Recomend: have dinner before. Friendly service. Positive energy, High energy, very popular show venue. read more

went here for a metal concert. the website and tickets said that the doors would open at 6:30, but they did not let us in until after 7. by the time we got in, the first band was already playing. there are bars in the venue but if you want to get a drink or snack you will lose your place in the pit. it is very crowded. the venue did not seem very clean and the floor was sticky. read more

In full disclosure, this review is strictly based on customer service experience. The theater itself may be a decent venue with a good concert calendar. I'll leave those opinions up to you based on other reviews, many of which give the venue a poor rating. My customer service experience revolved around inquiring about a potential ticker refund due to medical emergency. After exhausting all other avenues, including the platform where I bought the tickets from (including contacting its COO directly on LinkedIn), I was pointed in the direction of contacting the theater. On multiple occasions I reached out, mainly on Facebook as that seemed the best avenue and I like to have things in writing. I let them know I was having emergency ACL surgery a few days before the concert I had tickets too and that I could provide any and all documentation of the medical emergency for their consideration. Even venues with the strictest of refund policies will often allow medical emergencies as the exception. So, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. No one ever responded, despite my repeated attempts. On each of those occasions I could see that the message was read, since Facebook timestamps things. So, I know someone received the message and simply chose not to do anything. I asked to be pointed in the right direction with appropriate contact. I asked that I get at least some response, even if it was simply an acknowledgment that the message was received/passed along/refused/whatever. You can imagine the added stress to an already stressful situation of emergency surgery. So, now I'm out of money through no fault of my own. And, while the price of two tickets might not seem like a whole heck of a lot, added to medical costs that I'm dealing with, having the refund would have meant a lot. And, I get there are sketchy people out there, but I legitimately could prove my medical emergency and was only happy to share whatever documents they needed in order to consider the refund. So, if common courtesy and acting like a human being is important to you, maybe forgo this particular venue, because they clearly don't care about their customers. read more

Sunshine... do you even give a shit that your sound is atrocious? I'm here now, once again giving you a chance, and damn... The Bronx, Frank Turner--they both deserve better sound than this. What a goddamn shame. Invest some of our hard earned money we're giving you and FIX IT read more

I love the old buildings in the downtown area. Sadly this one on the exterior is beginning to fall apart. This is a downtown spot for concerts and it is taking a beating . There needs to have some work done on the venue before it becomes to bad. Sadly this could be an amazing place if someone would put some work on the building. read more

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 read more

Sunshine Theater - Extreme Security - Music Venues Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Went to see the Pepper concert last night. This was the worst concert venue I've ever been to. The sound system was unacceptable. Could not even understand words to songs. I think the band recognized how bad it was and were cutting their songs short. Bathrooms are unacceptable. Getting a drink almost impossible. Weird stairs either without handrails at all or if there were coming unattached from the walls. Pretty much bows down to the low expectations of Albuquerque. We left early before the band finished. High light of the evening was the vibe of downtown Albuquerque. Sketchy and dangerous as shite but I liked the vibe. read more

As creatures of habit and comfort, we human folk are big fans of maxims. In Albuquerque, we locals have more than a few of these. It's The Land of Entrapment. Frontier rolls are a religious experience, and get the number 9 at Golden Pride. Downtown will never be the Downtown we wish it could be. The Balloon Fiesta is for the tourists. And the sound at Sunshine sucks, too. This is what I was told before my first show, and I'd say about 80% of the concerts I've attended have sounded pretty flat. The Dandy Warhols were deplorable, but that's at least partially their fault. But like every local, I keep going back, because this is one of the only venues that books a fair smattering of solid indie rock and hip hop, so what're ya gonna do? You gotta go, and often you gotta wait in a long line to get in, and you always have to suffer the s*itty attitude of the security crew. There are occasional shows which somehow rise above the reverb, for some reason, and they're usually hip hop. You best avoid this place completely for hard core and speed metal, it's not a pretty scene. read more

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. read more

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The sunshine theater, where do I begin... the staff and security seem like they dont want to be there at all. The sound quality is garbage. The place is filthy. If your venue is most widely known for having a person get murdered in the bathroom you aren't doing too great. I suggest literally any other venue in Albuquerque. Thanks for reading. read more

I have never seen a show here, but after trying to buy tickets from the Box office to save me the SERVICE FEE of online I find out there is no avoiding this. So a $25 concert ticket + $6.50 service fee + tax = $35 dollar ticket.... Its just common courtesy to tell people about this, and to waive the online fee if you go to the window.... or to just say $35 dollar ticket and not get jerked around... I was asking about a bunch of shows and at the end of it I couldn't buy any because my friend couldn't decide which to go to, she needed more time. So i thanked the dude behind the counter, and he gave me this look like i had just wasted precious moments of his life, and that I was a cheap bastard... I felt so ill about how he put himself forward, and the venue itself is pretentious in every other way. Anecdotal tales from friends speak of poor sound quality, unwelcoming service, and poor management of shows. They bring in the best acts, but whats a great meal without great service, its less then 5 stars that's for sure.... Go if you have to, love the music not the venue (if the sound isn't too muffled).... ehk read more

