Events at Hodi's Half Note, Fort Collins

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HAYWYRE - Fort Collins, CO - 03/08

08 March 2019 Friday / 08:00 PM

Hodi's Half Note, Fort Collins

About Hodi’s Half Note

Hodi’s Half Note was a well-known live-music venue and bar in Old Town Fort Collins. The club occupied an 1885-era building (the historic “Briggs Building”) at 167 N College Avenue, retaining original brick walls and a multi-room layout (retro1025.com). The interior featured two bars (a large one on the right and a smaller one on the left) and a stage at the back (retro1025.com). Despite its relatively modest 300-person capacity (www.westword.com), Hodi’s became a “beloved” part of the Fort Collins nightlife (bandwagmag.com). In 2010 local musician/promoter Dan Mladenik (who had worked at the old Starlight club in the same building) bought into the business and renamed it after his great-aunt (bandwagmag.com). Hodi’s continued the venue’s legacy as a music hub: earlier incarnations (the Mountain Tap and then The Starlight) hosted national acts like Social Distortion, Ween, John Mayer and others (retro1025.com). By embracing that history, Hodi’s carved out its own niche, bringing both touring bands and local talent into a warm, intimate setting.

Events and Programming

Hodi’s Half Note hosted live shows nearly every week, ranging from local indie bands to regional touring acts. The club’s programming covered a wide variety of genres – rock, bluegrass, electronic, hip-hop, and jam sessions were all regularly on the schedule (www.westword.com). For example, one past calendar lists singer/songwriter nights (Tom Macdonald, Nova Rockafeller), reggae and funk ensembles, metal and punk shows (Kottonmouth Kings, Boondox), and even tribute jams (e.g. a “Phish Thursdays” event) in the same month. Weekly themed events were a hallmark: on many Mondays Hodi’s held a free “Funk Jam” open-stage night (hosted by local band The Nu Classics) that drew a crowd with $1 PBRs and $2 micros (www.reverbnation.com). Comedy and open-mic nights also appeared in the lineup from time to time. According to venue listings, past shows usually charged under $20 – often about $10-$15 in advance, or around $15-$20 at the door, with a small extra fee for under-21 guests (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com). In 2019 alone, Hodi’s Half Note presented over 160 concerts (www.concertarchives.org), demonstrating how busy it was on any given week. Notable past performers ranged from local heroes to touring acts – for example, bluegrass band The White Buffalo sold out an early show (ticket presale was $12, $15 at the door, plus $5 if under 21 (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com)). Sadly, Hodi’s run ended in early 2020: the venue’s final shows were held just before it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic (bandwagmag.com), and the space has since been repurposed for other uses.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Hodi’s Half Note shows were typically sold through the venue’s box office or official ticket outlets. Advance tickets often went on sale several weeks before a show, sometimes with presale pricing. For example, a past schedule shows a concert listed at $12 presale versus $15 day-of, plus the usual $5 under-21 surcharge (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com). To secure the best price or get the limited early-view spots, savvy fans bought in advance from the official site or in-person at the club. If a show did not sell out, tickets could usually be purchased at the door, although door prices were typically higher. As one example from 2013 demonstrates, door tickets on show night cost $3 more ($15 vs $12 presale) (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com). For major acts, it was recommended to buy online early. The venue itself did not allow resale booths or external ticket platforms on site – all authorized sales were through the venue’s own channels. (Since the club closed in 2020, no new shows or tickets are being issued under the Hodi’s name.)

Seating and Layout

Hodi’s Half Note was primarily a general admission, standing-room club. There were very few fixed seats – most audience members stood on the main floor for the best view. The stage spanned the width of the back wall, so the clearest sightlines were up front and center. In fact, one reviewer noted the venue was “small enough for you to be able to see the stage and close enough you’re practically touching the band” (www.tripadvisor.com). Those wanting to be right on top of the performance room should arrive early to claim spots near the front. Aside from standing space, the room had some high-top tables and stools along the edges by the bar areas, but most serious concertgoers stayed on the floor. The two bars (one on the left and one on the right as you face the stage) also offered vantage points – you can watch from near the back bar, though crowded nights sometimes limited foot room. Acoustically, Hodi’s was praised for good sound for its size: reviewers often mentioned “great sound quality” throughout the venue (wanderlog.com). There were no obstructed views until the very back corners, but overall the lack of seats and intimate scale gave nearly everyone a solid view. (VIP or reserved seating was not a thing – it was first-come, first-served standing.)

