Best concert venue that I have ever been to. The building is a thing of beauty, and I love how there are multiple floors and space to spread out if you are at an event that has breaks in the entertainment. There are bars scattered throughout, which makes getting a beer a lot more convenient. I look forward to my next concert here (Vampire Weekend in October 2013). Acoustics are great, too!
Review Source:One of Kansas City's crown jewels, a glimpse into the glamorous past that was a time we can't even begin to imagine. Opulent, yes. Beautiful? Beyond words. Truly a hall built for the ages, sadly, unlike most of what passes for great concert hall design these days except for the new Kaufman Center.
Whatever event you're attending here, please reserve some quality time for simply admiring the design and craftsmanship. It'll take your breath away.
A lot of events go on here, but I've been shy about attending because I wasn't sure about parking and the interior set up. Well, I ended up finally going this weekend and was really pleased. The convenient garage right across the street was only $2 for the event and the inside was easy to deal with. I wish they'd put a few trash cans down on the tiers, even one by each set of stairs because it didn't take long for the place to turn into one big garbage pit.
I'm glad to have finally experienced the Midland and plan to be back very soon.
This is a beautiful venue with really bad chairs.
I attended a show last night with a friend, thanks to Yelp.
This is the first time I'd been inside the Midland.
I was impressed that the interior had been maintained or restored so well and not "modernized."
I was also impressed by the number and availability of bars inside, although I didn't drink last night.
The bathrooms seemed a little remote and inconvenient to me.
But the chairs! Jammed together super tightly, red velveteen folding chairs that were not comfortable for more than 10 minutes.
Also, the rows aren't staggered, so I had a hard time viewing the action on stage from my seat, having tall people in front of me and lots of big hair.
The seating definitely needs an upgrade.
Went to a Major Lazer concert and being my first time I was very impressed with this venue. Beautiful ornate walls, ceiling, and floors. It's almost surreal the intricate detailing, I spent all night noticing new details in the moldings on the walls and ceilings. The bathrooms were plenty and modern so that is a plus, staff was also very professional and friendly for this concert.
Review Source:Most decent cities had a similar theater to the Midland. Grandiose. Ornate. Great sound. Great sight lines. Carpet. Jewels. Etc.
Had.
Thank God Almighty and those smart enough to save this place that KC still has the Midland. Just like the Fabulous Fox in St Louis where I lived for 14 years, it was almost lost. It was saved from disrepair by the rich corporations and people we all love to hate. Don't hate. Step into the Midland and see what copious amounts of money can do. Enjoy it. Someone else spent it FOR YOU. : )
The Midland doesn't have side boxes for the well-to-do and private boxes with curtains and personal servers. I always laughed at those old ladies with the little binoculars on a stick anyway.
It does have bars integrated and the Indie bar attached that are all in-the-clouds gorgeous.
This is a great venue.
I've been here a couple times now.  The first time was when I was one of the photographers at the Hello Kitty rave about two years ago.  Yes you read right... a Hello Kitty rave. lol  That was only in the lobby area so I didn't see inside area.  The lobby was pretty spacious and there were bathrooms downstairs. Â
I came here to watch Nick Offerman on my most recent visit. Â The decor inside of the Midland was pretty cool and I think anybody could appreciate it. Â Very beautiful. Â It was such a huge venue so pictures might be deceiving. lol I didn't have my camera but that was fine. Â The acoustics of this place was nice and it would be cool to watch a concert or really anything. Â I don't think you could have a bad seat here since just about everywhere had a decent or great view of the stage. Â I guess it also depends on which event is going on as the layout will most likely change.
Overall, I thought The Midland was a great venue for concerts, stand-up comedies, and more! Â Come check it out!
A visually arresting venue with superb sight lines to the stage and a deep bar offering. The caliber of sound is rich and bold and full and doesn't seem to suffer from crumbled mixers or poor acoustics.
I could spend all night in this place. Gorgeous and fun! Its like taking part in a little piece of history.
OMFG...Oh My Freakin' Gawd....this is a great venue. Great. Yes, Great!! I have been to many theaters, from San Francisco to New York City. Even Paris and Amsterdam. The Midland is AMAAAAZING! Â Each time I go (and I need to make it a point to go more), I am blown away by everything about it.