Given that Albuquerque lacks any other indoor venue of comparable size, the Sunshine theater has booked many amazing shows, despite being a mediocre venue. I've been to at least 20 shows at this venue over the past ten years and have many fond memories, however, the Sunshine leaves a lot to be desired: 1. The sound is pretty terrible. It's a little more bearable in the main GA area in front of the stage, but the interference in the bar area and balcony is horrible. The sound quality has varied a bit amongst the shows I've attended here, but in general, the sound isn't great. I got to see my favorite band for this first time earlier this week, however, the interference kept me from hearing much of the music clearly. I'm not a sound engineer or audiophile, so forgive my bizarre explanations, but it's was akin to trying to hear a song while a blender is in use. 2. Only two bathroom stalls and no water fountain in the main theater. Thankfully, I'm now over 21, so I can use the bathrooms in the moonlight lounge and get a glass of water at the bar, but it's disheartening to see issues from when I was underage persist for at least 10 years and likely longer. 3. No re-entry for 21+. Not that I would necessarily use it, since I intend on staying for the whole show if I paid for it, but I know it irks some people. The Sunshine isn't the worst venue I've been to, however, Albuquerque could really benefit from having another venue of similar size competing with it. Despite the nice renovations they've made in the restrooms, the Sunshine really has no incentive to improve other negative aspects of their theater because they are the only indoor venue of its size in the city. I personally prefer the El Rey theater, especially after the recent renovations, but it is smaller than the Sunshine and is currently is drawing different shows (more electronic and occasionally hip hop) than the Sunshine. For being our only option, the Sunshine will suffice, but there is definitely room for improvement. read more

The Sunshine is really hit and miss. I've seen some amazing shows there and I've seen some terrible shows there. All of this is based on the sound on any given night. The venue itself is really cool and I believe it was the first theater in Albuquerque. As other reviews have stated, the staff can be rude, and the security can be a bit aggressive, but never to me personally. Hopefully when you go you'll hit them in a good night because it can be really good. read more

I've seen shows all over from Seattle to New York and I have to say that despite a girl dying here in the past, see Atmosphere's song That Night, this place is an awesome spot. If you've been to little hole in the wall venues, you know that this grungy, dimly lit, smelly, odd place is home among others in the country. I've seen many shows here and it has a special place in my heart. The balcony is a nice place, the bar not too bad, the bouncers nice as long as you're not a punk kid ready to get in trouble or an underaged drinker. Have fun, be safe, and don't go with a janitor to the projection room. read more

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. read more

Sunshine Theater - Front of building - Music Venues Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

For being on the tour package. Load in is through the back alley but you have to park a good mile away in a parking lot. Green (Orange) room is down sketchy spiral staircase under the stage. A lot of good places in walking distance and a post office. The only bathrooms are at the front of the venue upstairs that I could find. No showers. Balcony for days. The show we had was one of our biggest ones. Had 1,110 people. There is a red hallway that leads to the main floor and stage from the back alley. read more

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Sunshine Theater Albuquerque NM - May 13, 2019 Fred Armisen with Mary Lynn Rajskub ("24"). One of the BEST shows I've seen in years and I've seen Steve Martin with Martin Short, Dana Carvey, Rich Little, Ringo Starr, Janet Jackson ... Fred (May I call you Fred?) was SO gracious. He seemed to enjoy the venue, he complimented our city and citizens and a local music store. Mr. Armisen gave 100% to his performance and was so generous to Ms. Rajskub who in her own right is funny. I am a fan of "24" and watched every episode. I especially enjoyed her jokes about Kiefer Sutherland and working with him. I have been a Fred Armisen fan since his first appearance on SNL. Like Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Darrel Hammond, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Hader ... the list goes on. I LOVE "Portlandia", "Documentary Now" and any Fred Armisen impersonation. He made his show special by interacting with the audience, encouraging sing along's and playing his own instruments. The man is talented. Thank you Mr. Armisen (Fred) for an unforgettable night. read more

Reticent before even entering if only due to prior reports of poor sound quality/crowded bar, we were pleasantly surprised. Beach House was...well...in the house...and the clarity, volume and acoustics of voice, guitar, drums and keyboard were spot on. Maybe other bands just don't do proper sound checks beforehand or maybe I'm just deaf. Main bar was too crowded but if you are only sticking to beer, just hit up the side bars throughout. Even had a great time up on the balcony, which you can't say at a lot of venues. Security really isn't that bad. All they asked was to show my pockets then they did a pathetic quick pat of the pockets. The TSA they are not... read more