Getting There and Parking

Hodi’s Half Note was located at 167 North College Avenue in Downtown Fort Collins (near the intersection of College and West Mountain Ave). The venue is right in the heart of the Old Town historic district. For visitors driving in, street parking is available. Diagonal curbside spots on nearby side streets (e.g. Matthews, Olive and Oak Streets) are free and open for short stays (www.fcgov.com). For longer parking, the City of Fort Collins operates the Old Town Garage (100 Remington St, a 2–3 minute walk away) (www.fcgov.com). According to city info, parking structures are free for the first hour and then just $1 per hour (www.fcgov.com) (and free on Sundays). There are also private lots within a few blocks, some with 2-hour free limits (e.g. Firehouse Alley lot). It was always wise to check posted signs for any time restrictions. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxi drop-offs are easy on North College Avenue right outside the entrance. For transit, Fort Collins’ bus system serves Old Town. Transfort routes stop on College Ave. (for example, Route 81 runs downtown along College every 30 minutes (ridetransfort.com)). On weekend nights, the free Gold Route picks up at Mountain & Remington (only a block from Hodi’s) and shuttles riders between Downtown Fort Collins and CSU from about 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (ridetransfort.com). (Other day-time local routes also reach the nearby Downtown Transit Center.) The neighborhood is very walkable, so if you park or ride-share a few blocks away, getting to Hodi’s on foot was straightforward – the entire Old Town area is a compact grid and generally flat.

Inside the Venue

Inside, Hodi’s Half Note had a casual, laid-back club vibe. The decor featured exposed brick walls (original to the 1885 structure) and dim concert lighting. At each show, staff checked IDs and tickets at the front door – alcohol is served only to 21+ patrons at the bars, so be ready to show ID (and note that under-21s often paid a small extra cover fee when admitted) (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com). Bags and purses were typically inspected (large backpacks may not have been allowed), so leaving bulky bags at home was advisable. The two bars inside served a full menu of beers, wines and mixed drinks; some local craft brews were often tapped. (Hodi’s did not have a kitchen or serve food, so guests usually ate beforehand.) Patrons often advised bringing cash, since credit card lines at the bar could get long on busy nights (wanderlog.com). The bartenders and staff at Hodi’s had a reputation for being friendly and accommodating, helping preserve the “fun atmosphere” (wanderlog.com). Restrooms were inside by the front; they were simple but conveniently located. The venue did not provide coat check, and electronic devices like cameras and phones were allowed (many fans recorded shows on their phones). Wi-Fi was not provided, so expect limited connectivity during a packed show. Overall, guests found the interior straightforward: a concert crowd mingling around the stage, with easy access to drinks and restrooms, and no frills beyond the performance itself.

Nearby Amenities

Old Town Fort Collins is packed with restaurants, bars and shops within a few blocks of Hodi’s. For pre-show dining, choices ranged from casual to upscale. Classic spots include the Silver Grill Cafe (a 24-hour diner at 218 Walnut St) and the Welsh Rabbit (upscale cheese shop and bar). Several brewpubs and bars are also very close – for instance, Avery House Brewery is next door, and the Downtown Artery (a cafe/venue) is one block away. Ethnic and pub-style restaurants line College Avenue and nearby Walnut/Laporte, so options like pizza slices, Mexican food, or burgers are easy to find. After the show, there are late-night bars and eateries: Odell Brewing’s tasting room, Old Town Tavern, and Maxline Brewing (nearby on Walnut) stay open late if you keep the party going. Accommodation is plentiful on the north side of Old Town and near Colorado State University. The Graduate Fort Collins hotel (with a neon bear sign) is a mile south toward campus, and there are several motels and inns along Prospect Road to the north. Because of Fort Collins’ bike-friendly culture, many attendees also biked here – bike racks are available on the sidewalk outside. Visitors often allow extra time in the evening to find parking or walking routes, and some arrive a bit early to grab dinner or a drink at a neighboring bar before doors open. As one review tip says: try hitting a nearby spot early so you’re ready when the music starts (wanderlog.com).

