The Black Sheep

Great venue!!! So many great artists. Looking forward to Chapel Roan night and thoroughly enjoyed Julia Cole. It's awesome having the opportunity to be more in a smaller intimate venue in order to be able to really resonate with the artists.

The Black Sheep is a Colorado Springs staple. Like an anvil on Platte Ave., it's solid, recognizable, and reliable. 🤘

Loved coming here for Emo Night. As other reviews mention, it can get incredibly warm as you get closer to the stage. The bathroom line can get long for the ladies, but we never had to wait long for drinks! Lots of staff keeping everyone safe, overall a great vibe.

Having attended dozens of shows here over the years, it feels wrong to not have left a review. A great venue with terrific staff, quality sound, and reasonable prices. Always a good time!

Small, intimate venue. Went to Tech N9ne with my brother. Hung in the back by the bat and was able to see the whole stage and very clearly hear all music clearly. Security and Bar staff are awesome! Will be at any show that hosts someone i like. 5 stars

Such a great Venue. Even in this sleepy little town they're able to book major acts like Fever333, Fire From the Gods, and Dorothy, while still showcasing great local talent. Seriously, check out some shows here and support local music!!

Great venue. Very courteous and professional staff. Fun environment and feels very safe inside. Outside is a mixed bag depending on how far away you have to park as parking on site is very limited.

Twiztid was our first show at this venue. We frequent shows of all types across CO, this was a great venue. Staff was nice, the crowd was super friendly, and the bathrooms were clean and accessible! Will definitely be back soon.

I haven't been here in 15 years, but was pleasantly surprised. Nice sound, good stage effects, nice staff. We will be back.

This is a small music venue. It's basically a standing room only place, though there does seem to be some seating around the perimeter. The box office is cash only. There is a bar inside that accepts credit cards. Because it's a small venue, it can get loud. I saw some people with ear plugs and part of me wished I bought some too. Someone else noted this in the review, but the lighting system can be kinda crazy. Sometimes the lights hit you right in the eyes. Not sure if it's intentional, but it was just annoying to have a spotlight shining directly in your eye. All together tho, seemed like a chill place. Just people vibing. Bathrooms were clean. Once inside, there's a fenced area where you can smoke/take a breather. Iam not that much of a concert goer, but overall I had an ok time here - I just don't think iam the target demographic.

Adam and Jeremy were the epitome of professional service! My wife and I went to the Tech N9ne show and I was so impressed with the quality of their work!

I came here for a j boog concert and it was my first time at the venue. I really liked how intimate it was, yet it fit plenty of people and it was a great time! The show was sold out, so it was definitely crowded but not uncomfortably so. The bathrooms also get packed so plan accordingly. The acoustics were great, ambiance lovely and they have a bar as well. Would definitely recommend seeing a concert here!

The lights are too intense and there is not enough seating. Also, the band my friend and I went to see had two or three false entrances by the time they actually went on stage and the band before them killed the mood with their slow music

So, technically I have never been here, but I did have an awesome customer service experience that I think warrants a review. I want to give a big shoutout to Rosanna who helped me sort a ticket situation. She was super helpful and went above and beyond to take care of my issue. Really appreciate everything. And next time I'm in Colorado Springs I will be stopping by.

Literally, never again. It says I need to say more. I've been going there for a long time. Never again. Do not give them a penny of your money. Good enough?

Cool little venue! If you have a chance to see a band you enjoy here, I highly recommend it! It's got the up close & personal vibe, drinks are good, staff is on it! We saw the same band ironically 2 times in one week & this venue was WAY better as it's spacious but still have the feel like you're with the band. Plus the sound was great!

HORRIBLE. racism. white bouncer with tattoos , treated me like i was some threat from the beginning. i said what up , ignored me. checked me TWICE. then asked if i had razor blades. then forced himself infront of my wife to tap me to where he left a red mark to say "do you not know how to read". i sat my drink down to fix my hat (the cup was empty). the guy obviously had nothing else better to do. he stared at me until we left. not a good way to treat people.

Came all the way from Palm Springs, CA to see a show we booked 3years ago. Damned Covid! Fun but not a lot of Handicapped seating for my husband. Kevin, the bartender was super sweet & I really liked his attitude & attention to service!

We were their a week ago for the IDKHow show. Great small venue. They are currently checking vax status or you must present a negative covid test. They also asked that patrons wore masks, which really probably on 20% did. Colorado covid rates are pretty high right now. Luckily a week + later we are okay. Aside from the covid stuff, the venue was a great place to see a show. Easy to navigate once inside. Staff friendly and security seemed to do a great job. Reasonable drink prices.

