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title: "The Blue Note Events | Columbia, Missouri | Ticket Fairy"
description: "Browse upcoming and past events at The Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri. Find dates, event details and tickets."
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# Events at The Blue Note

Browse upcoming and past events at The Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri. Find dates, event details and tickets.

[The Blue Note Website](http://www.thebluenote.com/)

The Blue Note Phone: [+1 573-874-1944](tel:+15738741944)

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              [![Space Jesus - Columbia, MO flyer](https://www.ticketfairy.com/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_4270_300xauto.jpg)](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/space-jesus-columbia-mo-2oct2018)

### [Space Jesus - Columbia, MO](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/space-jesus-columbia-mo-2oct2018)

8:00 PM, Tue, 2 Oct 2018

Club show

SPACE JESUS FALL 2018 TOUR w/ support: Zeke Beats + Conrank Tues. 10/02 – Columbia, MO – The Bluenote

Oct

02

The Blue Note

Columbia

###

### Events and Programming

The Blue Note remains an active indoor entertainment venue at 17 North Ninth Street in downtown Columbia. Its calendar is led by touring concerts but extends well beyond conventional live music. Regular programming includes rock, alternative, country, Americana, metal, hip-hop, electronic music, blues, tribute acts, stand-up comedy, dance parties, drag, film screenings, podcasts and community productions. Most weeks with a busy touring schedule have multiple events, although frequency varies around university breaks and the summer outdoor season.

The 2021-2026 record illustrates that range. Recent performers have included Colter Wall, Samantha Fish, Houndmouth, Indigo Girls, Chelsea Cutler, American Aquarium, Marcus King, Black Stone Cherry, Morgan Wade, Local Natives, Shakey Graves, Talib Kweli, Sevendust and Steel Panther. Comedy, nostalgic dance nights, local showcases and cult-film events have run alongside those concerts. A fan-maintained archive logged 51 concerts in 2021, 69 in 2022, 98 in 2023, 108 in 2024, 113 in 2025 and 85 listed for 2026 as of August 24, although archive totals may contain duplicates or omit nonconcert events.

The announced late-2026 program continues the mix: alternative and indie artists, metal packages, country singers, blues, hip-hop, tribute productions and several comedians share the calendar with Latin dance music, pop-theme parties, paranormal entertainment, pole-fitness showcases and the recurring Rocky Horror film experience. The forward calendar also extended into 2027 at the research cutoff, indicating that comedy and touring entertainment were already being booked beyond the current year.

Seasonal programming sometimes moves outside. The venue’s long-running Ninth Street concert series, formerly called Summerfest and now presented under a downtown-live banner, closes the block outside The Blue Note for larger ticketed shows. City planning documents have estimated peak attendance around 3,000 for these outdoor concerts, substantially above the indoor room’s capacity.

Ticket prices depend on the production. Recent examples suggest roughly $20-$45 for many club concerts, around $30-$40 for selected comedy shows, approximately $30-$50 for major outdoor bookings and about $10 for some film screenings. Premium areas, meet-and-greets and artist packages cost more, while local showcases and dance parties can be less expensive. Always treat the live event listing as the final source for that performance’s price and age policy.

### Tickets and Booking

Buy through the venue’s official online event listing or in person at The Blue Note box office. Standard box office hours are Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also opens on event days 30 minutes before doors and remains open until the headlining act begins. If tickets remain, door sales are available by credit or debit card; the venue does not accept cash. In-person purchases generally carry reduced fees compared with online orders.

Presales before the public on-sale are online only. Popular country, alternative and comedy bookings can sell out, so buy early rather than relying on the door. Mobile barcodes may not appear until about 48 hours before the event. For will call, the purchaser needs photo identification, the payment card and the confirmation number. Sales are final unless an event is canceled, and support acts or running times can change without triggering a refund.

### About The Blue Note

The Blue Note began on August 1, 1980, when Richard King and Phil Costello opened a live-music club at 912 Business Loop 70 East. The basic, un-air-conditioned room was nicknamed “The Dump,” but musicians and staff valued its acoustics. Flyers, college radio and word of mouth helped establish it as a stop for emerging alternative acts. Early bookings included R.E.M., The Pixies, The Replacements and Red Hot Chili Peppers before those artists became arena-level names.

