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| - Say what you want about Kool Haus, but it's a decent place to see a show. It isn't the greatest of venues, but thankfully, it isn't like the Sound Academy. *Shudder*
What Kool Haus has to offer is its good acoustics, lighting and stage. I've seen a lot of shows over the years (Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, Peaches, Eagles of Death Metal), and I've rarely left disappointed because the venue didn't meet my expectations. It wasn't until recently that I was reminded at how decent the place was when I saw The Black Keys.
I found a spot near the edge of the stage, I still had a great view of the show. The stage is big and high enough that you can see the show from wherever you're located, provided that no one over six feet tall stands in front of you. Inevitably, this always happens to me. Also, the speakers weren't situated right there, which meant that by the end of the night my ears weren't ringing loudly (always wear earplugs, kids!). The overall sound and lighting were great. I don't know if the duo from Akron, OH, brought their own lighting and sound guy, but I have no complaints about it.
Kool Haus is also known as The Guvernment, which is a club, and on weekends, the club kids ascend upon it. I can't tell you how the venue is during these nights because I don't club anymore.
But as someone who did attend club nights when Kool Haus was known as the Warehouse and R.P.M., it was one of the best club venues in the city. It offered good sound, "great music" (when I liked techno) by top d.j.'s in the city, and none of this designer chic, loungey, Ibiza-esque atmosphere that a lot of clubs nowadays administer. Yawn.
The location isn't convenient but it's accessible. In the summer months, it's a 20 minute walk from King Station; 15 minutes if you're a fast walker. It's a relatively safe walk and properly lit thanks to the condo developments nearby. The walk along Queen's Quay is fine though spotty but if you're seeing a show there, you won't be the only one trekking back to Union Station by foot.
Alternatively, you can take the 6 Bay bus that will drop you off at the corner of Queen's Quay and Jarvis, just on the other side of Kool Haus' entrance. It will also take you to Union. I don't know how much parking is as I don't drive but no doubt it must be expensive.
It's not a surprise that the drinks here are ridiculously overpriced. You pay $8.50 for a Smirnoff ice, a few bucks less for a domestic beer. But what is ridiculous is paying $4 for water! For many years I kept my plastic water bottle with label 'The Guvernment' on it as a reminder of how much distilled tap water cost me when I was thirsty.
My best advice: save your cash on merchandise from your favourite band or for the cab fare to get home safe and sound.
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