I feel like I'm as old as the legendary Phoenix Theatre, which was apparently built in 1904. I saw quite a few shows here back in my teenage years in the late 1990s...mainly rock, alternative, ska bands whom are mostly unknown and have long since disbanded...but I did see some awesome bands that were nobodies whom later became famous like Goldfinger, Agent 51 and Mighty Mighty Bosstones. I spontaneously dropped in again last weekend on whim...the theater is still old and run down, old furniture, peeling paint, worn and creaky wooden floorbut felt like home. Some loudass punk rock bands were playing, old furniture, peeling paint, worn creaky wooden floors...and an audience that was mix of teenagers and old, ugly, aging, Gen Xers such as myself, and inbetween. $13 for 3 bands...that's a deal. I just wish they sold alcohol. read more

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I'm from Southern California so don't have a personal relationship with the history of this place, which I hear is impressive. It's a mystery what has happened to it. Anyone who is not an adolescent will likely be running the other way from the lack of upkeep in this sadly aging ghost of a venue. The strong and enduring smell of urine is unacceptable by any business standards. This spot has that New York abandoned apartment building turned makeshift heroin crash pad feel to it, and unfortunately, not in a good way. It seems to serve some kind of purpose for goth and punk teenagers and their beloved skateboards which is sweet and added a star to this review, but I think that they too deserve a better cleaning crew. No alcohol, but you can buy a bag of chips or a Snickers bar from the dude at the front. read more

Definitely not for any person over 18! Made for teenagers by teenagers. Bathroom are up 2nd. level with a lot of stairs to climb. Not made for anyone with disabilities. Very bad scene not having that. But as for teenagers it is a great place. read more

The Phoenix Arises With "Unleash The Archers" SITREP So stoked that a band I've been recently following on Youtube videos was angling it's way through California. PETALUMA of all places to be precise - NOT L.A., NOT SF, NOT even Sacramento. So the day I first checked their touring schedule - the first in 2 years - I found out they were going to be at the nearest town to me on their tour, the VERY next night. You dam well can bet I grabbed the in expensive $20 ticket and vrooomed my way over there. THE SETUP The Phoenix Theatre is a beautiful older structure - similar in feel to the Tower Theatre, the Colonial Theatre and the Crest Theatre here in Sacramento. A multipurpose venue that can take on movies (like the snippets we started out with), full-concerts, and a stage that is large enough to handle theater productions. * ACOUSTICS - are great - the sound system elements didn't over power one another. No unnecessary reverb or echoing. Sound-dampening wall elements were present. * LIGHTS & VISUALS - with obviously modern equipment. The spotlight syncrhonization was on-point. * ROOMINESS - because there was space to breath begtween attendees. I even found a folding chair on top of a rising box so I had a sweet seat above from the side, midway back, lookiig over everyone's heads (as some of my video-work indicates. COVID I felt entirely safe with the Covid-Protocols that Phoenix had in place. = The entrance security checked everyone's vaccination cards; and, = Once inside, we remained masked. This was an enjoyable concert- going experience. THE LOWDOWN A great venue for awesome bands to come and show us what they got. read more

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We went there Saturday night to watch some different bands play. It was our first time there & while it's a hole in the wall. I was impressed by how much they let people "decorate" the restroom stalls. I didn't want to spend too much time in each one because it was pretty busy & there's so many little quotes or sayings to read. Definitely interesting to see so many different perspectives in just one location! The bands were all awesome. It's nice to see a place that supports local talent and wants them to get exposure because they deserve to be heard. There was a small/nice selection of pop & water. I believe they had chips? But we were thirsty so I didn't pay much attention to what they had for sale. We can't wait to come back. read more

This place is legendary. I think during the daytime it's a place for kids to hang out, but the rock shows here are to die for. It looks like shit, but you gotta know the stories about the shows at this place. I got to come here in January to see my favorite band AFI make their first return here in 9 years. Such a great spot for a great punk show that you won't find anywhere else around here. As the quoted description on their web site says, it is the "last legitimate rock venue in the North Bay." Great bands such as The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, The Distillers, and Sublime have played great shows here.. Long live the "days of the phoenix"!!!!! read more

The Phoenix Theatre - AFI's first return to the legendary Phoenix in 9 years!!! - Music Venues Near Me - Petaluma, California

