Live music in Winston-Salem, North Carolina can sometimes be hard to find. With big bands like U2 and Ozzfest going near Charlotte, and even somewhat popular musical acts like Hilary Duff and American Idol going on tour next door to nearby Greensboro, the residents of Winston-Salem seem to be surrounded. However, there are a few places where they know you.
The most popular event ever ends at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The LJVM Coliseum once brought Elton John, Suffrage Rock, and Gretchen Wilson.
There is not a single bad seat available in this arena of 15,000, and, unlike the most elaborate venues, this coliseum is small enough that the word does not reach you after two minutes. Prices for musical acts are also generally cheaper than nearby Charlotte and Raleigh venues as well, so if an act comes to both, the LJVM Coliseum will be cheaper and have a better show.
The downside of this concert venue is the same as with any coliseum: traffic. University Parkway is busy enough without cars pouring into it after concerts. Be prepared to wait an hour and a half before you can exit the parking lot.
While this venue is usually in use at the Wake Forest Devil Deacon, or the Dixie Fair Classic, or even the Minor League hockey and circus events, usually held once or twice a month.
Parking: Side lot on Deacon Street, or Main lot on University Parkway. Follow the parking staff to the space.
On the web: http://www.ljvm.com
LJVM Coliseum
2825 University Pkwy.
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Phone: 336-725-5635
Ziggy’s is a favorite with concert goers. They often focus on smaller or up-and-coming features, such as Jumping Babies, Drive-By Truckers, and Sam Bush. Cover bands, Jam Bands, and Indie Rock groups are also prevalent.
The stage is small, with no room for performances or parades, but it allows the audience enough to pass to the band (as it happens). There are higher standing platforms for those who cannot get down in front, so that the view is not obscured in all parts of the concert hall. Most shows are for ages 21 and over. There are several colleges around Ziggy’s, so many are regular concert goers. Musical acts average 4 days out of seven.
Downside? There are a few old bird stools, otherwise only standing.
Parking: A small lot by Ziggy on Baity Street gets filled up pretty quickly. Several restaurants along the road threaten to be towed if you park in their lots. The best solution? Park in grassy fields or random lots along Baity Street, and then walk.
On the web: www.ziggyrock.net
170 W. 9th St.
Winston-Salem NC 27101
Phone: 336-722-5000
RubberSoul Bar is a fantastic hidden music-venue where you can listen to soulful sounds. Jazz, Soul and R&B; they often play joint open mic nights.
It is a limited space, usually enclosed by a bar and a few boards around it. The stage is placed in a corner, and is visible from most of the bar. The musical acts are usually lively and entertaining, and many bands repeat at the same venue throughout the year. 4-5 nights a week you can catch a good live music show in this light.
Unfortunately, RubberSoul Bar is members only, so walking down the street is not a good idea. It costs $5 a year to join. This prevents any crime.
Parking: There are lots of lots around this part of town, but it’s mostly on the Burgh Street side. The venue is not well-known enough to create parking problems, so a spot close to the door is almost viable. There is also a small lot around the back of the building, but it is hard and out, and usually goes first.
On the web: www.rubbersoulbar.com
RubberSoul Bar
1148 of Burgo Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-721-0570
The Garage is one of the most unique and fun live music venues in the city. This place is actually a working car garage, but at night it turns into a five 50 joint. Walkers and poodle skirts will be resurrected at this place, and great musical performances of all kinds can be seen here. Rock shows, folk and blues shows, or eclectic plains are abundant and played.
This concert venue doesn’t get much promotion, so it’s a must-see show that they hear in the area of late.
Parking: Downtown all meters are turned off after hours traffic, so feel free to park up and down 7th.
On the Web: There is no website for the Garage, but the Folk Music bands that play there are at www.fiddleandbow.org
Garage
110 W. Seventh Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
336-777-1127
What else should you do in Winston-Salem?
The Steven Center often hosts rehearsals and sometimes live music, mostly from the Winston-Salem Symphony and from North Carolina School of arts students. Various styles and acts meet frequently, so check their calendar often.
No makeup, stop by specific sites for live shows.
405 West Fourth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
336-721-1945
North Carolina The School of the Arts is one of the most practiced areas in all of North Carolina. Symphonies, Operas and sometimes a special “Professional” performance will be highlighted.
On the web: www.ncarts.edu
1533 South Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
336-770-3399
Other musical events, such as the annual Culturefest and concerts at Salem College, occasionally arise, and a place to keep an eye is the Winston-Salem Journal or Smitty’s Notes. On the web: www.journalnow.com, and www.smittysnotes.com, respectfully.
