I've been to hundreds of concerts across the country and I'm attempting to write a review of every venue to assist my concert going troubadours.
Old 97's/ American Aquarium - August 17, 2016
It had been 11 years since my last concert at Mr Smalls (Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, 2005). Maybe it's because I've moved and seen other venues across the country or maybe the place is just getting old, but the venue was a lot dumpier than I remember.
I was drinking Jack and water out of plastic cups and all night I was picking something grainy out of my teeth. I'm hoping it was just dust/dirt from the rafters (and not asbestos). It could have been dirty ice, but I purposefully ordered from different bars.
Most inexcusable, the speaker (left stage) was crackling and popping throughout Old 97's set. I can forgive most things, but if a venue can't take care of its sound equipment, it's not worthy of my cash.
I don't know if this venue changed ownership or if the current one is just mailing it in, but there are a lot better venues within driving distance (for example, The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland) that put up similar acts that I'm more willing to drive to and spend my money.