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    Kalamazoo State Theatre

    4.2 (52 reviews)
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    Matt H.

    The State Theater is an icon in Kalamazoo; hosting big acts in an intimate setting. The theater was built in 1927 and still has all of the charm and ambiance of that era. Each time you set foot in the building, you step back in time. Acoustics are pretty sweet when listening to a musical act and the sound system allows even far reaches of the huge auditorium to have a great experience. The lighting is pretty cool too and you feel like you're in a castle. I spend the first few minutes every time, looking around and just taking in the architecture! The front office works hard to keep acts coming to our town and offering fairly reasonable prices helps to keep the locals coming in. You can see everything from musical acts, movies, comedians, and whatever else the patrons demand. Several small bars are scattered throughout the lower and upper lobbies and they are always serving local beers and wines along with a few snacks; all at reasonable prices. In the end, you are sure to have a great time whenever you visit this historical icon in downtown Kalamazoo.

    State theater
    Deborah C.

    We had a great time at the Almost Queen tribute band show . It was our first time at the state theatre. Seats are nicely angled so the people in front of you don't block your view. It's beautifully ornate inside and we were surprised they served alcohol. Sounds system rocked! We could hear all the spoken words plus the music was crips and clear. Hoping to do something like this again!

    Kathleen B.

    The most unique theater I have ever been to! I grew up doing to Warren Miller Ski movies, Pink floyd laser light shows as well as too many concerts to count here. I love how they have not changed this place at all! You still feel like you are outside in the open air enjoying a show. I do miss the clouds that used to float across the night sky from back in the day but other then that it is a magical place. It was a nice change that they would ID you for alcohol outside the venue before going in so that the lines are not long inside for concessions. The domestic drafts seem reasonable at $6 a beer. The bathroom lines still are crazy long during intermission but that is anywhere.

    Isolde said she held Michael Hedges' hand when he was in the hospital being treated for kidney stones.
    Tristan H.

    Compared to other venues of its size and kind (the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor being one example) the State Theatre is criminally underused. I often wondered if the owners were using it as a tax shelter, i.e., minimally use the facility while deriving maximum tax benefit. There should be something happening everyday at this venue. The acoustics are amazing and the sight lines are fantastic. (However, I have a couple of things I am not in love with: The seating - the seats themselves, and the space between rows - is so tight that if I don't sit at the end of a row, I am miserable. The seats should have been replaced decades ago. And while I love nothing more than an overpriced plastic cup of Bell's Amber Ale, I think I prefer alcohol free shows now.) Acts that I've seen at the State Theatre: Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Tori Amos, Michael Hedges, Rickie Lee Jones, Buddy Guy, Leo Kottke, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Bobby McFerrin, Cowboy Junkies, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Koko Taylor, Midnight Oil, Peter Case.

    Lena C.

    I cannot say enough about how much I fell in love with this theatre! I traveled up (way up) to see my guy and catch the GSBG shows after Thanksgiving. For once in my life I didn't do a full research review and dissertation, based on Yelp reviews, so I didn't know what to expect. I had heard from from friends, it's intimate, it sounds great, it's beautiful, etc. but was still blown away with just how ornate the State theatre is. The details in design can be seen throughout the venue on the stairways to the ceilings, and of course inside the actual theatre. Like my friend used to say- that's Theatre with *re, if ya know what I mean. Aside from its beauty, the acoustics were also pretty great. As typical in these older venues, there's a richness to the sound that you can't get in any newer venues. We sat in the center balcony and it seemed that there wasn't a bad audio spot anywhere upstairs. The views from the balcony were also pretty spectacular. What's even better is that you still feel a connection with the band due to the size and design of the balcony. Very much looking forward to more shows here in the future when back in area.

    The view behind us (main floor, row BB)
    Pam W.

    I love attending concerts and events at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. What a grand old lady. I feel like I step back into time every time I walk through the doors. The interior is absolutely astounding and beautiful. The acoustics are very good and they have invested in top of the line equipment. Our latest concert, we sat in the 2nd row from the stage in folding chairs they set up for larger events and I also think to curtail dancing in the front, which is fine with me since this bugs me when I pay good money to see and hear a band, not watch people dance. The ladies bathroom on the 2nd floor is huge. The line was very long during intermission, but it moved quickly. The lines to the food & beverage also move pretty fast. The longest wait is to enter the building if it is a sold-out crowd. I wish there was a way to speed this up, especially when it is a cold night. But I completely understand the security measures they have in place. Kalamazoo is proud of the State Theatre and rightfully so.

    Ahhhh #hellosexyvoice
    Nena M.