What Makes This Venue Special

Hodi’s Half Note was special for its unique blend of history and intimacy. The building itself (the old Briggs building) gave the place character. Sloping hardwood floors and brick walls made the crowd feel like it was “in the room” with the band, rather than behind stadium seats. Over its lifetime, the club hosted a surprising number of big acts for such a small town. As one photographer’s photo gallery caption notes, bands like The Misfits played here on their anniversary tour (bandwagmag.com), and countless regional acts got their start on its stage. Fans often recall that the venue felt like a community living room: after shows, you might find musicians hanging at the bar or chatting in front of the soundboard – a level of access that’s rare in larger clubs (wanderlog.com). The owner and regulars made sure Hodi’s reflected Fort Collins’ artsy vibe; it booked reggae/DJ nights, open jams and even teaching moments in concert weaving local culture with touring music. When the building was taken over by the Comedy Fort in 2021, the new owners intentionally kept the brick interior and even rotated the stage into the old brick wall to preserve that authentic feel (bandwagmag.com). All these elements – the historic architecture, the hands-on staff, the mix of styles, and the passionate local scene – combined to make Hodi’s Half Note more than just a bar. It became a Fort Collins music institution that both artists and audiences loved.

Visitor Tips and Information

- **Age restrictions:** Nearly all Hodi’s events were 18+ or 21+. Shows with alcohol were strictly 21+. (In the past, under-21 guests could often attend with an additional $5 cover (www.coloradomusicbuzz.com), but policies varied per event. Always check the show listing or call ahead.) - **What to bring:** Bring a valid ID (driver’s license/passport) for alcohol purchase. Cash is recommended for the bar, as card lines can be slow (wanderlog.com). A small bag or purse is fine, but avoid large backpacks as a courtesy. Ear plugs can help if you’re sensitive to loud music. - **Dress code:** Casual attire is the norm. Concertgoers usually wear jeans, T-shirts or comfortable clothes. The venue can get hot during shows, so dress in layers. Good walking shoes are wise (no high heels on the wooden dance floor). - **Arrival:** Doors typically open about 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time. Arriving early lets you grab a drink at the bar and claim a good spot in front, which can otherwise fill up quickly (wanderlog.com). Latecomers may have to squeeze in from the back. - **Accessibility:** The building is street-level, but the original construction means some small steps or thresholds. An access ramp is at the main entrance, and one restroom is ADA-compliant. The main floor is all on one level, but aisles can be narrow. If you need special accommodations (wheelchair space, hearing assistance, etc.), it’s best to contact the club ahead of time. - **Policies:** No outside food or drink is allowed. A search policy may be in effect – bags could be checked. Non-professional cameras and smartphones are allowed (flash off during shows), but professional video/photography gear is typically prohibited. Smoking is not permitted inside. Re-entry was generally not allowed (if you leave during a show, you might not get back in). - **COVID changes:** As of 2021, Hodi’s Half Note itself is no longer open for music shows – it has been converted into the Comedy Fort. If you see references to performances at “Hodi’s Half Note” after 2020, they usually refer to Comedy Fort’s acts at that address. - **Local tips:** Verify any show-specific rules on the day of the event (some shows may have age limits stricter than normal). It’s common to meet artists or the owner downstairs post-show, so don’t be shy about chatting with the crew after the band finishes. And if you plan to have a drink before or after the show, neighboring Lake Street or Mountain Avenue have plenty of options to continue the night.