Looking for a spot in Raleigh that offers more than just good drinks? Here are some of the best live music venues Raleigh, NC has to offer. And if you're interested, you can play at a few of them.
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Kings
Listen There: Kings is a cozy bar in downtown Raleigh with a lot of comedy and music happening every night. It's also a great venue for local musicians to check out. You'll need to get street parking or find a spot in the garage.
Play There: They book bands 2-3 months in advance. Check their calendar and find a free date, then email booking (at) kingsraleigh.com with your Facebook page or band website, as well as your Soundcloud account or something that provides a preview to your music.
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Deep South The Bar
Go There: Deep South is still downtown, but not in the heart of it. It's about a block away from Red Hat Amphitheater. That means if you're coming out of a show, you can grab a quick drink. If you're only trying to go out somewhere, you'll find spots to park, if you choose not to Uber.
Once there, you'll find inventive drinks like the Disco Lemonade (fun fact: Deep South also represents artists such as Marcy Playground, hence the name.)
Play There: If you've got a following, bring them to Deep South, (otherwise, don't expect a crowd, the venue warns.) The venue is small (max 100 people), but has a nice stage and sound system. You can send your music and a link to your website or Facebook to John (at) DeepSouthEntertainment.com (make sure to read their booking info.)
You can also try Open Mic Nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Imurj
Go There: Home of the emo prom, Imurj isn't just a bar, it's a space and refuge for local artists, musicians, etc. Get a froofie (made that word up) and participate in a dance night Kizomba, Bachata and Salsa, or head over for a night of figure drawing. It's a unique space that has something for everyone. While street parking is available, it's advisable to park in a local garage or Uber.
Play There: You can reach out to the booking manager, Phiant Tran via email at phiant (at) imurj.com. Make sure to include your website or Facebook page and a link to your music (and check their booking details.) Imurj has an awesome space, so make sure you check their calendar and choose a free date on the Imurj calendar at least two months in advance.
Berkeley Cafe
Go There: If you need a spot with food and drink, Berkeley Cafe is located across the street from Nash Square (directly across from the big Oak tree.) You can pop in there for traditional Southern grub (shrimp and grits or crawfish, anyone?) or just for some awesome local bands. The parking near Nash Square is limited, so it's best to park in a garage nearby or Uber there.
Play There: They don't have a website, so best to pop in and ask about playing at Berkeley (maybe grab some food first for good measure) or message them on the Berkeley Cafe Facebook page with inquiries.
217 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Slim's
Go There: Slim's is a small space, but ambitious space with a nice blend of established artists and newbies. It's a great spot to grab a drink before or after dinner, due to it's close proximity to awesome restaurants like Beasley's Chicken + Honey and Tonbo Ramen. It's right downtown, so parking spaces are limited to street or garage.
Play There: Slim's is open to new artists. For inquiries, email SlimsBooking (at) gmail.com with your website, Facebook page, and a track of your music (via SoundCloud, etc.)
C. Grace
Go There: C.Grace is an intimate bar that takes you right out of Raleigh (Glenwood, to be exact) and into a night in the heart of New Orleans. live Jazz, liquor, dancing... (okay, this basically sounds like the plot to Chicago now.)
C.Grace provides a sophisticated experience with a Prohibition-era feel. After you're done at C.Grace, you can wander down Glenwood to an array of other more modern bars and restaurants to grab a bite. There's ample parking off Glenwood, but I'd always Uber just in case.
Play There: If you want to play at C. Grace, you may need to make special arrangements. Contact them from their site and express interest (keeping in mind that they may not accept it.)
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Saints & Scholars Pub and Bottle Shop
Go There: If you want something out of downtown Raleigh, try Saints & Scholars Pub and Bottle Shop in Northeast Raleigh. Aside from having a large menu and full bar, you can also check out music bingo on Tuesdays or Karaoke on Wednesdays from 7 PM- 11 PM. The best part? You can probably snag parking easily.
Play There: Similar to C.Grace, you want to reach out personally, as they don't invite artists to send in information openly. Use the contact form on the Saints & Scholars website to inquire, or drop by with any questions. Don't forget a card or some way for them to check out your tracks.
909 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
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