They charge $4 ... for water. That's ridiculous. Do they want people in their venue to dehydrate? Ahhhhhh!

Recently went to see Sleep Theory, the show was great, but this place has been going downhill. It could really use some updates, and they need to rethink the prices. read more

This place has gotten worse and worse over the years. I'll come to see a band I really like but I won't spend money at the bar. The restroom is absolutely disgusting and is obviously never cleaned. The venue itself just feels super dirty too. read more

I came here for The Sword show. It was well attended and from the entrance to the exit the staff was super friendly and the crowd was really cool. The two bands sounded great. Considering they were super loud, which was awesome, it was still acoustically a great sounding place. It was nice to wake up the next day without my ears ringing. I hope to be back here for future shows. read more

I've never reviewed a venue before, but every single one of the staff members was *incredibly* rude. It's an intimate venue, which I appreciate, but the show was sold out meaning it was impossible to get anywhere and nearly impossible to get out of the one set of doors. Great show nonetheless. read more

I went to the Granada last night and feel the need to bump them up to four stars. The show was Pretty Things Peepshow, which was phenomenal, as the last time. Sound was good. Drink prices were right. Bar staff quick and friendly (and poured a strong one). Security wasn't as uh, invasive as at the Emilie Autumn show, but I have feeling that was because this crowd was better behaved. One not so small thing that I suppose was an oversight: they waited until a half hour before the doors open to put the Pretty Things Peepshow on the marquee! As we pulled up, we saw some poor person on a ladder hurriedly putting up the letters. Meanwhile, there were shows for later in the month up there already. That aside, the space all but begs for more quality acts like traveling burlesque shows! They have a decent backstage/dressing area, large elevated stage and ways to close off part of the audience area if there is less of a crowd, so that it feels more comfortable. I'll go see a show here anytime! read more

I've been to a lot of venues across the country, I was in the military and love metal concerts. This was hands down the worst venue I've ever been to. I went last night for a metal show, way too many people crammed in there. I wanted to hang out in the back hoping it would be less crowded, and nope, I was crammed between a bunch of people. The bar was right across from where the bands were selling merch, so there was no room for the lines, and people were trying to walk in between. Then the staff kept yelling for people to make room, where did they want them to go? And to top it all off, one bathroom for all those people. I left after the opening band because I felt so uncomfortable. read more

No DSLR cameras! I asked the guy at the front doors and he said that DSLR cameras were not allowed. I didn't bring mine but that's good to know for the future; however, I did see somebody with a DSLR camera. I think she might have been a journalist or maybe was the photographer for the KU newspaper. Oh well. I came here for the M83 concert (featuring I Break Horses). The stage area was small and had that "intimate" feel. There were levels that you could stand and watch the performances. There was even a balcony up top; however, if you're looking for a place to sit down, then don't count on it. Besides, there was nothing wrong with standing during the whole concert. Since the place was small, the sound really got around quick. I was standing towards the back area (almost near the bar), and it almost felt like I was standing next to the speakers. In my opinion, anywhere you stand would be a good view of the stage. Great concert! read more

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went to a One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk concert tonight. Though the DJ's were AMAZING, the staff was not... The bartenders were so kind though I believe (the owners) were not nice at all. In the beginning, they scanned us (which was fine), after scanning our tickets that were prepaid, the opener mentioned that due to one of us being a minor, that person was to pay an extra 2$ on top of the ticket she already purchased... (which was not listed anywhere). Yes, it's just two dollars but it just felt like they were trying to squeeze every penny out of us... Upon arrival, everything was smooth and went great. However, one of the owners continuously seemed to be staring at our group which made us feel quite uncomfortable. Towards the remaining 30 minutes of the show, it seemed the owner began kicking people out but we had no clue why as it seemed everyone was minding their business. She then informed a person quite rudely in the group that vaping was not allowed (which was fine) however we then saw other individuals vaping and the owner did nothing. Unfortunately, It was difficult to not feel profiled... The bathrooms had only one working stall and one of the sinks were literally falling off the counter. Though the venue is neat, the older staff was not. It made it difficult to enjoy myself and have fun without feeling stared at. Most likely will not come back for any other events sadly cause i really enjoyed the set. read more

