Best Venues of the US Northeast: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
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Fans submitted over 1,300 of their favorite local music venues as part of our Hometowns of Consequence campaign. Now, we’ve narrowed it all down to our 20 regional finalists, with four beloved venues nominated in each of the five regions. All this week, we’ll be shining the spotlight on these beloved institutions of community and culture.
We’ve highlighted the Southeast finalists, and now we’re heading up 95 to celebrate our the Northeast: Connecticut’s Park City Music Hall, New Jersey’s Crossroads, New York’s Rockwood Music Hall, and Pennsylvania’s Ardmore Music Hall.
We sent each venue a Q&A and asked for different team members to share their responses. The thinking here was to not only highlight the venues fans so dearly love and give those unfamiliar insight into the nominees, but to showcase the people that keep these sacred spaces alive, welcoming, and rocking.
Check out our interviews with staff from the Hometowns of Consequence Northeast finalists below, and then cast your ballots using the widget ahead or via the Hometowns homepage. Voting will continue through October 21st, and we’ll reveal our five winners in the weeks that follow.
Remember to share your unique voting referral code on social media using #HometownsOfConsequence to get discounts at the Consequence Shop and for a chance to win free tickets to your favorite venue. Please also check your email inbox to validate your vote.
Ardmore Music Hall
Nick Lowe at Ardmore Music Hall, photo by Alyssa Kriner
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 600
Opened: 2013
Website
Responses from: Mike Strauss, Director of Ticketing
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at Ardmore?
One of my favorite shows to date at AMH was Lotus back in September of 2021. It had been a long few years, and the world was finally starting to feel right again, at least when it came to being able to see live music indoors, and without much hesitation. I’m about four months into my tenure at AMH at this point, and on a few days notice we announce one of my most favorite bands of all time, Lotus. A then five-piece livetronica band from Philadelphia (and Colorado), the group had just changed their lineup, with Tim Palmieri taking over duties on lead guitar. So, before embarking on their first tour with Tim, the band decided to book a hometown show at Ardmore Music Hall, and holy cow was it a heater. Hearing those songs in that space for the first time was a magical experience for me, my wife, and my closest friends, who have been seeing Lotus since the early 2000’s. The room was filled with smiling faces, endless dancing, and that’s one of the things that I love most about AMH!
What do you want artists and fans to feel or experience upon walking into the Ardmore for the first time?
At home, comfortable, safe, and ready to have a fun time. We take all aspects of the live entertainment we provide seriously, and that shines through in how we treat our guests and artists alike. Live music is about connection, and AMH is a place where folks of all types can come together, enjoy something they have a shared love for, and feel at home while enjoying good food and drinks, in a clean and comfortable space, hosted by friendly, caring humans who love live music too. All the credit goes out to our amazing team who day after day, night after night, brings tremendous energy to all that we do at AMH, and creates an atmosphere for all to feel safe and welcome.
What about your city and community makes maintaining a venue here particularly unique?
Ardmore is located just a few miles to the west of the Philadelphia city line and we love our little slice of the Philly suburbs. No location is perfect for every fan out there, but the proof is in the pudding — while we draw lots of local fans, people travel to visit us here at AMH, and Ardmore has a lot to offer visitors including easy transportation access, a budding food and bar scene, shopping of all types, and it is very walkable. One thing we’ve found is that our location is in some ways the best of both worlds. Being so close to Philly and only a block from the regional train line and bus routes means folks downtown can make the short trip to Ardmore for shows, and those who live in the western suburbs of Philadelphia and beyond are able to see shows without having to commute all the way into the city, a big difference maker for many of our patrons.
What are some other artists you’ve seen get their start at AMH before going on to become bigger names?
Andra Day, Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Billy & the Kids, Sierra Ferrell, and Snarky Puppy are a few examples of major acts who broke into our market with us at Ardmore Music Hall. Another band we’ve hosted recently at AMH that has outgrown clubs our size is Mt. Joy, who played for two nights last year during Philly Music Fest, an awesome event that brings eclectic lineups to various independent venues around the city and raises money for youth music education. Last year, Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce was in the building to introduce the band and needless to say, he got the crowd fired up like only he could before Mt. Joy rocked Ardmore!
One of the really neat things about Ardmore Music Hall is our extended family, and the great relationships that have been cultivated over the years amongst the independent venues in and around Philadelphia. Our parent company, Rising Sun Presents, was born in Ardmore and came to be after several changes in the city’s music industry landscape, along with new opportunities to rise from the gloom of the pandemic. The work we do as Rising Sun Presents includes supporting some smaller capacity venues that have hosted some great rising stars including those mentioned above and Gary Clark Jr., Action Bronson, Big Gigantic, Greensky Bluegrass, Juicy J, The Revivalists, and so many more. I think we’ve always had a great eye for booking artists on their way up, and before they really hit the big time.
Ardmore offers a unique membership package, The Ardmore Music Club. Could you describe what this membership club is, what attracts fans to it, and what led to it being established in the first place?
