Best Venues of the US Southwest: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
The post Best Venues of the US Southwest: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists appeared first on Consequence.
After tallying up the nominations for the over 1,300 local music venues submitted for our Hometowns of Consequence campaign, we have our finalists. So far this week, we’ve highlighted the four finalists in each of the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and West regions, and now it’s time to shine a light on the Southwest nominees: Oklahoma’s Cain’s Ballroom, Texas’ Mohawk and White Oak Music Hall, and Arizona’s The Van Buren.
Different staff members from each of these venues answered a Consequence curated Q&A to give fans insights into the histories, memories, and stories of these beloved institutions. Not only were we looking to get voters more familiar with the venues themselves, but to celebrate the very people who keep these places running and make our nights of music bliss possible.
Voting for Hometowns of Consequence will officially end on October 21st, so make sure to read up on all our nominees and get your votes in using the widget below. Winners will be announced in the next few weeks. Remember to share the unique referral code given at the end of voting and use #HometownsOfConsequence for a chance to win discounts at the Consequence Shop and free tickets to your favorite venue, and check your email to validate your vote.
Cain’s Ballroom
Cain’s Ballroom, photo courtesy of venue
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Capacity: 1,700
Opened: 1924
Website
Responses from: Chad Rodgers, General Manager
What do you want artists and fans to feel upon walking into Cain’s Ballroom for the first time?
It’s a real honor for us to be the custodians of such an amazing musical venue with so much history. We hope that artists and fans feel the 100 years of history when they walk in. One of our main duties is to help create experiences and memories that last a lifetime and that they will share with others.
I’ve had many people tell me over the years that when they walk into the venue, they almost feel like they are being transported back in time. For the artists, it’s about following in the footsteps of the artists who have come before them, and for the fans, it’s about the hundreds, if not thousands, of fans who are present making a memory at the same time.
How does Cain’s Ballroom connect with and support the arts community in Tulsa?
Cain’s Ballroom hosts and works with many different local organizations each year, such as the Horton Records Chili Cook Off, Leftover Last Waltz, ’80s Prom, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Cancer Sucks!, and many others. We also host many fundraisers annually with local organizations, many of which are done on an annual basis, like TU Uncorked, Corks and Kegs, Shining the Light, and Hues for Hope. We enjoy supporting others and appreciate everyone’s support of the Ballroom, too.
What is it like booking at a local music venue of your size?
Cain’s Ballroom has an extensive history which helps attract new upcoming artists, as well as those who have previously played here. The room has a 1,700 general admission standing capacity, but can also feel really nice with a 500 person show. Doc Roc Productions is our in-house booking and promotions company, and we’ve been booking the room since 2002. Over these 21 years, we’ve built many great relationships with booking agents, artist managers, and the bands themselves, and we believe those relationships help us keep the Cain’s Ballroom concert calendar full.
Who are some of your favorite regular Oklahoman artists that play at Cain’s, and how have they become part of the fabric of your community?
Over the last 21 years of running Cain’s Ballroom, we’ve had some incredible native Oklahoma artists play here and it’s always special when they play here. Some of our favorites have been Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Canada (Cross Canadian Ragweed and The Departed), Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Zach Bryan, Hanson, Kings of Leon, The Flaming Lips, Ray Wylie Hubbard, John Fullbright, and many more.
Some of these artists have obviously outgrown Cain’s, and others return on almost an annual basis. It’s always wonderful having fellow Oklahoma musicians return to Tulsa’s Timeless Honky-Tonk!
What are some changes you’ve seen in the music industry that have impacted the way you operate?
The music industry has been through some major changes in the 21 years that we’ve been managing Cain’s Ballroom. Recently, we made it through the horrible COVID pandemic, and that created even more changes. 2024 will be Cain’s Ballroom 100th year of existence and one of the most amazing things that we can say is that we’ve always been family-owned and operated.
To be independent in the music industry today is not for the faint of heart. You feel like you’re competing against these huge corporations, who are publicly traded, and own and operate thousands of music venues around the country. Luckily, Cain’s Ballroom is still admired by artists and fans alike, and we hope that we can continue to make Oklahomans and the entire live music world proud, as we continue to bring world class experiences to the corner of Easton & Main.
Mohawk
Mohawk, photo by Pooneh Ghana
Location: Austin, Texas
Capacity: 900/150
Opened: 2006
Website
Responses from: Heather Kaplan, Brand Manager
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at Mohawk?
Every day at Mohawk is a trip, but the most recent memory that comes to mind is when we had Matt and Kim on the outdoor stage, and Kim crowd surfed from the stage to the bar, grabbed a beer from one of our bartenders, then crowd surfed back to the stage to keep performing.
Another memory that comes to mind: This summer the heat in Austin was brutal, so our staff decided the best way to endure it was by wearing crop tops to work. It started as something silly but our crew loves to commit to the bit, and we deemed it “crop top summer.” It was so funny to watch the artist and audience reactions to all of us collectively sporting cut off tees.
What about Austin makes maintaining a venue here particularly special, challenging, or unique?
We are lucky that Austin has an abundance of music venues, but it can also be a competitive market when there are so many rooms of our size that an artist can play, especially as an independent venue. Mohawk in particular is a staple to the local music scene, it’s endured the changing city and remained a mainstay for local and touring musicians alike.