    I had the most fun I have had in FOREVER tonight! I won tickets to see "Take me to the river" concert. And this was my very first time at Kalamazoo State Theatre, definitely not my last! This concert was SO upbeat, amazingly fun and full of talented people! The singers had such amazing voices! I couldn't stop recording videos lol When we walked in, the atmosphere was SO exciting! I was geeked to see the performance just as much as I was to take pictures of everything! The stage was beautiful, the photos on the wall, sculptures and seats were classic! Such a great feel! It looked like a gorgeous sky with beautiful stars! I can't wait to try another concert or play here! The concert itself had some amazing music, awesome people and there we're even some hilarious jokes! Had me dancing, laughing and smiling the whole time! Everyone at the venue had such a great time! They even had some food, drinks, beer and after the concert you got to meet the band and get autographs! Definitely will be back and highly recommend !

    Ok Go
    Beth C.

    It was really cool seeing a concert this weekend at the State Theater with several people who hadn't been to the venue before. My friend Sarah, from Lansing, said she never seen a concert at such a small venue and absolutely loved the intimacy of it. It's really cool when artists make great use of that intimacy like OK Go did in their incredible show on Sunday. The band members asked questions of the audience and make sure to call on people in the balcony, too, which made it feel like we all had the best seats in the house (even some of their confetti machine output made it to the balcony). That we're all in it together vibe was further facilitated by the band recruiting the entire audience as musicians via turning our phones into instruments to the use of an OK Go ap, and the band inviting an audience member to strum a one-stringed guitar during the final encore (a cover of Blur's Woo Hoo) while about a hundred kids bounced around the stage. The architectural details of the venue never cease to delight, and I've been very happy to see them incorporate a great recycling program for the cups their drinks are served in. Food and drink prices are also fairly reasonable here ... Slightly more expensive than your average bar, but much less expensive than the movie theater or most concert venues.

    Entrance
    Adonis P.

    I'd attended a couple of shows at the State Theater previously, but they had been "in & out" situations and hadn't really gotten to "see" the theater itself. That all changed when I recently attended a Yelp event held at the State! Before I get into the theater itself I have to mention the little smudge on the experience. The building entrance was manned by a slightly overzealous employee/volunteer. I'm never one to besmirch someone for doing his or her job, but this guy being difficult just for the sake of of stubbornness. He had a small crowd of us at the door and refused to allow us entry until 4:30p. It was 4:26p. Then at 4:30p he still held us up waiting to hear from our tour guide, even though this was all previously setup. Sigh. Anyway, once we mucked our way through that, we were led upstairs. That's where the tour began. If you've never been to the second floor of the theater, you are missing out. It is beautiful. The decor immediately made me think of the heyday of theaters in the 1920s-30s (well at least what I've seen in movies. I'm old not ancient!). The molding and architecture was fantastic. For as old as the building is, it is still in really good shape. The tour took us backstage and underground and we got to see organ blower (stop it) which is still intact. Climbing the narrow stairways, one could imagine the hustle and bustle of opening night for a production! We also were told a harrowing tale of the tragic fire in the early 1900s in Chicago. That incident is primarily the reason for all of the fire safety innovations in the theater. I love the history and beauty of the State Theater. I'm glad that it was preserved for generations to relive memories, and to make new memories. Other than the initial "toe stub", the theater staff are all fantastic and professional. You can tell they are passionate about their work. If you haven't gone on a tour of State Theater, jump on the next one you see! If you have yet to visit the theater for a show, what are you waiting for? Maaan!

    Christie H.

    Great Concert Venue! This is the perfect spot for an intimate concert experience. We went to Gary Allan and he rocked the house! You feel up close and personal with the Stars. So happy he chose a smaller venue for this tour. We will definitely keep Kzoo State Theatre on our radar for future shows.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I've been to hundreds of shows here, my favorite place in Kalamazoo! They pull in some great shows, you won't be disappointed

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    12 years ago

    Fantastic, clean, historic and wonderful venue! Sound quality is great, staff is very courteous and it's always a treat to come here.

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    Ask the Community - Kalamazoo State Theatre

    Review Highlights - Kalamazoo State Theatre

    It was really cool seeing a concert this weekend at the State Theater with several people who hadn't been to the venue before.

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    The Gatsby

    The Gatsby

    2.9
    (16 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    It's a place to have some fun and if you feel like dancing, you can do it! Bar has many choices if…read moreyou feel like drinking. The ambiance is relaxing and soothing that you can dance on your own or with someone else and have fun! Nice play to relax and have some dance!