This place is a hidden gem. You don't need a lot of people there. It takes me back to old school vibes. It's like being in a dark warehouse with a cool vending machine lol. They have a full bar and their drinks are made very well. The concerts were surprisingly out of this world. I know I want to follow a few of them. I highly suggest this place. :))

Inexperienced, aggressive, racist, unannounced 'security' that manhandles 5'2" black women trying to use the unused stalls in the men's restroom after watching 3 Caucasian women use the men's restroom with no issue. I was put into a headlock after trying to use the men's restroom that had no visible line, and carried out of the bathroom and bar as another (Caucasian) woman used the men's restroom. I was told I was a threat to the 2 men washing their hands in the restroom. Outside when I asked why only I was removed I was told they were calling the cops on me because I, unarmed 5'2" woman, was a threat to the 5 security guards. Would not recommend to any non-white males.

Awesome venue that can pump out the sound! The bartender Domonique was very friendly and made awesome drinks. The bouncers were professional and escorted out drunk people if they posed a danger. I appreciate the bouncers doing a great job. Overall I would definitely come back to this venue for a concert. Only downside is there are only two stalls in the women's restroom.

Best music venue in Colorado Springs. I've always felt very safe there with the highly attentive staff and the bartenders are always super friendly. Fantastic operation.

horrible security very rude they kicked out like 10 people at last nights show. they kicked my friends out after they went outside for air and was told they could enter again and then when they went to enter again they were denied like why to lie to them about re-entry. they kicked me out because i was standing next to people sharing drinks. i wasn't sharing drinks i was just standing next to them. threw me and them out. i didn't say a word as i left the venue and stood off the property about 20 mins later i asked if i could wait by the building in the light for my only remaining friend left inside and they told me they would call the police on me if i stepped back on the property. i was very kind when i asked.

Might be my favorite venue in Colorado. Truly. Thank you for the kindness. Can't wait to play again.

It appears to be the go to place for concerts in the city. It's roomy and the sound system is very very loud. I suggest ear plugs. Pretty much standing room only except for some benches along the wall in back. Staff was friendly and very hipster. The bar has plenty of craft beer and also has some cool hipster menu combos like a Miller hi life and a shot of fire ball combo, a PBR and bar shot combo, and a Hams and shot combo as well. It said cash only but I know I saw a bartender take a card so not sure. There is an ATM inside either way. The stage is pretty big for the size of the place and I really enjoyed my concert there. If you are looking for a good time I can see why this place is so popular

God forbid you stand to the side by the door waiting on a friend to get out of the bathroom and be told your acting weird for doing so and asked to move for nothing. SECURITY being dumb and taking their job way TOO serious, had it been something real they would do shit over it. Three of us were choked out for no reason. One of us was handicapped, this was our first time there and my friend wanted to place his almost empty drink on the table top not knowing it was where the turn table controls was located at. All three of us were put in a choke hold for no reason, my handicapped friend was body slammed, we were never told to vacate the premises, first thing was the choke hold and kicked out. Cops were called and EMS as well as for my friend who is handicapped was hurt in the process. The security people are way too rough and think they can get away with it. We notice about an hour earlier one of the security guys go in and grab a black female in a choke hold from one of the bathrooms with no warning and kicked her out without reason. These security guards are on a power trip, they should learn to to deal with the public properly instead in just choking patrons for no reason.

To follow suit with the numerous other people here, I cannot stress enough how incredibly rude the staff are. Three of us were standing there when some aggressive people were bumping into one of the people in my group. We politely ask them to stop and one of the guys wanted to start a fight. We communicated that to the staff, but because they didn't see it, their answer was to remove everyone? I was not one of the people and yet because I asked too many questions, they said I was "talking shit" that's why I was removed? Absolutely ridiculous. From the first pat down, to the resolve here, it is clear they do not have understanding or temperament to run a concert venue. 1 star at best and they lost another patron. Get it together black sheep.

Super cool venue-we have been here twice now. Big shows as well as smaller acts all in a small venue. Bar is reasonable, souvenirs are available and offers a cool experience if you are looking for something different. Drinks, music and music acts so close you can almost touch them. Crowds are a mixed group-although location itself is rough. This place is a hidden gem!

Great small venue for live music. Saw Sensi Trails. They sounded great! Had a groovy time! Security was excellent and the bar staff was great too.

The staff here is fantastic. I came to see Dog Party, and accidentally locked my keys in my car. The two Gentlemen Mark and Jason helped me get back into my car, and gave me a coupon for a free show! Great people, great venue. Hope to see you again soon.

