The Blue Note

This is a very intimate venue. The balcony is less than 100ft from the stage (Same distance as tables j/s) I had zero issues with security, but I minded my space and was courteous to others so... Pricing was phenomenal. Before you complain about drink prices...tell me how you supported the venue to attract more talent and tell me the last time you bought a beer at a ballpark or movie theater.

The Blue Note was a very neat small venue for a more up close and personal experience. We bought tickets in the balcony and liked the option of a second bar and restrooms near. Seating was comfortable. Security presence made my experience feel safe. Great live music atmosphere!

Ive gone to several smaller shows here and had no issues and a great time on the first level. Recently I had my first time going to a sold out show here and was in the balcony. Getting through the line was suprisingly swift and the show was great. However there was not a speck of security was upstairs. No one. Multiple altercations happened and people had to go downstairs to get security themselves. I'm incredibly wary after this experience.

Been to a couple of concerts here now and loved them! Good audio mix and lighting was fun. Space to be on the floor in front of the stage or sit upstairs. Check it out!

Really nice venue, good sound, the layout is sick, location is convenient. However, the security team was so busy grabbing and putting hands on anyone who dared to dance in the pit during a HARDCORE SHOW, that they failed to adequately staff the barricade to catch crowdsurfers, and as a result a kid fell face first and nearly busted his head open. They clearly care more about power tripping and pretending they’re cops than they do about actually keeping people safe. Reevaluate your priorities. Do your job and let people dance. Will not be back to any show here until that team is replaced or retrained and a policy is changed.

We saw the Queen of Rock & Roll Tina Turner Tribute and was impressed with the show, the staff at the Blue Note and just the overall vibe of the event. Even though it was a fairly hot day, the Blue Note did a good job of keeping it cool.

The venue was smaller than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise because it made the show feel more personal and up close. Staff and security were super nice! Information on parking would be helpful. I drove from out of town and spent a lot of time circling around trying to figure out where to park.

Greg Morton, comedian, very talented and funny. Event hosted by Job Point catered by Peach Tree. Excellent food. Nice and cold A/C.

It has an old school vibe when you walk in. Staff is friendly and willing to point you in the right direction. I don't know if it was because the band (bad flower) or what, but it was an electric night for a concert. I will definitely see another concert here.

What a cool venue! I had wanted to check this place out for a while and finally got an opportunity. Saw a comedian here, arrived early so got a drink at the bar, very friendly and helpful staff, beautiful venue. Not a bad seat in the house. I look forward to returning.

Cool electric antique look. Great music and comedy shows. Always good to catch Greg Warren when possible. We have seen a lot of different shows here, each one was a blast. The balcony is a great view. Thanks to everyone at the Blue Note.

Called ahead of time to make sure the venue was wheelchair accessible and they said it was as long as I got a general admission ticket which I did. When I got there they started a table for me (I was the only one in my "party") and people kept standing in the way of my sight of the stage. I was not even able to order a drink if I wanted so I had no idea if they even had cute cocktails for the Taylor themed event. I have never felt more uncomfortable and unwanted in a space. Had to leave after 20 seconds of it starting as my organs were shaking from the bass and the DJ being rather vulgar and dropping the F bombs every other word. Tried calling to possibly ask for a refund for this terrible experience but they do not pick up or check their voicemails. This "Taylor Swift Dance Party" was literally the opposite of what Taylor stands for.

I haven't been to the blue note yet, but I'm sure it's a very nice place. I love music very much and I certainly would keep it on my list to go there.

Came here for a comedy show. The place is bog and has good seating. Nothing special but a nice venue for events.

The Blue Note is an incredible small town venue spot here in a Columbia! Tickets are very affordable for such an intimate experience! We looked through their summer concert list and found Flatland Calvary (a band we had never hear of) and decided to take the plunge. Thank goodness we did, because they were amazing!!! They've found some new fans with us alongside some regulars at the Blue Note! Drinks were also very affordable for a concert venue!

There isn't much more to be expected from The Blue Note other than a concert space that amounts to an empty room downstairs. There is a balcony upstairs that has seating, so expect to stand if you're on the first floor. The view from the balcony, though, is great and lends itself to a good angle of the stage no matter how high up you are while still feeling intimate. The bartenders are friendly and the staff is checking vaccination cards, which is welcome given how packed it can get for general admission!

