It's A Wrap.... After a long week volunteering for NVFF, the staff and volunteers had a nice little party for ourselves. We were invited to the opera house to see a screening of the movie SOMM..(brilliant btw). This place is bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside and very beautiful. Looking forward to going there again. read more

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This review is for the Jam Cellars Ballroom which is upstairs in the Napa Valley Opera House. Our first time at the Jam Cellars Ballroom to see the Allen Stone concert and we really liked the venue. It's pretty bare bones, just a handful of seats (maybe 30-40) everything else is open and standing room and that is exactly why we liked it. You can get as close as you want, go to the sides for a different view or just move around a bit. It never got overcrowded and was easy to walk around. If you are on the short side (my wife) there is an upstairs balcony area to view the show. The bar was serving some good drinks and wine, Allen Stone was great and so was the venue. read more

Nice room. UNBELIEVABLY incompetent staff. Bartenders serve about 3 people per song at a concert. read more

I've been to the Napa Valley Opera House about ten times now. It's a great venue! Roomy, but intimate, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The programming is awesome and diverse. I've seen chamber orchestras, comedy shows, solo music performances, and even classic movies here. Parking is convenient, and there are tons of dinner options because it's right in the middle of downtown Napa. My two minor complaints: they need a coat check (not just for coats, but for my dinner leftovers, too), and they need couches / more seating variety in the lounge downstairs. read more

Napa Valley Opera House - Valentine's Day 2013. Screening of "Casablanca." - Music Venues Near Me - Napa, California

I was so excited when they reopened and kept a few of the original parts of the Opera House, like the wooden Balcony ledge. The Napa Valley Opera House is a definite gem in the valley and I am so proud to live here. I can't say enough good things about that place. A nice open area to lounge and have a drink before the show, comfortable seats, and it's true - every seat is a good seat in the house. With a seating capacity of 500 - It's small and intimate. When you go - you'll have a fabulous time! :D read more

Napa Valley Opera House - photo credit: Wallyg's flickr page - Music Venues Near Me - Napa, California

An Evening With Bruce Hornsby - my boyfriend can now mark this off his bucket list. Bruce Hornsby rarely tours the West Coast, let alone without a jazz/folk band entourage - so we made the trek up north from OC to see Mr. Hornsby at the Napa Valley Opera House. This was a real beautiful auditorium. Very intimate and good lighting and seats. I love the bar area! Drinks is always a plus!! read more

Saw Natalie Cole and there is no bad seat in this place unless you are behind one of the skinny poles on the main floor. Now this is a perfect smaller venue. When I saw this place featured on Eye on the Bay, I thought it was bigger, but it is an intimate setting. I would actually get balcony seats for any time I am to ever come here. Those seats are fantastic. Just don't be in a hurry when it is time to leave because the elevator is a wash because the people below you will get on before you so all that is left are the stairs. But very much worth it. There is a bar inside for those who come early. And the women's bathroom is very sizable not small at all. The sound system was amazing. Not too loud or overpowering. You can hear every note and when she was meant to be loud it was loud and when it was meant to be low it was low. Crisp is a good word. Parking is outside wherever you find it so that is different than what I am use to. Being in the city I am use to high parking costs or walking far. Not in this case....free and not far at all and in a lot. read more

An evening with Robin Williams. There is no such thing as a bad seat here. This place is like a mini opera house. Small but very sweet. So elegant, I was there for the Robin Williams show but I would love to go just for an Opera show. Never been to one but this place inspired me to go. Located in smack middle Napa. Conveniently located near everything. If there is ever someone I really want to see, and i find out they are going to be at the Opera House I would drive 6 hours or fly just to go see them there, with out a doubt so worth it. It just feels so personal and your up close too. OK OK so i would go for the wine too but while I'm at it make a stop at the Opera House. Love it! read more

This place has changed from the last time I was here. The theater seating has been replaced with cafe tables and chairs. Right now, we are seating with our back to the stage. Who designed this arrangement? As people took their seats, I found myself sandwiched between my husband and another gentleman. The waiters needed to do their job, take orders and deliver drinks, but I found myself in the way every time, trying to shrink as much as possible and avoid getting my feet stepped on. This was, by far, the worst seating arrangement I have ever experienced. Whoever said "there's not a bad seat in the place" doesn't know what she's talking about. I have been attending Yoshi's for many years, and there's a place that has figured out how to do cabaret seating right. Whoever manages this place should hold the patrons to better consideration, instead of packing us like sardines. I doubt I'll ever go back read more

