McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

Jinjer put on a fantastic show, as always. They have rapidly grown into true professionals that can play small venues as well as huge metal fests. Tatiana is an outstanding performer and has an exuberant energy that you can feel all the way in the back of the room. And, not to bad on the eyes either. First time at the Crystal Ballroom. Other than the ten thousand steps to get up to the Mezzanine from the entrance, it flows rather well. Our seats had a great view, but the comfort was akin to a third world airline, minus the goats and chickens. The sound was better than average for a smaller venue, not as small as the Roseland, but the volume was about the right amount, except for the vocals, they were on the low side, I blame the sound technicians, not the building. I look forward to attending more shows here.

I have been listening to this band since 2020. One of the most listened to artists since that time. You guys are absolutely amazing. I consider you the best synthwave band of all time. I know I sound harsh, but the live performance could use a lot of improvement. Synthesizers were barely audible compared to the drum symbols and vocals. The bass was too low as well. It just didn't sound like synthwave at all. The saxophone was by far the only highlight I can remember. Now, I know there is a side to this band which appeals more to the mainstream, sounds a little more like pop than synthwave. So maybe they don't care about owning the title of best synthwave band of all time. Maybe they would rather shoot for the Moon and make pop music. I am happy to see a packed venue for this band. But, just my perspective, it felt like the crowd was full of the type of people who are afraid of dance clubs. I encourage the Midnight to ramp it up a level. Increase the electronic, ethereal, dreamy, synthy elements in your songs. Don't be afraid to do an instrumental song and get creative with it. It would blow your fans minds. Pleeeease. I beg you

I love Two Feet and loved the show! The music was amazing, they did an awesome job, I loved the longer versions of the songs, all the bass and the guitar! It was amazing to just chill and listen to it live. Just amazing. Second opener was good - Sub Urban, very good vibe and great energy! I was not a fan of the first opener, Brothel, I think. And I definitely was not a fan of Two Feet’s “tour manager” or whoever she was with blue/green hair that “worked for him” and shoved her way to the front halfway through the set, right in front of my daughter who is a head shorter than her and stood there filming almost a whole song. My daughter then couldn’t see anything. When I asked her to move she said “oh I work for him!” Ok..? That’s wonderful, but seriously? We paid to be here. Maybe film somewhere else like in front of the bars cafe, crouched down like literally every concert photographer I’ve ever seen. and/or be more conscientious of the fans that are shorter than you? Never had that happen before in all of the concerts I’ve been to. Wasn’t a fan of that. 👎

RK never disappoint! Great show! Crystal Ballroom has good acoustics, sound was great. Although, having been aware that CB has very limited access to seating, I paid extra for seating, but when I received tix, they were marked "SRO." Just had back surgery, so, that was a disappointment. And while I respect any show-goer's desire to have a good time, I have a low tolerance for rude, sloppy drunks who act like they own the place. That said, 2 particular individuals came very close to being the winners of a .9999% gold-plated a*s kickin'!

They might be Giants continues to be fantastic. The crystal ball room, while beautiful and well built for musical events conceptually continues to be difficult to recommend due to how bad communication is. There is no signage telling you where to line up or where the merch Booth is or how to get to the merch booth without accidentally leaving the entire venue and being sent on a wild goose chase to find the front door. Anyway, all the band members have more energy than I do, and honestly seem to be having a delightful time. Highly suggest seeing this band... Somewhere else.

The venue's limited capacity and outdated infrastructure are undeniable concerns. The exit process poses a substantial fire hazard due to the sole reliance on stairs. After the show, we waited approximately 20 minutes before attempting to exit, only to encounter additional delays due to overcrowding on the stairs and elevator. The venue enforces strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Fans seeking to be near the stage should be aware that drinking is strictly prohibited. Prices for water and Red Bull are moderately priced. I was surprised by the concert's affordability, expecting much higher prices. As for the concert itself, Alexandra Kay delivers a phenomenal performance. She radiates energy, engages with the audience, and is an outstanding performer. Having attended her concert twice, it is evident that she consistently improves.

