Nightlight Bar & Club

nightlight is by far the most important venue in the local music scene of chapel hill. no other establishment focuses so much energy on supporting artists (brand new as well as local legends), promoting experimentation, and providing a foundation for community. nightlight does not just serve as a hub for musicians, but also for visual artists, dancers, theater-makers, and others. i am a former employee, so i am admittedly biased, but after having spent almost five years as a resident of chapel hill / carrboro and an active participant in the local music scene, i have to say that nightlight is much more than just a venue, it's a home for artists of all kinds. there are tons of musicians - not just local rock bands - who played at nightlight when they couldn't get shows at any of the other venues in town, like the local 506 or the cat's cradle. i have been to lots of other cities in the united states, and i have not found anything that does quite what nightlight manages to do. it is rare to have a business be so dedicated to a local community, but the reason nightlight is so dedicated to music community is that it was created by and is run and supported by the music community. against all odds, this little "artland vortex" has stood the test of time, and i hope it continues to stand at 405 1/2 west rosemary st. for many years to come.

Great local spot that's always had good shows for being a smaller sized club.  No complaints, they have a cool alley way and lots of awesome vintage chairs and stuff for sitting down on.

If you're looking for a small, comfortable venue with modest beer selection and interesting decor, Nightlight is your place. The couches are just the right mixture of cozy and torn up. Everything is a little shabby, but in a good way -- a relaxed, comfortable way. It doesn't feel dirty or decayed, but rather worn in and familiar like a good pair of shoes. The musical selection is eclectic, ranging from experimental noise pop (Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu has DJ'd here) to country/Americana/folk. It has a lot of character, and it's the kind of place that I would stop in on a random night just to sample what is going on, without knowing ahead of time what I'm in for. I just trust Nightlight to bring me something entertaining and different every time. I wish that there was a more robust beer selection, but that would be my only (small) complaint.