With the new semester starting, FAU students find themselves once again stressed out by homework, exams, and papers. The tension needs to be alleviated in some way, but how? Just getting out with friends for an evening isn’t enough sometimes to stop the urges to lock yourself in a room with a carton of Oreo cookies and give in to the anxiety. So why not try seeing a favorite band play at one of the innumerable venues South Florida has to offer? That’s what this short guide is for. And be assured that every spot named is regularly visited by fellow FAU students. Now get out there!
For an early 80’s Ramones-esque punk rock feel, CHURCHILL’S HIDEAWAY in Miami is the place to go. Local bands frequent the hole-in-the-wall bar, with shows often starting late and ending near morning. While the cleanliness of the bathrooms leave something to be desired, pool tables, video games, and a friendly staff make Churchill’s a worthwhile venue to see performances at. For upcoming shows, call 305-757-1807.
For some bands, bars aren’t big enough to hold a large fanbase, but amphitheatres are unquestionably too large. In that case, ORBIT NIGHTCLUB in Boynton Beach is a great spot. With past performances by such bands as Eve 6 and Our Lady Peace, DJs like Paul Oakenfold and DJ Icey, and upcoming shows from Gwar, the Dead Kennedys, and NoFX, Orbit has proven itself to be the spot in South Florida to see some of your favorite performers up close and personal. For more info, call Orbit at 561-737-2199 or visit their website at www.orbit-nightclub.com.
RAY’S DOWNDOWN BLUES, a small blues club in West Palm Beach, is a mostly-unknown gem on a street full of decadent nightclubs. While the musical focus is jazz and blues, bands playing all types of music, ranging from punk to emo to alternative to old fashioned rock, can also be heard pretty regularly. Be warned, though: this is a small club. If a bigger-named band stops in, which does occasionally happen, there is barely breathing room. Pool tables in the back take up a lot of space, and the few couches spread about seem to take more room than they offer. For upcoming shows, call 561-835-1577.
RESPECTABLE STREET CAFí_ in West Palm Beach is about as long-lived a club as is found in WPB. Small, smoky, and dark, the venue sometimes has national acts play, usually has local acts play, and has a regular schedule of dance nights with DJs. The employees are friendlier than most other clubs in the area, there are dimly lit booths and some couches to sit on, and the small courtyard outback allows for fresh air and conversation. To find out about upcoming shows, call 561-832-9999 or make a cyber-visit to www.respectablestreet.com.
MILLENIUM, located in Pompano Beach at the location of the former club Manray, opened back in October. More of a dance club than a live venue, Millenium does offer a decent setting to see bands play. A stage with a large dance floor in front of it lies in the middle of the room, with bars on either side. The bartenders seem friendly and attentive, although from personal experience I have found that the management could use some improvement. Call 954-788-2345 for upcoming shows or visit the website at www.milleniumfl.com.
