Brighton Music Hall

Since I've been back to BMH countless times since my initial review, I think it's most necessary to update.  While there are a number of local venues that rock something fierce, BMH isn't just a solid venue anymore - it's my favorite.

The acts that they bring are varied, the visibility to the stage and the sound quality no matter where you are in the venue is high - even a sold-out show feels intimate.

Only at Brighton Music Hall could you watch Wilco's Nels Cline act like a roadie for Cibo Matto, and then walk right up to him and shake his hand.  They book the right-sized acts for the crowd-space, and whether it's highlighting local talent or some up-and-coming national talent, there's no place I'd rather see a show.

4 stars just weren't enough.  BMH deserves the highest rating it can get.

Lone Bellow killed it.
Clean, packed, thanks ticketmaster
Water is pricey...

I went to the Brighton music hall to see a nice band called Ivan & Alyosha.  They were on at about 10:30 to 11.  As with most venues, it annoys the heck out of me how late the main attraction starts.  However, it seemed that most of the crowd was there to see the second band: The Lone Bellow, who were AWESOME.  

One thing I appreciated about this venue was that there was very little time spent in between bands.  As soon as one one done, within 10-15 minutes the next band was up and playing regardless of when they were slotted for.  So, I think my band was up and playing by 10:30.  Not too bad for my old, tired self.  But when I went up to the bar they charged me $2 for soda water (i.e. tap water mixed with air)! Pffff. Hope there's free refills.  Didn't even try.

Would I go here again?  Totally.  Tickets were well-priced, it wasn't too packed, seemed clean, and the bands were good.  But nothing in particular stands out.

Went here on April 10th for Cloud Cult.

PROS:
* Three bars
* 2 pool tables in the back
*  Bars are set up with ice water and cups to grab and drink
* Clean bathrooms
* Re-admittance for smokers
* Dark, but not overbearingly dark
* Takes credit cards (even Discover, woo!)

CONS:
* Street only parking, and it's a very busy area so it can be cut throat
* Sound was "eh". Not the best, but definitely not the best either

ULTRA CON WHICH MADE ME TAKE AWAY A STAR

Ok, I was drunk and loose, I admit it... but I know how to tip. Everytime I open a tab at a bar, I leave the tab on the card and tip cash per drink. At the end of the night I closed my tab with a different bartender than the one who's been serving me. I put "0" as the tip and we start to walk away. The bartender came storming up to us as we were on our way out the door, tapped us on the shoulder and nastily snarled "That I don't know how to tip." I have never been anywhere (plus I work in the service industry, and when I don't get tips you bite the bullet because it's part of being a PROFESSIONAL) where someone has been so extremely rude and obnoxious. Even if I was drunk you don't treat a customer like that, ESPECIALLY since you don't know the circumstances because you weren't my bartender. If I ever go back I would rather die of thirst than give her a cent of my money.