Well, except when you buy front row seats and they add more rows so that you are sitting with your toes touching the stage looking up the dress of the artist performing. I hate that. But everything else about it is just great. Wonderful. Terrific.
When you go, do yourself the favor of going early so you can enjoy the lobby. Go downstairs. Go upstairs. Walk around. And try not to walk into anyone when you stumble along with your mouth open and your head tilted to the ceiling. The ceiling! The chandelier! Inside the theater! The only thing not gorgeous about this place is the bathroom, but they are functional. So good enough.
World class amazing, The Midland is. Dare I say I love it more than the Kauffman. (blasphemy in this town, I know!)
Search their calendar. Get on their email notice list. Go to a show. Go Go GOOOOO!
Well, my introduction to the Midland wasn't quite what I expected. Â I was here for yet another metal show (ok, so this wasn't too bad) with my honey. Â It was the Dethklok show, and I was actually looking forward to seeing it given what my honey told me about the previous shows.
It was a gorgeous old theater, very much a beautiful old girl...and clearly very versatile, able to host concert venues and beyond. Â By far the biggest problem that I had, was that while a non-smoking environment I felt that security could have done better regarding the smoking. Â The smell of pot (disgusting by the way, and quite easily triggered a migraine a few days later) was strong and people were obviously smoking. Â The security could have done more to prevent that...given that we were all being frisked as we walked in...
Overall, not sure what I feel regarding this theater....possibly need to revisit before I truly pass judgment. Â Beautiful theater, bad introduction to it.
This place makes me feel so bad.....for Uptown Theater!
Man oh man, this place is gorgeous! Once upon a time, when it was in poor repair, I had heard stories of how it has once been so beautiful, and I never thought anything of it. Then I was fortunate enough to get to visit for a preview event, and I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor. This place is capital S Swanky!
I have never been to an event here that has set seats, but the GA setup works well. The main level is nicely tiered, so it's easy for even the shorties to see the action on stage. But while you're down there, turn away from the stage and look up. See that huge glowing thing? No that's not the sun, that's a chandelier! If you can get up to that level, you will see the coolest bar I've ever witnessed in a concert venue.
From the carpet to the stairs to the lighting to hell EVERYTHING, the Midland is a gorgeous concert venue. Attached is a bar called The Indie, which I like quite a bit as well. But that's for a different review...
This place is very visually stimulating. Â It is not lacking in beauty at all. Â It does lack in comfort. Â The seats are so small and rows so narrow that your knees are almost on the shoulders of the person sitting in the row in front of you. Â The best I could tell after wandering around looking for a bathroom is that you only have one option for a bathroom on the second floor. Â The other issue would be drinks. Â I felt like I had a waddle after paying those prices for 2 drinks. Â They could at least throw in a tube of lube with the drinks. Â
I could see this being a nice venue for a comedy act or some other sit down show, but not for a rock concert. Â Anything to see Slash though. Â As with anything in downtown KCMO getting there and leaving there is always a challenge as well. Â
All in all I'm glad I got to see Slash at The Midland, but will not be going there again for anything due to comfort issues. Â Especially not with the Sprint Center being right down the street.
Very first thought when walking through the door into the Midland?
"WOAH."
Let me just say that this venue is in no way short on character. There is so much detail and beautiful architecture to look at, it's almost a sensory overload - in a good way! I want to say there are probalby 4 bars to stop and get a drink at before or during a show, but watch out, the lines can be ridiculous, and I hear they're pretty pricey (no surprise there).
I've only been here once - saw Aziz Ansari just a few weeks ago - and the sound, for a comedy show anyway, was great. I'm hoping that maybe sometime in the future, I can grab tickets for a concert to hear what this place can really do. Â
The only downfall I can come up with at the Midland would be the concert floors in the general admission area. There are three or four levels on the floor, however each one holds about 4 to 5 rows of chairs, and being a girl of average height sitting behind a man who could give Shaq a run for his money was not the greatest experience. Having to move to an uncomfortable angle to see the performer on stage wasn't too much fun - although the laughs made it a little easier to deal with.
All in all, this venue is beautiful, and has a pretty good reputation for putting on fantastic concerts. Here's to hoping my favorite band comes to the Midland on their next tour!