In 1990, King moved the club downtown into the former Varsity Theater. The Varsity had opened in October 1927 as a vaudeville and movie house built by Tom C. Hall. Kansas City theater specialists the Boller Brothers designed the three-story Renaissance Revival building, and its reported original cost was nearly $100,000. City preservation research describes it as one of Columbia’s most intact historic theaters, with much of its original architectural character retained.

The building continued showing films into the 1960s, became the Film Arts Theatre in 1966 and later housed the Comic Book Club before The Blue Note arrived. It was designated one of Columbia’s Notable Properties in 1998 and contributes to the downtown historic district. King sold The Blue Note and its sister venue in 2014 to Matt Gerding and Scott Leslie; The Blue Note is now operated by FPC Live and continues trading under its established name.

### Seating and Layout

Most concerts use general admission on a tiered main floor, creating several standing levels rather than one completely flat crowd area. Above it is a balcony with built-in seating, six opera boxes, an upstairs bar and second-floor restrooms. Seated comedy, film, corporate and private events can use chairs and tables on the floor. Published rental capacities are 500 for a reception, 200 for a banquet and 250 in theater-style seating; local reporting has historically described the full standing concert room as approximately 800 people. Exact capacity changes with staging, seating and production requirements.

The floor is best for high-energy shows and close proximity to the stage. Stand toward the front-center for immersion, or use a raised rear tier if you want more personal space and an easier path to the bar. The balcony suits guests who prioritize a seat, a broad stage view and convenient upstairs facilities. Visitor reports frequently praise its sightlines and intimacy, although sound balance and bass levels can vary with the artist and mixing position.

Selected events sell a balcony-level Rock Box upgrade. When offered, it accommodates a group of up to six and includes priority entry, seating, an unobstructed view and dedicated service. It is not available for every performance. Reserved balcony seats, tables and boxes also depend on the individual setup, so never assume a balcony ticket or general admission ticket includes the same location from one event to another.

### Getting There and Parking

The address is 17 North Ninth Street, immediately north of Broadway in downtown Columbia’s District. The venue has no dedicated customer parking lot. The closest municipal garages are Plaza Garage at Eighth and Walnut, Eighth and Cherry Garage and Fifth and Walnut Garage. Plaza Garage is about one block west; the others require a short downtown walk. Additional garages at Sixth and Cherry, Tenth and Cherry and Short Street provide alternatives when nearby facilities fill.

As of 2026, downtown street meters cost $1 per hour and are enforced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. City garages charge nothing for the first hour, then approximately $1 for one to two hours, rising incrementally to about $5 for eight to ten hours during weekday enforcement. Garages are generally free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout weekends, but reserved, restricted and permit rules still apply.

Go COMO provides fare-free, wheelchair-accessible public buses. Its main transfer point, Wabash Station at 126 North Tenth Street, is roughly a five-minute walk from The Blue Note: head south on Tenth Street, turn west toward Ninth and continue to the venue. Regular service generally ends by about 6:40 p.m., with no Sunday service, so it is rarely suitable for the return trip after a late concert.

Rideshare and taxi drop-offs normally use the surrounding downtown streets; no permanent venue-specific pickup zone is publicly identified. For outdoor Ninth Street events, closures and barriers can redirect vehicles and pedestrians, so arrange pickup on Walnut, Broadway or another open cross street rather than expecting curb access at the marquee.

### Inside the Venue

Expect a historic-theater atmosphere rather than a purpose-built arena: a street-facing marquee, compact lobby, decorative proscenium arch, elevated stage, tiered floor, balcony and opera boxes. Two full-service bars operate across the two levels. The building is climate controlled and equipped with a projector and large screen, allowing it to switch from concerts to comedy, presentations and film programming.

The venue advertises an in-house sound system, customizable stage lighting, front-of-house technical facilities and an available engineer. Public specifications do not identify current speaker, console or lighting models. Renovations under the ownership that arrived in 2014 added new flooring, lighting, tables and chairs, an illuminated bar and improvements around the stage and pit; a new sound system was also planned during that upgrade period.