The Phoenix Theater holds a very special place in my heart. And have been coming here since I was 17. I am 33 now. I spent many of my raver girl days here holding glow sticks in my hand while I danced my ass off to Mars Mystery and Dyloot until 2 am. I raved here multiple times, over and over again from 2000-2003. I remember being packed in that place you can barley move. I remember seeing The Crystal Method here, the Ocean, Scrape the Earth and I'm even going back down there tonight to go see Skitzo. This place is very historic and so many HUGE names have played here. EVEN METALLICA!!!!!! Yes, its funky..... Yes, it is run down..... Yes, the bathrooms are out of a horror movie. No, there isnt any alcohol served here. (Volpee's has a full bar right across the street) Thats what makes this place to special and unique. It is catered to give teens a place to come hang out and skate indoors and let them be themselves. read more

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My favorite place ever! So much fun! So cheap to go watch great bands and people perform! It's so relaxed and a great vibe to just dance and sing your heart out. i love seeing everyone's outfits and making friends! read more

I saw AFI here in 2001 and when I walked in, I realized it hadn't changed one bit. Keep that up. Every community needs a venue like this. read more

This was a super fun venue to bring my 16 year old to see the band Stone Salad. There is no bar so I did not have to worry about alcohol and minors. The vibe was great. Kids were skateboarding in the theatre while bands played. The art (graffiti style ) was cool. We will be back! read more

The Phoenix Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Petaluma, California

Completely forgot about this place, since it is nearly 400miles away from my house. I caught Tsunami Bombs last concert here with my cousins in what was suppose to be a turn around trip and ended up being a overnight stay up in norcal. It was pure fun! We arrived early to the concert and decided to walk around the neighborhood. Walking around I realized this was a small sleepy town which is famous for producing Miss Winona Ryder herself! *fun fact!* Fast forward to the concert starting up in what used to be an condemned theater with graffiti everywhere and skateboarding ramps lined up against the walls. From what I could remember is the mosh pit that a guy with a broken foot jumped into, my deafness after the concert that lasted a day and a half, lots of sweat, and Tsunami Bombs last farewell! Good times, Good times read more

Great local venue with history, charm, and good acoustics. Plus, some really good bands come to this small theater. This review is for the Young Liver, Flatliners, and Against Me! show. General Info No bar The floor is standing room only, but the balcony has open seating. No bar Street parking only No bar No in and out privileges Did I mention no bar? I know, I know, this is a safe place for kids. But there were so many teens getting drunk in the alley outside of the theater, you have to wonder if this policy really deters the behavior? They should get a liquor license and make some extra revenue! There are plenty of great places around the theater to drink before a show if you are of legal age. The venue is intimate, which is cool. The place needs a good scrub, but I guess that adds to the charm. Solid venue, well worth the drive. read more

The Phoenix Theatre - Flatliners - Music Venues Near Me - Petaluma, California

This isn't your average venue . Don't expect to go dressed up in heels with your best Gucci fit. It's a dance floor/ skate ramp/ graffitied walls, art everywhereeee type of place. I love it! No place for bougie folx read more

The Phoenix is everything you want wrapped in a dirty, grimey Punk atmosphere. You know, they say that this was the last place that Perfect Bradley from Sublime played before his fatal overdose. That story alone would be enough to bring any music slave into this dive. It truly IS a dive - no seats, no red carpet, you walk in and ponder if you should have brought YOUR skateboard too, it's your Last Punk Outlet and holds true to it's roots. Bands break out here, die here and breathe here. The Phoenix is an institution and I am happy to support it's every fiber. Rock the fuck on Motha Fuckers. read more

Oh, the Phoenix Theater. When we were young and shone like the sun. I suppose I'm now officially too old to grace its halls. But Tom Gaffey and the Phoenix: you made 'luma a transient little beacon of cool growing up in the agricultural backwaters of the North Bay- a place where we were too underage to drink wine and too broke to enjoy the haute cuisine. The Phoenix made us feel like we had our own thing going for those desperate, heartbreaking years, ages 14-20. Now, broker than I was then - when at least mom guiltily dispensed some cash- I am expected to drink $11 cocktails in "lounges" and upscale bars in the city with the other young professionals. Makes me nostalgic for the zitty little skaters and scary bathroom bitches that this place had. read more

Interesting concert venue to say the very least, from the graffiti art decor, skateboard ramps on both sides of the audience space, rumors of the venue being haunted and the very young age of the average attendee (this place is under age friendly as they do not serve alcohol), I have not been disappointed. I have visited several times in recent months and the experience has always been thoroughly enjoyable. If you are looking for food before a show at the Phoenix or just happen to be in the area and are in the mood for Thai, try Thai Issan (check out my review) they are right down the street. read more