Kicked out for getting sick? We paid $30 per ticket to get in and was there for only 30 mins, and when one of our friends got sick and tried to make herself feel better by throwing up, the bar manager (female) not only kicked us out but also cussed at us and put her hands on us. Talked with some of the security and asked if the only reason why we're getting kicked out is because of her getting sick he said yes. Went back before they closed to look for keys and to ask about a refund option and he said he'll have to ask is boss... still waiting on a call. Also looked at policy and nothing about getting sick could get us kicked out...

If you're going to a concert here, it's one of the best atmospheres you can experience. Great sound system, security, balcony seating. Only knock - make sure to pregame. Expensive drink prices.

Great live music venue. Nice little bar...good drinks. For dinner, try Room 38 just around the corner.

The gem of C-MO! Aside from being a Mizzou student, there really wouldn't seem to be any reason to travel to mid-Missouri. However, anyone who has had the chance to explore Columbia would tell you that there are some pretty cool things, and The Blue Note is one of them. I haven't been to this venue in six years, but when I hear that The Jayhawks were opening their tour leg there, I was destined for another run. However, I spent much of my early twenties traveling to C-MO for shows. Some might argue that the venue is a little rustic, but I think that it adds to the charm. It hasn't changed for as long as I've been going there. If you're used to spending nights in sterile venues like The Pageant in St. Louis, then you won't enjoy a place like The Blue Note as much. Personally, I prefer my clubs to feel like rock 'n' roll and not like I'm sitting in a mini arena. The Blue Note is very rock 'n' roll. The venue has a similar feel to most small theaters: a fairly large pit area, an elevated space near the bar, and a pretty decent balcony. If I've traveled 100 miles to see an artist, then it's pretty likely that I'll be in the pit, but I don't think that there's a bad spot in the club. Altogether, I am pretty much in love with The Blue Note. It brings back such great memories, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Check it out!

Just saw my first concert here: Here Come the Mummies. Great show! The space definitely added to that. Intimate space. I love that this old movie house has been transformed into a live music venue. Large floor space down front. Also lots of tables behind the floor. Balcony was also open for this show, did not get a chance to go up. The architecture is unique and quite beautiful. The bar staff was quick and friendly. Drink prices very reasonable. The line to get in was wrapped around the building. They could have had a few more people at the door to move the line along, but still able to get in before the openers. Drinks are allowed on the floor which is nice, but also makes the floor sticky and people throw their empties down.

My first visit to the Blue Note was in 1991. Even at the tender age of 21 I knew a killer music venue when I saw one and was lucky to see multiple shows in the intimate setting. Fast forward almost thirty years and my appreciation for this iconic stage has only grown. I found myself in Columbia on business and had been raving about the Blue Note to my colleagues. We popped in without even knowing the band that was playing and LOVED EVERY MINUTE. Sure there was some nostalgia involved, but the Blue Note not only stands the test of time...it sets the standard for live music clubs.

Went to a show at the blue note recently. It's a super charming music venue. Strong and cheap drinks and the service was good. Wish I lived closer so I could go back.

Great intimate concert venue that allows the spectators to get right up front or relax and sit up in the balcony. I was fortunate enough to take my daughter to see Portugal.The Man at the Blue Note and it was a great experience all around. I'll continue to keep updated on their line of performances and drive the 2.5 hours from the metro KC area to see a show there without hesitation.

This is an amazing old style theater and concert venue. There's a floor, but I sat up in the balcony, which my increasingly aging back loved. It offered a comfy seat, good acoustics and smooth sight lines to the show below. Now, the bar area a couple of steps down below is snug. I almost felt like a tetris piece while I snaked in and out with my drink. Beware of this and it might be a good idea to head down maybe a song or two before the opener ends its set. So any way, lean back and enjoy the show. It'll be a good one.

Oh sheesh this place is dilapidated and frankly dangerous to enter. Yet somehow with overpriced crap for drinks this place seems to live on, like a zombie or vampire while still attracting great bands. If only people spoke up about it being such a terrible place to park, inhabit or get comfortable.

I bought 2 tickets to a blue note event. I went to the event and they said I needed to pay more to enter the show. I asked for a refund and they refused to give me one. They said that there would be a charge at the door on their website, I told them that I did not buy my tickets on the website. They did not care, said I had to pay more for an event I already paid for.