Security searches bags and remains present during events. The venue is cashless: bars accept cards and common mobile-payment methods, while artist merchandise is separately operated and may accept cash. There is no ATM and no regular public coat check. Food is not served, although both bars offer drinks. A sealed water bottle of up to 20 ounces or an empty bottle is permitted under the current standard policy.

### Nearby Amenities

The downtown location makes pre-show dining straightforward. Nearby choices include Broadway Brewery, Addison’s, 44 Canteen, Booches, Cherry Street Cellar and Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, ranging from quick burgers and tacos to a longer dinner. Hours and kitchen closing times vary, so allow at least 60-90 minutes before doors for a sit-down meal.

The Tiger Hotel on South Eighth Street and The Broadway on East Broadway are the most convenient walkable hotels listed by the venue. Stoney Creek Hotel is farther south and normally requires a drive. Downtown bars provide post-show options, but late-night bus service is not available, making a designated driver, taxi, rideshare or walkable hotel the practical plan after most concerts.

### What Makes This Venue Special

The Blue Note joins two histories: a 1980 independent rock club and a 1927 movie palace. Outside, the former Varsity retains tan brick, terra-cotta bands, arched upper windows, decorative brackets, a shallow roofline and a prominent marquee. Inside, the proscenium arch, balcony and opera boxes preserve the feeling of a vintage theater while the open floor supports standing-room concerts.

Its cultural importance lies partly in scale. The room is large enough to attract national tours but intimate enough for audiences to stand close to artists who may later play much bigger stages. Its alumni include Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Weezer, Cheap Trick, R.E.M., The Pixies and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Relationships built with touring musicians helped make Columbia a dependable Mid-Missouri stop rather than a city artists simply passed between Kansas City and St. Louis.

The venue also strengthens downtown activity. Indoor audiences spill into surrounding restaurants, bars and hotels, while the outdoor series can draw crowds estimated around 3,000 and requires coordinated street operations. City documents connect those events with economic development and a resilient local economy, while Columbia’s wider arts-impact research identifies arts venues as important sources of neighborhood pride and cultural identity.

### Visitor Tips and Information

The confirmed accessible area is the lower level. Guests needing wheelchair space or another accommodation should arrange it before the event so staff can identify an appropriate viewing position. Do not assume the historic balcony is accessible. Medical-equipment bags and bags required by nursing parents are exceptions to the standard 12-by-6-by-12-inch limit.

Most shows are all ages, but some dance parties, comedy performances and film nights are restricted to ages 18 or 21 and older. Minors may attend an age-restricted event with a parent or legal guardian under the venue’s general policy, unless that specific production states otherwise. Children under two held by an adult normally do not need a ticket. Hearing protection is strongly recommended for children and anyone sensitive to high volume.

Leave weapons, pepper spray, outside food, unsealed drinks, large bags, drones, selfie sticks, lasers and professional recording equipment at home. Small personal cameras are generally permitted, but artist rules override venue policy, and photography or phone use is commonly prohibited during comedy. Smoking and vaping are not allowed. Guests under 21 may be denied re-entry after leaving, while guests 21 and older must retain their event wristband.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Is The Blue Note in Columbia still open?

Yes. The Blue Note remains open at 17 North Ninth Street and continues to publish an active calendar of concerts, comedy, dance events, films and community entertainment. The schedule available on August 24, 2026 extended through the end of 2026 and into 2027. It is still operating under The Blue Note name in the historic former Varsity Theater.

#### What is the concert capacity of The Blue Note?

Capacity depends on configuration. Current private-event specifications list 500 guests for receptions, 200 for banquets and 250 for theater seating. Local reporting has historically described the full standing concert room as an approximately 800-capacity venue. A seated comedy show, film screening or table setup will therefore admit substantially fewer guests than an open-floor concert.

#### Are most shows standing or seated?

Most live concerts use a general-admission standing floor, divided into tiered levels. Balcony seating, boxes, tables or reserved chairs may be sold for selected events. Comedy, films and presentations are more likely to use seated layouts. Check the ticket description carefully because “general admission,” “balcony,” “reserved” and “Rock Box” represent different experiences and can change between productions.

#### How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30-45 minutes before doors if you have reserved seating and up to an hour before doors when a close floor position matters. Sold-out standing shows can produce a line outside the marquee. Allow additional time for parking, bag inspection and identification checks. Guests collecting will-call tickets should arrive early enough to complete pickup before the opening act begins.