I'm a lost puppy in Lawrence, but I'm surprised to came across a decent size event place in this little strip full of walking distant bars. I don't usually party in the place, but my friends love going to shows here. I got invited to see my buddy's friend performing recently. There are 2 bars total with one near the front entrance, and another facing the stage. The staffs are really friendly, and made my drinks just the way I've expected. I must say I had lots of fun dancing, and meeting a nice crow of audience. I'll definetly visit more often since I've heard Granada Theater always held amazing shows. read more

I've seen dozens of shows here over the past couple decades, and I really have no major complaints. There's plenty of free parking in nearby lots, and also many metered parking spaces right by the venue. The entire staff is super nice. If it's a crowded show, prepare to be jostled a bit because there are no seats, it's just standing room only. Good bar- although when I asked for a Rum & Coke I got Rum & Pepsi. Sigh. read more

Do you remember being in college and how happy you were to move off of campus and how proud you were of your first rental house even though it was a death trap that probably should have been condemned long ago? Yeah, that's kind of like The Granada. And no, The Granada definitely isn't a death trap, but it is a perfect venue for this college town. It's not much as you walk in, a pretty non descript and decently spacious event space with small pit area in front of the stage, but does feature a state of the art sound and lighting system that will make whoever you've came to see look and sound good. They get a wide variety of different acts who feature something for everybody so it's good to keep an eye on their calendar. You might want to get there a little early because there's one small door with one guy checking IDs and another tearing tickets and all though they're efficient it will still take a little bit getting in. The drinks are priced like you would normally think drinks would be priced at a concert so you might want to bring a little extra cash (or just drink a couple of road sodas in the car.) Last, but not least the venue is right in the middle of downtown on Mass Street so park at your own risk. read more

I saw Foals, Surfer Blood, and Blondefire here. First off, the acoustics were much better here than at Liberty Hall which is a few blocks away. I think it was a combination of the sound production quality and the room's acoustics, but it was MUCH better. I saw Blondefire perform at Liberty Hall a few weeks ago, and they sounded awful (I was a fan before seeing them live, so I was shocked by their live sound not being as good)! This time around, they were pretty enjoyable. Drink prices are pretty good too. They have $4 16oz beers, or $3.5 well drinks. The venue isnt very large, but has 3 tiers so it's not very hard to get a good spot where you can see the band. This was also something I found more difficult at Liberty Hall. I'll definitely be looking for more shows at the Granada, and unless its a great price for a great band, I'll be passing on Liberty Hall. read more

Granada - Foals in concert 6/5/2013 - Performing Arts Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Walking up to the Granada, I was thinking to myself, "wow, I may have found a shit hole venue worthy enough to be compared to my long time favorite venue, The Princess Theatre, of small town Columbus, Mississippi." The outside was on par with the Princess, but not much else was. Upon entering, I was really confused. The front "foyer" was pretty beat up and didn't offer any hope for anything to follow after it. But after walking down a short hallway and entering a large open area, I was a little more impressed. I felt like I was in the basement of an aquarium, which I attribute to the weird blue neon lights surrounding the circular room. Maybe I just have a wild imagination... who knows? The sticky, humid feel of the place didn't help persuade me otherwise and I spent part of the night waiting for a whale to fall through the ceiling. The bartenders were super nice though, and the drinks were semi-reasonably priced. I discovered an AMAZING band that night, and the PRETTY THINGS PEEP SHOW was fan-freaking-tastic. If it hadn't been for those three little blessings, I would have been completely turned off by the lack of seating, the filthy bathrooms, and the woman smoking pot in the bathroom. I don't think they clean the venue regularly either, which maybe it's just my OCD preventing me from being a total-fan... but still. I guess I would still recommend seeing a show their. The audience was pretty bizarre and entertaining... and the Granada is the first venue I have ever seen that has a small stage out front under the marquee playing an entirely different show. read more

