The 7 Best Venues on the East Coast for Jam Bands

Phish at Alpine Valley, East Troy Wisconsin 2003. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

While it's been quite some time since an "improvisational rock band" has had any major radio success, the jam scene in America is still thriving, arguably even more so then its alleged heyday of the '90s. Big-name acts like Phish, Widespread Panic, and Umphrey's McGee pretty much have a stronghold on the arena/theater circuit, but there are still hundreds, if not thousands, of rising jam bands grinding it out at pubs and clubs across the country.

The music is unique in that every show opens up a realm of possibilities for the audience. Fans don't go to see the same show every night, but to get entertained by the musical risks a band will take onstage. This lends itself particularly well to smaller bands, as it serves as a successful selling point while touring. Even if your band isn't well known, playing at a venue with a good reputation for jam music will have a ready-and-willing audience itching to check your style out. The list of such places is quite expansive, but here are a few on the East Coast that are worth looking into.

1. The Charleston Pour House, Charleston, SC

pourhouse Photo credit: Big Fish Eat the Little Ones

Situated in a quiet corner of Charleston, the unassuming Pour House is known for its unique and vibrant setting amidst a no-frills atmosphere. From small local acts to nationwide staples, this community-oriented venue brings the best music to the region. With an impressive main stage and artistic stage outside on the deck, a mini festival can take place on any given night. In addition to that, every Wednesday the venue puts on "Grateful Dead Wednesday" on the outdoor stage, which brings in hundreds of local fans of the genre. If you're a band that jams and is looking for some Southern hospitality, check out the Charleston Pour House.

How to book: Inquiries can be made here.

2. The Asheville Music Hall, Asheville, NC

Image via uniqueplacestolive.com

Years ago, the now-renowned Orange Peel would have taken this spot, but this burgeoning gem right down the street in downtown Asheville is now the place to play for rising jam bands. For those who don't know, Asheville has a reputation as a counterculture center of the South. Nestled in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville brings out a colorful crowd on any night of the week.

For the Asheville Music Hall, Tuesdays are the place to be. Dubbed the "Tuesday Funk Jam," up-and-coming artists get a chance to show their chops on the main stage, while local music legends host the event. Just downstairs of the music hall is a smaller club called the One Stop. There, people can grab a delicious meal at the bar and check out smaller bands or DJs on the side stage. The community feel is strong with this venue, so don't pass it up.

How to book: Contact info can be found here.

3. The 8x10, Baltimore, MD

Image via the8x10.com

Anyone involved in the scene knows that taping shows is a huge part of the community. Popularized by the Grateful Dead in the 1960s, taping shows allows fans to collect their favorite improvisational moments, trade them with friends, and have audio proof of the great time they had at the concert. Many venues have strict regulations against taping shows, but the 8x10 isn't one of them, hence its spot on the list. The venue's taping policy states that it provides each band with the necessary space and tools to effectively record their live performances with the goal to capture the moment as well as help promote and grow your fanbase. Their successful residency program every Wednesday night has helped transform local staples into national acts, so give the 8x10 a fair go.

How to book: Contact info can be found here.

4. Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY

Image via inhabitant.com

For those who were active in the jam scene back the the '90s, you must remember the Wetlands Preserve. The once-famed New York nightclub was the birthplace for many rising jam bands of the decade who now find themselves selling out major arenas around the world. The venue lent itself well to the genre, often allowing bands to play until sunrise. Much like many beautiful aspects of the old New York, gentrification forced the closure of the Wetlands Preserve, but its spirit lives on at the Brooklyn Bowl through owner Peter Shapiro. Shapiro bought the Wetlands in 1996 and has since gone on to move the Brooklyn Bowl image to Las Vegas and London, as well as run several other successful ventures.

While not iconically a "jam venue," the Brooklyn Bowl offers rising bands a chance to play in a beautiful setting with professional equipment in a popular city. Functioning as a venue, restaurant, and bowling alley allows all walks of life to shuffle in and out, broadening the opportunity for diverse fans to check you out. Surprisingly, the noise of someone bowling a strike doesn't carry onstage, either.

How to book: Send an inquiry here.

5. Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT

Image via enjoyctlive.com

Toad's Place has a long and storied history as a classic venue in the underbelly of New Haven. Directly across from Yale University, the venue has seen the likes of Muddy Waters, U2, and the Black Crowes grace its stage. Despite its massive reputation, Toad's Place has always played its part in helping out rising bands. From smooth jazz and electronic music to old-fashioned rock 'n' roll, it has a spot for all genres.

The community of regulars is close-knit and vocal, which has led to the fame of many regional acts. As my former home state, I know it's easy to drive through Connecticut without giving it much thought, but if you want to play at a classic venue with an outstanding reputation, look no further than Toad's Place. (On a side note, New Haven pizza is the best around, so at least go there for that.)

How to book: Send your information here.

6. Stone Church, Newmarket, NH

Image via cgtrio.jonlybrook.org

If you didn't know what you were looking for, Stone Church could easily be passed by, but that would be a major mistake. Atop a tiny hill in a quiet New Hampshire town, Stone Church brings some of the best regional and national acts to a community-minded music venue. Literally a "stone church," Stone Church is nothing big in terms of size, but what it lacks in room, it makes up for in spirit. The lively patrons that frequent this place never fail to make an outsider feel at home. The venue staff is nothing but friendly and professional, and the acoustics of the room are top notch. Students from the nearby UNH come out in droves to this local favorite. Consistent, great music is usually the reason, but the amazing craft beer and grub don't hurt either. If you're touring the Northeast as a jam band, Stone Church is a must-play.

How to book: Contact the booking manager here.

7. Nectar’s, Burlington, VT

Image via liveatnectars.com

Phish's wild success all started at the little haunt in Burlington called Nectar's, a mecca for jam bands. Within walking distance of a handful of colleges and universities, Nectar's has always been a popular hangout for music lovers. It wasn’t until Phish took off that the venue became known as a spot for jam bands to display their talents. A slew of jam-themed nights every week make Nectar’s a worthy place to play whenever you may be in town.

Promoting for your show never hurts, but at Nectar’s, fans know the history, know the reputation, and expect a certain type of entertainment when they show up.

How to book: Information can be found here.

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Anthony Cerullo is an avid keyboard player, writer, and world traveler. He has spent the past few years touring the US in bands, and now finds himself exploring the musical spectrum that various countries of the world offer.