Events at The Blue Note, Columbia

About The Blue Note

The Blue Note is a historic live-music venue and nightclub in downtown Columbia, Missouri. Set in a landmark Italian Renaissance–style vaudeville theater (opened as the Varsity Theater in 1927 (thebluenote.com) (www.hmdb.org)), it now hosts concerts, comedy and events in a vintage setting. With a proscenium arch framing the stage and even original opera boxes, the building has been lovingly preserved (www.hmdb.org) (fpcspecialevents.com). It first opened as a movie theater and closed to films in the 1960s, but was revived as The Blue Note music club in 1980 by local music lovers Richard King and Phil Costello (thebluenote.com). A decade later (around 1990) King moved the club into this downtown theater (thebluenote.com) (www.hmdb.org). Since then the Blue Note has been an icon of Columbia’s live-music scene – in fact, local media calls it “one of Columbia’s most iconic music venues” (comobusinesstimes.com). Under its current owners (FPC Live since 2014), it remains a centerpiece of the city’s Historic Ninth Street district.

Capacity is roughly 800 people for general-admission standing-room shows (www.indieonthemove.com). For seated events, FPC Live lists a theater capacity of about 250 and reception space for around 500 (fpcspecialevents.com) (www.indieonthemove.com). There are two levels: a tiered main floor (mostly standing) and a balcony with ample fixed seating and a VIP lounge (fpcspecialevents.com) (fpcspecialevents.com). Two full-service bars (one on each level) keep the crowd supplied. With its vintage seating, balcony boxes and original marquee, the venue’s old-world charm stands out among modern clubs. Concertgoers often note that “the stage is viewable from everywhere” – there really are no bad sightlines in this intimate room (www.tripadvisor.co.za) (www.concerthotels.com).

The Blue Note’s history is woven into Columbia’s culture. Legendary national acts have played here over the years. Even the official site boasts that early on it hosted now-legendary bands like The Pixies, R.E.M. and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (thebluenote.com). Music press also points out that local fans have seen Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M., Arcade Fire and The Black Keys before they were stadium headliners (comobusinesstimes.com). Country greats Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash have logged Blue Note appearances too (www.indieonthemove.com). In short, the club has an enviable track record of big-name concerts that helped put Columbia on the touring map. But it stays true to its roots as well, featuring rising regional acts and all-ages shows. The venue even has a long-standing motto, shared by staff and fans alike, that “beer tastes better in the front row,” reflecting its laid-back, rock-friendly vibe.

Events and Programming

The Blue Note hosts live music most nights of the week, offering a wide variety of programming. On any given month you might find rock, indie, country, hip-hop, EDM and singer-songwriter concerts. The club books everything from up-and-coming local bands and college favorites to national touring acts of many genres. Local promoters note that no music style is off-limits: in recent seasons the calendar has included alt-country stars, pop-rock groups, punk, metal and even tribute bands. For example, recent lineups have ranged from country artist Kip Moore and rap icon Talib Kweli to rock tributes like Jump (a Van Halen experience) and experimental EDM artists. It’s not unusual to see comedy nights as well; the Blue Note often partners with CoMo Comedy Club to bring touring comedians (recent guests have included Beth Stelling and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes) (thebluenote.com) (thebluenote.com).

In addition to concerts and comedy, The Blue Note programs special events and theme nights. Themed movie nights (“Brew N’ View”) – like a Midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween – happen a few times a year (thebluenote.com) (thebluenote.com). Latin dance parties (e.g. Día de Los Muertos celebrations) draw crowds who want to dance. During the holidays you might catch late-night dance parties (2000s Throwback Night, ’80s rock nights, etc.) or even family-friendly matinees. The venue also rents out to private and community events: weddings, corporate parties and charity shows all take advantage of the stage and seating. Through April 2025 and beyond, look for a mix of touring indie and country acts priced typically in the $20–$50 range (ticket price varies with act popularity), plus occasional $10–$15 comedy or cult film events.

Past performances have included both up-and-comers and big names. The Blue Note’s archives and local news recall shows by artists from many genres – for example, hip-hop great Slick Rick, punk legends Bad Religion, and popular singer-songwriters like Lucinda Williams all have taken this stage. Recurring shows include the CoMo Comedy Club series, the annual “Monster Energy Outbreak” hip-hop showcase, and traditionals like a New Year’s Eve dance. (It’s wise to watch the venue’s calendar closely and purchase tickets as soon as a show is announced; many popular concerts sell out within days or weeks.)

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Blue Note events are sold mainly through Ticketmaster, but you can often find a portion of tickets at the venue’s own box office. The official policy is that the box office sells *reduced-fee* tickets – meaning full-price tickets without added online service fees – during limited hours each week. Specifically, the Box Office is open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (card only) (thebluenote.com). If tickets last, they also sell remaining seats on show nights starting 30 minutes before doors (thebluenote.com). Since the venue is cashless, credit/debit cards or mobile pay are required (no cash). Arrive early on show night if you plan to buy any leftover tickets or use will-call: generally the box office opens when doors open, about an hour before the headliner.