Surfer Girl did not disappoint. Not a big fan of the venue. I a lot of people say it is a great place but there was no way to get near the stage. They separated the bar with over 21 and under 21. The only spot to see well was by the security guard where they cleared an aisle for the stage people/artists to come through from the stage to back of the house with their instruments which I thought was weird.

First the Artist: GREAT show!! Now I can see why MANY of their shows are Sold Out!! Very clean sound. [This is compliments to their Sound Techs too!] All the musicians sounded fantastic! The drummer was off his chain! Haaaa. LOT of crowd participation. At a few points, Brandon would stop signing little snip-its of a few songs & the audience would gladly fill in & it was perfect timing on his part! Heck, you could have closed your eyes & you'd think you're listening to their LP in your living room! Yes, they sounded that clean & this is rare at a live event! Really like how Brandon had introduced everyone on stage AND including their sound people & managers. In my 30+ years of attending shows, I have never seen a band introduce their people working the mixing boards & their management! What I thought was odd, after EVERY song, Brandon Coleman [Lead Singer] had to adjust his guitar. Sure this had to do with the tuning of said upcoming song, but it did call for minutes of just silence after every song. Well, you had your occasional yelling from the crowd :) Felt bad for one of the guitarist, because he kept having difficulties with his cordless pack & the guitar tech kept having to come out there, but that's what makes a live show, Live! As for the venue: This, honestly, isn't a fan favorite of mine mainly because of the '21 & over metal barrier' that separates the under/over crowds. IF by chance there were to be a LOT of pushing/moshing [yes, I know...Not at this particular show], people are going to get hurt! And I never understand why concert venues funnel everyone out 1 exit, when there are multiple ones?! Maybe staffing? I don't know. Lastly, IF you're one of those people that are on the fence of deciding if you want to see them or not...I would say...GO! DON'T hesitate & this is coming from a guy that his wheelhouse is Heavy Metal! Their shows are Sold out for a reason!

In true Flaming Lips fashion, they shot human remains from a cannon into the crowd: can’t repeat that one! Although a bit macabre, it had the spirit of celebration. Drozd contributed keyboard for opening band Particle Kid on a a deliciously soupy cover of Radiohead’s “The Anthem”. Flaming Lips brough guest Nell Smith onstage for a cover of Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand”. After a bumpy start Coyne helped out a little, showing the band’s generous support for their fellow artists. The show was extremely welcome after addictively spinning American Head to help us through the pandemic. The band and their fans could finally connect in the same space.

The stellar performance everyone was expecting from both Sleater-Kinney and Black Belt Eagle Scout. With some interesting and humorous anecdotes for Corin, Carrie, and KP. I’ve never been a big fan of the Crystal Ballroom. Too many steps and not enough bathrooms. In fact, the only band I’ve ever seen there, is Sleater-Kinney. This was like the 10th time. I didn’t even live in Portland till 2015. It’s some sort of mashocistic pattern. My only complaint is S-K won’t play “Crusader” live. It seems like a song made for Portland. I suppose they have their reasons. Stitch.

The Dreadnoughts were awesome, 5 stars. The lead of the "headliner" band, bridge city sinners was in the hospital or something? I don't know, I was standing in line for the bar during the announcement. Basically the remaining band members came on the stage one at a time over an unremarkable set of several songs, which just proceeded to make the entire crowd's revved-up energy from the Dreadnoughts fizzle out completely. Everybody around me was grumbling "why don't they just bring the Dreadnoughts back out?" They barely salvaged any of their set by getting their first opener back out to do two the Devil Makes Three staples at the very end of the night.

I didn't hear the news about Libby not being there and it was an unfortunate circumstance. I hope for the best of health for Libby! It definitely would be different for Libby to be there tho! BUT it was a great show to say the least. Every who performed was fun & fantastic! Seeing that ballroom for the 1st was awesome. It s***s I spent a lot of money for balcony to have someone be in our seats but the others were empty in the same roll so we used those to avoid any confrontation & just wanted to enjoy the show. BCS did a good job on the last minute change & it was fun & interesting how everyone got there part & the stand-in for Libby was sooo good! I honestly over paid for balcony not know anyone can just go up there. That ballroom floor is a fun experience & loved the murals.