The best concert venue I've ever seen! Beautiful & antique inside, like a Victorian theatre but perfect acoustically for Rock! Â Sure, it's old and a little bit dusty but the interior is absolutely beautiful and worthy of a visit just for the experience. Â It holds less than the typical concert arena but I like this slightly smaller and more personal feel. Â The large wooden staircases and old chandelier lights were a perfect touch for such an antique setting. Â It was a fantastic venue and I can't wait to go back someday!
Review Source:What a beautiful venue! Â We saw Jim Gaffigan there, although I've been several times in the past to see various artists/acts.
Every time I come back, I'm reminded how amazing this building is, and what a great place for going out in the city.
The only downside.... ingress and egress is not the most efficient, but it's worth the wait!
This is one of the best movie theaters I have experienced. Â The ticket prices are a little high; however, you definitely get what you paid for. Â The seats are wide and very comfortable. Â The sound system rocks with the speakers under the seats. Â I watched the Immortals in 3D. Â The image quality was one of the best I've seen. Â I will definitely watch movies frequently here.
Review Source:I admit, I'm a bit nostalgic when it comes to The Midland Theater. Â I remember waiting on the cracked sidewalks in downtown KC well before any thought of downtown revitalization, with my dad on my 11th birthday for the opening day showing of *The Empire Strikes Back* at The Midland Theater. Â I thought this was the big time. Â The Midland was still a movie house, run down by all means, but it was downtown in the fanciest place I had been to in those first eleven years of my life. Â
Since that day back in 1980, I have seen everything from Annie, to Mikhail Baryshnikov to John Legend perform at The Midland. Â
It has always been glorious and beautiful in its baroque glory! Â Even if it's not your style, I would hope everyone can appreciate and enjoy it for a night. Â The look and essence of this place makes you feel like you have had a special night out.
I can't really rate this place on sight lines, acoustics, or even service, simply because I love coming here no matter what. Â I have always been able to see the stage, hear the music and get a drink. Â Maybe it's not the best view or sound of a show that I've ever been to, but I don't care, I just love coming to The Midland and creating new memories in a building with a lot of wonderful history.
Astonishingly beautiful venue, I heard it was restored to it's original beauty. I was amazed by the architecture. This venue kills the Uptown Theater! I went here for Chromeo and had a blast. Â I will definitely go to any show here!
Arrive early and wonder around to check out all it has to offer. Truely amazing beauty.
This is a beautiful venue in downtown Kansas City. Â The venue, for the most part is well run. It's easy to enter, even with a quick security check, the concourse is easy to navigate, staff is friendly and bathrooms are clean. Â There are also a couple of fully stocked bars and small beer bars strategically placed around the venue. Â The sight lines are good both in the lower part of the venue and in the balcony.
My main criticism of this room is the sound quality. Â The Midland is an old building, which is great, but it's also big and airy so the sound bounces all around the place. Â The louder the band is then the more difficult the sound becomes. Â A full room of bodies helps a little bit, but it can still be a tough room to master. Please don't let this keep you from a band you are coming to see. I bet you will still enjoy them, but please be aware going in... and also bring a pair of ear plugs.
Parking is a little tough to come by, but this is downtown and that's what happens when you revitalize downtown. Â The Constantino's Market across Main Street has a parking garage attached to it. I also often park in the Power and Light garage (it's only $2) and then walk about three blocks to the venue.
Glad I could come close to honoring the dress code, even if it was fake prom. Â I was amazed at the beauty of this place and only wished that the candelabras could really be lit. Â
It has all of the beauty of the Uptown times 100. Â The lighting was fantastic and somehow the decor made everyone look just a bit classier. Â I'm talking to you duct tape suit guy. Â
Part of the fun of the concert was exploring the areas we could. Â Up above the entrance was some fantastic people watching but we couldn't do anything to bribe the attendant to let us in on the second floor. Â
Since we were in standing room only at a concert I can't comment on the seating but I would imagine that it is rather small. Â So, for that, I would not look forward to but for dancing and exploring this place is perfect!
What a beautiful theater!!! Â It is amazing to be able to see an old time theater in all of its glory. Â These places are becoming extinct and I am so happy that this theater is alive and well in KC!