To ensure you get tickets, the best strategy is usually to buy online immediately when a new event is announced. As with many clubs, The Blue Note often offers advance presales (for fan clubs or mailing lists) before the general onsale. Subscribing to the club’s email list or following their social media can reveal presale codes or “Verified Fan” opportunities. Once the public sale starts, Ticketmaster’s site shows the “all-in” price up front, and you can either print or download a mobile ticket (they strongly encourage using the Ticketmaster app or mobile wallet for entry (thebluenote.com)). Avoid third-party resellers if possible – the Blue Note cautions that only Ticketmaster-verified tickets are guaranteed genuine (thebluenote.com). Remember: all sales final, except in the rare case of a cancellation. If an event is canceled, refunds are issued at point of purchase (thebluenote.com).

For popular shows (especially those with famous artists), tickets can sell out fast. If you miss the initial sale, you can try calling Ticketmaster for standing-room ticket releases or check the venue’s social channels for last-minute contests. On the night of the show, if a performance hasn’t sold out, the box office generally releases any remaining tickets at the door (beginning roughly 30 minutes before doors). Gift cards for the Blue Note are also available and work for ticket purchases online or in person (keep in mind expired dates for older plastic gift cards (thebluenote.com)).

Seating and Layout

The Blue Note’s layout is simple but well-designed for live shows. The stage is at one end of the building behind a large proscenium arch (fpcspecialevents.com). In front of the stage is the main floor – usually a general admission standing area for most concerts. Depending on the act, some chairs or small tables may line the back of the floor (Ticketmaster listings sometimes label these as “Floor Tables/Gallery”). Two long bars run down the sides of the floor (one near the back, one beneath the balcony), so thirsty concertgoers in the crowd can often step aside to order without going upstairs. The floor is slightly sloped/tiered, giving those farther back a bit of elevation, and the room never feels flat or echoey. Sound engineers frequently earn praise for mixing great audio, and reviewers agree that “sound was good and mixed well” from nearly any vantage (www.tripadvisor.co.za).

Above the floor is the balcony level. The mid-level (lower balcony) has fixed stadium-style seats along the back two-thirds of the hall, offering a comfortable sit-down view. The front of the balcony has a standing rail and possibly some bar stools. A second bar is on the balcony floor, so patrons here never need to descend to order drinks. There are also six small “rock boxes” (VIP seating areas) on the balcony sides, where a few people can sit above the crowd. In general, the balcony provides great sightlines – in fact, one Lucinda Williams concert attendee noted that “the stage was] viewable from everywhere” in the house ([www.tripadvisor.co.za). The combination of floor and balcony means there truly are few bad views: as one reviewer enthused, “not a bad seat or standing-room only spot in the house!” (www.concerthotels.com).

Acoustically, the venue benefits from its old-theater architecture. The ornamental walls and ceiling help break up echoes, giving a warm, full sound. Every show from rock to acoustic sets sounds clear. If you want the most energetic experience, the very front of the floor right at the stage is best (that’s where the “Beer tastes better in the front row” fun happens). But if you prefer a view with a seat or a little distance, the balcony seats are excellent. Some fans like standing at the balcony railing for the ceiling angle. Keep in mind that the low balcony overhang can cast shade on the very back of the floor, so behind the last row on the floor might have a partial obstruction of the arch; most fans prefer either just upstairs or mid-floor to avoid that. Overall, whether you’re in the pit or the parlor, the experience is intimate and engaging – performers often remark on how close they feel to the audience at The Blue Note.

Getting There and Parking

The Blue Note’s address is 17 N. 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201. It sits in downtown Columbia’s Ninth Street district, between Walnut and Broadway. If you’re driving, the quickest approach is usually via I-70 (exit to Stadium Boulevard or Business Loop 70 to get downtown). Once downtown, you’ll find many short blocks to 9th Street. There is plenty of parking nearby, both on-street and in garages. Street parking surrounds the club on Ninth, Eighth and Walnut streets. Meters run roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Saturday (so they expire before most concerts) and are free after hours and on Sundays (thebluenote.com). For longer events, covered parking garages are convenient – many downtown lots drop to free after 6 pm and weekends (thebluenote.com). The closest public garages are located at 8th & Walnut, 8th & Cherry and 5th & Walnut (all within a two- to three-minute walk) (thebluenote.com). These garages use PayStations or ParkMobile app for payment during the day.