It's a divey joint that will house a few of your favorite bands and 450 of your closest friends. Drinks are slightly cheaper than what you've budgeted for, but you're probably drinking more since it's so hot in there, so it's a zero sum gain. It's in a questionable part of town and parking is risky at best; nonexistent at worst. It's pretty centrally-located, so an Uber ride shouldn't cost you more than $15 from anywhere in town. I highly recommend that strategy, by the way .

The people here are wonderful!! I have a disability, Peripheral Neuropathy, in my feet. Walking and standing are very difficult for me. My sister and I saw The Hu in Denver and were lucky enough to get tickets for Colorado Springs, however, The Black Sheep is basically a "standing room only" venue. I called and talked to Kevin, the GM, and he said they could absolutely accommodate my needs. The day of the show, I called again to verify we'd be able to be taken care of and also questioning what to do as there was a long line and I couldn't stand in it. They told me to come to the door and let the security guards know I'd spoken with a lovely woman (it wasn't Rosemary, but there was Rose in it) and they'd get my sister and sorted out. Got right in, got a couple stools, next to the bar, and everyone was so kind to make sure if I needed anything. As far as the venue goes, I thought it was great. It is on the small side, but I feel that helps you get a better experience with the show you are seeing. I cannot compliment the staff enough.

The Black Sheep is truly a nice small local music venue, with a smaller but decent size main floor, a sound system that makes your soul rattle loose & plenty of bar access with a good turn around on the wait time. I understand the fact that the place aims to be affordable and approachable but I'd still prefer to see a better list of beers and spirits would be my only mark on this place. Every time I've come here I never have issues and everyone for the most part is super cool and friendly. Good music and great vibes here! All of the staff here (including bouncers) are great! I would definitely recommend going to a show here if you haven't yet done so. Enjoy!

Glad to have this venue in the springs. It is the best place to see bands around here.

I'm going to preface this by saying I've seen hundreds maybe thousands of shows in Colorado. I have loved shows in venues ranging from: The Bluebird, Rhinoceropolis, Monkey Mania, Larimer Lounge, The Fox Theatre, Black and Read, The Starlight, The Flux Capacitor, The Side Door, the Triple Nickel, to huge venues like Red Rocks etc. My two experiences at the Black Sheep have both been horrible. The ticket staff, the bartenders, the doormen, the bouncers are all super angry disrespectful people that will make the experience for the band or the audience at minimum very uncomfortable. One of my experiences went something like this: Several late 30s dudes with huge goatees and huge 20 year old plugs in their stretched earlobes took brakes from there chain smoking to literally push the audience around, put someone in a headlock, and scream homophobic slurs at hipsters at the door. The band that night was a jazz band, seriously... Jazz. A band that's been on Ted Talks. None of the people they manhandled were doing anything to deserve the meth-head type of reaction that was repeated. The Black Sheep sucks. Possibly the most pretentious douche venue in all of Colorado.

When it comes to Colorado Springs, this is the best music venue. With that said, it is a bit small and so it gets loud and it can get crowded. Drinks are very reasonable, and if you ask the bartender to make you something not on their menu they will definitely make it if they have the needed ingredients OR they will suggest something close to it! Parking is horrible, so arrive early! You can park on the street, just follow the rules of the signs to make sure your car won't get towed. You don't want your car to get towed, that always blows. There's only two stalls in the ladies room, so prepare for a line on busy nights. The bartenders and staff are always super nice, which is a huge plus. A lot of local bands play this joint, and some bigger names roll through every now and then as well. I usually always go if Hydrogen Skyline is playing. They do have all ages shows, so depending on the show that night you can bring the kids! Yay for not having to get a babysitter, yay for kids enjoying good live music!

Fairly new in Colorado and this is the first place we've gone to a concert since moving here. Easy place to find although parking was a bit tricky. The venue's parking lot was being used by the bands and a few VIP's so no general parking. I don't know if the parking lot is always unavailable when there is a concert but for ours it was not open. Concert itself was good and was open to all ages. Basically standing room only but we were there when it first opened so we were able to get seating on the bench along the wall. The staff were nice and beer reasonably priced for this type of venue. We never felt unsafe, threatened or disrespected at any time by anyone, including the other concert goers. The bar had free earplugs which I was very thankful for. Enjoyed the concert and venue and will most definitely return for more.