I recently saw a screening of the new Kevin Smith movie called, "Red State" Â which opens worldwide in Oct 2011. Â The movie was amazing and I can hardly wait to see it again.
This place is a great venue...I wish I lived closer and was able to see more shows here!
This is, hands down, my favorite concert venue in Kansas City. First of all, it's amazingly beautiful. The amount of the detail in this place is just intense. I particularly like the stained glass Exit signs (classy!!), but really, it's just gorgeous in here and I love looking around. I always see details that I missed on the last visit, and I'd probably have a good time even if the bands I've seen here were crap...which none of them were/are.
In my nearly 3 years in KC, I've been to all kinds of shows here, from Morrissey to The Pogues to most recently, Devotchka. Each show draws a different type of crowd (obviously), but the Midland is great regardless of the type of band. If you have general admission tickets, you can choose to find a seat further back from the stage, or make your way right down to the front - whatever you prefer. I've never been to the upper levels, but I have a friend who swears that the chandelier level is not to be missed. I bet it would be great for some people watching!
The drinks are a little bit overpriced and occasionally weak, but that's pretty par for the course for concert venues, so I don't  mind - I'm just glad that there are plenty of bar areas so that you don't have to wait in line for very long, and that the bartenders are quick and friendly.
The sound quality is always good, and I never leave with that "OMG, it was so loud that my ears are now bleeding" feeling. I agree that ticket prices can be a bit high, but I'm willing to forgive that to see good bands in an amazing setting. My plan, one of these days, is to get to a concert early enough that I can actually  explore the AMC Midland better.
To give a final example of how great the AMC is, if I want to see a band that my husband isn't familiar with, I can usually sell him on a concert if it's located here. I'd say that's a pretty good endorsement!
This is one of the best places to see a concert. My first concert there was the low dough show 98.9 put on for Shinedown and absolutely love this place. There's room to walk around and it has easy access to get in and out of the place. It is not like going to the Sprint Center and sitting so far away you have to watch the concert on a screen they hang up. You are close anywhere you are in this place and its very pretty....Although the Cherubs freak me out....They are like little lifeless children staring at you. I suspect one day they will come alive and attack but until them I keep my eye on them......haha
Review Source:The Midland is a beautiful theater from top to bottom. Â From the lower level bathrooms to the upper most balcony. Â
I've been to both comedy shows and concerts and had a great time every time. Â The comedy show, we were in the front row of the first tiered section. Â I can't speak for anyone else, but my view was fantastic. Â FOr rock shows, there are plenty of options from balcony to front of the stage. Â Access in and out via the side aisles is quick and unobstructed. Â The sound is always great. Â Thumping when needed and quiet and clear when called for. Â The staff are polite and get people in and out quickly. Â The location in downtown is great with the parking across the street generally running $2 on show nights.
The Midland theater is a beautiful place. I could sit there and stare and all the amazing things on the wall. I did, in fact, while I was at Jerry Seinfeld's show. All the old-fashioned balconies make you feel like your in the early 1900s.
On the lower main level, however, has no elevation what so ever. Adding folding chairs to the whole mix doesn't make it a whole lot better. So sitting in the back doesn't give you the whole classical feeling compared to sitting closer to the stage or the balconies.
I do love the location of the Midland. Downtown KC, what's better? Also there is a bar in the back. Always great right? So you can kick a few back and enjoy your event
And there is a cool knight head above the stage!
I feel almost guilty giving this place only 2 stars as everyone else here seems to really love it and the building's interior is immaculate.
