Best Local Music Venues in New Jersey

Here's an idea for you. Instead of listening to those mp3's on your computer or ipod, why not check out the bands that actually wrote those songs? If you live in or around New Jersey, why not check these music venues? Here are a few local music venues in New Jersey.

Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom has been one of my favorite spots to check out bands for a few years now. There isn't a bad place in ballroom to see the stage, so you always have a good spot. Tickets for Starland Ballroom aren't too pricey, and can be found here. I have seen several shows here such as Live, Alex Band, Sevendust, and Deftones there, and their upcoming schedule has bands such as Cold, Three Days Grace, and My Chemical Romance. Parking is also easy, as it is right on site.

PNC Bank Center - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Center is an amazing place to take in a show. With seats available up front, covered by an overhang, or lawn seats that seem to extend into the night, this is one of the best places to catch a concert when the weather is nice. I actually saw my first concert here, a Beach Boys show back in 1995 and have seen other bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Sammy Hagar, and Counting Crows. They currently have a few shows scheduled so far, some of them being Phish and Def Leppard. Tickets are priced decently, but lawn seats wind up being a good bargain, just make sure you bring a comfortable blanket. Parking can be an adventure sometimes, so getting there early definitely has its benefits. If you're looking for more info on upcoming shows, check this link out.

House of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ - The House of Blues located in Atlantic City is connected to the Showboat casino. This venue is always fun because of the surrounding ambiance. Tickets are moderately priced, about the norm for going to a concert. I have seen bands such as 311, Mudvayne, and Nonpoint there, and on their upcoming schedule is Gary Allan, Buddy Guy, and Chaka Khan. Click here to get more ticket info. They have a pretty big floor area as well as a loft. Parking is a breeze as you can just park in the Showboat parking garage and make your way over to the concert hall. Just don't lose too much money on the black jack tables in between!