I've been coming here for over 10 years and it is still as Gra-nasty as it was back then. The floor and bathrooms are still as disgusting as I remember. I wish the bar carried Hennessey but I guess its not too popular among the college kids. Despite all of that, this venue is one of my favorite places for a show because of the acoustics. I've seen different genres of music here and they all sounded great! read more

The drinks are cheaper than they used to be which is a plus. However... I asked for a cup of water and they said you can only get a bottle for $2. What kind of place, at which a TON of people are drinking, won't give free water? While they aren't required to, I've never been refused water from a bar. It seems silly to me, but you do you, Granada. read more

Overall The Granada isn't a bad venue. They bring a lot of good, less mainstream acts to the Kansas City area. The Tycho show on 3/21/15 was my first time seeing a show here and I'm happy to say that I'll be going back a few times in the coming months for other shows. Pros: - Ticket price point - almost always falls between $15 - $25 per ticket. - Just the right size and everything is GA - The Granada has a place for everyone. Enjoy the show from the floor in front of the stage, by the bar (1 of 3 total), or up on the balcony. - Good sound - 3 bars - Brings in a lot of up and coming acts and fills the "midsize" venue hole that The Beaumont Club left after shutting down. Cons: - It got incredibly hot at the show I was at, although, that's commonplace for small to midsize venues. - Beer selection was meh. It's a college town so I understand the smaller selection though. - Online ticket broker fees are upwards of $5 per ticket. I can't stand the fees so I try to buy at the box office. Pro and con: - 18 and up shows. I guess I'm just getting old and crotchety, but I prefer to not be around so many kids doing weird shit that makes me think, "Do these kids have parents? What do they say when their daughter leaves the house dressed like she came out of an anime show, armed with a light up hula-hoop?" On the flip side of that, I'm glad the younger kids have access to good live music. I'll happily be going back to the Granada and I'm glad they're in the KC area. read more

My husband and I came here last week to see Trampled by Turtles. I had recently discovered this band and was happy to see that they were coming (close) to Kansas City. Lawrence is a short 40 minute drive from Overland Park. The parking is not great - it's just street parking - but we lucked out this time and found a spot right in front. We came on the weekend a couple of years ago and had to park a few blocks away. No big deal. Everyone was friendly - the door guy tried to make a joke about carding me. I'm OK with that. I have a daughter who is close to 21. My husband asked about the best place to see the band and they mentioned the balcony. That was perfect. We weren't in with the fray and got there early enought to lean against the railing. I'm also short, so I usually get stuck behind the tallest guy on the floor. The drinks are small - but wells are only $2.50. Sound was great in the balcony. The venue (or at least this band) attracts all kinds of people - college students, obviously, since it's in Lawrence. But we also saw couples older than us, hipsters, yuppies, a couple of families each with a young child, middle-aged couples (like us), grunge (or maybe just dirty hipsters?) and a few crazies. Very eclectic. Would I come back here to see a band? Absolutely. read more

I've been to a handful of shows at the Granada and my overwhelming feeling is "meh". I've been to shows all over the USA in venues of all sizes and I think the Granada could be better for the type of venue it is. The Granada is one of the biggest venues of its type in Lawrence (comparable in size to Liberty Hall, I don't know which is larger). The sound is usually kind of tinny, and they seem to turn all the levels up to the max which just isn't great. The crowd is hit or miss depending on the show, but there's a reason it's called the Granasty. BUT, this is the kicker to me. I would have given them 3 stars if not for this. They don't give out tap water, you must buy bottled water. Even if you buy a drink, they won't give you water on the side. The bartenders are (sort of and sarcastically) apologetic and say "the managers!" and "I will get in trouble!" but I think if you're going to have all ages shows and shows where people dance, you gotta give out water. The drinks at the Granada are pricier than other bars, but I get that is the deal at venues because you're not there specifically to drink, but to see a show and so you're trapped with your booze choices. But to exploit that to only selling bottled water is unethical in my opinion. read more