I have only been to the Midland twice. Â Both times were for free, and both times were comedy shows. Â The first time I went was back in April, 2010. Â My friend took me with her to see Kevin Smith. Â Our tickets were for the 300 level seats. Â Not a bad view by any means, but I am quite curvy and tall. Â The seats in the 300 level are narrow, and I mean narrow. Â I could barely squeeze into them and I had to sit unladylike so that I would not be capped off at the knee by the people sitting in front of me. Â Did I mention I'm curvy? Â I also like to drink. Â Guess what? Â In the 300 level seats, there is no where to set your drinks, and since I was sitting unladylike I couldn't keep the drink in my lap so I had to hold it the entire time instead. Â Not cool. Â
The 2nd time I went to the Midland it was October, 2010 for Louis C.K. Â This time I was in the 100 level. Â I was excited because I thought maybe this place was like Sprint Center and the 100 level would have wider seats than the upper level seating. Â When we arrived we were escorted to the very last row of Sec 103. Â I'm not complaining because the tickets were 100% free. Â My complaint is this. Â Me, my boyfriend and the entire row had to move back onto the floor where the railing is for the section because there was no way to see over the people in front of us, and my boyfriend and I are tall. Â There was no tiering of the seats, the 4 rows of seats in this section were all on a flat surface. Â Although Louis C.K. was very funny, he was not enjoyable enough to watch his entire act on the floor hanging my arms over the railing, and I would bet the strangers in my row who had to do the same thing would agree. Â
I will leave you with this, both times I went to Midland it was free, and I was extremely uncomfortable. Â After 2 bad experiences I would absolutely not pay to go there and sit in discomfort.
I found this blurb on the Midland's website, I find it very humorous as it completely goes against the experiences I have had here:
No matter where you sit at The Midland, you'll enjoy an unparalleled level of intimacy and comfort that will keep you coming back show after show.
*Roccoco as fuck* was my very first thought and although the building is a historic landmark by US standards, it does not, in fact, date back anywhere close to the 18th Century. It was, however, an operating theater in the 1920s, which is A-OK to my wannabe flapper standards!
For the lover of old theaters, you have entered paradise. Go downstairs to the lounge area and see the old phone booths! Stare up and get lost in the ceiling (I did). Admire, admire, admire.
The purpose of my first visit was to see The Psychedelic Furs with She Wants Revenge. The show was supposed to start at 8 and damn us for thinking that like other popular venues in this fine city that the opening band would actually go on an hour later, because we were only able to see four songs by She Wants Revenge. There's your caveat, my friends: shows start on time (I presume because it's a unionized theater) as stated on the ticket.
Sound was just about pristine. Although I was hoping for balcony seating, we had GA and were in the orchestra. Still, there were seats if you needed them. I appreciated how there were a few levels to stand on and was thrilled by our view of the stage.
Drink prices were rather high as expected, however I must mention how sweet and capable the bartenders were. One of them even made a suggestion on how to improve my drink, totally unheard of in a straight up music venue/theater (in my experience), where bartenders are typically just drink pouring machines.
Looking forward to seeing more live shows here, although they do lose a star for what I feel to be outrageous (for Kansas City) ticket prices if you buy them in advance. For this show, at least, they were still selling tickets at the door for about 15 dollars less.
I take back anything I ever said about having a wedding reception elsewhere. The Midland is where it's AT. If I ever get married (IF. Wishful thinking), The Midland will be my venue of choice. I don't care if I blow all of my retirement, or have to work until I'm 95 to afford the funds. I'll take it.
The Midland by AMC is stunningly beautiful. It's a multi-leveled tier facility great for concerts, live events, or private parties. It's a exquisite venue that is simply flawless and pristine. It recently underwent mass renovations to restore the 1920's staple of Kansas City that has been home to multiple concerts and events. The renovations capture the delicate details and designs of the 1920's structure, while providing a great setting for a concert or show.
The main level also includes a bar that's already inside, just steps away from your seat. So you can grab a drink and not miss a beat of the show. I could not stop gawking at the intricate chandelier that hangs over the bar. It's friggin' huge and unbelievable gorgeous.
The overall setting of The Midland is just beautiful. My words don't do it justice. Simply elegant. An antique building with a modern renovation that can maintain to restore the historic beauty of this building leaves me speechless.
This is a beautiful venue with fantastic seating (all the seats are really nice). The sound was amazing (I imagine it was all over also). I hated that the floor is all GA, but the balcony seats were real good (I could see Jerry Cantrell's face from the balcony.
Overall I think this is a nice venue, maybe +1 over the Uptown.
This place is beautiful. Â I had the chance to see Leonard Cohen's show recently, and it was the perfect venue for him. Â Very old school beauty, even a little rough on the edges even straight from renovation. Â
There's a lot of great space in here, although not a lot of great signage to get you where you need to be. Â There's several bar areas throughout the building so you can get a drink from pretty much wherever your seats might be without trouble. Â The bathrooms are small - it is an old place - but they've still got a lot of old school charm with original decorations.