As far as venues in the 505 go, this one's my favorite. I know, it's dingy and old. It's also small, the staff isn't awesome, and a girl died here years ago. Why do I like it? They get good bands. Bands that don't come to Albuquerque often. The shows are fairly priced (usually $20-$30), and it's one of the few places here that you can get right up to the stage and jump and down to your heart's desire. You'll leave sweaty, and probably smelly.... but it will be fun! If you prefer to watch from afar, the balcony is cool but fills up quickly so get there early. There is also a bar, but I've never watched a show from there. read more

I'm an event producer and was shocked to experience a pretty atrocious act of negligence regarding harm reduction when your staff denied me access to water during an emergency. The cooler and cups were mere feet away from me. Care a little bit more about your customers! read more

First time at this venue and it was overall, a decent experience. Although it was a bit confusing with one side being 21 and over and the other not with no apparent signage. Seats were good, decent beer selection. Be careful with your bartender all night our DD drank free, the last drink, a different bartender popped us with a $2 charge. Do arrive more than 1 hour early as it is a small venue and the seats fill up fast. The bathrooms- women's as I expected, tp on the floor and the doors didnt lock. Mens- my husband said smelt so bad he had to cover his face. This man is a plumber so that is REALLY bad! read more

BEST live music venue in town. Friendly staff and great sound system. I heard the same owners also own the Launchpad (another cool live music venue that is much smaller). read more

Went to see Pepper on 2/28 drove over 6 hour for the show. Although the show itself was great the experience and the staff completely ruined it for us. We had VIP tickets and basically in a but she'll because we got stuck with a " security guard" who was gargantuan and probably had zero education and oxygen in his brain we were not permitted to go backstage . Only my husband and myself out of the 10-12 other people who were permitted ... to say we were pissed is an understatement will never ever be returning to this venue . read more

Pretty much the business of new mexico is represented to the fullest here. Idiots that can't go further then being a fry cook at McDonald's in the day time work there.. Bouncers pretty much methed out and befuddled. Been there for s few shows. Sound people is the best of what Albuquerque has to offer and that's pretty shitty .to bad there isn't any other venues. But I usually go out of state to see a good show . at least they know what they are doing out side the chili state read more

Bands are decent but the owner is too busy blowing coke up their nose to invest in any type of air circulation unit. If you want to experience what it's like to have hot flashes, just come to a show! Also, the upstairs bar does NOT accept debit cards or credit cards, so we all know where all that cash goes....owner or bartenders arm. The acoustics suck, and its just too bad that the very few bands I want to see here play at this God awful place. Will someone please take a match to the place? read more

Great show but they overcharge you at the door. Published price for the show was 25 and the bouncer was charging people 35 while keying in 25 to the register. Nice way to skim the drawer and scam the customers. read more

Not the best sound here. Much better venues in Albuquerque. My major concern with this place is that when I left my tab open at the Moonlight Lounge during a show, I came back to close my tab before the main act finished their set and they had already ran my card with 20% gratuity. In no way did I want to grat 20% when the drinks themselves are ridiculously overpriced. Terrible practices here. Avoid if you are looking to book this venue for your act. read more

This was a nice little venue for the Mogwai show we attended recently. We had a really good view of the band from the bar area. It didn't get packed so we were able to really enjoy the show and our beer. I saw that Morissey will be performing there sometime this month so I'm looking forward to going again. I'm curious to see how packed it will get for that show. Just a tip, if you're going to drink you might want to bring some cash since the bar area that carries the good beers only accepts cash. We had to settle with Tecate because we didn't have cash. read more

I love The Sunshine!! Located in the heart of Albuquerque! Great place to see a show! Small venue which makes it a very personal experience watching performers perform. They have a nice bar with friendly bartenders and a small section of seating. I've been here multiple times all were great experiences. :) Hoping The Dirty Heads come back to play very soon! read more

