RECOMMENDED VENUES (Serving Up Hardcore):
- CALIFORNIA:
- Chain Reaction - Anaheim Chain Reaction is a venue exclusively for shows and music, there are snacks and drinks available for all ages. The venue is located in a commercial area of Anaheim (close to freeway). There is a Denny's right next to the venue, and as with most areas of California, everything else is fairly close. Area is primarily commerical with a decent amount of parking onsite, you may have to walk if you arrive late but will not have to pay for parking (it's been a few years since I've been to Cali, so things may have changed). Floor is open with an outdoor patio that seems to be a hangout for "listeners" (why not stay home?!) and a side area separated by a short wall that will allow those who want to be close to the action but not part of it to enjoy the show (this is also where the merch is usually set up). The sound fills the venue and overall is one of the better venues I have attended. I don't recall a heavy security presence in my several visits, crowds have been pretty well self-policed.
- Showcase Theater - Corona Showcase may be the only venue where you can do you laundry (coin-op), get your groceries/wares (dollar store) and get a decent pizza while you wait for the show. After the show there is an In-n-Out fairly close (definitely recommended if you have never been as this will complete any California experience and will likely be stocked full of familiar faces when the show is done). Venue provides drinks and snacks for all ages including slushees. Area is primarily commerical with plenty of free parking in the immediate area. The floor has three levels, you enter on a raised area that is separated from the main floor by a short wall, this area is for those again who want to observe without being part of the pit. The pit area is plenty big and actually has an area under the stairs of the merch loft where more daring observers can make their stands. The sound definitely fills the venue (there is no escape) and is perhaps my favorite venue to date. CURRENT 2008: Showcase is moving...check website for location details (makes my review null & void - RIP Showcase #1).
- The Glasshouse - Pomona I've only been to The Glasshouse once and remember it as being one of the largest that I have been to. Located in a downtown area, we arrived early and played pool in a nearby pool hall and had a blast. I am trying to remember, but I think the venue had a wider selection of snack and drink items for all ages. Area is primarily commercial with a mix of paid and free parking, you will likely have to walk. The entrance hall serves as the merch area, main floor is very large with some observation areas protected by short walls and a decent balcony area as well (plenty of areas for the timid or observers). Sound primarily fills the floor with some relief near the rear of the large venue. I was knee deep in the pit and don't recall a lot of hassle from security, there were plenty of people crowd surfing and doing their various dances but I don't recall anyone being hauled out.
- OREGON:
- Rock and Roll Pizza - Portland Located within a bar, food and a variety of drinks is available for all ages. The venue is located not located in the main portion of Portland, I don't recall many places to hang out if you arrive early (I think there is a Safeway within walking distance). Area is primarily residential, location has a decent amount of parking on site but you may have to walk if you arrive late (I've never had to pay for parking). Floor is fairly open with the merch area on the outskirts of the main area. Area is a decent size with a raised stage, the sound encaptures the floor (no escape except for separate bar area). I don't recall a heavy security presence in my several visits but I have not witnessed anything out of the ordinary either.
- WASHINGTON:
- El Corazon - Seattle Located within a bar, I don't believe that they serve any food other than snacks. All agers can purchase water and candies at the main window. The venue is located in a business area of downtown Seattle (there are always things to see in Seattle), we arrived late so I did not take particular note of the surrounding businesses. Area is primarily commercial, you should be able to park close to the venue but will likely have to pay for parking. Floor is long and somewhat narrow with a second deck area where the bands can set up for merch and those who want nothing to do with the pit can observe. Raised stage with various speaker arrangements, if you are standing far left/right the sound can be muffled/hollow (may appeal to casual observers). Heavy presence of Security but overall seemed to understand their purpose and allowed crowd to do their thing. I did not observe anyone attempting to crowd surf or slam dancing, venue was pretty packed when I attended.