I went to a conference for work that was held in the Napa Valley Opera House. In the past I've gone to conferences and events in decidedly mediocre venues, which made the opera house feel like a godsend. The opera house looked charming and old fashioned, but I could tell the place has been updated recently from the sheen on the polish and additions such as a disabled access elevator. The opera house was nice and small for our small conference (everyone fit on the first level with room to spare), and the seats were comfortable and roomy. I loved the lounge on the first level of the Napa Valley Opera House, which had cozy tables for sitting, as well as places to put down food while standing, eating, and talking. If it weren't for the stage I'd have thought this was a pretty cool little bar. I'm glad I've been introduced to this opera house, and hopefully sometime I'll be back for an actual show. read more

When I went to college, the one thing my roommate (an upper class, white, smoker -everything I'm not basically) and I could relate on is our love for the Backstreet Boys. Since finishing school, having jobs, and living not so close from each other, we haven't had many oppertunities to see each other. So when the Backstreet Boys announced they were coming toto the Napa Valley Opera House, we knew it was the perfect excuse to dress up and hang out together make seeing the Backstreet Boys together offically a tradition (we had seen them once before together our sophmore year in college). Condsidering we were in ~wine country~ I expected it to be an outstanding experience in terms of the venue. This venue was great looking but not necessarily stunningly beautiful or a stand out. Considering I've been to plenty of shows both in San Francisco and around the West Coast, I was not blown away by the look. It felt like they build it 30 years ago but wanted to make it look like it was built 100 years ago. Like... antiquing it. White everywhere, detailed but a little too polished The venue was due to open at a certain time, and considering it was cold and raining, and there was a line of girls waiting to get in outside, I thought it was extremely unorganized and inconsiderate to wait more than 30 minutes to open the doors. Once the doors were open the line moved slowly. On the plus side, the sound in the venue was great. I also really enjoyed the show but that had more to do with me regressing into my teenage fangirling than the venue itself. read more

The Opera House is beautiful. The whole bottom floor is an open space bar area so hang out before a concert. Climb the stairs to enter the 400 person (?) theatre, and up to the balcony. We sat in the second to last row in the balcony, and I still thought we had great seats. There isn't a bad seat in the house. I came in town to see Rufus Wainwright, a popular singer/songwriter, but from reading the program, I didn't recognize any of the other acts that come through. I would love to come back for another concert.... but I don't anticipate knowing anyone who will be passing through anytime soon. The concert at the Napa Valley Opera House was a great excuse to get out of the city and spend the day in Napa. It felt very intimate and lovely and I hope to have the chance to come back soon. read more

If I could give it a negative 1 I would. We attended the Stroll Down Penny Lane concert and the venue is the Jam Cellars Ballroom. First we had VIP seats upstairs so we went upstairs and were told that we needed to get a wristband and our coupon outside the venue so back down the stairs we go. why the people checking tickets couldn't of told us that??????Paid $75 each tix and got a "complimentary" drink coupon worth $7 , however the only drink with a $7 value was beer. We asked if we can use the coupon and pay the difference for a $11 glass of wine and that was a no who came up with these policies? We bought 1 wine and i had a beer and went upstairs to wait for the concert, they played pre-wedding music before a rock and roll show, almost fell asleep waiting for the wedding guests to be seated. I could go on but you are now buyer beware, hope this helps. read more

I attended the Napa Valley Film Festival Launch at the Opera house. I enjoyed the venue and felt it was a terrific place. We had to walk under scaffolding to get in but once I was in the doors it was really nice. I liked the venue because it felt intimate. I sat in the middle. I did feel as if I would not be able to get up while everyone was sitting down. As if we could not go to the restroom (due to space constraints) But what a nice venue. I enjoyed the Q & A with the producer of Blue Valentine after the screening of the film. The venue was lovely and I am real pleased to have seen the Film Festival Launch here. read more

