1. The Firebird
Where: 2607 Olive
What it will cost: $6-15
Website: firebirdstl.com
Firebird STL holds rock/indie concerts with ticket prices between $6-15. Upcoming shows include An Under Cover Weekend, Skybox, What Laura Says and Valient Thorr. Located at 2607 Olive St., Firebird STL offers reasonably priced drinks and a dance floor. The ambience is best described as comfortable and intimate.
2. Fubar
Where: 3108 Locust
What it will cost: $6-15
Website: firebirdstl.com
Located in the Historic District on 3108 Locust St., Fubar is a loud rock venue that boasts jukeboxes, video games and two bars. Minors are allowed with a surcharge, but tickets are usually between $5-15. “We were voted best all-ages venue by Riverfront Times,”a Fubar employee said. Upcoming shows include The Highway Companion, WORMROT and Allstar Weekend.
3. The Lemp Arts Center
Where: 3301 Lemp
What it will cost: $5
Website: lemp-arts.org
The performance space at the Lemp doubles as an art gallery. Shows are $5 and open to all ages. Located at 3301 Lemp Ave., the Lemp only serves water. Mark Sarich, artistic director, describes it as “a club- or community of young people who are excited about the unique music to be found here.” They do not select commercial bands or performers that fail to support the standards of the community.
4. Off broadway
Where: 3509 Lemp
What it will cost: $10-18
Website:offbroadwaystl.com
This nightclub hosts shows with ticket prices between $10-18. Upcoming acts include Rene Breton and Ryan Hurtgen, John Henry & The Engine and Animal Empty. Located at 3509 Lemp Ave, Off Broadway has a dance floor, patio and bar. Although normally the atmosphere is lively and loud, Off Broadway occasionally sets up chairs and tables and hosts acoustic bands.
5. The Billiken Club
Where: 20 N. Grand
What it will cost: free
Website:thebillikenclub.wordpress.com
Located in the Busch Student Center, the Billiken Club is a great place to grab a bite to eat and check out some of the local talent. Most shows begin at 9 p.m., and admission is free. You can enjoy a drink from the bar, while watching upcoming performers Wavves, Field Music and Times New Viking. “We do our best to bring music that is on the rise, from groups that are producing something new and innovative. Mostly, though, students should come because it is right in their backyard, and absolutely free,” Billiken Club’s Hunter Hostettler said.
6. The Gramophone
Where: 4243 Manchester
What it will cost: $8-15
Website: thegramophonelive.com
This venue boasts an eclectic assortment of music, from jazz to heavy metal. Located at 4243 Manchester Ave. in the Grove, The Gramophone has free parking and a bar. Most shows are 21 and over, unless otherwise indicated. Upcoming attractions include Paul Brown and The Killing Devils, London Calling and Wallpaper. Shows are generally between $8-15.
7. Cicero’s
Where: 6691 Delmar
What it will cost: $5-10
Website: ciceros-stl.com
Cicero’s is not only a venue, but also a restaurant and pub. For over 30 years, it has been hosting live performers seven days a week. “We have the best sounding room in St. Louis, as far as small venues go. Our sound guys are the best in town,” manager Brian Colon said. Located at 6691 Delmar Blvd. in the Central Loop, Cicero’s is open from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. and charges only $5-10. “We throw great music and great beer at you,” Colon said.
8. Antarctica
Where: 5226 Gravois
What it will cost: $7
Website: antarcticalounge.com
This indie-rock lounge is open from 8:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Shows are only $7, and some upcoming performers include David Vandervelde with Brass Bed and Turbo Fruits and Pujol. “I only book bands I like, which means if you like one show, you should like most others at the venue,” director Timothy Flynn said. Antartica has a bar, an indie-rock karaoke and indie jukebox. Besides concerts, the venue is known for its movie and karaoke nights. It is located at 5226 Gravois.
9. Jazz at the bistro
Where: 3536 Washington
What it will cost: $10-15
Website: jazzstl.org
Although Jazz at the Bistro hosts some big names, student discount tickets are only $10-15. Upcoming performers include Eric Slaughter Trio, Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller. Jazz at the Bistro serves dinner and has a bar. It is an intimate and comfortable environment, and dress is business casual. Jazz at the Bistro is located at 3536 Washington Ave.
10. Cafe Ventana
Where: 3919 West Pine
What it will cost: free
Website: cafeventana.com
Café Ventana can best be described as a French Quarter Bistro in our own backyard. Located at 3919 West Pine Blvd., Café Ventana hosts Thursday night performers and weekend jazz brunches. It strives to showcase local cultural treasures with its art exhibit and soundstage. Café Supervisor Lucas Prize describes it as a “great atmosphere with a lot of quality menu items.”
