Mormons, mountains and . . . music?
Yes, the Salt Lake City music scene exists. Locals might not know the band or artist who sold out the show, but Utah’s small capital has places that live music lovers need to know about.
Take a look at the intimate music venues the Deseret News visited with help from Yelp and S&S. Locate the venues listed on the map below marked by a blue music note. The music venues that are marked black are not included in this list, but could be closer to you or worth the drive.
1. Kilby Court
Address: 741 South Kilby Court
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
All ages, 200 capacity
Past performers: Foster The People
August lineup: Julien Baker, Hard Times
A friendly white board sign greets show goers in the alley: "Welcome to Kilby Court! No parking past this point. Thank you!" Walk a little bit further and listen to the opening band warm up their instruments as people open the red garage door to enter.
The Kilby Court website describes the venue as having the "same intimacy as having a show in one’s own backyard."
2. The State Room
Address: 638 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Ages 21-plus, 300 capacity
Past performers: Foster The People
August lineup: Reckless Kelly, Mew, Joe Pug
At the State Room the stage is set low; musicians and the crowd are practically on the same level since the stage is only 32” high. The State Room Spotify list is updated for fans to listen to upcoming performers.
3. The Complex
Address: 519 West 100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
All ages, 2,500 capacity
Past performers: Imagine Dragons, Mayer Hawthorne, Yellowcard
August lineup: Taking Back Sunday, Khalid
The Complex hosts live music gigs and is right behind the Gateway Mall. Fun fact: there’s actually four other venues inside for art galas, MMA fights and other events.
4. The Depot
Address: 400 West South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Ages 21-plus, 1,200 capacity
Past performers: Macklemore, The Head & The Heart
August lineup: Sylvan Esso, Rodrigo y Gabriela, 2 Chainz
The Depot has room to sit and stand inside their music hall. It’s at a can't-miss-spot next to the historic Union Pacific Depot.
5. Acoustic Space
Address: 741 South Kilby Court
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
All ages, 200 capacity
Past performers: Braiden Sunshine (Contestant on NBC’s “The Voice”)
August lineup: Morgan Whitney, The Susan Bush Band
The Acoustic space "brings the community together," according to their Facebook page. The venue not only provides a space for rising musicians to be in the spotlight, but also an intimate gathering for private celebrations.
6. In the Venue
Address: 579 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
All ages, 1,800 capacity
Past performers: Smashing Pumpkins, MGMT, Wiz Khalifa
In the Venue claims to be one of the oldest nightclubs in the city on their site. Patrons can listen from inside or at the open patio.
7. Urban Lounge
Address: 741 South Kilby Court
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Ages 21-plus, 400 capacity
Past performers: Bonobo, Nada Surf
August shows: Nick Nash, Old 97's
According to the Urban Lounge's website, the comfortable setting is what adds to their live music experience. Pictures from inside the venue show barstools and booths to lounge at while you listen to the artists on stage.
