Uptown Theater

We've been here multiple times in the last year for concerts. Parking can feel a bit overwhelming, but if you don't mind walking ~5-10 mins there is always a spot available in the neighborhoods. The venue itself is very eclectic and sets the ambiance for a great show. Very organized for security checkpoints, with metal detector and bag check. I've never experienced any sound issues which is great. They could stand to have a bit more AC but it's worlds above what it used to be. My only gripe is with concession prices. Any drink is extremely pricey so plan accordingly! However during hot concerts they will willingly give out water to the GA crowd. Overall, they bring in some great acts and I do think it's a gem for Kansas City concert venues.

We went to the Uptown recently to see a prog rock legend. Turns out to be a great venue to watch a show. The place is ancient, which serves to give it a distinct charm, an old time theater with a balcony where you can imagine Houdini on stage handcuffed and in a straight jacket, padlocked inside a milk jug, submerged in a tank of water, surely to meet his demise. The seating, though, has been updated and is fairly comfortable if not roomy. The sound is exceptional. Every note was distinct throughout the guitar solos, the sax solo, the bass solo, the keyboard solo, the flute solo, and the drum solo. Pristine. All the old white dudes in attendance were loving it. In fact, there were so many old white dudes, I could've been at a referendum for the viability of voter suppression. There are at least two bars and all the servers were super friendly. Not the best beer selection you'll ever see. I mean, how many mass produced lagers do you need? After a thorough hunt, and a bit of misdirection from one confused server, I was able to locate an IPA for sale. Crises averted. So most definitely, great place, great experience.

I use to work for them long time ago in the kitchen, I went to see Don McLean and than Saturday nite saw Comedian Brad Willams, this was my first time to see a comedian and I enjoyed him and his partners too, the place was packed. Friday nite he was in Wichita. The three had merchandise and after the show sold their merchandise and autographed and sign up to follow them too, pix taken with them, paying bills and they said they would wait until the last one came through, before they were done. I waited one hour before I went through the line, there are two places to park,One across the street and the across uptown parking in the back part

We attended Thundergong last night, and as always this venue delivered! It is a beautiful building, and a wonderful place to see a show. I was happy to see the restaurant attendants that were there preciously were not longer in the restrooms. There is now a lot more room for customers to wash hands, primp, and get back to the show. Although I was at a sold out show, and the line to get in was long, we only waited for about 5 minutes before reaching the security station. Once in, the bars were so well staffed we hardly waited at all. The sound system, lights, and stage are really great especially for such a historic building. Still one of my favorite places to see a concert in Kansas City!

Beautiful midsized venue with vintage charm and cozy seating. I've been going to the Uptown for over 20 years and have enjoyed each show. Nice variety of entertainment. The artist merchandise is normally at the front when you first walk-in and security is always quick for bag checks.

I like that there really isn't a bad seat in the house at The Uptown. All the seats give a clear view of the performer. The seats are snug (think Spirit Airlines haha) but the legroom is better than many places. All the staff we encountered were nice and helpful. The drinks at the bar aren't big on alcohol- go next door to Hamburger Mary's if you want a stiffer drink. The Uptown is showing its age with its decor, but it's clean. Except the women's bathroom downstairs. Don't go in there. You've been warned.

The Uptown and I have a 40 year history. From seeing U2 on their first tour on my 18th birthday in 1981 up through last nights Dermot Kennedy show. With the many shows that I have attended, I have never had a major issue here and am always relieved when I see that an concert that I want to attend schedules their gig here. The capacity is perfect at 1700; just enough to make it exciting and energetic without overflowing entrances, bathrooms or concessions. The theater opened in 1928 and the interior is reminiscent of grand European Renaissance style, with arches, alcoves and statuary. It was closed for a period in the 90's but saved, renovated and re-christened. My only issue last night was the lack of beer selections. Take an Uber- parking is always dicey.

I appreciate older venues like this one being maintained/restored as much as the next guy. In fact, I normally find their intimate size and historic decor to be ideal for performances by artists I enjoy. At the end of the day however, it comes down to acoustics and sound. Last night we went to the long awaited performance of young virtuoso guitar player Marcus King here and it was without question the worst sound I have ever experienced. The sound engineers blew the place out with decibels that threatened to bring down this aging theatre. I made an effort to tell the "engineers" they were muddying up the entire band and that the audience couldn't even make out the lyrics from this bright young star with an outstanding voice, but they just shrugged me off and kept it throttled.Needless to say, I won't be looking to return to this venue anytime soon.

Went to Howard Jones, ABC, Haircut 100 last night. The staff was great! They brought me in out of the heat while they looked for the tickets that were waiting for me. Three staff members at different times said to me "we hope you enjoy your show tonight". Everything felt organized and I did have a great time! This is a special venue and the staff is special too! I will definitely be back.

The bartenders were fast, efficient, AND CLEAN!! All of them were so nice. Flogging Molly was amazing!