Last week we went to see Dave koz at the Napa Valley Opera House. Once again this jazz artist was wonderful. His band was was great as usual. Opera House last week., we had great seats. We didn't have anything to complain about when it came to our seats. I honestly don't think that there is a bad seat in the building. It's smaller, which makes for a more cozy setting and my date and I both really liked it. The NVOH is located close to a bunch of restaurants and bars in downtown Napa for before or after your show as well. Overall, we enjoyed our night out at the Napa Valley Opera House and we would recommend going there to anyone who is on the fence. read more

Great selections of local wines, though how could they not. Food and service were top notch even at odd time. Shannon is a wonderful hostess. read more

Napa Valley Opera House - Local wines are showcased. - Music Venues Near Me - Napa, California

What a little jewel in Napa!! I saw My Fair Lady here last month and it was fantastic!! This cozy theater has great lightings and good sound effect too. All the seats have great views. It was just so nice to be in a historical building (129 years old) and got to see how it's restored into the current condition. You got to appreciate it. The first time I went to NVOH was for a wine tasting event, which was held downstairs, and it was also cozy but have enough room to set up tables and chairs and for people to mingle around while tasting vino. Whatever the event is, I've always enjoyed this venue. Now let's hope that the next generations going forward will keep this place up! read more

Review is for dining room experience only. Lovely & sophisticated decor. Great wine selection with some hard to find Napa/California wines. There are some good ones on tap too! The Salmon was fantastic, very tasty. As was the burger. I don't usually go for a hamburger but I was sold on it by the friendly wait staff and the caramelized balsamic onions were the clincher! I'd strongly suggest the wine flavored panna cotta for desert. It was more of a mousse like dish, but very good flavors. These dishes didn't disappoint. However, I was very disappointed that there are NO changes or substitution to the menu, at all. This fact reduced my rating to three stars, but the discount for being a Napa / Bay Area local added my fourth star. read more

We went to see Spamalot. Hilarious show! The opera house is very cute and reminds me of many older theatres. It is well maintained and has a nice bar area for pre-show and intermission. read more

This is a beautifully restored building in downtown Napa that presents a variety of touring musical and theatrical acts. There's a nice bar downstairs. You climb a couple of flights of stairs to the theatre itself, main floor and balcony. My husband finds the seats uncomfortable. They're fine for me. Because it's an hour or so drive from our home we go to Zellerbach if someone's appearing at both places, but this is a gorgeous place w/ excellent acoustics and a sweet hometown feel as members of the audience greet friends. read more

Just attended the 2 day Brian Culbertson Napa Valley Jazz Get Away concert. The actual events ran Thurs. thru Sun, but my review is for the Fri and Saturday concerts. Friday nite started with high energy with Sinbad kicking off the concert and joining (yes Sinbad plays) in with Brian Culbertson. It was high energy from the start until at 8:20 to about 11:30 and included Oletta Adams, Eric Darius and just nonstop good music. Our only complaint was not being able to clearly hear the vocalist on Saturday nite, they were just drowned out by the orchestra. It did not happen on Friday night, but we're talking Oletta Adams, whose got a voice that project like no other. Saturday nite was another great evening, starting off a little slower with David Benoit joining Brian Culbertson and Kenny Lattimore joining the mix. As the evening progressed the energy came up to make another great evening of jazz. The Napa Opera House is a fantastic venue with no bad seats. The Mgt. is bring in the talent to keep you coming back and making the destination one to keep an eye on. Due to the success of the event is sounds like their already making plans to do it again next June, so it's on my calendar for 2013. Hats off to Brian Culbertson, for bringing in a great group of people and keeping the event down to earth and real. I hope Sinbad is back next year, he was perfect in segway between the music and keeping the energy up. Don't know that I can handle the full 4 days of events for sure the evening concerts are a must for jazz lovers. Price for the 2 day concert ticket $199 per person read more

Wow! This is the first year I've been at this venue. Was fortunate enough to have front row seating at three concerts and all performances were fantastic. The lobby area is very nice with small tables to hang out before the concerts started. Kudos to the Marketing Director (sorry, I forgot her name, but she is very friendly) for wanting honest opinions for ticketing and the such and appears to be genuinely interested. A few snacks and beverages could be purchased prior to and during intermission of performance. Each artist had a sponsoring wine company, which I think is nice, so you can try different wines on each visit. The venue is very small - I believe seating is only about 500 if I remember the statistic correctly. Sitting in the front row, we were close to the stage and had to slightly tilt my head up and granted, missed a backup singer or two because things were in the way. Acoustics were great,no issues there! I like this place so much, but think I will order tickets in the balcony area next time. The floor seating doesn't have much tiering at all, so unless you're tall, you may miss out on some views. Prices were very good too and had a wonderful promo, unlike $100 for the least expensive seats at WenteVineyards in Livermore or Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Now if NVOH can only get more popular musicians and keep their prices decent. read more

Great location, not a regular place such great acts (Suzanne Vega). I was a very intimate concert....