This review is based on the venue and the show I attended ONLY. I really like the fact that less mainstream acts are contracted for events, allowing people to attend for a reasonable price and it has more of a low-key environment. For my first time going I was happy with my experience, I was able to enjoy the event and not be pushed around or feel too crowded to where I can't move. As far as the service I can't really comment since I didn't place an order to drink or eat. I will say one tip for the staff is to have some escort guidelines for when the show ends so people are not just all rushing out through one door. I notice quite a lot of people just standing around by the door waiting for the artists to come out to possibly take a picture, disrupting the exiting process to an extend. But this minor issue wouldn't be one to keep me away from attending another event. read more

I was at the Granada for the Sonata Arctica show with Delain and Xandria. The show was great - Sonata Arctica always does an amazing job, and while I'd never heard of the opening bands before, both were quite enjoyable as well. The Granada itself has exceptional acoustics. I've been in plenty of clubs of its size for metal shows, and this one was the loudest in such a space and still sounded great. The standing room is well laid out, and there's ample room to move around - an issue I've had in other venues is that getting from tier to tier or area to area means either crawling under or jumping over a railing because the space between them is simply too small for the crowd. Not an issue here. They also don't have a bunch of awkward chairs or anything else like that overcrowding the space. This also makes the space somewhat safer in case of an emergency. The Granada's bartenders that night were both excellent, friendly, but not wasting any time. They kept the lines moving kept the drinks flowing. Once again, the bar area has ample open space in front of it for folks to queue to get their drinks between performances. The cleanliness was what you'd expect from a venue of this sort, really. Some people have mentioned that they didn't find it particularly clean - and really, I've never been to a concert venue that was. I've been to many such venues over the years, in many cities all over the US. This place is on par with others of its sort. It's also not in abject disrepair, or showing any signs of falling apart. None of the railings I touched were jiggly, none of the restrooms were overflowing with sewage, and the floor wasn't completely trashed. These are all things I've witnessed firsthand in other similar venues. Overall, the Granada is a good place to take in a metal show, especially if you like it loud. Don't expect seating, this is a typical concert venue with standing room only. read more

Great Venue! Pretty intimate and sound is good. What makes it great is that so many different music genres perform here. I've seen many unforgettable shows here including Ingrid Michelson, Allen Stone, **J. Cole**, Big Krit, Somo, Josh Abbott Band, Marina and the Diamonds, Logic, G-Eazy....this list goes on and on! Drinks can be pricey but they are at any show. The balcony is a good spot to watch from but there's really not a bad place to watch from. I've had many great experiences here and if you ever need someone to go to a show with, call me! I'll probably be there anyway! read more

They don't call it the "Granasty" for nothin'! To truly enjoy this place, you have to get hammered, so that you won't notice (or at least won't care) that you are hanging out in a totally disgusting, vile place with random puddles of nastiness (vomit? drinks? worse?) Decent enough concert venue, but ick! read more

I posted a picture of my review already cause I didn't feel like typing my frustration out again. read more

Granada - So this was when me & my friend went to see Walk the moon on 3/26. Im still not happy about what happened. Never going back. - Performing Arts Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Granada is fun! And tonight it offers: Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation! Seriously! Check out their website http://extrememidgetwrestling.com Lawrence is awesome, and the Granada has been entertaining Kansans for years! read more

I've seen some awesome shows here over the years and I'm really excited about the construction they are undertaking right now. Was in there last night and they're putting in a balcony that will probably add about another 500 person capacity as well as a second level bar. Drinks prices vary based on whatever is going on there but I never have a problem getting served really quickly. Great people, awesome shows. Very professional music venue. Pro tip: if you're looking for tickets to a show during the day, especially if its not the day of the show, sometimes you have to feel around for an unlocked door and just shout "Hey!!! I need some tickets!!!" And usually someone will come and escort you up to the office. read more