It had been around 17 or 18 years since I seen Floater at Dante’s but they didn’t play Sad Ballad of Danny Boy which is the song that got me stuck on them. . . Last night, they did. . . I felt like I was 25 again and didn’t have a care in the world at that moment. . . It’s not something that I get to experience very often and I have this band to thank for giving me that moment and experience. . . Also one of the few RARE bands that sound exactly the same live as on their albums but there isn’t a doubt that their performance was pre-recorded. . .

I don't know who was in charge of the lights this day but they need to be fired or retrained. The crowd kept getting lit up very intensely at multiple points throughout the concert which 1 ruins the atmosphere (seriously, who wants to be lit up by bright spotlights all night when you're trying to see the band performing) and 2 it was pretty painful. After being in a dark room, sudden bursts of insanely bright lights directed at you feels awful and is genuinely terrible on the eyes. Men I Trust was great despite the weird lighting choices all night =)

Fantastic! Given that MCB is not my favorite venue to see shows, it was still an amazing and emotional concert. Sarah's delivery on the new material was just as passionate and intense as with all of my old faves. Josh's guitar and vox was solid and rocking just as I would expect. And tour drummer, Chris Carhart's accompanying backbeat set the tone for the show- present and in the moment. Five stars all the way and I would definitely recommend Phantogram to anyone interested in a great rock show with something new to offer.

Got my bootz stepped on and got elbowed in the face! And I’d do it again! on and I’d do it again! ALSO THEY HAD WATER AND LIL PAPER CONES FOR US TO DEINK FROM!??!? THATS SO SWEET!! And they passed out some water bottles during the show too. I love. Omg speaking of love- I DEFINITELY FELL I. LOVE WITH BOTH OF THE OPENERS! They were just ahhahagahahah WOW!!! And Omar was SO interactive with the crowd! Amazing. And the venue is fancy af like crystal chandelier and s**t, I felt underdressed hehe.

I had seen these guys the week before and couldn’t wait to see them again. I was telling anyone that would listen how great they were and was able to get a big group of our Thanksgiving gathering to attend the show. We secured a large portion of the first two rows. Lukas and the band were amazing, they might be my favorite band right now and I grew up listening to Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty, etc. So to say that Lukas is talented is to say that the Grand Canyon is a big hole. I love the whole marriage of his country roots with his passion for rock n’ roll. It works perfectly. I’m a classic rock fan first and foremost but there’s so much great music that comes before and after and out of rock that Lukas has woven together to find his unique sound. He’s channeling the blues, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his own unique take on country tinged R n’ R. Don’t let the boots and hats fool you, these guys put on a rock show. The screaming guitar solos and sweet dance moves are worth the price of admission. I never stopped smiling and singing for the entire show. I don’t know if Lukas and the band recognized us from the week before or they could just tell that we were the biggest fans at the show cuz at the end of the night Anthony came up and handed his drumsticks to my son, then Corey came over and handed me his guitar pick, then Lukas came over and handed my son HIS guitar pick and then one of the members of the crew gave me Lukas’ setlist! It was one of the best days I’ve ever had, so much fun and can’t wait to see them again.

I’m 25 and have been waiting to see this band since I was 13. They put on such an amazing performance. I am beyond grateful I was able to come see them. The venue was also cute and small with a lot of good vibes from the crowd as well. Got matching crewnecks for me and my best friend who wasn’t able to make it but has also been wanting to see The Spill Canvas since she was 12/13. Overall an amazing night I will always remember!! I hope one day I can see them again with my best friend!!

Kells always putting on a dope a*s show! Didn’t even have much of an opener (which was refreshing), and came out on time, like always (no bs). He was considerate enough to play his older music and not much of the unreleased Hotel Diablo, due to his lack of US tours the past couples years. He played everything from Lace Up to Bloom, and even threw in a couple covers (Wonderwall and Ocean Eyes). I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to see him again! Lace Up 😈🤘🏼