The Black Sheep is a really great place to catch a show. Intimate venue that brings in some surprisingly big acts. So, five stars? YES! It's important to properly align expectation with the reality of what a place is. The Black Sheep certainly isn't Carnegie Hall, but it's not supposed to be. What it IS...a live music venue that caters to smaller acts and somewhat fringe genres, such as punk, metal, reggae, and the like. In that capacity, it's actually pretty amazing...and unique in the Colorado Springs market. It is a Soda Jerk Presents venue (along with Denver's Marquis Theater and Summit Music Hall). Therefore, they bring in a lot of national acts, but still support locals, as well. Being a Soda Jerk venue, you can purchase tickets at the Black Sheep box office for shows at the Marquis & Summit, as well. I try to read others' reviews prior to writing my own, both to be reminded of things I want to comment on, and to refute things I disagree with. A lot of griping about the parking...dude, they have a parking lot...a FREE parking lot! (Yes, it's small...yet larger than the one at the Marquis...which normally costs $8!) Also, there is plenty of FREE parking within easy walking distance. Compare that to the Ogden Theater, the Fillmore, the Marquis Theater, the Hi Dive...you get the point! By way of comparison, the parking at Black Sheep is GREAT!!! As mentioned previously by others, the bartenders are really top notch. I think Jeremy lives there. I am always well taken care of. As for the security personnel, overall, they are very good. I have attended twenty-ish shows here, so I've had a chance to see these guys (and gal) in all kinds of situations. They usually do a fantastic job. That said, they are human - thus imperfect. I was at the show fellow Yelper, Stephanie, referenced. And she was right...the wrong guy got ejected. If you've ever been in the position of having to forcibly remove someone from your business, you know it ain't fun and it ain't easy. Your primary focus is to ensure the safety of those not involved in the conflict. That was accomplished...but, unfortunately, they misidentified the aggressor in that instance. The place is undeniably loud. The building is, literally, a concrete box. Given that, the sound guys do an absolutely AMAZING job. The only time the sound is not great is when the artists insist on everything being turned up too much. They do have FREE earplugs available at the bar...you just have to ask for them. They do sometimes run out. Other stuff...as with all Soda Jerk Presents shows, the "start time" is the time the doors open, not the time the music starts....the restrooms are downright nice compared to similar venues - BOTH of 'em! - I accidentally went to the ladies room my first time there! This venue does NOT serve food, so be sure to have a solid meal beforehand if you're planning on partying all night. I always have so much fun here, I even join my wife for her shows, when I have no interest in the acts. Come out, have a blast, and help others have a blast. You'll be glad you did! A couple of quirky things...the Black Sheep has it's own unique aroma. It's not unpleasant, but it is distinctive. When you do your laundry, you'll be like, "Hey, this shirt smells like the Black Sheep". Not making this up...also, this would be a GREAT place to shelter down in, in case of a zombie apocalypse. Not saying, just saying. Dibs.

Saw Eve 6 last night. Great show and a great venue to meet and greet your favorite artists. Basic "small club venue" but allowed to be up-close and personal with the bands - and they serve local, craft brew. Highly recommend seeing a show at The Black Sheep - just don't forget the ear plugs.

The Black Sheep has come a long way since it was called "The Darkside". Being from SoCal, TBS reminds me of a larger version of Chain Reaction in Anaheim. The best part of The Black Sheep's classy location on E. Platte, is that you can score some crack or pickup a hooker while looking for a parking spot (if you're into that sort of thing). And while you're in the show full of teeny-boppers, you're praying that your car isn't being broken into or stolen. TBS has some amazing bands roll through from time to time, and the shows often times are not all that packed. Check out www.sodajerkpresents.com

Omg this place is disgusting!!! I realize smaller bands have few options in Colorado Springs, but, dear lord, bands and patrons alike, should stay away!

Cool Venue to allow other local artists to play their music.if you don't have anything to do and want to try something different, check it out. What do you have to lose?

Saturday night and a kick ass reggae band is coming to Colorado Springs and 30 people are in there, WTF? Obviously the Black Sheep marketing department is nonexistent or stoned or something. Even if the marketing department sucks and The Street Team lacks motivation, Colorado Springs citizens need to put down the video game controllers for one night a week and get the hell out of the house, what a shame. Great bands are going to stop coming here or lose money. Natty Vibes would have sold out Cervantes in Denver on a Wednesday! I drove up from Denver and saw the Primus 3-D show at a different venue in the Springs and they had a dismal turn out for that show as well. Colorado Springs needs to support a music scene before it completely fades away.

As dirty as this place is, I was pleasantly surprised to find the mens bathroom had hot water, soap, and towels! I wasn't mugged either! Right on, huh?!

