beautiful venue. One recommendation is I would recommend loge over balcony as we were seated in the lowest Balcony row and had a good view but could not completely see performers faces clearly.
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First time attending here. Saw a live comedy show, I had been to the fox theater several times but never to the paramount. I had a great time. Parking was plentiful. No bad luck on our way back to the car on a earlier Saturday night show. The theater itself was clean had a great ambience had great staff. We sat on the lower level probably about 20 rows back from the stage. Sounded great and views were just fine. Will happily return
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Attending Cory Wong's concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland was an absolute highlight of my evening! The atmosphere was electric, and his performance was nothing short of incredible. The venue itself provided excellent acoustics and a comfortable setting to fully immerse myself in the music. From start to finish, it was a memorable experience that left me wanting more. I can't wait for the next opportunity to catch another show there!
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Can’t believe we have been sitting on this place! Incredible venue, amazing musicians, lovely staff, and a reminder of why neighborhood nonprofits matter. Keep doing great things The Sound Room!
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This is one of the best live music venues in the Bay! I just checked out Cory Wong here. Talk about amazing!! Make sure to see a show here if you are visiting. If you are a local, you have to go at least once a year. Support Live Music!!!
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A great place to see a show! Easy parking, even in a sold out show the crowd wasn't bad at all. Beautiful old theater. The don't make them like this anymore!
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The fox theater is a stunning location for a music venue. The balcony is lovely, and gives a nice break from the usual crowded floor approach at concerts. Parking was much easier than expected, the staff was super friendly, and restrooms were very clean. Overall a great place to go!
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Absolutely amazing theater right in downtown Oakland. Close to everything. Good food nearby. The venue itself is stunning both inside and out. I was there for a 3 night SCI run of shows. First night I was right down front on the rail. The 2nd night I was still on the main floor but back up about two levels dead center. NYE I was dead center up on the top balcony in the isle that runs across the middle. The sound and lights were perfect and sonically/visually amazing everywhere. The staff was helpful and friendly. I was also there to volunteer with Conscious Alliance for their food drive and the staff not only brought food donations of their own but were also super helpful to us. Honestly I can't think of one bad thing to say about this place 5 stars and A+++ all around. I would see another show there any night.
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Super spot to hear your favorite music and grab a bite to eat!
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Fox Theater is really cool and a nice place to see a band. I saw TV Girl there
First, it is in downtown Oakland, but don't be afraid it's actually in a decent area. Also it has plenty of parking everywhere and the best part is that it is cheap! The huge parking garage near Fox has a deal with the theater, and you only pay $5!
Other Pros:
Good sound. Really could hear great at every angle of the theater.
Awesome bathrooms. They are huge, clean and easy to access.
Bars everywhere. So no trouble getting a drink.
Easy in and out. Lots of doors and so you just walk out no worries.
Merch line was long but went super quick. Think it was 10 minutes with a huge line which is great.
The only real con and it is more of a "is what it is" the place is a big venue so if you want a more intimate concert this isn't happening. But again not a bad seat in the house.
First, it is in downtown Oakland, but don't be afraid it's actually in a decent area. Also it has plenty of parking everywhere and the best part is that it is cheap! The huge parking garage near Fox has a deal with the theater, and you only pay $5!
Other Pros:
Good sound. Really could hear great at every angle of the theater.
Awesome bathrooms. They are huge, clean and easy to access.
Bars everywhere. So no trouble getting a drink.
Easy in and out. Lots of doors and so you just walk out no worries.
Merch line was long but went super quick. Think it was 10 minutes with a huge line which is great.
The only real con and it is more of a "is what it is" the place is a big venue so if you want a more intimate concert this isn't happening. But again not a bad seat in the house.
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I found street parking a few blocks away, and felt safe and secure, leaving my car, there, and walking to the Paramount theater. Upon arriving, there were two long lines of people waiting to get in to watch Lila Downs perform. I can tell immediately who was walking up to see the performance because there were many beautifully dressed people , with colorful, traditional, Mexican attire, and large flower headbands. I loved the vibe and energy from the audience.
From the moment you walk in to the theatre, it’s immediately stunning. There are high ceilings and multiple floors. I sat toward the back balcony and although I could hear the performers, I felt that the acoustics could’ve been better. The show lasted for an hour, and I was a bit surprised because it was advertised for longer. Despite those two observations that leave room for improvement, I had a wonderful time and will definitely come back to the theater. It was a beautiful experience.
Lastly, there were food trucks and plenty of restaurant options for before and after the show hunger cravings so that was a plus.
From the moment you walk in to the theatre, it’s immediately stunning. There are high ceilings and multiple floors. I sat toward the back balcony and although I could hear the performers, I felt that the acoustics could’ve been better. The show lasted for an hour, and I was a bit surprised because it was advertised for longer. Despite those two observations that leave room for improvement, I had a wonderful time and will definitely come back to the theater. It was a beautiful experience.
Lastly, there were food trucks and plenty of restaurant options for before and after the show hunger cravings so that was a plus.
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My first time at The Sound Room. I went for my birthday as I LOVE jazz and live bands. I loved the vibe here. Seemed like most of the people there were regulars, which I wouldn't mind being a part of now that I know it's a non-profit supporting local artists. We had the pleasure of seeing Chloe Jean who was phenomenal. If all the artists are of her caliber, I'll definitely go back again and again.