The Blue Note is a fabulous venue for live music and all sorts of other shows. They constantly strive to bring relevant and inspiring artists to the community. The staff and team are ever welcoming and ready to help if they can! Whether it be helping you get out of the bathroom when you lock yourself in, or handing you ear plugs when you've forgotten to bring your own. Most of the time you stop wanting to go to the places you went as an early adult, but as time has shown, The Blue Note is forever a place holder in many hearts. Columbia is lucky to have a place like this!

This venus is pretty nice. I went here on 90s night and it was a good time. Wish they drew more of a crowd for this event though.

Listen, you're going to a concert and they all function pretty much the same way: if you don't arrive early, you're getting the worst seat in the house. They list the time the doors open for a reason. The Blue Note is a small venue, and it is usually crowded, especially if the performer is any kind of good. The sound quality at the Blue Note is hit and miss, depending on the type of music and who's running the board. Some shows are far too bass-y. They do a decent job most of the time, however. The reason to go to the Blue Note is proximity to the performers. I mean, where else are you going to get within a few feet of a favorite band? I've seen a lot of really good groups there--even very popular artists like Spoon, Modest Mouse, Wilco--and had no trouble getting right down front. Shot some great photos.

Last night the blue note was packed for the SoMo/ Caya Concert but the place was awesome and you should go there for the concerts

The Blue Note served as my introduction to Columbia nightlife. I came here my second night in the city - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were playing, the place was packed, Karen O was in all her crazy glory, and my boyfriend and I sipped $4.00 pints of cider and beer. Simply put, it was a fun show in a venue with some mellowed, old-timey showbiz flair. The building itself is an old theater that has been nicely preserved. There's floor space, seating in the balcony, and a bar with tables for chiling at those more low-key shows. I like that the stage is situated relatively low to the floor, lending a more intimate feel to shows. Since that show late last summer I've been back just a few times. The Blue Note is first and foremost a concert venue, so it follows that it really depends on who's playing - my friends and I showed up once for one of their "dance parties" and the floor was completely empty. At least they gave us our cover charge back. And I take off points because this is a Ticketmaster venue and therefore not a truly independent joint -- which is somewhat disappointing, because The Blue Note certainly has character.

My daughter and I were in Columbia for the Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness show at the Blue Note. We got there hours early and waited in the heat. By the time the doors opened we had been there for over 7 hours. The staff would pop out to ask if we needed anything. Andrew and his band also did that too! When it got closer to the time of the show there were people attempting to get to the front of the line and security made it very clear that everyone was in one line and you needed to be in your spot in line to get in. I thought overall everything was wonderful! It was definitely a spot we would come back to for shows!

This place reminds me a of a mini Vic (Chicago). Old school theater with an open floor, some seating near the bar and upstairs theater seating with another bar. Not too bad. Sound was good. Beer prices were good. Those are the two "biggies." Now I happened to be in town from Chicago and wandered in to check out the Walkmen (who I love). I feel horrible for the band - the crowd sucked and the place was half-empty. However that has nothing to do with the quality of the venue so I'll stop myself from complaining. Hopefully next time I'm in town I can spend a night enjoying some good rock music and getting nice and drunk on cheap-ish beer. Now if only someone could point me in the direction of a decent bar in this town, I'll be set.

The Blue Note has been a Columbia hotspot for concerts and other acts for 30 years, and I have to admit that the venue is starting to show its age. With a little bit of touch up this could easily be a 4/5 star venue. The Blue Note is a small, intimate theater with a seating available both downstairs and upstairs. There are two main bars, one upstairs and the other on the main floor. The stage is fairly low to the ground lending a more intimate feel with the performers, however for more popular events the area in front of the stage can get overly crowded making navigating to the bar a mess. Sound here was pretty good for a venue of its size. As far as the drinks go the prices were fair. Other than that the venue itself is a good place to enjoy your favorite band.

I really haven't found a place like the Blue Note anywhere I've been to. I've been to a lot of smaller clubs with bands, but the Blue Note was a great spot for a concert and a handful of drinks. I saw a lot of shows here over the course of '96-'03. I loved the small venue, the mosh pit and the beer. Saw a lot of bands here that I would see in much larger places and would end up enjoying their show at the Blue note a lot more.

Many awesome memories I've made here, I've gone with groups of people and had a blast as well as going solo if the show was good enough and I couldn't get a group together. I've always had an awesome time! Drinks are kind of expensive (where aren't they?) but I usually don't go to drink. Some of my favorite shows were shows that I didn't know the band that was playing beforehand!

