Fun new get out to come watch some new artists take the stage. There is a bar and a bar food menu. Pretty much you go to bar order and they bring food out. Service is good. Pretty cool place especially for the people who are brave enough to perform in front a crowd for the 1st time. read more

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Definitely a 5 star place, but when we were there seeing Tyler Hilton recently their right speaker had static distortion that was highly annoying which affected the show. I saw when I was purchasing tickets they were taking donations for new stage lights; I would have gladly donated for new speakers. read more

Open Chord - Tyler Hilton - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We have been here many times and always enjoyed our visits. However we had tickets for tables 2 nights in a row, 3/12 and 13/26 but had to go to the bar for drinks and ask people to stop standing in front of us. We paid more than double two normal ticket to get a table and it was for NOTHING! read more

Love that there is a place like this for local and lesser known bands. I really don't like general and here is no different. We paid extra to get reserved table. They said it would be at the front. We paid twice as much for the table. I know they can't control height or who stands where but our table was the very last table from the front. I sent an email about this to Open Chord, with no response. Food is typical bar food, and very tasty. A little pricey. Staff was very friendly and never seemed to get flustered with onset or all people coming to them all at once. Venue is a great size. Acoustics were perfect, Bathrooms- there was always a line but moved fairly quickly. There are some in the back and also front right. Definitely go back but would not pay for tables. It is GA, so being short will get there early. read more

Excellent live venue knoxville. Various bands and acts and also open mic night. Check it out.

I love this club. Great music and open mic nights. Music shop. Great sound system and sound techs.

This is a fun and happening spot. Live music in suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee. The place was hopping in the night we went. Great bands and good service. read more

Open Chord - a man standing at a bar - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Wow this place rocks! Literally Great music, beautiful ambiance and cold beer. What more could you need? read more

I visited Open Chord last night for a concert and was pleasantly surprised! From my understanding, they have made some recent improvements to the layout that made it a ton better. I did not try their food, but did get a drink at the bar and it was great! I really liked the size of the room and the number of people it would allow for a show. Big enough that is doesn't feel awkward, but small enough that you can still directly interact with whomever is on stage. I want to try their food when I go back, but we had already eaten when we arrived. This has potential to become my next favorite small concert venue if they keep pulling in such great artists! read more

Open Chord - The Archadian Wild - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

This place is amazing. A very homey environment where they have karaoke, open mic night, and live music. Tonight we went to their Karaoke competition and sang. (they may have this karaoke competition every week because this was the first one they were testing out with their new host Don, who was amazing by the way) It was a good crowd and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Some drinks are local & they have a full bar. I very much recommend checking out this hidden treasure. read more

Open Chord - a stage set up for a concert - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I saw a show here last weekend with a friend. It's an odd little place for sure. Music store? Bar? Food? Venue? It's all of the above and it seems to work for them. Truly it's better when it gets dark and you lose some of the feeling of being in a strip mall (even though it isn't exactly). Tickets are often very affordable there to see up and coming or slightly past the expiration date artists. I wish I'd gotten tickets in time t have a table, but our folding chairs on the side were really close to the performers. The sound is a little loud for the size of the room, but not bad. The bartenders were nice and the call drinks were only $7 apiece. They had quite a menu of bar food, but we didn't partake. I'd see shows here again for sure. read more

Tonight 11/06/19 was an incredible show led by an amazing musician and this venue. However, we had just ordered drinks, only to have them taken away by...the groupie merch girl??? After she sold me a poster and assured it would be signed. Apparently the this bar let's others manage them, AND take advantage of their patrons. Open chord, it was my first time here. Get your shit together. read more

Great atmosphere for drinks and entertainment! Food is just ok but is finger food anyway. read more

So friendly and inviting. The staff is really great. Although the selection is fairly limited its good craft beer. Listening to some fierce blues from the incomparable Nina Simone. @thespinsvmp #thespins read more

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Looking for a live band in the area and we stummbled across this joint. Upon pulling in we see a sign that says "Punk Night Tonight 8:00 pm" why not try something new....right?! We park and you could hear the yelling, if you want to call that music from the band playing outside as we parked near the back in the only handicapped spot we could find. Will have to try it on another night. read more

Open Chord - The building.... - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Located across the street from the Rush aka Gold's Gym now, in the old Rik's Music Building is an open music joint, literally an Open Chord. This place is awesome and just keeps growing. Open Mic Night is on Wednesdays and they have bands on weekends. Sometimes the weekdays vary on what concerts/music styles that will be played. They serve food, beer, wine, coffee, etc. But no liquor, so take your shots before you come. ;) Some nights they have cover charges and some nights you have to buy tickets (and they do sell out because it is small). Parking can also be a problem so get there early and you won't have to worry. I'm a fan and know you will be too. Cheers & Enjoy! read more

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Good place for live music and over-priced drinks...if the music is free, it's still a pretty good deal.