This is a fantastic venue! In the past couple of months we have seen to great New Yorkers perform here. The first was Joan Osborne, a sultry rocker who can pull off rock, blues and Motown sounds with equal beauty. And yesterday , Jane Monheit, one of the finest jazz singers to grace the stage. Both performers were more relaxed and interactive at the Opera House than anywhere else that I've seen them. A 10 + show . Great audiences. Please bring them back . One of my favorite venues now! Can hardly wait to come back. read more

My wife and I went here last Saturday to see the Manzarek-Rogers band. For whatever reason we had never attended an event there before. I was very impressed with the venue, the concert and the upcoming acts. With only around 450 comfortable seats there wasn't a bad one in the house. Given what I normally pay for tickets at larger venues, this was a total bargain. I'm sure we will be back soon, great experience. read more

I have been to quite a few shows at the NVOH and must say that it is a delightful experience! The staff is very laid back, the managers/directors have an excellent sense of humor, and the prices are fair. They get some wonderful acts that come through and I can see why The building is gorgeous, inside and out. I have been throughout the entire building and feel it is very well kept. I really appreciate what the Opera House brings to Napa, I dunno what we'd do without it. read more

This is a great little venue! Perfect for little shows and a great way to be up close and personal. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars.

Amazing food and great wine flight! Love the remodel. The barrels as partitions beautiful idea, pay attention to the small details as the owner did in creating the menu and ambiance. Love this place and will be back for a show soon! read more

Loved this venue during the Napa Film Festival! It was a fun experience to be served a meal and drinks from the full bar while watching a film. We had the kale Caesar salad, duck tacos, and macaroni and cheese which were all amazing! read more

Love, love, love Napa Valley Opera House. Have been there many times and we are never disappointed! Excellent venue, staff, and service. Looking forward to returning! read more

This is a great intimate venue for seeing musicians, the accoustics were fantastic and Eoin Harrington made full use of them, even going totally unplugged and sitting on the edge of the stage with no mike for one number. I only deducted one star because the staff was kind of militant about showing us to our seats, even though we had already sat down once and knew right where they were. read more

Just saw Brad Mehldau a few days ago and it was my first experience at the Opera House. I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, but the sound system almost completely ruined my experience. Everything in the lower register was muddled, which was a shame considering you knew Mehldau's left hand was doing amazing things even if it sounded like crap. There was also white noise coming from the speaker. I won't risk going back here again. read more

Crappy food. And they've taken an historic building and turned into a wine bar/cabaret complete with a big screen announcing future shows. I had stale bread with rancid butter served to me. read more

Sweet smaller venue to see some great talent. They've got some great jazz artists and it's wonderful to see them off the beaten path in a more relaxed and intimate setting. We saw James Farm, a fairly new group made up of 4 outstanding solo jazz artists, headed up by Joshua Redman. It is REALLY HARD to get Joshua Redman tickets when he comes around the bay area, but we got 5th row center seats---YES!!! The only reason I give the Opera House 4 stars instead of 5 is because this knock-your-socks-off outstanding concert was not sold out. And it should have been. My husband saw it on Redman's facebook page, and we got our tickets online, quickly and hassle-free. But the marketing dept of the Opera House should have done a better job publicising this event. It was a great treat for all those who saw this event, but was surely disappointing to these world-class musicians to plan to play at this smaller venue, but have it less than half filled!!! The names they have lined up will easily fill every seat in this house, but the Opera House will lose their ability to book great artists if they don't deliver on their end. It would be a shame if they can't continue to book great artists like those they are currently offering, because it is an incredible venue to enjoy these top names in such an intimate setting. Other than that, the venue was lovely, and they had a large staff on duty ushering, bartending, manning product and information tables that were very friendly and helpful. read more