So you’re new in town. Don’t you want to know where the music is?
It’s all over the place, really. The Daily Lobo tracked down the three biggest college venues in town. However, don’t let this list limit you. Be sure to check out the Daily Lobo’s “Haps” section for all the local music and acts coming to town.
The El Rey Theater
620 Central Ave.
(505) 242-2353
ElReyTheater.com
The El Rey Theater has a history that most local venues lack.
Originally opening as movie theater in 1941, the El Rey is known for its old school vibe. Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Bo Diddley once graced the historic stage with their presence. When the theater suffered extensive smoke damage in February 2008, there was some worry that it would no longer open its stage.
Because of all the community support, the El Rey was renovated in no time. The venue itself is spacious and can house about 800 people.
The majority of shows at the El Rey are contemporary adult genres and local bands, but bigger acts are making their way the stage as well. A celebrated down tempo electronic duo, Pretty Lights, made a stop to a packed show at the El Rey in April. Upcoming notable acts include The Twelves, an eclectic and prominent electronic group from Rio de Janeiro; Lost Lingo, a local funky jam band; and Umphrey’s McGee, a jam band.
The El Rey was built to carry sound, especially when there is a large crowd and a good sound guy. This gives it a lot of potential to
become a premier venue for musical acts.
Local music promoter for the band Atomic Bass Takeover, Patrick Bannan, said the only problem with the El Rey is it needs to schedule more shows.
“I think they just don’t throw shows consistently enough to keep up a buzz,” Bannan said.
The Sunshine Theater
120 Central Ave.
505-764-0249
SunshineTheaterLive.com
The Sunshine Theater has a reputation for bringing some of the biggest and most established acts to Albuquerque. Several famous bands have played here over the years, including the punk band NOFX in April, Deftones in May and DeadMau5 last November.
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The venue is large and can house up to 1,000 people. There is a bar area that is slightly elevated and overlooks the stage as well as a balcony. The inside is dark and the lighting is almost nonexistent.
Joe Barrientos, a former UNM student and up-and-coming glitch/dub step DJ in the Seattle music scene, said the Sunshine needs a sound upgrade.
“Every time I have been to hip-hop shows there, you cannot hear the MCs when they all start rhyming together,” Barrientos said. “It’s not just hip-hop but music in general. The sound quality suffers.”
Upcoming August shows include the Kottonmouth Kings and Coheed and Cambria, while Spoon and Of Montreal will play there in October.
Launchpad
618 Central Ave.
505-435-9912
LaunchPadRocks.com
As the name implies, the Launchpad is the launching spot for local bands. It is more of an underground venue with a majority of punk, metal, indie and hip-hop bands in heavy rotation.
Roberto Lujan, a guitarist for the local metal band Random Order, said Launchpad is one of the best spots for bands to play.
“The on-stage sound, as far as being able to hear yourself and other musicians, is perfect,” Lujan said. “They have the best sound guys who listen to what you need and mix it very well.”
A garage door separates the bar during all-ages shows, and a small balcony sits above with booths and pool tables.
Don’t expect to be comfy, though. The venue can only hold around 300 people.
The only thing stopping the Launchpad from becoming a premier venue is its size limitations. However, that’s not to say larger acts don’t come through. Upcoming shows include The Ataris and Jeffree Star.