AMH has a ton of regulars who we see on a near weekly basis, and Ardmore is their home away from home. Many, but not all, are Dead Heads, and those that know AMH know that it’s Philly’s home for all sorts of music inspired by the Grateful Dead. One of the ways AMH has evolved since we came back from the pandemic was to diversify our booking, and that has resulted in the continued growth of our memberships in the Ardmore Music Club.
Our members are able to join at different levels, all of which include discounts on tickets, merch, food, and other offerings, plus complementary tickets, special ticket offers throughout the year, early entry, $100 food and beverage voucher, and access to exclusive member events each year. The popularity of our music club memberships speaks to that “home away from home” feeling that so many fans experience when they come to Ardmore. It was like that for me as a fan for years before joining the team, and that feeling is something me and the team take great pride in cultivating for everyone that visits us at Ardmore Music Hall.
Crossroads
H2O at Crossroads (photo by Ryan Johnson) and Ronnie Frankel (photo courtesy of venue)
Location: Garwood, New Jersey
Capacity: 200
Opened: 1996
Website
Responses from: Ronnie Frankel, Doorperson and mother of owner Lee Frankel
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at Crossroads?
Oh boy, so many to pick from over the last 27 years… Ha, I remember giving everyone a heart attack when I went into the mosh pit during a hardcore show to sweep up a broken beer bottle; the crowd was so nice and made a perimeter around me while I cleaned up. Also some fans came a day early for a big show to sleep outside to be first in line; we got them all hot cocoa and doughnuts and talked about their lives at home. The personal interactions are the best part of my job!
As the long-time “bouncer” and mother of the venue’s owner, you have a truly unique perspective on the venue. What makes Crossroads different, social, or altogether cooler than other venues?
Well, the very best part is watching the excitement of the fans that fly in from all around the world to see their favorite band in small place… some of the acts play big arenas and stadiums, so to see them up close is really neat for people. I don’t get out to many other venues, but people know us for our hospitality most of all. We remember people when they come in, and go out of our way to make them feel special, especially the bands. I like to welcome everyone when they come in, bring the bands drinks while they’re playing on stage, and tell them they were great. The atmosphere at Crossroads is very relaxed, and people can tell that the workers here all have fun at the shows too.
Who are some of the “hero” artists who will always play at this venue, consistently bringing in the crowd and putting on a great show?
The secret Gaslight Anthem reunion show was just the coolest! The crowd almost fainted… Brian Fallon does very special holiday shows here that are everyone’s favorite and I really love to see that crowd every year. Laura Jane Grace just played here again recently and everyone just listened to her music and stories and sang with her. There are so many tremendous bands that come back often, but I love it most when the fans sing along with the bands so loudly, they know all the words
How does your venue connect with and/or support the arts community in your area?
Crossroads is extremely supportive of all the arts; we do a ton of benefits here for organizations that help support many different causes, and help them raise money. Also, we have so many music schools that have their recitals here… it’s sweet to watch their parents cheer them on; and over the years we see them create bands and play, or even work here! Also, it’s nice that we have a lot of famous bands that come in, but we still have so many local bands and they like playing the same stage that their favorite bands play on. We also have done a lot of film nights, art shows, poetry, comedy, and open mics to give everyone a chance to play.
What’s it like going from being Louis Armstrong’s nurse to working he door at your son’s venue — and being on a T-shirt that folks who frequent your venue are actually out there wearing?
Wow, Louis Armstrong was the sweetest, most kind and gentle man I ever met. When I told him my father was a fan, he gave us a signed songbook that I still cherish. I’ve always loved music, so it was also extremely flattering when my son told me he wanted to put me on a Crossroads T-shirt… and people come in wearing it! I feel very blessed to be recognized for doing what I do; it’s very exciting and I’ve met so many new friends. Best job in the whole world!
Park City Music Hall
Park City Music Hall, photo courtesy of venue
Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Capacity: 300
Opened: 2021
Website
Responses from: Eric DiBerardino, Park City Music Hall Venue Manager and Production Manager, Bassist for Tea Leaf Green
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at Park City Music Hall?
One of my fondest memories from our first two years in operation involves two patrons who requested seating due to disabilities. Though we take and fulfill ADA requests every week for shows, I was particularly touched by the joy and excitement exuded by these two fans. To see them up front, experiencing one of their favorite artists, and to see their pure love for music really hit me, and reminded me exactly why I do what I do. The patrons reminded me that it isn’t always that easy for them to enjoy a concert, and their gratitude and experience filled my proverbial cup.
How, specifically, does the venue connect with and/or support the arts community in your area?
The venue connects with the local art scene often. Aside from all the local musicians we work with, we have thrown art shows as well. We currently have a display of art from a local artist in our back annex area, which will be open to the public this weekend. There are a lot of plans in the works for more art shows and opportunities for local and national artists of all kinds.
What is it like booking at a local music venue of your size and working with local promoters in the community?
Though I don’t book the room myself, what I can speak to is the importance we put on making sure we have open doors to the local promoters/community. A healthy balance of local artists and national touring acts is what we strive for. It’s also very important to us to not exclude any demographic from using our space and feeling like they have a platform for their art, music, and ideas.