What does Mohawk do better than other similar venues in the area that makes it such a hometown favorite?
Mohawk is a very unique space that seems to draw a special kind of performance from the performer, likened to the Thunderdome the way the audience is flanking you from all sides. Some have called Mohawk the Punk Rock Red Rocks. There are so many great vantage points at Mohawk between the pit, mezzanine, and roof decks that it allows both the artist and the audience to really connect because you can see every single person in the crowd. Plus where else in Austin can you find tags from Daniel Johnston and Public Enemy backstage?
Who are some of the “hero” artists who will always play at Mohawk, consistently bringing in the crowd and putting on a great show?
Black Flag played twice this year. Coming up we’ve got Deer Tick and two nights with Yo La Tengo, and we recently just had the Melvins come through. Austin is home to so many great local acts that bring in a great crowd too — Die Spitz, The Pinky Rings, and Tear Dungeon to name a few.
Who are some artists you’ve seen get their start at Mohawk before going on to become bigger names, and what were those early shows like?
It’s always really cool to see an artist play our indoor stage and then come back and play the outdoor stage. Over the years our stages have held performances from Billie Eilish, Bon Iver, black midi, Mitski, Guided by Voices, Jeff Rosenstock, Power Trip, and countless others!
The Van Buren
The Van Buren (photo by Kyle Dehn/@_kyledehn) and Lindsey Eck (photo courtesy of staffer)
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Capacity: 1,800
Opened: 2017
Website
Responses from: Lindsey Eck, Assistant Production Manager
From your vantage point as the Assistant Production Manager, what makes The Van Buren extra special?
The Van Buren is such an amazingly cool space — every element of its design is so thoughtful and unique. Especially backstage, it’s truly all about the details. It has that je ne sais quoi, ya know? We all genuinely work hard to create a safe space for touring folks to feel comfortable, and as close to home as they can get while in the desert. We want artists and crews to see The Van Buren on their schedule and take a deep breath, knowing they’ll have an efficient day, be well-cared for, and leave with a new pair of socks.
How does The Van Buren connect with and support the arts community in Phoenix? How have some of your regularly visiting local artists become part of your community?
I’d be absolutely remiss if I answered this without mentioning Charlie Levy, who opened The Van Buren. His care for the arts community in Phoenix is what makes the venue what it is. Through Charlie and his other venues (Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar), The Van Buren already felt like home to so many Phoenix artists the day it opened. Our very first show in 2017 featured the incredible Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. They’ve come back numerous times, including our first show back after the pandemic lockdown.
Other favorites that have called our stage home over the years include The Maine, Playboy Manbaby, Las Calakas, Sydney Sprague, Katastro, and comedian Anwar Newton. It’s always a great time when Phoenix artists play The Van Buren — it really just feels like hanging out with friends.
What are some changes you’ve seen in the music industry at large that have impacted the way you operate?
The most significant change, of course, would be due to the pandemic. Outside of the obvious things like implementing new protocols to ensure everyone stays safe, I came back after those 15 months with a deeper appreciation for the work we do. I really strive to put that-much-more care into it all, and I know I’m not alone in that endeavor. “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”
It also definitely seems there is a deeper appreciation for live music in general, as our busy seasons are busier than ever these last couple years. While this is a positive thing, it’s admittedly easy to get a bit jaded when there are back-to-back shows for months on end. Even so, I find myself looking around the venue during each show, feeling pretty damn honored to be part of the madness.
What do you want artists and fans to feel or experience upon walking into The Van Buren for the first time?
I want them to feel at home; to feel that they’re in a safe space where they can be themselves. Maybe a sigh of relief or an exclamation of joy. And, perhaps most importantly, to feel the cool breeze of air conditioning upon walking in when it’s 115 degrees outside.
White Oak Music Hall
White Oak Music Hall, photo courtesy of venue
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: 300/1,400
Opened: 2016
Website
Responses from: Sarah Miller, Box Office Manager
What’s a personal favorite memory you have from your time at White Oak Music Hall?
One memory I have is seeing Soccer Mommy and Phoebe Bridgers both playing a show in our small room in 2018. Time passed, and Soccer Mommy played our larger stage which had a cap of 1,400 and Phoebe Bridgers nearly immediately sold out the 5,000 lawn stage. I like being at a venue where we give all artists an opportunity to grow.
What about Houston makes maintaining a venue here particularly special, challenging, or unique?
Houston is a market that is vast and diverse. This is what allows White Oak Music Hall to house so many different genres of music, and bring all different kinds of people from across the Gulf Coast.
From the vantage point of the box office, what makes White Oak different, special, or altogether cooler than other venues?
White Oak has shows almost every day, and usually more than one event going on at the same time. There is always new music and a wide variety of genres for every music lover. Knowing that someone’s favorite band is playing, and the guest may be having the best night of their lives, makes our job rewarding and fun.
Who are some of the “hero” artists who always play White Oak, consistently bringing in the crowd and putting on a great show?
There are a few artists that come through that always excite us to see. Most recently, we have the return of The National — it’s always an amazing time watching the band playing in front of the Houston skyline. As I mentioned, we’ve had Phoebe Bridgers come both as a solo artist and with boygenius this year. They were amazing sets.
Best Venues of the US Southwest: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
Mary Siroky
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