Went to see R.A. The Rugged Man a few weeks ago! I was impressed by the venue. They have some tables and the 4 of us sat down and ordered some appetizers. They were surprisingly good! We had soft pretzels with cheese which were really good. We also ordered wings and loaded fries.....all which were tasty. The sound system in the back could have been better but overall it was totally enjoyable. No matter where you are in there you can see the performance. I'd go back again! read more

Tiny listening room where musicians come to share their new music. Very friendly atmosphere. The stage was nice and low. But if you like to be close to the stage, you must arrive early. They have sitting arrangement of 4 chairs and a table. There was hot food being offered. What I liked about this atmosphere was that almost everyone knew each other. The sound system was very good and the performance I had come to see was just awesome. What was even better was that they held a meet and greet with the artist at no extra charge. read more

Open Chord - Stage before the show - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Super cool place that now serves lunch!!! Winter super salad is delicious but if you are vegetarian ask for a different dressing since the basil dressing has anchovy paste. The Greek flatbread pizza is great too. Also, very friendly staff! Come check it out for yourself. read more

Open Chord - Winter Super Salad - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Went for the "End of the line " concert Saturday night. Had the best time I've had in years ! The staff was amazing , very friendly and welcoming. The band " killed " it. Those guys are so talented , engaged the crowd and put on a superb show. They are from Nashville and I would definitely take a road trip to see them again. Thank you for a GREAT evening ! read more

I went to an event at the Open Chord. I really enjoyed the environment, the staff and the drinks. I had a burger w/ fries and it was great! I had several beers while I was there and they were all great! I'd love to go back and visit soon! read more

Absolutely gorgeous venue! This place used to be a music store, Rik's Music, and they still sell guitars and have a practice room in the back. There's also a cafe which has a nice little beer selection, domestics for 3, imports for 4 bucks and coffee. Amazing stage with monitors, sound board, ambient lighting and nice tables. I went here to see a comedy show and this is one of the best venues for comedy ever! They even had tv monitors next to the stage and the comic was able to plug into his laptop and project onto the monitors. The owner was exceptionally nice and respectful to his customers too. I'll have to go and check out a concert here soon, was very impressed with all aspects of this place! This is a hidden little gem and word on the street is that they're getting draft beer and a liquor license. This is s unique venue for Knoxville, they do it right here! read more

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Location Disclaimer: This place is in transition. I have to rate it an average of 3 stars based on my ratings for several things I experienced--some great and others just OK. I'm starting with the best-- 1.The Talent. Jordy Searcy from The Voice performed with Chelsea Stepp (a local folksy voice reminiscent of Amy Vachal from the most recent 'The Voice'.) opening up. I wasn't crazy about Chelsea's music, but her voice was gorgeous. Jordy, on the other hand, was dynamite. What an authentic, meaningful artist. His original music was touching and poignant, and his brilliant rendition of Billie Jean was smart and moving. I applaud Open Chord for bringing in this caliber of talent--way to go! The acoustics were excellent. Our group of 4 sat near the front at a hi top and had no problem seeing or hearing a single thing. 2. The Ambiance. Cool, industrial, comfortable. The lighting was dim (which I love). The temperature was too chilly for our linking-3 of the 4 of us kept our coats on the entire time. Despite having asked staff twice to make it warmer, it stayed chilly and that bothers me. Decor wise it's very basic, with just some tables, a stage, and a small area in the back where you can peruse guitars. (I did not go back there so I don't know anything about their selection). 3. The Service: Since this place considers themselves 'in transition', they didn't have any waiters/waitresses on staff tonight. They stated that they are in the process of expanding their bar, food and service capabilities so they become more of a full service restaurant. We had to order our drinks and food in the back at the psuedo-bar. They did serve us our food at the table, which I guess was thoughtful considering they had about 20-25 people in the room all night. 4. The Food. Needs improvement period. I'm hoping their kitchen 'chef' is in transition too, because I ate what I ordered simply because it was 'there.' We were told from the beginning there was a limited menu, which is fine. They were out of the pretzel with beer cheese, which was really really wanted. My boyfriend ordered the BBQ pork sliders with potato salad and I had the hummus, veggies & pita bread dish. Sliders were good, not great. But they honestly would have been better off with Athenos or Sabra store-bought hummus than the crap they served. The consistency was not quite there--you know, it wasn't nice and creamy and, well, hummus-y. The pita bread points were really good, and the baby carrots/red bell peppers/celery veggie offerings could have been a bit fresher. (some of the bell pepper was slimy). We also tried the chicken nachos--the tortilla chips were too salty and the chicken, while it tasted fresh and tender, was a bit dry. 5. OVERALL: I would go back in a heartbeat! The caliber of talent is enough to bring me back. With a $5 cover it's totally worth it. Just eat beforehand. And come prepared to have limited hard alcohol options (lots of beer though) and a self service bar. For now, at least. read more

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I was working out of town and stumbled at this place. Glad I did. Amazing vibe and great music. Ate the Margarita pizza and was very satisfied. Bartender and staff are very relatable and no corporate bullshit. Bought 2 vinyl records while there and was able to haggle the price ;) very reasonable place. Wish I lived closer, I'd be there every day read more