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When I think Phoenix Theater I think ravers, glowsticks, trance music and skateboard ramps. I went to some of my earliest raves at the Phoenix...back around 2000-2001 when raving was popular but not quite as mainstream as it is today. I couldnt believe at the time that I was going to Petaluma for a rave. You don't usually think of Petaluma as a rave town...you know its up there with Vallejo and Tracy when it comes to that stuff... Many Harmony and Electric Nerve parties later I really do think it was one of the better spots for our all-night parties. The security was SUPER strict...I remember them spending extra time searching people to make sure that the party was a safe one. You could listen to one type of music in the little front room and then go up to the balcony to check out the crowd in the main room and then go wade through hundreds of people on the main dance floor. And if you felt like it you could run up the skateboard ramps and sit on the top...kinda hard to do if you were in colorful fuzzy pants. I remember these obnoxious signs on the wall waring about selling GHB...really? Who takes GHB at a rave? Get with the program people... There was many a night when you could find me on one of the couches in what we considered the "chill room" to the right of the main stage...seriously the Phoenix has a special place in my heart when I think back to my early rave days. I remember the Petaluma Police Department gave us a hard time all the time. I guess they probably knew what was really going on inside...lol. :0) read more

I've seen 3 shows over the course of ten years, the venue never changed, right down to the smell of piss. Literally, you walk in, and it smells foul. But hey, I got to see Papa Roach. read more

Note: This is as good as it gets for kids under 18 in Petaluma that aren't involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. That being said it was always my goal as a 15 year old to go here. But my mom was skeptical. A lot of her clients hung out here (she was a LCSW for the county) and so she heard there were a lot of drugs, alcohol and the like being passed around. Sure it was a bastion for kids who had nothing better to do but skateboard and look like they were punks. But whatever! I wanted to ROCK! I believe my first visit here was to be indoctrinated into the wonderful world of RHPS. That's right bitches, this is where I lost my VIRGINITY! And it was a great show. It was also the second to last show of Indecent Exposure and their Frank who had been performing for more than 15 years. Every other show I'm seen doesn't even compare, including the ones I've been in. But trust that when I am on that stage, it is only a hope that I can be as good as them. There is something truly awe inspiring about well done camp. From then on, I went with fair regularity seeing friends shows and supporting the local garage band seen until all my friends moved, dropped out or GEDed out. Why did I stop when they left? Well all my other friends had extracurricular activities. They also had parents that went out of town and had well stocked liquor cabinets. read more

I used to spend so much time here. Smoking cigs. Watching shows. Just sitting out front. Jaxon (my other dog) and I would hang out front and he would attack the skaters shoes. I saw so many good shows here, and so many bad shows. Lots of clique-i-ness and drama...a few fights...met my first boyfriends here. When you're all alone upstairs it's kinda very creepy. Backstage is cool. The basement is freaky. They got skate ramps...and a drinking fountain with some of the coldest water around. read more

Want to see a good live garage band at a good price? Come here. It has skate ramps, a second floor, couches. You name it. It is the perfect place for a local theater. Some of the crowd you may not get along with, but it shouldn't be a bother if you go with friends. Sometimes even big names perform here. Oddly Hilary Duff even has. read more

I love this club and happily drive from Sacramento to come to shows here as often as I can. The sound is pretty decent, there is a lot of space, and backstage is always fun. They consistantly book great line-ups with bands you don't normally get to see, and the stage is huge so the bands are really able to give the audience a great show. The Phenomenauts and Epoxies are some of my favorite bands to see here. The one drawback is the bathroom. $12-$15 cover for shows and you can't keep toilet paper stocked and can't buy paper towels or soap? Come the fuck on! read more

