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| - I absolutely love how the owners of The Van Buren are bringing life after dark to downtown Phoenix (that doesn't involve sports, the symphony or a play). The Van Buren is their largest venue so far in the area, building on the success of Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar. Unfortunately no bands that I like have played here since they've opened (my favs are small enough to play at CB or VB), but I finally got to experience the place when I went to the Cure vs. The Smiths dance party to meet Lol Tolhurst from the Cure at a pre-event book signing.
The venue is gorgeous. The stage is elevated enough that you can see it from anywhere in the ballroom. There are bleacher seats to the side for those who need a rest, and plenty of bars. The bathrooms are also big and clean. The sound system was perfect, and there was plenty of AC (too much, but I'm sure it heats up as the night goes on).
The only down sides: I paid for a VIP book signing, but was never proactively told what time it would take place. I had to contact the venue to get the info. When I mentioned to a staff member that it wasn't well promoted or communicated about, he blamed it on the artist's organization, which made no sense (the artist didn't have my email address, the venue did). The backstage/green room area where the signing took place was a mid-century modernist work of art - a big, clean couch, great period piece furniture, etc. If I were a touring band I'd be in heaven.
When I went into the main venue, I asked about being able to check out the balcony area so I'd know what it would be like for real concerts. I was told my VIP ticket didn't give me permission to go up there. I know there's already a lot of discussion about balcony pricing so I expected it would be as such, but how much more do I need to pay for a dance party to go to the balcony??? Isn't $50 enough??? There was no other option for balcony seating when I ordered the tickets anyway. They need to be much more clear about what you get with a VIP ticket.
In general, the staff was helpful and engaging. I don't like that I have to walk through a group of smokers on the patio to get into the venue, but it's the same with the Crescent so I expected as much. I didn't have any drinks or food on this visit, but it looks like they have a few vegan options, so there may be tater tots and jackfruit in my future. I look forward to going back if any of the bands I like ever make it to the big stage!
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