Live music has been a core focus for Consequence ever since we were founded over 16 years ago. To celebrate the local venues, gathering places, and institutions across the country that give live music its home, we launched Hometowns of Consequence, a fan-led initiative honoring the best US music venues, the spaces that build community and allow culture to thrive.
We asked fans to nominate their favorite local music venues (2,000-cap or less), and narrowed it down to four finalists in each region – Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West. After another round of voting, we have our winners for the first annual Hometowns of Consequence Best Local US Music Venues!
We want to thank all the fans who voted, the artists who participated in our awareness campaign, and most of all the venues. Over 1,000 venues across the country were nominated, and we celebrate them all for everything they do for live music. Find the winners below, and stay tuned for more from Hometowns of Consequence!
Fans
For those who submitted nominations and votes, thank you! Your participation is what led to these beloved venues receiving the recognition they so greatly deserve, and we can’t thank you enough. Keep an eye out for more content and exclusives from Hometowns of Consequence over the coming weeks.
Venues
Congratulations to our winners, as well as all the nominees! We at Consequence are humbled by all you do, and are proud to be able to celebrate you along with your fans. For those who didn’t win, we haven’t forgotten about you! Stay tuned.
Hometowns Regional Finalists
Click a Region to See Nominated Venues
West
- The Troubadour
- Los Angeles, California
- Capacity: 500
- Opened: 1957
- "We want to say a big thank you to our patrons and community. Your constant support, passion, and love for live music means the world to us. This recognition is as much yours as it is ours." - Christine Karayan, General Manager
Midwest
- First Avenue & 7th St Entry
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Capacity: 1,500/250
- Opened: 1970/1980
- "We're honored that First Avenue & 7th St Entry has won the Hometowns of Consequence! It's especially meaningful that this is a fan-driven award, and it speaks to the amazing music community in Minnesota, which truly is the best in the country at supporting our scene. We're looking forward to another great year of music ahead, and to another 50+ years as an independent venue. Thanks, Consequence, and thank you to the fans." — Dayna Frank, Owner/CEO
Northeast
- Rockwood Music Hall
- New York, New York
- Capacity: 50/120/170
- Opened: 2005
- "This award really means a lot to us as it was chosen by artists and fans - so a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us! And thanks to Consequence for shining a light on small local venues around the US - we're excited to see what comes next from Hometowns." - Ken Rockwood, Owner
Southwest
- Cain's Ballroom
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Capacity: 1,700
- Opened: 1924
- "It's truly an honor to hear that Cain's Ballroom has been voted the Hometown of Consequence Best Local Music Venue for the Southwest Region! Cain's Ballroom has been a huge part of the local, regional and national music scene for almost 100 years now and we really appreciate all of the support the artists and fans have shown us. We wouldn't be here without you and we love sharing our love of live music with you!" - Chad and Hunter Rodgers, Co-Owners and Managers
Southeast
- George's Majestic Lounge
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Capacity: 700
- Opened: 1927 (Originally) 2004
(As full-time music venue) - "We are truly humbled to receive this type of fan voted recognition! Thank you first and foremost to our artists that grace our stages and to the live music fans that support them. George's Majestic Lounge is a beneficiary of the love that happens between an artist and fan since we get to be the house that joins them in real time. Thank you to our team and past teams over 95 years that have kept the vibe and spirit alive that makes George's part of our music community." -- Brian Crowne, Owner & Talent Buyer
Interviews & News
Hometowns of Consequence's Winners for Best Local US Music Venues Announced
Fans voted, and the five best music venues in the country have been selected.
November 17, 2023
Best Venues of the US Southwest: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
Oklahoma's Cain's Ballroom, Texas' Mohawk and White Oak Music Hall, and Arizona's The Van Buren.
October 13, 2023
Best Venues of the US Southeast: Hometowns of Consequence Finalists
Arkansas' George's Majestic, Kentucky's Portal, DC's 9:30 Club, and South Carolina's The Radio Room.
October 9, 2023
