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| - As a music lover in PHX, I absolutely am thrilled to have the Van Buren open. Their other venues (Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar) are fantastic, and now they can book bigger acts. The best things: band selection, location, space, decor & bathrooms. They have a great line up already. The location is perfect for biking or walking. The women's bathroom is huge, spacious, and has a ton of stalls. No wait and easy to navigate around others to get to sinks etc. Water in the sinks is dangerously hot, but better than freezing cold.
Unfortunately, there are some opening venue problems that definitely need work: sound, heat, crowd management. The sound was terrible. Feedback, poor balance, and just awful drops, squeaks and squeals. The space was cool upon arrival, but very soon the AC couldnt keep up with the sold out crowd. Bet some Big Ass Fans in the main space. Crowd management could be better - especially upon exiting. There are at least 5 large exit signs (E, W, and N), but as you approach them you see the doors aren't open and you cannot actually exit there. They forced everyone to exit one west side door (this seems dangerous). Once outside the building they forced us all out one main gate, though there are side gates (N) that could be open. Why not let the crowd spill out, especially since everyone wants to go east to the parking lots.
I have tickets to at least 3 more shows this fall at the Van Buren. I hope my return visits will see improvements in these areas.
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