We saw John Paul White at this venue. We are used to going to downtown venues so this was definitely a change for us. Overall it was a pretty good experience. I have one big beef though the seating/standing. I got there almost 40 minutes early there wasn't that many people in line but by the time I got in there there was no seating whatsoever near the stage. The person that came with me has a little bit of a disability and cannot stand for a few hours at a time. I arrived intentionally to be able to get her a seat so she could see not just hear the singer. Even though we were 40 minutes early we ended up in the very back and could only see the top of the singers head- if that. It was a big disappointment. It would've been nice if they would've had some chairs in the front directly in front of the stage or shorter tables. There was basically barstool type seating in the back and along the edges. I can see if it was a rock concert etc. but this was a singer songwriter event, very chill and seating close to the stage for those of us willing to come early would've been nice. To come that early and end up way in the back was pretty lame. There were quite a few people wandering around lost with no place to put their food or drinks and other people commented about the seating, lack thereof. The place was decorated nice. I liked the filament lighting's coming down from the ceiling and their signs were well done. Loved all the screens that projected what was going on on stage. Food was "meh" but we didn't go there for the food. The chips and salsa tasted like they just came from the grocery store and the pizza crust with soggy. But it was all edible. It's barfood you're not going there for a five-star meal. What stood out was definitely the staff. They were all very friendly and helpful and one of the highlights of the evening. I can definitely see myself going back, I'm just really hoping they work on the seating. Every small venue I have been to always has some sort of seating directly in front of the stage even if it's just a couple rows of chairs and that makes all the difference in the world especially for relaxing singer-songwriter events. read more

Open Chord - Music Venues Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

bartender was great! best way to spend my 21sr birthday! great bands and great drinks! :))

Love this place! A comfortable atmosphere! Fantastic sound! Yummy food and the nicest staff!

I love this awesome venue! Great energy, wonderful people with great vibes, great food, hot coffee, cold beer, and great music!

Great sound but not doing punk or metal shows what happened to "all things music". You guys should care about the dying side of music. Keep it alive read more

I came here on an open mic night and it was amazing! Such great local talent & so much fun! I only knock down a star because there was a dumbass woman with a fan that stood in front of everyone dancing terribly and she blocked the view. I realize this isn't necessarily the bar's fault, but maybe they can find a way to ask her to move??? Apparently she's a regular. Ew. Lol. read more

Great laid back environment with excellent coffee that's roasted locally. Friendly and timely service.

I love this place! Coffee is on point. The renovations they have made are just gorgeous! Great location on west Knoxville.

Great little place to hang out for lunch and have a beer with good, music loving people.

This is my favorite place in Knoxville to listen to live music. The band selection varies from week to week so you have to look the bands up on YouTube to make sure it's your cup of tea. But the bands and musicians are always top notch. I love the fact that there's no smoking inside, but there is a place outside for smokers to step out and satisfy their habit. It's also not a pick-up joint either, so I'm not bothered by single men looking for a pick-up. People that go there are serious about listening to good music. The inside has been refurbished and is really cool!! The food menu is limited to appetizer type foods, but I've tried the wings and they are the best in town. They also offer foods such as Hummus with veggies, onion rings, barbeque nachos, etc. read more

We attended the show for Hazel last night. The atmosphere was great, music was amazing, my only complaint is the food. My husband and I ordered chicken nachos and loaded beer cheese tater tots. I know that we shouldn't have expected it to be great because they're not a restaurant but good lord it looked like they had sprinkled some cheese on some chips and took some canned chicken and put it on and then put it in the microwave. The chicken was dried and with no flavor and the cheese was dried on to the chips it was just gross. The loaded tater tots with beer cheese would have been ok had we left the cheese off. Beer cheese is not supposed to taste like you opened a can of natural ice poured it in let it sit for a minute then stirred it up and served it. It was disgusting. I think they should probably stick with drinks and music bc that was the best part. I feel like we wasted 20.00. We will go back because like I said the music was great and atmosphere was too. read more

A cool and timely concept in Knoxville- this is a former (and maybe still current) music shop turned live music venue. They have a stage, cool lighting (a bunch of filament lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling), and a decent selection of drinks. There's coffee and bottled and canned beers. I believe they have food as well but haven't gotten into that so I can't comment on it. The great thing about live music here is that they have a sound guy working constantly to balance and manage the sound so it doesn't become a cacophonous muddy mess, which can be a problem in a lot of smaller music venues in k-ville (noted exception Scruffy City Hall, which takes a similar approach). I've played open mics here and it is great. It's definitely worth getting away from downtown to check out. If you're a musician, do yourself a favor and head out there on a Wednesday and take advantage of an open mic that will put some effort into making your sound as good as it can be. read more

Excellent coffee and a nice selection of beers on tap. Live music, food and a guitar shop too, this place is great!

This is a place that is trying to do way too much and needs to find an identity. A female bartender was beyond rude and the food was awful (it was cheap though). Not enough parking..had to park across the street and cross Kingston pike which isn't ideal at night. The music was good though. Not sure I would ever go back unless there was a band playing that I really wanted to see. read more