tl;dr: In my mind it's a 5, but I'm drenched in angsty teenage nostalgia; for you, jaded concert goer, it might be more like a 3 so I'll say 4 I shout across the house "hey babe, how would you rate the Phoenix Theater on yelp?" "Easy. You get what you pay for" I agree! You get what you pay for here; more possibly, because this place is dirt cheap!!! Much of my youth I would pay between $7 to $15 to see a music show, usually beginning at 8 pm and ending after 11pm. This place is worth any show under $30. Here are some notes for first timers: -you can buy tickets here, but anytime a show plays that costs more that $15 I just go to Last Record Store (lived in SR) and get the tickets there, also ticketmaster/ticketweb cater here sometimes, usually if it's under $15 you just pay a cash cover at the door. Last time I came here I saw someone trying to buy a $20 ticket at will call and they seemed upset the attendant wouldn't take their card, so as of 2014 they still seem to be CASH ONLY (sorry credit/debit crowd), there are some ATMs up the street at the gas stations I believe, also snacks, and if it's a smaller show they may let you bring the snacks inside, they usually let me in with my Monster Energy, they may "sniff" test it to make sure you aren't bringing in alcohol -usually they have in&outs, and stamp your hand for verification when you come in and hand over your ticket, but once they didn't so hey, whatever that was about -there is parking on the street (extremely limited) and parking in a garage a few hundred feet down on Keller, the garage is free, but signs on it say it closes right around midnight -They still let people smoke out front on the side walk, but don't irritate the Petaluma PD because they seem to be itching to give out tickets! -you may be security searched at the entry, but I've learned they are more likely to search you for certain shows rather than others (Rap/hip-hop etc, high profile bands) they don't allow weapons, alcohol, or drugs. I've seen them toss people out for bringing in alcohol, trying to drink out front in the "smoking area", or showing up drunk. Don't get too drunk, same with any kind of smoke inside, or showing up high. people still manage to sneak some drug contraband in, but depending on the security that night they may (or may not) toss you out, just so you don't get mad later when they eject you, now you know! -the theater is dry(ish)... I've never been to a show where they served alcohol, I've heard rumors some shows have it, but in over 12 years I have never seen it served, not once. But.... Volpi's bar is across the street, I've left a show, had a drink, and returned with no problem, and I've seen many others do this as well, so as long as you don't get super wasted the door guard seems to be ok with this (on nights they have ins&outs, which is most of the time) -the bathrooms are absolutely terrible. this is where I would concede and understand someone rating it with few stars. sometimes there is soap, sometimes not, same with toilet paper, seat covers, hand towels, toilet seats, door locks, and even the doors on the stalls themselves. I have no idea what the men's looks like, I imagine about as bad. Punk teenagers vandalize the bathroom anytime it is fixed up, writing crude things on the walls, tear the stall doors off the hinges, the locks might not work, all kinds of fun anarchy! I remember very well being young and having to go to the bathroom and try and hold the door shut myself, then later oh great, no soap and no way to dry your hands! I visited in October 2014 and saw both soap AND paper towels AND 2 of the 3 stalls had locking doors!!!! WOW! The Phoenix is on a roller coaster that only goes up! -there is a snack bar inside, snacks vary in price between shows, water bottles are usually $1 or $2, also they have some sodas, candy, chips etc, snack bar is also cash only -there used to be many more skate ramps. I remember 4 very well, 2 tall 2 short, now they just have the short ones, maybe kids fell off the tall ones during a show and got hurt? There also used to be many old used couches in the back of the main standing area, and sometimes the lobby had couches and even the piano room (other yelpers call it the small room I see). The couches looked absolutely gross, but people still sat on them. I saw waaaay less couches this last visit, maybe to make more standing room or because they looked dirty and they tried to clean up their image? who knows! -there is a balcony seating area, but it is not always open. I have seen it opened up for shows that have the potential to fill up the place (Blue Oyster Cult, Devil Makes Three, PM5K, Shinedown) odds are if you see smaller bands it will be closed, get cozy standing close to your neighbor -finally, to people who think this place looks run down/bad/cheap: +it's mainly for (broke) punk teenage kids +it's cheap to get in +this is how it looks AFTER the remodel, imagine it 10 years ago read more

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Pretty cool little music venue, plenty of room and a good view of the stage from just about everywhere. Didn't realize there was balcony seating which you need specific ticket for (and guessing it cost more than GA) but we enjoyed getting up pretty close without feeling cramped which is always good! My only thing is if / when I go back instead of buying Will Call tickets (which I could've swore was the only deal) is to get my hands on actual tickets! The line was long and we refused to wait in long line in rain so went and grabbed a drink (side note, great location close to bars, restaurants and shops!) and came back after the doors had been open for some time - and the line was still long! They were patting down everyone / searching bags, which is great but just slows down the line obviously and then the majority of us had to wait in Will Call line after that. They were calling for and letting people in with tickets in their hand from the back of the line just to speed things up! I noticed a small snack bar, water soda, candy, etc. pretty sure no booze. But anyway, cool, funky place with good entertainment. read more

