Northern Lights Inc

What a weird venue! I'm usually the type to go to shows early because I'm short and would like to actually SEE the performer. But because Clifton Park was two hours out of my way, it was hard to get there early without ditching out on work/school.

First things first, location. Hooow the hell did Northern Lights decide on it? It's in the middle of a mini strip mall next to a Job Lot, a tattoo parlor and a CHURCH. Whose bright idea was it to have a loud concert venue next to a church? When we formed the line to get into the venue, we were stretched out into the parking lot. It was freezing out and we waited half an hour past Doors until they finally let us in.

Second, layout. We finally get in, the room is already half filled. I can't find a single good spot with my height because the stage is curved in the corner and these large pillars are sporadically spaced. I had many, many guys chuckle at me in pity. Finally, I got to a spot where I could stand on a ledge. I wasn't supposed to, but I stood next to a security guard all throughout the openers and he, too, took pity on me. I wasn't blocking anyone by standing on the ledge, so he said to go for it. Many thanks to him.

Finally, tech. The lighting was nice. The sound was okay. There were moments when the instruments drowned out the singing, but that wasn't much of a problem. Don't know how it is from the back of the house. I went to see fun. and they were amazing. Nate Ruess' smile will make you melt.

So... it's kind of seedy and has a somewhat odd layout, but it's a pretty decent venue that somehow manages to get some relatively noteworthy names coming through the place.

I guess that's worth three stars for a concert venue.

Oh Northern Lights, what to do with you.

Highs-
Pull in a pretty awesome selection of shows considering
Suburbia so there is ample parking
Some decent beers on tap

Lows-
Sound is mostly terribad for many many shows. Just not a space conducive to good sound
Awkward setup with a ton of wasted space and a bar almost in the middle of the area you want to stand for a show
Gross bathrooms
Can get hot as hell inside