Columbia’s public transit (Go COMO) has buses that pass a few blocks from Downtown Ninth; look for stops on Main or Walnut streets and walk a block over to 9th. If taking Lyft/Uber or a local taxi, the safest drop-off point is right in front of the main entrance on Ninth Street (watch for pedestrians). After an evening show, rideshare or cab lines can form quickly, so it’s wise to request your ride a bit in advance or have an alternate meet-up spot on an adjoining street (for example, two blocks north on Cherry where it’s easy to pull aside).

Inside the Venue

Expect a very classic concert club atmosphere inside. Entry is usually through a front lobby and pair of wide doors at street level. As you enter, staff may have you show your Ticketmaster mobile ticket or ID/paper ticket at a scanner. Bags are allowed (up to 12″×6″×12″) but will be searched for prohibited items (thebluenote.com). Don’t bring large backpacks, weapons or unapproved cameras – security is strict about the rules. Once inside, you’ll see a mix of old brick/wood decor and modern lighting. The walls might be decorated with past event posters and colored stage lights create a festival vibe.

All bars are self-serve (cashless): the main bar on the first floor stretches along the back of the room, and a second bar on the balcony passes drinks up top. Both serve beer, wine, liquor and mixed cocktails. Food isn’t served (no kitchen), but snacks like popcorn, pretzels or candy are often available at the bars or nearby concession tables. Outside food/drink of any kind is not allowed (a single small sealed water bottle is okay (thebluenote.com)). Alcoholic drinks must be purchased on site; remember that you need to be 21+ and have ID to buy booze. There is a coat check area in the lobby (for a small fee) to store jackets and bags during the show.

The venue is generally comfortable. The second-floor balcony has restrooms (plus additional ones near the lobby), so there should always be facilities upstairs and downstairs. Wait times at the bars can build up between sets, so many guests grab a drink before the show starts or after the show. Lighting indoors is typically dim except during performances. On the tech side, The Blue Note advertises top-notch audio and customizable lighting (fpcspecialevents.com) – indeed the in-house sound engineer is known to accommodate anything from full-band rock setups to stand-up mic rigs. Cell phone signal is usually reliable for AT&T and Verizon (though during very crowded shows reception can get spotty, as is common at busy music venues). There is no public Wi-Fi provided, so plan to text/facebook from your own signal.

Tip: If attending a sold-out show with general admission floor, you may want to arrive up to an hour early to queue up at the doors if a front-row spot is important to you. For seated balcony tickets, arriving closer to showtime is fine. Remember to bring a photo ID if you’re picking up will-call tickets or purchasing alcohol – Columbia law strictly enforces these rules.

Nearby Amenities

Pre- or post-show dining and drinks are a breeze in downtown Columbia’s Ninth Street district. Just around the corner you’ll find popular restaurants like Flat Branch Pub & Brewing (a brewpub famous for burgers and craft beer, about 0.2 miles away) and Addison’s American Grill (upscale bistro, 0.1 mi) (www.tripadvisor.com). For casual fare there’s The Wine Cellar (upscale bar and grill on Broadway), Pho Grand (Vietnamese), Kampai Sushi, Shield’s (pub food) and many others all within a block or two. Don’t miss Booches Old Time Pit BBQ (opened late, famed burgers) about two blocks south. If you prefer coffee or dessert before the show, downtown cafés like The District Flats or SATURDAYS on Ninth offer lounges and snacks.

For drinks after the show, this area has lively nightlife: bars like 44 Stone Public House (artisan pizza & beers) and Tellers (cocktail lounge) are a short walk. Ninth Street also has a wine shop and late-night sandwich shops if you get hungry after midnight. If you’re visiting from out of town, nearby hotels include the historic Tiger Hotel (0.1 mi away) and The Broadway Columbia (a DoubleTree, 0.2 mi) (www.concerthotels.com). Both are high-end downtown hotels with bars and restaurants attached. Other city-center lodging (Hampton Inn Downtown, Courtyard Marriott on Broadway, etc.) are within a mile. For late-night transport, Columbia is primarily a driving town; there are cabs and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) headquartered here. Taxis like Checker Yellow often patrol downtown after events.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Blue Note is beloved for its authentic historic atmosphere combined with a top-tier concert experience. Unlike a generic club, it has real theater heritage – its lobby, balcony and tubed seating echo its 1920s movie-house origins. The proscenium and old marquee lit up on Ninth Street give it a nostalgic flair. Musicians and fans alike praise the vibe: touring artists often mention that playing Columbia feels “like an old movie house,” with an intimacy you rarely get in big arenas. Columbia residents take pride that The Blue Note nearly tripled as a music venue and cultural landmark – in fact, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 after The Blue Note made it home (www.hmdb.org).

