Where in Providence can I casually have a drink and listen to some live music?

Submitted by Megasoulflower t3_104yzlu in RhodeIsland

I’ve always heard Providence is the city of music, art, and food, but, truthfully, I’ve had a difficult time finding casual music spots. I’m aware of the Strand, Columbus Theater, and Fete, but are there any spots (especially close to the West End) where you can casually pop in with a low cover charge to have a drink and listen to some bands play?

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LauraPalmersMom430 t1_j38402w wrote

Royal Bobcat and Courtland Club if you like jazz.

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ananda_yogi t1_j386mn7 wrote

Thanks for the reminder about royal bobcat! Great spot

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Megasoulflower OP t1_j38anek wrote

Oh man, never heard of either but Royal Bobcat looks pretty walkable for me too!! Thank you so much!!

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ladywiththestarlight t1_j383mnh wrote

Depends on what kind of music you’re into but Askew, Dusk, Alchemy, The Parlor are all good causal spots

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Megasoulflower OP t1_j38a9wt wrote

Thank you! I’ll have to give Dusk a shot! It is the closest to me, but Askew is pretty walkable for me too. Thank you very much!! Is Dusk pretty heavy (primarily types of metal), or is it all types of good ole rock?

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ladywiththestarlight t1_j38h1yj wrote

Dusk hosts a lot of metal/heavy bands but I’ve seen various rock and punk bands play there too. I used to love going to their soul power dance party every 3rd Friday where DJs play lots of retro funky jams if you’re into that. Askew is awesome too. They have more seating and serve some food as well. Alchemy is right around the corner form Askew and has all sorts of music. I think tonight is funk night lol enjoy!

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ananda_yogi t1_j386fyq wrote

Won't help you now but come warm weather keep an eye out for Scurvy dog parking lot mega shows. They're free and always a blast

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Megasoulflower OP t1_j38aduv wrote

Oh man, I meant to go this summer but never made it! Thank you for the reminder! (:

Edit: I guess I was a little iffy about the idea of going to a show in a parking lot beside a fairly busy roadway too! Is it really pretty cool?

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ananda_yogi t1_j38lvzy wrote

Very cool indeed! The parking lot behind scurvy is pretty large and the bands are set up a considerable distance from the road, so no real element of danger there. Also since they rerouted rt 10 there is a lot less traffic on westminster. Plenty of parking at the school across the street, and on various side roads.

The bands can get a little wild (last one I went to ended with a firey display atop a van) but they are always so much fun. I don't look like the typical patron of scurvy dog, but I find the punk rock and metal crowd to be more welcoming than any other. I live around the corner and I'm moving next summer, and scurvy shows will absolutely be the thing I'll miss most

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Good-Expression-4433 t1_j3cbq5h wrote

I'm trans and have felt more welcome at Scurvy than any of the expressly gay bars and stuff here. Parking lot shows are always a fucking blast even if they do get a little rowdy. Dusk is another place I've quickly fallen in love with for some of the same reasons and love catching live metal bands and such there.

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Deecue401 t1_j3a5o44 wrote

Nick-a-nees no cover ever great bands most nights the best dive bar

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Garysuhnise t1_j3950fe wrote

The Parlour has shows every night of the week I think, The Royal Bobcat has jazz on Wed and Sun

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Dances_With_Cheese t1_j39p1ao wrote

If you don’t mind my plug for leaving providence, The Galactic Theatre in Warren is exactly what you’re looking for. Love that place.

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Seasnek t1_j3ahxlw wrote

Courtland Club! Real chill and lots of jazz

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West_Economics_856 t1_j3c88zq wrote

Hyde, below the George! Speakeasy vibe, last time I was there they had a a great live musician.

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ComfortFrenchFry t1_j390h3l wrote

Needle and Thread has not disappointed yet. I believe they list their performers online.

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dropki t1_j39dyrx wrote

Check out my friends band Alternative Radio. They are a 90s/2000s alt rock cover band. They play around Providence all the time. Check out their FB page.

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401jamin t1_j39ja37 wrote

The met, scurvy dog, as220, dusk, alchemy, the parlor to name a few

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Simonsays2526 t1_j38n3pu wrote

Plenty of places. Just be careful in Providence.

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Megasoulflower OP t1_j38t4v0 wrote

Why be careful in Providence in particular? Or just cities in general?

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BMorris2526 t1_j3dtul4 wrote

They probably are referring to most democrat controlled cities with tough gun laws. Lots of shootings and stabbings, so people should be very careful. At least Providence isn't as bad as Chicago or Baltimore.

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