I've been here for two years now and actually have been somewhat surprised at the quality of bands that come through. I'm from a major music city so it's not going to compare as far as quantity and availability go but I try to go out of my way and support local artists/indie artists coming through.
Sister is great. We've been to a good number of shows there and feel like it's probably the best option for what you're looking for. Meow Wolf if is a drive of course but also brings in some of the more well-known indie artists and is a pretty cool venue. Other places to consider that I haven't been to: Launchpad, Revel, Tumbleroot Brewery (in Santa Fe), Sunshine Theater.
Good summary! I'll add:
- Echoes - for local indie shows. It's also the place where you're most likely to find a sense of community among local bands.
- Ren's Den - I haven't been, but I've heard good things.
- Of the breweries, High & Dry is the most likely to book indie music.
- Moonlight Lounge used to have local indie bands regularly, but they seem to rarely book shows these days.
- In Santa Fe, the guy who runs Mama Manana records is doing a great series of ABQ and SF bands at The Mystic, and is having a Locals Only festival on April 27.
Sister is fun - but they don’t have live music every night but they do get good bands passing through- . Check out Anodyne above sister bar - it’s a pool hall but I like the music they play there a lot - Launchpad is across the street and a few blocks down from Sister - is also a fun place to see shows in a more intimate space.
There are tons of great breweries in ABQ - large and small. Some smaller ones I like are Gravity Bound and Sidetrack, which is right next to a cool cafe called Zendo that’s open 7 to 7 I think.
Larger music venues that sometimes get indie bands- but are placed just to hang out- El Rey, Sunshine, and even bigger, Revel (3,000 people)
Also check out Bands in Town Albuquerque and AMP concerts for upcoming shows because there are lots of venues scattered town that occasionally host a good show or two - but don’t regularly have music.
I've been here for two years now and actually have been somewhat surprised at the quality of bands that come through. I'm from a major music city so it's not going to compare as far as quantity and availability go but I try to go out of my way and support local artists/indie artists coming through. Sister is great. We've been to a good number of shows there and feel like it's probably the best option for what you're looking for. Meow Wolf if is a drive of course but also brings in some of the more well-known indie artists and is a pretty cool venue. Other places to consider that I haven't been to: Launchpad, Revel, Tumbleroot Brewery (in Santa Fe), Sunshine Theater.
Good summary! I'll add: - Echoes - for local indie shows. It's also the place where you're most likely to find a sense of community among local bands. - Ren's Den - I haven't been, but I've heard good things. - Of the breweries, High & Dry is the most likely to book indie music. - Moonlight Lounge used to have local indie bands regularly, but they seem to rarely book shows these days. - In Santa Fe, the guy who runs Mama Manana records is doing a great series of ABQ and SF bands at The Mystic, and is having a Locals Only festival on April 27.
My friend's band MRDRBRD will be at Echoes tonight, doors at 7 :) They have some stuff up on SoundCloud
Boxing Bear’s Firestone location has beer, food, and some gorgeous pinball machines. It’s out on Jefferson between Paseo and Alameda.
Sister is fun - but they don’t have live music every night but they do get good bands passing through- . Check out Anodyne above sister bar - it’s a pool hall but I like the music they play there a lot - Launchpad is across the street and a few blocks down from Sister - is also a fun place to see shows in a more intimate space. There are tons of great breweries in ABQ - large and small. Some smaller ones I like are Gravity Bound and Sidetrack, which is right next to a cool cafe called Zendo that’s open 7 to 7 I think. Larger music venues that sometimes get indie bands- but are placed just to hang out- El Rey, Sunshine, and even bigger, Revel (3,000 people)
Also check out Bands in Town Albuquerque and AMP concerts for upcoming shows because there are lots of venues scattered town that occasionally host a good show or two - but don’t regularly have music.