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    Sunshine Theater

    2.5 (55 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues
    Open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Extreme Security
    Thomas A.

    I saw Zappa Plays Zappa here this week and was not very impressed with the facility at all. Zappa was great, but this review is for the theater itself. The security was seriously something out of World War 2-era Berlin. (see photo). Seriously the longest, most inclusive list of forbidden items I have ever seen (at any venue) previously. I have seen Zappa several times previously, so I know the biblical-length list was not (all) part of some security rider. Odd. Nothing I was carrying in anyway, but it added to the feel of oppression which the hamhanded security folks gave. No need to be so stern and militant at an event intended for fun and joy. The security fiasco was enhanced by the "no in and out" restrictions. This happens at some shows, sure, but they still have a roped-off smoking area somewhere where one can go for a breath of fresh air or to talk on your phone. This venue had NO smoking area...which is a first for any show (hundreds, perhaps over a thousand) I have ever been to. I "attempted" to talk on my phone in TWO seperate areas inside the theater and was yelled at by a jackbooted thug "HEY! You can't be there!!" (corner of a stairwell and corner of the lobby). I paused my call, found a small space of blank wall in the lobby where I could not be possibly considered in the way and asked the Yellowjacketed bully "Is THIS ok??"...He looked around, paused, and grudgingly nodded that I would be 'allowed' to use my phone, finally. The sound in the venue is a bit cavernous, but passable. This is an old theater so it is not designed for maximum audio like modern facilities. They have these weird plexiglass panels in place, on the side-area of the venue and behind which you have to view the show through if you are stuck in that zone. I assume they are there to prevent passing of alcohol from the over-21 area to the under-21 area, but they are massive, distracting and ANOTHER thing I have never seen in a concert venue (which includes the uncounted venues all over the USA and Internationally where I have seen shows)...The panels also have the undesired effect of trapping crowd noise in those areas and making it hard to enjoy the band...beyond the restrictive and oppressive quality they already impart. The sad state of affairs at the Sunshine should have been obvious from arrival. The 'marquee' (which is amazingly small and unnoticable for a venue this large) had the band listed as "Dweezil Zappa". This was completely incorrect. It was 'Zappa Plays Zappa'. Dweezil tours with his own band as well, but it's a completely different band and song list. They could have used "Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa" and been fine...they just didn't care. A venue needs to feel as welcoming and accomodating to concertgoers as possible, which one would think is simple common sense. The Sunshine Theater treats it's customers as a threat to be 'dealt with and controlled'. It is stunning that in this age of competition for events, a manager would allow their venue to become a place remembered as "a hassle to go to". Albuquerque doesn't have many large Winter venues, so this place will likely continue it's sad existence for many years. For a good show, a good time, and a good vibe overall go to the El Rey instead...it also has 'caverous' sound, but NONE of the bad qualities of the Sunshine

    Ricky M.

    Sunshine Theater is old, dirty, ugly, and has a horrible bar set up but its also one of those places that you cant help but love at the same time. The sound system at this place is pretty awesome and also the 2nd floor is pretty cool which IMO is the best seat in the house since it overlooks everything. So overall are there better venues? Yes but for Albuquerque this place is a classic.

    Front of building
    Tofu D.

    Saw Lacuna Coil last night, and enjoyed it. This venue was good, I like that it was small and that it gave you a more personal experience with the performing bands. The security seemed okay, they looked more like bullies ready to fight you, although it wasn't a "fighting" kind of music to make you fight, nothing happened at all. Another point of the security detail is that, they seem to let you pass the front gate if you know them, or if they know you. I saw a couple people rush to the front and security was all over them, making them stop. Yet, through out the night, one girl just knew them, and the photographer behind the gate gave her a sticker and she came passed the gate and stood in the middle by the stage and the security detail turned their attention away from her. My point is, that security can be mean, unless you know them, and who really wants to get to know the bullies? I don't, it wouldn't be worth the extra effort, just for a few more feet to the stage. Other than that, it was nice to see that they allowed a meet and greet before the show, and that it wasn't as crowded as you would expect. I didn't try the bar, but I did see that it was crowded around there. The air conditioning was nice, and it didn't feel stuffy for being an inside venue. All in all, I've been here twice and I haven't got anything negative about this place other than the lack of equality to paying patrons versus friends of staff.

    Hallway to stage and main floor

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    Review Highlights - Sunshine Theater

    Small venue which makes it a very personal experience watching performers perform.

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    The Smoky Note - Interior of The Smoky Note

    The Smoky Note

    (24 reviews)

    Nob Hill

    I was surprised to find the upstairs bar at The Smoky Note nearly empty at 10:30 on a Friday…read morenight... then we learned we were early! More folks trickled in while we enjoyed our first drinks, and by midnight the whole room was lively. We appreciated the bartender's attention when it wasn't busy. He walked us through the menu, making recommendations and steering me away from an allergen (pineapple). The menu includes a page of craft cocktails for $16 each, which seems reasonable since the place is rather classy and they use quality ingredients. We ended up trying several menu items, then asked the bartender what he really likes to make; we ended up with a special old-fashioned and the best margarita I've ever tasted. We were also given a small tray of snacks--a few nuts, olives, and chips--which I believe was complimentary. Even when it got busy later, the staff kept up and took care of everyone. The atmosphere is nice but welcoming; we were dressed casually after a day of sightseeing but didn't feel out of place. We found street parking easily (around the corner on Bryn Mawr). It's a fun neighborhood too; we came back the next day to check out the shops and such. Check it out!

    This was probably my favorite cocktail I tried in town- fun, unique and tasty. The space itself is…read morepretty, and very instagrammable- so much so there was some kind of a photoshoot going on while we were there which was awkward. Not sure if that's something they schedule to happen during business hours or if the folks just showed up and did it. Someone came in with the photoshoot folks and swapped over the background display on the back wall and turned on laser lights and the vibe became weirdly clubby for a chill early night spot. Besides these quirks, a fun spot for out of towners to stop in for, chat, get a tasty drink and recommendations for other fun stops.

    KiMo Theatre - Outside

    KiMo Theatre

    (33 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    Kimo, how do I love thee? For your bizarre glowing eyed skeletons, and your red velvet drapes. And…read moreis it haunted? Hmmmm. We may never know. Gem of downtown Albuquerque, the Kimo theatre is home to Burlesque, live theater, comedy shows, and the silver screen. Yes. All of these things. I love when they do film festivals. Nights upon nights of old film noir and classics. And every February, Southwest Burlesque makes me want to quit my job and become a dancer. The Nutcracker every December. Ah, the memories. Literally, my only complaint is the seating. It's very old school. Which is fine, but those comfy new-fangled seats in the new theaters have me (and my tush) spoiled. Hint - restrooms are on the sides down a hallway that doesn't seem like it belongs to the building.

    The Kimo is a gem in the Albuquerque area! Tonight we attended the Kimo's 90th anniversary…read morecelebration and it was simply magical. Mayor Berry had a real silver screen installed as well as new carpet to compliment the well preserved vintage space. The Kimo is a destination for all lovers of the arts. It is host to book readings, poetry, and movie showings. For tonight's event, we were treated to Buster Keaton's "The General" with the Alloy Orchestra playing the score live for just $0.50 per ticket with free water, popcorn, and cake. (Concessions typically not included in movie ticket pricing.) The movie was outstanding and the Alloy Orchestra was a once in a lifetime experience. The Kimo has so many of these incredible events that people need to know more about. I know our family will be attending more of them!

    Sunshine Theater - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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