This is a great little place to see a show. Very loud, so bring earplugs! Beer is a bit expensive but contributes to a good time.

Dirty and dark...but damn. Mute math was an amazing show here!!

I've been to at least a dozen venues in Colorado, and this is still my favorite. Small venue, but can hold quite a few bodies. Sound is great. Talent that comes through is unbelievable, even bands that sell out large venues in Denver come through every now and then. My personal favorite part is that as it is a small venue, a lot of the bands hang out after with people. I've met and heard a lot of amazing people and bands at this venue that I never would've thought I'd ever get the chance to. After the hundreds of concerts I've been to, the best memories have almost always been made here.

The reason for my bad review is because as one of the music act's photographer I was thrown out of The Black Sheep for calling their sound guy an asshole. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck then it must be a duck. The sound guy was completely rude and being a drama queen towards every band member opening for Koe Wetzel. There's better and more appropriate ways to conduct business, if he can not handle the stress and conduct himself properly then he need not be in this position. Believe me, I'm an Army COMBAT veteran so I know what it's like being under pressure, but I never treated my squad without dignity and respect. So the moral of the story is, the owner needs to address this situation with his sound guy quick, other wise it WILL get around in the music industry that Black Sheep has a superfied asshole for a sound guy and music acts won't want to deal with that, they won't want to play at the Black Sheep and without good music there will be NO Black Sheep and you can thank your Assholeo sound guy for that. So it's ok for the sound guy to disrespect others but when I call it out (I disrespected him in the same manner he was) it's not ok OH, and another thing, this review WILL be posted on multiple social media outlets. CHEERS!

You want punk rock...this is it. Friendly pits, tonight is Agnostic Front! What in the home of Focus on the Family!

I'm glad that the springs has overpriced concerts to attend. Something is better than nothing. Don't order a mixed drink that isn't explicit about its ingredients (i.e. a Manhattan vs. Rum and Coke) lest you appreciate getting the stink eye from a too cool for school bartender.

Terrible staff strict rules negative influence on the show. Non appreciative of business and trash everywhere. Would have overlooked the mess if they were more inviting.

For a music venue it does the job. It's a smaller stage with the sound system of a large venue so the ears will be ringing. Drinks are reasonably priced (though a tad weak) and parking is a nightmare if you don't get there early. But Yeah, rock on

I went to see my favorite band here a week ago. I could deal with the not-so-great acoustics. I prefer small venues. That's all fine. What is an absolute damper is having bouncers standing IN the crowd with you, not moving, keeping an eye on everyone, and making it awkward to move while next to them. The kicker? One bouncer rushed to another, pushed me aside, and knocked me over. I'm a 5'2" 130 lb girl dancing to her favorite song. Didn't get so much as an apology or to see if I was okay. I got a glance and they went back to what they must have thought was a big time coke bust. Seeing as neither of them really moved aside from that, I'd say they didn't catch anyone doing anything. This behavior is distracting and kills the immersion. It kills the vibe of the audience, and in return the energy of the band. Trust me, this being my fourth time seeing them play, I can pick up on if they're into it or not. Is that honestly how you want people to feel if you want to run a venue? I seriously doubt you're losing enough money from outside drinks to warrant this bull. Even a couple people lighting up isn't worth it. I know I'm never coming back.

the sound in this place is awesome. i love the way the walls shake and rattle. this place reminds me of a classic music venue. there are some great bands that roll through this place, and luckily, as an old-timer, the ones i enjoy are usually fairly filled. i always worry about the underage crowd and the bouncers, though; especially, since i have seen some major fights break out between bouncers and crowd-members. at one show the dj's tables almost got hit with a chair, and i haven't seen them back. overall, i think this place Rocks!!! and i am grateful to have it in the springs.

Twenty One Pilots was awesome! I thought this venue was great, you are maybe 50-60 feet from the stage almost anywhere you are. The stage was also up high enough that standing on the little benches along the wall I could see the show perfectly! I felt up close and personal with one of my favorite bands! The beer wasn't overly expensive and the bartenders we incredibly nice. If your favorite band comes to this venue do not miss it.

This is the best venue the Colorado Springs area has for big named bands and supporting local bands. However, I've been to smaller towns with way better Venues, This place is small, the parking is terrible, the bouncers can be a little in your face and intimidating, the drinks are outrageously expensive ($4 for a $2 PBR for example). If you go up to Denver there are hole in the wall dive bars better then this place. We are just stuck with The Black Sheep until some place better comes along.