The Blue Note is a great Columbia venue, and it's comparable in size and the caliber of acts to The Pageant in St. Louis and Uptown Theater in Kansas City. I have seen so many great shows at The Blue Note--the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, Blonde Redhead, The Decemberists, Modest Mouse, Julian Casablancas--and each of them has had a great atmosphere in a great space. The Blue Note has a nice bar and a small number of tables in front of the standing area if you're into sitting. One other cool thing is that you can buy Ticketmaster tickets for other venues at the Blue Note's box office without the crazy charges, which is nice if you're going to a show in a different city. Even though Mojo's is my favorite Columbia venue, the Blue Note attracts good acts and always puts on a good show.

Venue was fine, but be aware of the bar/bartenders. I bought ONE screwdriver and the bartender said she was going to open a tab but gave me my card back. She said the tab would close at the end of the night. Checked my account this morning and they charged me $35! For one drink!!

This is a decent small venue to see a band. I came here recently to see a childhood friend who is a Neil Diamond tribute singer and had a great time. It's an old movie theatre, and has those old style seats in the balcony, a bar in back of the balcony, a dance floor/pit area on the first floor with another bar. We got to go "back stage" which was kind of fun and went to the basement where the bands hang out. It's a decent, intimate setting with adequate bathrooms and it's in good repair. Go support your local music scene, CoMo!

A smaller and much cooler version of St Louis's The Pageant. I'm very impressed the bands that make stops here and pull off amazing sets. Almost as important, the vibe and access to bartenders is perfect. I've been to three shows and all killed it; Julian Casablancas, OK GO, and White Rabbits. Holy crap...Snoop Dog and Ice Cube are playing a show there Jul 30!!!!!

This is the best music venue in Columbia! Great bands, good acoustics, and great location.

Pretty awesome venue! I love playing there and watching other bands as well. Cool atmosphere and great sound!

Stumbled across this place traveling across the country. I fell in love right away. Killed time at the upstairs bar chatting with the bartender. Very friendly service, great atmosphere, great show, great prices. Will return no question.

Horrible experience. When I arrived at the will call window my tickets were not printed nor available. Luckily, I was admitted to the concert. I spoke with a young lady about my tickets because I purchased seats in the balcony area. I felt that she blew me off and was not eager to help me at all. I felt, it was partly my fault, I should have printed my receipt, and for this I accept all responsibility. I do however think that she could have been more accommodating and friendly. The place was packed! A good thing, indeed. Unfortunately, by the time I was admitted, space was limited. The only space available was behind the sound booth. I didn't think it would be an issue because there were chairs for the guys to sit on. Whatever you do, NEVER choose to sit behind the sound guys in this place. I'm not an expert on sound, and forgive me if I'm wrong but is it really necessary to stand in the way and play with buttons the entire concert? One of the sound guys seemed to have his side under control but I got the idea that the other one just wanted to impress the ladies. Not trying to hate, but it really creates a horrible concert experience when you pay to get into a place and can't even see. So, all in all horrible first experience. I really feel like the Blue Note could treat their patrons with a little more courtesy. Maybe I expect too much from a venue of this nature?

The Blue Note is a great little venue! We just saw Fitz there a few weeks ago but I frequented there throughout the good ole college years for a variety of different shows. The upstairs houses seats and there are high-tops on the sides (I believe those are extra $$ though) but the real fun happens right in front of the stage on the "floor." It's such a small venue that there really isn't a bad seat (place to stand) in the house and the acoustics were decent. I give The Blue Note major props for getting some great tours coming through and you can't go wrong with the cute little neighborhood of downtown Columbia. It's also pretty centrally located in the state so folks from STL or KC (where I'm from) can easily drive down for a show and back home without spending the night. There are great places in and around The Blue Note to grab a snack or dinner or even ice cream. Overall a great experience every time, The Blue Note is sure to deliver. Oh! But get there early because parking can be a major drag.

On Oct. 15, 2015 I was there for a movie night and waited over 7-8 minutes for a beer. When the female bartender finally took my order she was very short and I thought rude. $5 for a can of Pabst can beer... are you serious?

Make sure you bring cash for the cover or each person will be charged a 20% service fee that is not advertized. Once inside don't stand STAND in the wrong place or you will be told that you are in VIP and must move. Overpriced drinks in plastic cups made it truly poor. So much for the new owners making good decisions.