Last night, I went to the Granada to see shock-rappers Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. I walked in knowing this would be a rowdy show, and that I could get bumped or pushed down at the show. But something happened to me that was beyond my control, and not even those in control cared about what was going on. Before the act took the stage at the GA show, a guy tried to get in front of me. I go to a lot of shows, and I know a lot of people try to sneak as far forward as possible. This was not one of those guys. He wasn't squeezing into open spaces. He was walking through, literally pushing people aside, as if there were a seat up front that said "Reserved for Asshole". I thought he was being a jerk, so I raised my arm to keep him from moving any further. He matter-of-factly told me he was going to the front, and I told him I thought it was a dick move. He tried to get me to flinch and back down, but I stood my ground . He eventually relented and moved a few people back, but he didn't move on. Over the next few hours, the guy would come back up. He screamed in my ear, calling me Faggot, the world's biggest Bitch, and other unkind words. This wasn't as bad as the violence though - the man smacked me on the side of the head, punched my back, and literally rammed into me, as if trying to push me over the rail I was standing in front of. I never retaliated - I was raised better than that. I just put up with him, ignored him as much as physically possible, and hoped he would give up. This guy was pathetic, but I know there are pathetic people in the world. I don't expect everyone to be polite and kind to me. What I do expect, though, is to be safe when in the presence of Security Professionals. At one point during the show, a security professional employed by the Granada passed by me on unrelated business. I was relieved to see this - multiple attempts to raise my hand and flag my assaulter failed to catch the notice of any security personal - I was far back at a sold-out show, and none of them could see me, but now I had a guy that could finally help me. I got his attention, and told him my situation. His response? "Maybe you shouldn't be such a pussy." And he left. My assaulter saw what happened. This only further riled him. He put his arm around me and cursed me for trying to snitch him out. When the show ended, I went looking for whoever was in charge of the Granada that night. I was pointed to a man named Cameron, and I told him about the Granada employee who called me a Pussy when I was in serious need of help. Cameron was unmoved. Apparently, the Granada employee - a man in charge of keeping the concert-goers safe - didn't have the duty of helping people being attacked. What I should have done, according to Cameron, was wave someone else over to help me - which I had tried, of course. Cameron gave me the minimum apology. He said he would talk to the security guy about calling me a Pussy, but he was unconcerned that this guy ignored my cry to help. The security guy, even if he wasn't specifically in charge of rowdy concertgoers, should have helped me out. If someone tells you they're being threatened, you help them out. Just because people should try to be decent. Or he could have just asked the assaulter to back off. Or he could have just sent someone else to help me. Or he could have just said, "I'm not the person to talk to." The second I was done explaining all this to Cameron, he ended the conversation and moved on before I was ready for the conversation to end. He had other things to do, and I was keeping him from it. This shows a complete failure on the Granada's part to take seriously the safety of their own customers. I'm not just shocked, but offended by this behavior. There needs to be a big change at the Granada, but from what encounters I've had with their staff, it doesn't look like one is coming. read more

Skanky, skanky, skanky. And I love it! I'm afraid to touch every single surface in here, but it's got the best sound system of any venue in town. (Well, except maybe Liberty Hall). I saw my beloved Get Up Kids here many times. Oh, the memories ! read more

Get hammered and enjoy your favorite band in this big space. Just try not to touch anything.

It is what it is. Dirty concert venue. They also hold things like KU basketball watching parties. Fun place. Not totally well kept. It was built by a famous theater developer, but this place hasn't been renovated in years. I'd only go here for a show which usually means that I would go no matter where the show was. Its OKAY I guess. read more

This place used to be one of my favorite venues in the KC/Lawrence area but it has gone down hill in the last few years. The bathrooms are disgusting and it seems that none of them work half the time I go here. The staff minus like one gal and the bartenders are rude as hell. Probably shouldn't work at a concert venue if you are not a people person and have terrible customer service experience. This leaves a really terrible taste on the venue and makes me want to stop returning to shows here. Plenty of other up and coming venues that will surely make this place disappear into thin air. The only reason they get one star is because drinks are cheap and they book decent artists. read more