The Phoenix Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Petaluma, California

EXCELLENT CONCERT VENUE! Very small and intimate concert venue. Can watch great acts here and meet the artists in the back. There is artwork all along the walls and I love it. Very divey bar esque but for a $10 ticket, nothing beats it. I highly recommend this place especially if you like small shows. Not much food or drink options in the venue. Street and garage parking only. read more

This place is fucking rad. I have seen some AWESOME shows here, and was even able to go backstage and meet deerhoof because my best friend's husband works security. NIIIICE. The sound has always been good, the bands are good, the crowd is good, and there are skate ramps everywhere that you can sit on and watch the show. It's also easy to sneak in booze here. And there is always some local rock star hanging out whom Natalye S usually seems to know. Good times at the Phoenix read more

I've been coming to shows here for-damn near-ever and it's still one of my favorite venues. I can't remember how many shows I've seen here but there isn't a bad "seat" in the house. The sound is always good I've found, it's a nice, intimate venue to get close to the band real easy. Max capacity of 800 so if it's a band that you're thinking about seeing either here or the Great American Music Hall, see em at the Phoenix cuz you'll get right up close. This is a dry venue, you've been warned. Most shows I've been to allow ins-n-outs so you can run across the street to Volpi's and get a shot & a beer in the speakeasy (a must-do regardless) between sets. During the day the Phoenix is a place for kids to hang out and, at one time, ride the half-pipe. I busted my ass on that thing a bunch of times in a previous life, it was sad when they made Tom take the ramps down. I've talked to many people about the rumors of the Phoenix being haunted and I've heard people adamantly say "yes" and "no". Who knows for sure? It's definitely a cool place with its own energy regardless. You gotta check it out if you've ever been a fan of punk music. read more

The best thing in Petaluma if you are between the ages of 13-20. When I was a teenager there just wasn't anything to do or anywhere to go that was safe or sane. Tom single-handedly raised several generations. Here's my Phoenix history lesson: When I was 8, my parents took me here to see a new science fiction movie called Star Wars. I few years later I saw my first theater production, Auntie Mame. As a teenager, I played a lot of video games and saw a number of rock concerts. Bands of note include (some I didn't see, but I remember seeing their names on the marquee): Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Green Day, Mr. Bungle, Metallica (the Enter Sandman album secret release concert-- played under an alias), Ice T. I'm glad it's still rockin' read more

First concert venue I ever attended as a high school kid. I've been to numerous shows there since and seen some of the best shows there. Skate ramps used during the day are off to the sides and make for a decent view over the crowd if you're lucky enough to find an open spot and coordinated enough to run up them. Don't go expecting anything fancy, venue in general is pretty old. Also, if the music is fast and there's a good sized crowd, there will be a pit. Consider yourself warned. (Best shows seen there: AFI, Reel Big Fish, Zebrahead, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, Home Grown, et al.) read more

Best place in Sonoma County to see live music. The building is full of history and acts from all over and all different genres (and many local bands as well) all come to play here. read more

What can you say about this place? It's a shithole. Always has been. Always will be. But I spent most of my teen years migrating to shows here on the weekends, and later playing a handful of shows with some different bands. The sound system is surprisingly great, if you've got the right guy helming the soundboard. The place is a rotting decrepit pit is often taken over by a bunch of derelict skate punks and is run by a half-crazy cab driver. But for those who grew up around hold a special little spot in the bowels of our heart for The Ol' Phoenix Theater. read more

Saw Ratt here last night, first night I've been into The Phoenix in 20 years. The sound was pretty good, great view of the band pretty much from anywhere you stand. But seriously...the place is a friggin' dump, suffering from years of neglect and seemingly no care of upgrades or maintenance. The two corridors from the front lobby to the stage area are narrow and cramped...I wouldn't feel particularly safe there in case of an emergency. They ran out of beer in the "bar" area downstairs, so we were told there is a second bar upstairs, where they had one woman busting her bootie behind a makeshift bar alone. The line of people made the walkway almost unpassable. At one point I was able to get up close to the stage and my foot sunk into a hole from whoever had managed to take out that chunk of concrete. Again, not terribly safe in a dark, crowded room. Love the venue and what it has provided to local bands (especially the young ones) over the years. But come on...clean the place up. Heck, they could make the teen bands do it as a requirement for getting a gig there! ;) read more