Over the decades, the venue has seen many “firsts” and breakthrough performances. It’s been the St. Louis Blues’ Blue Note Express shuttle namesake, and the site of the city’s biggest local music community events. Long-time club staff remember that bands like Cage the Elephant played here before they were famous, and comedians cut their teeth on the Blue Note stage. The venue’s inclusive all-ages policy (kids and families are welcome; under-2 can attend free) means multiple generations recall their first shows here – one parent’s college rock show is now their teenager’s pop concert. A 2020 retrospective by Columbia’s business journal noted how The Blue Note (along with its sister venue Rose Music Hall) brought Columbia “plenty of great concerts for years to come” and that it remains a “loud and lively legacy” (comobusinesstimes.com) in town.

Its role in the community is another hallmark: The Blue Note is more than just a business, it’s a community hub. It has hosted school fundraisers, local band nights, and even civic events on occasion. Neighbors recall waiting in lines to meet the owner Richard King, a beloved figure who ran the club for over 30 years. Now under new ownership, the emphasis is on continuity — they have kept signature features (like the “local band openers” tradition and the even-handed ticket policies) intact (thebluenote.com) (comobusinesstimes.com). In short, The Blue Note matter to Columbia because it links the city’s past, present and future through live music. Its combination of timeless design, legendary concerts and homegrown spirit makes it a classic spot that both locals and visiting artists love.

Visitor Tips and Information

**Age Restrictions:** Most Blue Note shows are all-ages or 18+. Events labeled 21+ (or 18+) are strictly enforced – bring ID to prove age. As a rule of thumb, under-2 children don’t need a ticket if seated in a parent’s arms (thebluenote.com), but every person 2 or older requires a valid entry ticket. If you bring a child, protect their ears with headphones; the venue recommends ear protection for toddlers. Remember that even on general all-ages nights, children must be supervised at all times.

**Accessibility:** The Blue Note’s main floor is wheelchair accessible and ADA-friendly (thebluenote.com). There is elevator access to the balcony (though some make-call this limited – many choose to stay on the ground floor wheelchair section). If you need special seating or have any questions about access, contact the box office early (they can reserve accessible spots). Bathrooms on the main foyer level include at least one unisex accessible stall. Service animals are always permitted, and staff will be happy to assist guests with mobility devices getting into the hall.

**What to Bring (and Not):** Bring only the essentials. Small purses or backpacks (under 12″×6″×12″) are allowed; everything will be searched (thebluenote.com). Avoid bringing anything prohibited: weapons (of any kind, real or fake), illegal substances, outside alcohol/snacks, selfie sticks, or professional cameras without permission (thebluenote.com). You may bring phone cameras and small point-and-shoot cameras (though bands can still forbid photography at their discretion) (thebluenote.com). Carry a phone or selfie-stick only if you plan permission; most people just use their cell to capture one or two moments. Since the venue is card-only, bring a bank or credit card if you plan to credit-payment merch or drinks (some visiting fans forget this). A small bottle of water (20 oz max) or collapsible water bottle is permitted, but no outside alcohol/food.

**Line and Doors:** Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime (check your event ticket). On entry, have your ticket ready on your phone (Ticketmaster requires using the app or saving to wallet) (thebluenote.com) (thebluenote.com). It can take a little time to scan everyone, so be patient. If you ordered tickets to the will-call list, pick them up at the box office podium before entering (the ticket holder must show ID and credit card used). Coat check is near the entrance – it’s wise to use it on cold nights to avoid juggling coats. Once inside, note where the bars and restrooms are; the staff is friendly if you need directions.

**Dress Code and Atmosphere:** Dress is casual. Concertwear like jeans, t-shirts or nice casual evenings are fine. Some local fans like band tees or university apparel. It can be chilly on the balcony, so a light jacket is advisable for upstairs seats. ≈ If you plan to stand by the stage, comfortable shoes are recommended (floors are cement or wood, and you may be on your feet). There is no formal dress code, but please wear footwear and standard public attire. The Club’s vibe is friendly and down-to-earth, and people tend to be relaxed – but as always, common courtesy and respect go a long way.

**Earplugs:** This place can get loud (rock shows especially). If you have sensitive ears or children with you, consider bringing earplugs for hearing protection. Some guests even swap earplugs with the crowd before the show starts.

**Connectivity:** As mentioned, Blue Note does not offer customer Wi-Fi. If you need Internet or phone calls, check your signal strength. (During busy events, voice/text may be okay, but video streaming will not work.) If you want to look at live setlists or share your experience, you’ll likely rely on mobile data. Most major carriers have coverage here.

**Tips:** Arrive early if you want a prime spot, especially on general admission nights. Many fans will stake out a position near the front rails; if that appeals, get in line at least 30 minutes before doors. However, if you prefer a drink or a more social experience, it’s perfectly fine to come just when doors open and still get a good vantage. Finally, remember that it’s an up-front, no-phone, immersive environment by choice – live shows here encourage enjoying the moment. By planning ahead (parking, tickets, ID) and being ready to enjoy live music, you’re set for a great Blue Note experience.