Have you seen the inside of this place yet?
It's GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All preserved/restored and simply elegant. Â Not the kind of place you would expect a rock show to take place inside of, but well worth it! Â The acoustics are insane. Â Back when they built this building, performers had to project and the sound needed to bounce. Â Well, they did it. Â Add today's amplification and watch out, you may need some ear plugs! Â
Even the bathrooms are classy! Â They make you feel like a king/queen. Â It's pretty awesome!
If you get to go here, go up to the top of the stairs...there is a chandeliere bar that will take your breath away! Â Wow! Â And there is usually some hot bartender inside pouring drinks. Â hehe.
It's worth a try, and bring your camera for some historic looking shots!
The Midland just re-opened a couple of weeks ago after a deep re-model. It too, like the Uptown, has been open since the 1920s, so it has that unique history component that I really like. This time, the Midland comes with a new bar/club, called 'The Indie on Main'. This bar is SO cool- it has honeycomb shaped bins where the liquor bottles are displayed and has a calming, dark interior that's very posh. I believeit is only open when there are events happening in the Midland. If you get a ticket to the Indie, you are also privvy to advanced seating before the rest of the crowd.
I love old theatres, if that isn't apparent already, and the Midland is a great place to hear a concert. They have a fairly large seating chart, based on the area and the fact that it is downtown between skyscrapers. The crowd and employees were generally friendly, considering the amount of people that were there, and everyone got seated and exited as much as I expected.
As far as parking, I would recommend just parking in the Power and Light garage since it is only about 2 blocks away. That way you are close to P&L in case you want to go there afterwards. And, parking is usually only $2 with a validation from a P&L restaurant.
I started listening to Bob Dylan in high school - I didn't know his story, I didn't know he even toured - I just loved his music and purchased every CD I could of his.
His Midland visit was my attempt to see the legend in the flesh - or at least as a minuscule, ant-sized version of the legend - my seats were impossibly far from the stage. Â I wasn't expecting such an ornate lusciousness to the theatre - so not folksy - but who cares when you can get the best of both worlds, right?
The acoustics were perfect from the nosebleeds so I was happy to listen and squint or borrow someones binoculars in those plush, Â classic theatre-red seats (it's owned by AMC, so no surprise the sister seats are identical to the movie theaters around town) - really nothing to complain about. Built in the roaring 20's, The Midland is an art-deco masterpiece complete with half a million feet of gold leaves and five gigantic crystal chandeliers.
If the concert is a wash, you could get lost in the space alone - staring at all its intricacies, wandering while finding the bathroom, people watching - it's all apart of the experience. I agree with Jennifer's assessment that The Midland maintains an intimate feel, despite its grandeur. I wouldn't have wanted the concert anywhere else... well - in my home I guess, but that's never going to happen.
And maybe my enthusiasm for the place has something to do with the fact that I was kind of a dork and got emotional because I was living my young little dream of listening to my favorite artist in person, or maybe it's because Midland looks like something from a dream - either way - a great night.
Went and saw Anthony Bourdain last night and going back for Seinfeld in a few days... have to say, the theatre is soooo beautiful. Â Recently renovated and reopened I'm so excited to have a hallmark live theatre in Kansas City that's so accessible. Â Parking is a breeze, if not a little pricey, with a multi-level lot across the street ($7 for the evening). Â The place is across the street from the Power & Light District. Â
I can't wait to return!
I had tickets for Melissa Ethridge, which was also the opening night performance. Â I also attended the Journey concert and the Anthony Bourdin presentation.
After a long renovation, The Midland continues to be a beautiful, dramatic and ornate venue, while still retaining the feeling of an intimate space. Â I am a big fan of the bar INSIDE the venue. Â You can actually get a drink and still be watching the show. Â The 5th floor has a great large round bar where you can look over the edge and down to the stage. Â On two separate nights, one of the employee's offered us a floor ticket upgrade, just to help fill out the space.
My only negative is that the bathrooms are on the 1st and 2nd floor. Â A lot of stairs when you are drinking on the 5th floor. Â The elevator is pretty slow and it is operated by an employee who won't let you squeeze in.
All and all, a really terrific and charming KC space!