My top 5 live original music stages in Cincinnati

When one thinks of cities with an excellent music scene Austin, Seattle, and New York immediately come to mind. They have actually even been ranked as three of the top five music cities in the world. Although Cincinnati does not stand out as a place with a killer music scene, it still provides live music all over the city every night.  From acoustic to rock to jazz, Cincinnati makes it easy to enjoy live music because there are so many locations where it may be found.

Here are my picks for the top 5 live original music stages in Cincinnati/Northern, KY (in no particular order).

Bogarts, 2621 Vine St.
Bogarts, located in Corryville near UC, has been a staple in the Cincinnati music scene since the 70’s when it was transformed from a German film theater to a live music venue.  Though Bogarts may not lie in the safest neighborhood they provide and intimate, affordable place to catch a good show from a stage typically reserved for national touring acts.  The sound mix is professional and the room is small enough that one will have a great view from anywhere inside. www.bogarts.com

Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Ave.
With a recently renovated stage, Northside Tavern continues to be one of the best venues in town to find live, original, local music. They are continually praised and awarded not only for the room itself, but for the mix of music they provide.  The atmosphere is warm and artsy, the stage is large and accessible, and the sound mix is spot on.  Local musicians may be found performing at Northside Tavern regularly so if you are looking for a huge production and an entertaining show this may not be the spot for you. At Northside it is all about the music. www.northside-tavern.com

Southgate House, 24 E 3^rd St. (Newport, KY)
The Southgate House is located across the street from Newport on the levee and provides a great variety of music from local original acts, to touring indi artists, as well as national entertainers. It is a three story historic house as its name implies and each level has a different room for music: the parlour, the lounge, and the ballroom.  Of these stages, the ballroom is the reason the Southgate House makes this list. It is a decent sized room with a balcony and a stage that is significant, but not removed from its audience creating a close relationship between entertainer and entertainee.

20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Rd.As a relatively young music venue, 20^th Century Theatre has already established itself as a great place for live music in Cincinnati. They provide entertainment from local and national acts
ol theater feel. Between the high setting stage and the sloped floor this is also a venue with a great view from any point in the room and though there is a balcony it is typically reserved for the performing acts. The ambience created by the rustic carpet and antique chandeliers is one that no other venue in Cincinnati competes with. www.the20thcenturytheatre.com

Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave. (Covington, KY)
Madison Theater is northern Kentucky’s premier spot for a big show. With a good sized room, powerful sound system, and 3-tiered flooring the Madison is an excellent venue for live music. Madison Theater provides a nice mix of local original bands along with reputable touring acts. Though the room itself is fairly simple, the management is generally willing to let people pump up the décor to make it more exciting for big events.

So head out and here some live music.  Maybe you’ll get lucky and walk in on a night when yours truly is on stage!!