WATCH YOUR BANK STATEMENTS! I was recently at The Granada for a concert. I bought a round that was overpriced at $20 for 2 beers and 1 well vodka. I tipped $5 and kept my copy of the receipt. I check my bank statement and I was charged $28. I am still waiting for a response from management, but what a pain! read more

What a bull shit venue. Charging for minors to get in above buying tickets. Usually you buy tickets to see the show. Plus the venue is small and the employees are rude as fuck. Would not recommend this venue ever. read more

I am pretty upset about a venue we bought tickets for (Easton Corbin 12-6-18). Bought the tickets the morning of the venue and then the event was canceled before the end of the day. "Luckily" I tell myself "I bought the insurance (14 bucks) in case the show was CANCELED". Approx. $140.00 by the time it was over. After looking into where my refund was I Unfortunately found out I bought tickets online not from the Granada like it looked like it was but through a place called Event Tickets Center. Instead of $30 bucks for GA I was charged $45 also. So ok event canceled..called the Granada they tell me it will be 3 days and my refund will be there. 3 days later no refund so I look it up on my bank detail and get the number for ETC. Then they start saying they haven't been informed by the Granada that the event was canceled so they cannot refund me until I call the Granada and ask the Granada to send them an email of the cancelation. Why do I have to do this? Isn't this their responsibility? Until we get the email from the Granada we cannot refund your $140. This is bullshit all the way around. A customer should not be having to do all this for a show that has been canceled and not rescheduled. Call ETC they say Call the Granada called the Granada they cannot get an email out til Monday or so (all very non chalant) called ETC back a got smart ass agent who wants to argue that I am upset I have to do their job for them running down my refund. Does anyone give a shit anymore about treating a customer right? read more

This is a really great place to catch a show. We saw Franz Ferdinand. The acoustics were great. We got there at 7 so we had a great spot to stand but I don't see how there could be a bad location in the hose. Bar tender was fast, friendly and the drinks are cheap. read more

Especially since they renovated the building, this is my favorite venue in town. I adore Bottleneck and I love Liberty Hall, but this place pulls in acts I enjoy all the time, and the mood of the building is fantastic. I've been to dozens of shows here and never had a particularly bad experience. read more

I've been to 2 shows at the Granada, os Mutantes which was just a happy coincidence, and the Grateful Dead cover band, Schwag. The best thing about the Granada is that it has affordable shows. I'm happy to drive from Kansas City, MO, for shows that cost $20 or less. (GA) For a converted movie theater, it's quite nice. Security is obviously a priority for the management, but in a non-obtrusive way which tended to reassure me about unruly drunks not getting in my face. Could it use some seating upgrades? Oh, sure. I'd love to be able to sit down from time to time, but the standing room gives me a chance to mingle and look nearly everyone in the place in the eye and say, "howdy." Better shows? Of course, but big-name shows cost more and I can see plenty of spendy shows in KC. The Granada is not the Sprint Center, or even Starlight, but it is many times better than a bar show. And the people I've met at the Granada (both customers and staff) are friendly and make me want to go back asap. read more

Love this place. Great venue to check out bands in an intimate setting. Descent prices, know the doorman it helps.

My husband and I saw a Pat Green concert here a couple of nights ago. The opener sounded awful (terrible, tinny sounding vocals completely drowned out by the bass and music) but we thought maybe that was because the band's sound people weren't mixing right or something. Turns out Pat Green (and the pre-recorded music played between artists) sounded wretched too so the only conclusion I can draw is that that the sound system at the Granada is terrible. We've been to numerous small concert venues that were fantastic but will NEVER go to a concert here again. I've never left a concert early before, but we ended up leaving halfway through Pat Green because we couldn't stand it. read more

The people that work there (minus one person) try to one up you. Good luck trying to talk to them. They think they're superior because they work there. You cannot do anything at concerts anymore. No hd cameras? Wtf? The headlining band played for a very short amount of time. I could care less about the opening bands. If you are going to have a headlining band..please make it so they can play longer. Lawrence needs a new concert venue because this one sucks. read more