Please visit "T&C Staff's Favorite Outlaw Music Spots" google maps page.
Located right in the Short North at 1151 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio sits a small local music diner that’s one of Columbus’s go-to concert venues. With roots here since 1994, Skully’s Music Diner has cemented itself as a natural part of Columbus’s music scene. In one review from 614 Magazine, they said, “Skully’s is Columbus. It just is. You don’t need any extra incentive to head down for a drink, a dance, or a show.”
When walking in, guests are greeted with the bright red LED lights, followed by the eclectic leopard print carpeted walls that lead you right onto the dance floor. With three disco balls covering the floor and the LED lighting showcasing the stage, the biggest takeaway is that the ambiance of the ’80s killed disco.
While the dance floor is small, holding no more than 100 people comfortably, Skully’s keeps true to the close and intimate vibe a place like this guarantees. The sound reverberates off the walls, making the music hard to miss.
Regular concert goers, Kiki and Mike, shared that they would make the drive back to Columbus for another show like this again. Mike said he “would like to sit for a show in this venue this small.” The small venue and close proximity to the stage ensures that no matter the concert, you will be entertained!
When people think of outlaw music, they often think of rock and country as the two genres that are most fitting. Where rock is concerned, look no further for the ultimate concert scene. The King of Clubs is the venue of any rocker’s dreams. Located at 6252 Busch Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, this music venue is a unique look into the world of outlaw rock.
A review on Reddit echoed a common opinion from fans of the place. “They host a great variety of artists,” said Josh S. The sound quality of the music and the multi-level dance floors allow for a great listening and entertainment experience. This venue holds about 850 people, encouraging the small and intimate feel that every concert needs. Additionally, most venues don’t offer parking, let alone parking that’s free, but The King of Clubs does!
Many classic rock fans, self-dubbed “Old-Heads” have recommended this as a great location for any concert but find the atmosphere best suits rock concerts.
Arguably one of the most renowned locations for rock and roll in the Midwest, Newport Music Hall has been a standing legend located at 1722 N. High St. in Columbus, Ohio. This venue was bought by PromoWest Productions in the ’80s and has since operated as one of the top concert venues in Columbus. Built in 1923 as a theater, made into a ballroom in 1970, and then turned into a concert venue in 1984, Newport has had its fair share of changes and renovations. One thing that has always remained is its outright outlaw status in music venues.
Any band, artist or lover of music can appreciate this venue. Big names want to play here. There’s a reason Newport is considered the “Longest Continually Running Rock Club in the country!” according to their website.
Newport hosts more than 150,000 guests a year and is, in some people’s opinions and according to Newport’s own website, the “Best place in Columbus to see a show.” Despite the status this venue has, it is a very local venue for people to see their favorite artists. According to people who have been to the venue several times, the views are great and the music sounds even better. “Newport is the best concert venue in Columbus. Located in a small and intimate, two-story space, the Newport has the best lineup of alternative and indie (yet well known artists) in the area,” says Jane G. in her Yelp review.
At 115 years old, The Bluestone is a former church, turned venue of any concertgoer’s dreams. Located at 583 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio stands a beautiful, old church that has been updated and changed to host a variety of shows. There is not just one genre of music that plays here.
Being such a unique venue, there is still a level of closeness that an attendee feels when watching a show. There are two levels to this venue but if a guest arrives early enough, you can be right next to the main stage.
EDM is one of the highest demand shows that The Bluestone has. Ying X from Yelp says,
“I definitely get a lot of good EDM shows thanks to Bluestone!” With a bigger dance floor than most other venues of this size, there is room for everyone to dance, listen to the music or just vibe while attending.
The open concept venue is great for a band’s sound quality, leaving listeners very happy with their shows and keeps people coming back for more. People buy tickets to this venue quickly, so it is recommended that if there’s a show to see, get the tickets early.