    The Gatsby combines the atmospheres of a bar, nightclub, and restaurant. I love the idea of KZoo…read moretapping into its very own modern day speakeasy, but I don't feel like the Gatsby fulfills all of its potential for me to buy into the speak easy part of it. Here's what I felt missed the bar... First, a speakeasy's initial location of "secrecy"... I don't think the top floor of Monaco Bay is that difficult to find. In fact, there is a giant "Gatsby" sign lit up outside. Even if it is modern, perhaps an unmarked door at the entrance could enhance the overall feel. Second, the expectation of innovative cocktails that take you back to an era. The specials were the same as Monaco and the bartender didn't know what the night's special actually was... There's a lot of potential here to boast old custom cocktails from scratch- with a modern twist. Third, the atmosphere. The exposed brick, dark woods, and lavish style add to the tone. Would be really great if there were candles on tables instead of incredibly bright lights drilled into the floor. I did enjoy the unique lights hanging above the bar though. The decor played into vintage modern, but it's lacking some authenticity. Also, the DJ seemed to just play popular culture. Would have loved to hear some swing or jazz remixes instead.

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    Gorgeous bar
    Gorgeous bar
    La noche es joven
    La noche es joven
    A Modern Speakeasy

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    A Modern Speakeasy
    The Pyramid Scheme

    The Pyramid Scheme

    3.8
    (93 reviews)
    46.7 mi
    $

    Came for the most amazing performance by comedian, Alok!…read more The Pyramid Scheme is a fun retro take on a dive bar known for their great shows, pinball machines and (somewhat) reasonably priced drinks. The staff may seem rough on the outer edges, but they are all actually teddy bears once you get to know them. Usually shows are standing room only, which is a drag if you are old like me and opt not to wear orthotics. Luckily, the 9 pm encore show was seated. My old bones appreciated this. Now look below as I'm fangirling in the attached photos! I absolutely adore Alok and their courage to humorously challenge the gender binary and systematically poke holes in the patriarchal system that comprises The USA.

    i have been attending the Pyramid Scheme for years now. I absolutely love all of the staff and they…read morereally become like friends and family after constantly seeing them when attending shows. The lineups are often pretty diverse, now offering more local music and the addition of more free events to bring together the community. They've added vintage nights, trivia, and free pinball days which I think is a very important and necessary community good. The venue has a front half with a bar, pinball cabinets, and even some outdoor seating. The back hosts the concert venue with interior bar, seating, and elevated stage. I'm allergic to alcohol so I can't speak to the drinks nor the prices but they have free water jugs readily available which is a lifesaver during shows and is just such a small, nice feature to have access to. I definitely would recommend coming here for a concert, finding some new local music, or establishing a new hang out for your friends.

    Photos
    Uh-oh! I did 172 million
    Uh-oh! I did 172 million
    T-shirts for sale
    T-shirts for sale
    The Pyramid Scheme

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    Farmers Alley Theatre

    Farmers Alley Theatre

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I've been to this theatre once before, when they hosted Pecha Kucha - and have been so impressed…read morewith the space, staff, and plays. The building is gorgeous - the lobby is welcoming, the box office is quite handy, and the curb cut is RIGHT in front of the front door. THANK YOU. Inside, there are a few benches, and very clean bathrooms. There's also a bar, if you're so inclined. It seems that the doors to the play open pretty early, so if there are no seats available and you'd like to sit down, head on into the theatre! There is general seating, and the front row has no stairs, as it is on the floor. I think there are 5 or 6 rows, so not many stairs anyway, if this is an issue. It is an open space, small, but inviting. The staff are so kind. The actors, extremely talented. We just saw Beyond the Rainbow: The Judy Garland Musical, and it was some of the best acting I've ever seen. The plays are extraordinary. The talent, sets, direction, music - it all comes together to bring you one of the best theatres in town. GO!

    In the past six years, Farmers Alley Theatre has certainly made its mark on the theatre scene in…read moreKalamazoo and in the state of Michigan. The productions are top notch, employing professional actors from around the country as well as the best of local talent. This is an intimate theatre where every seat is a good one. Each season includes a variety of musicals, dramas, comedies and special programming for children and families. Don't miss the holiday cabarets during which the theatre is filled with cabaret tables where you sip on coffee and enjoy dessert during the performance.

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    Farmers Alley Theatre
    PINKALICIOUS the musical! Coming March 2014
    PINKALICIOUS the musical! Coming March 2014
    Pecha Kucha event at the theatre

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    Pecha Kucha event at the theatre

    Kalamazoo State Theatre - theater - Updated July 2026

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