Saw Against Me! here, and was pretty stoked to see them at a small venue. Overall, the place is cool. reminds me of the Gilman but a bit bigger. I was definitely overcome with the fear that the place might catch on fire and I would be trapped with a lot of sweaty 18 year olds, but thats part of the fun right? And yes, its all ages and they dont serve booze so keep that in mind, if you're over 21 you're going to feel like you're seeing a show on sesame st! But hey, no complaints. The sound was good and the show was amazing! read more

Wanna give it 5 stars but here are some tips to enjoy this place. This is venue for grungy rock bands and looks like is used as an indoor skate park. All plywood floor, ramps, fully covered in Spray paint graffiti and skate rails everywhere, meaning don't dress up. Just enjoy the casualness of it. Really no food. M&M's, Cheetos, etc. Bottled water, sodas, 2 types of beer and NOTHING else so don't come hungry. Bring a flask or something. There are a bunch of places within a block you can park at, eat and walk to the show. Lastly, 5 random fold up chairs, a 6 foot wooden bench and a lot of standing room. I brought my own patio fold up chair and they were cool with it. Liked it but needs more chairs and less lightbulbs read more

the staff that work they're are so kind an incredible! amazing place lots of memories made.

First time in this downtown Petaluma venue. Loved that I could get right up to the stage to see Ratt! The club is small, so it didn't feel crowded. Lots of choices to go up front to the stage, sit upstairs to watch the band from above, mill around the large floor. Only complaint is how seriously disorganized the whole ticketing and entering process was. Everyone was lined up at the "Will Call" booth, only to be told that they were cordoning off the whole area, so we had to be pushed back to nowheresville. It was freezing cold outside, and they had us wait for approximately 45 minutes later than we were told we would have to wait. Consider having two lines, one for people that want to buy tickets, and one for people with "will-call." We paid a major upcharge for will call tickets, only to be shuffled around and smooshed in with people that didn't buy tickets in advance and saved a helluva lot of $! With all my complaining I'd definitely go to another show here if someone cool comes back. (fingers crossed Agent Orange will play here again!) There's nothing like seeing a band up close and personal. I got some excellent pictures last night of the band, another major plus!! read more

november 24, 1995. i played my first show here at the phoenix. on the bill was, me n mark, skillet, caffeine, and the wobblies. my old band 26 mph opened, i had just turned 15 and it was the greatest night of my life. before then i almost lived here. not everyday like a lot of kids back then but between 1994 and 1997 i was there almost every weekend. didn't matter who was playing back then, although 90% of the time it was ska, but a couple hundred kids would show up to almost anything. and then there's Tom Gaffy, the greatest thing that ever happened to the angst ridden youth of the area. his kindness and dedication to keeping music alive helped so many like me. he fought off countless attempts to shut down the place by various organizations. i've actually been to 3 different final shows at the phoenix. the building itself is pretty cool. back in the day there was lots of hidden spots in the basement and way up in the attic that were fun to explore. gwar played here 3 or 4 halloweens in a row, every giant ska band from the 90s played through here, sublime played there last show ever here, primus started every single tour at the phoenix, every mike patton band played here many times. i'm too old to hang out here, damn kids, but i always say hi to Tom when i'm in town and i still can't believe he remembers me. and you should ask Tom to tell you one of many stories of him falling off the balcony, priceless. read more

Although I haven't been to many shows here in recent years, this place is always going to have a special place in my heart. It's dirty, drunk underagers puke in the bathrooms, there is never any toilet paper, it's loud, it's stunky. BUT... as other Yelpers have mentioned this is truly one of the last places in the North Bay that kids can come and be who they are and have a great time without their parents worrying. Good shows do come here periodically which is awesome. We saw Too Short about this time last year which was actually pretty fun. Cheers to the Phoenix! Keep this place alive and going forever! read more

The venue is a great idea, but artists beware. The back room is unsecure and their security staff is useless. Equipment should be watched closely and loaded up before one of the kids who everyone in the venue vouches for walks off with it. read more

Tom Gaffey has been hosting and watching out for teenagers at the Phoenix Theater for over 20 years. I was a college student when I lived in Petaluma in the '80s. I remember lots of talk about drugs and alcohol at the Phoenix and it came close to being shut down many times. However, the talk was out of fear and misunderstanding, not validity. A good thing doesn't end easily and I'm so gratified to see it has not only survived but appears to be flourishing. The community of Petaluma should support and be grateful for Tom Gaffey and the Phoenix. read more