Anyone who knows me knows that I live for live music. If I channeled all of the money I spend on concert tickets towards, say, my student loans, I’d owe a lot less. Or, more likely, I’d probably own that Louis Vuitton bag I’ve had pinned for ages. But instead, I go to concerts. And I love it. It’s a good thing that Charlottesville has some prime locations for concert viewing!
John Paul Jones Arena
Let’s start with an obvious selection. John Paul Jones Arena – JPA to Charlottesville locals – is home to the University of Virginia Cavaliers’ basketball teams. It’s also a prime venue for some of the biggest national tours. Upcoming shows include Taylor Swift’s RED Tour, Blake Shelton’s Ten Times Crazier Tour and Pearl Jam. Throughout the year, it also hosts a number of kid-friendly events, like Disney on Ice and the circus.
nTelos Wireless Pavilion
The nTelos Wireless Pavilion is located right smack at the end of the historic Downtown Mall, making it easy to dine at a local hot spot and then dash to a show. A number of big name acts come through each year – upcoming shows include Fun., Grace Potter and Willie Nelson. On Friday evenings throughout the summer, local acts take the stage for Fridays After Five – a free, family-friendly concert series that is the perfect way to wind down after a long week.
nTelos Wireless Pavilion {Image via}
The Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theater opened its doors on Thanksgiving Eve 1931. For more than 40 years, it was Charlottesville’s “crown jewel,” until it closed its doors in 1974. In 1992, a group purchased the venue and began restoration, reopening in December 2004. Going to a show or movie here offers visitors a step back in time! Upcoming events include Neko Case, Steel Magnolia, a showing of Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (a documentary featuring American rock band Big Star), and a number of local events and fundraisers.
The Paramount Theater {Image via}
The Jefferson Theater
A stone’s throw from The Paramount is The Jefferson Theater, my personal favorite venue in Charlottesville, hands down! Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, it was built in 1912 as a theater that hosted silent movies and vaudeville shows and welcomed A-listers like Harry Houdini and the Three Stooges. These days, it hosts national, regional and local talent. The next shows I’ll be attending? Kip Moore, Son Volt and Steve Earle.
The Jefferson Theater {Image via}
The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
The Southern is quite literally a hole in the wall. Also located on the Downtown Mall, it doubles as a restaurant and is days away from a “grand re-opening” to celebrate an expansion. The Southern plays host to a number of local and regional artists, as well as national names, giving you the chance to catch great music up close and personal. Upcoming shows include Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Yarn and Titus Andronicus.
The best part? These are just a sampling of the great music venues around Charlottesville. If you need me, check The Jefferson first. Chances are, that’s where I’ll be!
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