At only two years old, what do you think it is about PCMH that led to it being nominated for Hometowns of Consequence ahead of similar venues in the Northeast?
It’s quite an honor to be nominated for this. I believe that our attention to detail, and the significance put on the fan experience as a whole could be a reason we’ve received positive feedback from fans. I strive to make every event a warm, fun, safe experience for all in attendance. From the french fries to the sound quality, it’s of the upmost importance to me that the patrons feel welcome, attended to, and to simply know that we care.
Coming from a background in music, both from a performance and a venue operation angle, what knowledge do you feel you were able to bring to helping open PCMH?
As a musician of 30 years, a sound engineer for 25 years, a venue manager for five years, and an avid music lover of 44 years, I think bringing along my life experience helped us most when renovating, building, and designing the venue. Alongside my love for attention to detail, I believe it can be the little things that make the biggest impact for the visiting artists and fans. I like to think those little things add up to a greater whole, and can potentially set us aside from other venues of a similar size. A balance of professionalism and plain old fun can go a long way towards making the concert experience special for everyone involved.
Rockwood Music Hall
Rockwood Music Hall, photo by Manish Gosalia
Location: New York, New York
Capacity: 50/120/170
Opened: 2005
Website
Responses from: Steve Waters, Director of Marketing
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at Rockwood Music Hall?
I think that instead of it being one particular artist or show, my favorite memory was seeing the incredible outpouring of support from both artists and fans after we announced the Preserve Rockwood campaign. It was the stories that made it so unforgettable: Of artists moving to NYC, and Rockwood helping them get a foothold in their new home. Of having a place to develop as an artist, and build a local audience. Of being around people who understood you and your art, of finding community and even more importantly – a sense of belonging. Of finding new collaborators, new bandmates, new fans – and some of those turning into close friendships, and sometimes even love. Of experiencing magical musical moments, in a way that only happens in a small venue.
And in this time where our lives are increasingly spent living through screens, it was uplifting and hopeful to hear so many stories of real life connection. It was a reminder of the important role that small local music venues play in helping people find in-person community, which has become challenging for many. I was really moved hearing these stories, and I’m very grateful to be part of a place that has such a positive effect on so many people. We’re actually in the process of documenting many of these stories, and will be releasing them soon.
Who are some of your favorite regular local artists that play Rockwood, and how have they become part of the venue and community’s fabric?
Michael Daves, who is one of the “leading lights of the NYC bluegrass scene” (New York Times) is someone who has really become a foundational part of the Rockwood community. He has played here at least 700 times! Shortly after we opened in 2005, he was invited to get on stage with another bluegrass artist that was performing, and he just blew everyone away. So we did what we do – and brought him back again, and again, and again. And it eventually turned into a weekly residency, where he played Tuesday nights for 13 years. During that run he garnered a Grammy nomination with Chris Thile for their 2011 album Sleep with One Eye Open. He still plays here regularly, around once a month. He’s actually playing next week – it’s a reunion of Breakfast Special, the legendary progressive bluegrass outfit. He’ll be joined by Andy Statman, Kenny Kosek, Tony Trischka and Jared Engel.
What about your city and community makes maintaining a venue here particularly special, challenging, or unique?
New York being New York, this is a city that obviously has a long history of producing incredible artists. Which means many, many artists from around the country and the world want to be here. And NYC attracts the most ambitious and determined, and in my opinion, the most talented artists. So having a venue in the midst of that type of talent pool is very special, and it allows us to continue to book amazing talent each night. Which we’re very grateful for.
And as far as our neighborhood, there are several other venues nearby, but we don’t consider them competition. We actually like it because it fosters a larger scene and brings more artists and music lovers into the Lower East Side.
Rockwood is currently in the middle of a preservation campaign; can you get into some of what led to this campaign being necessary, and share some ways in which the community can further support the venue?
There are four ways the community can support the Preserve Rockwood campaign:
– Come to a show and order drinks
– If you are an artist, book a show in the Preserve Rockwood Benefit Concert Series
– Book a private event or party with us
– Donate to our GoFundMe
As part of the campaign, a number of artists have played “undersells” at Rockwood in recent weeks, and there was that viral Carly Rae Jepsen makeup show.
What were these shows like to put together and then witness with the crowds?
It was really enjoyable putting together the Preserve Rockwood Benefit Concert Series, and we want to extend a huge thank you to all of the artists that have played. Sara Bareilles went above and beyond and spearheaded a lot of the effort, and we are extremely grateful for her support and leadership in the series. The crowds were electric and it made for some magical nights! Everyone was so hyped up seeing these big artists in such a small room, and seeing them back on the stage where they got their start was an incredible experience for all.
The Carly Rae Jepsen show was a surprise for everyone including her! We had our longest line ever – clear around the block. She was great, the fans were very patient, and the shows (she did three mini-shows) were really high energy and a ton of fun.
Best Venues of the US Northeast: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
Ben Kaye
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