#### Can I buy a ticket at the door?

Yes, provided the event has not sold out. The event-day box office opens 30 minutes before doors and remains available until the headlining act starts. Purchases are cashless and require a credit or debit card. Door availability is never guaranteed, particularly for national country acts, popular comedians, holiday dance parties or events that have already released limited-capacity seating sections.

#### What is The Blue Note’s bag policy?

The standard maximum bag size is 12 by 6 by 12 inches, and all bags are subject to search. Necessary medical equipment and bags for nursing parents are exceptions. Outdoor street concerts or artist-controlled productions may impose a smaller limit, so check the event-specific information. Packing lightly speeds entry and reduces problems in a crowded general-admission room.

#### Is The Blue Note wheelchair accessible?

The lower level is confirmed as ADA accessible, and staff can arrange an appropriate viewing location when notified in advance. The venue does not state that every balcony or historic-theater area is accessible, so guests should not buy an upstairs product without confirming that it meets their needs. Fare-free Go COMO fixed-route buses are also wheelchair accessible.

#### Does The Blue Note serve food?

No regular food service is offered inside The Blue Note. Plan to eat before the show at one of the many downtown restaurants within a few blocks. Outside food is prohibited, although a single sealed water bottle of up to 20 ounces or an empty bottle is permitted under the normal policy. Event-specific restrictions can be stricter, particularly outdoors.

#### Is The Blue Note cashless?

Yes. The box office accepts credit and debit cards, while the bars accept cards and supported mobile payments. There is no venue ATM. Artist merchandise is operated separately and may still take cash, so merchandise payment options can differ from those at the bar. Bringing both a card and a modest amount of cash covers the most likely situations.

#### Can I bring a camera?

A small personal camera is generally allowed. Cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, commercial rigs and professional audio or video equipment require authorization. Artists can prohibit photography even when the venue normally permits it. Comedy performances commonly ban photography, recording and distracting phone use, so put devices away if requested by staff or announced before the performance.

#### Are children allowed at The Blue Note?

Most events are all ages. Children under two who remain in an adult’s arms generally do not need a ticket, although individual productions can override that policy. For an 18-plus or 21-plus show, a minor may normally attend with a parent or legal guardian. Because concerts can be extremely loud, properly fitted hearing protection is advisable for younger guests.

#### Can I leave and come back?

The venue reserves the right to prevent re-entry by guests under 21. Guests aged 21 and older are generally allowed to leave and return if they continue wearing the colored wristband issued at entry. Outdoor shows and special productions may use different rules. Ask security before exiting if you are uncertain, because leaving without confirmed re-entry can end your night.

#### Where is the cheapest place to park?

City garages are usually the best value for evening and weekend events. They are generally free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, while the first hour is free during enforcement periods. Plaza Garage at Eighth and Walnut is the closest major option. Always avoid reserved or restricted spaces, even when general garage parking is free.

#### What happens if an event is canceled?

For a cancellation, refunds are issued through the original point of purchase. Online orders are normally returned automatically to the card used. A change in opening act or performance time does not necessarily qualify for a refund, and ordinary ticket sales are final. Keep the payment card active until the event has occurred in case an automatic credit becomes necessary.

#### Does The Blue Note have a coat check?

No regular coat check is provided for public events, despite the lobby being capable of supporting one during private rentals. In winter, wear a coat you can keep with you without creating a tripping hazard or occupying another person’s seat. Large backpacks cannot be used as an alternative because bags exceeding the venue’s size limit are prohibited.

#### What is the Rock Box?

The Rock Box is an optional premium area on the balcony level. When offered, it provides priority entry, comfortable seating for a group of up to six, an unobstructed stage view and dedicated service. It is not included with a normal balcony ticket and does not appear for every event. Availability is shown only when that production has enabled the upgrade.

#### Why is the building historically important?

The building opened in 1927 as the Varsity Theater, a Renaissance Revival vaudeville and movie house designed by the Boller Brothers. Its facade, arched windows, marquee, balcony and proscenium preserve much of its theater character. It is a city-designated Notable Property and a contributing resource within Columbia’s historic downtown district, making the architecture part of the concert experience.

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