So went to the Krewella concert and after reading the reviews I felt compelled to write my own. Lets talk about the good things about this venue: 1) It is intimate but enough space for those of us who doesn't like lots of crowds to see the groups performance closely. They have a nice upstairs area and if you get there early you will be able to lean against the railing and get a clear picture of the stage. 2) The security guards are incredibly friendly. There are certain rules they can't enforce such as the camera rule since everyone has a camera phone nowadays. But the security guards are nice about talking to people about not taking pictures. Also because we were upstairs, I saw first hand how crowded the first floor can get so if someone starts a fight or acts stupid, I can see why the security guards are "nazi"-like. 3) Because it is an old building the novelty of hosting punk concerts and electronica concerts are is pretty ironic and awesome. The structure help make the acoustics and the basses sound so awesome. Now above are the nice things I have to say about the venue. Because the negatives are the reasons why I gave it a 3 stars instead of 5 and they have the full potential of turning into a 5 stars: 1) The tickets says the doors opens at 7pm. Then 7 pm came and gone we did not get into the door until about 8pm. I am big on punctiality and if you weren't going to open the door until 8 please say so so some of us who doesn't really care about getting a good spot can arrive just on time to avoid the line. 2) They really need to start making these events for 18+ or 21+ because there are so many high school kids that show up and yes they check id's at the door but how do you enforce older friends buying liquor for their younger friends?? And in such a tight space what if something happens to one of them and you can't get to them fast enough? 3) ALL THE DELAYS. First when we got in, they had this horrible DJ playing before the 1st act. Not only they didn't let us in the time that they said they would, but the concert didn't really get started on time, which is ok, if you are not a professional and is a college student that can stay out all night. Worst of all, between the main act and the acts before they took at least 15 minutes to reset up the stage. I mean if you have done many shows, the transition should have been a lot more smoother so the artist can perform. And this goes back to my 2nd point. There are high school students in attendance and don't people know there's an 11pm curfew in Albuquerque for these kids? (I know I must sound like an uncool old folk) But that is a safety concern. If you are going to make an event that is 16 and up please start on time, if not make it 18 so these kids can get home safe. Either way I still had fun and I would probably go back if there's a band I want to see, but I would not actively seek out to see what bands are playing there every week. read more

I boycott this place for the most part. The management doesn't care about music and capitalizes on the fact that it's one of the few venues in town. The security guards are all jerks, there's no in and out, and you can't bring bags in. The sound system sucks too. I hope somebody that cares about music buys them out someday. read more

Pretty dingy and dirty place. The acoustics weren't terrible though and it has a nice old school feel. It's kind of a throwback to the 80's or 90's read more

Went to a show this past Thursday, the security people were just mean and yelling at customers in line to get in, however when the manager came outside they would start being nice and professional. As soon as he was gone though they would start being really rude again, they were ruthless teasing these poor girls who were in tears. Awful! read more

I've been to the Sunshine Theatre numerous times for various concerts. Overall, I'd say it's a pretty decent venue for semi-mainstream bands to play at. The bar can get very busy, making it extremely difficult to get a drink if you don't establish some sort of rapport with the bartenders, but overall the acoustics, feel, and environment is pleasant. Most of my fond memories of the Sunshine probably have more to do with the bands that were playing there rather than the venue itself. On the plus side though, the excellent Chama River Microbar is right next door, so you can stop in for a drink after the show! read more

Was in town for work and caught a solid Matisyahu show here. Cool old theater. Sound quality just average--vocals got lost at times. The second level was not open for this show. If you are boozing, you will be unfortunately corralled into an area with plexiglass dividers. Apparently, underage individuals can't handle mingling with imbibing adults. All in all a good show, and I'd go back for another since the place seems to book excellent acts. read more

Garbage venue... Had tickets to Blue October and after standing in line forever got sent back outside to stand again to get a stupid stamp on my hand even though I don't drink... Treated like crap by several employees as well. I don't care what events are here I'll never visit again. read more

Funny, the picture posted for this venue is THE EXACT same picture I was intending on posting for this venue. I saw Skinny Puppy at the Sunshine last night and while Skinny Puppy (and opening band Diverje) were both great... The Sunshine itself has some problems. Like noted by the prior reviewer, the plexiglass is totally distracting. I also had a problem with the barely lit floors and numberous weird random ledges and railings that are in place. It's like the venue is TRYING to trip you when you walk around the theater. I didn't have any problem with the bouncers tho, and the bartenders poured decent drinks. read more

This place used to be great but management changed a while back and you could feel it. No longer nice bands but now music which I don't listen too. It's a bit pricey now I remember when shows where like 12-15 bucks I think the last band I saw here was slayer in the early 2000s. Yes I'm old lol now it's only for kids I steer clear read more

I could hear the bouncers/security making fun of me because I couldn't read the huge sign at the door to exit. I have an eye disability and it made me feel really sad. I'm sorry I couldn't see it, I guess they just assumed I was drunk or something and treated me as such. read more

Went for the first time to see Gary Clark Jr. and my experience was enjoyable. The venue is cozy, so as long as the crowd is on its best behavior all will be great. The security and staff is also worth mentioning being that they were incredibly friendly and professional. Took a while to get everyone in, don't recommend getting there early for a sold out show. It can be a bit of a mess. With the exception of the high priced drinks, nothing bad to say at all. read more