I played trumpet at this theater several times in past for various artists and each time I have a blast but November 4th 2023 was extraordinary with Tabanka Djaz. All staffs and musicians got there early and we took time to prepare the show for excellence. Great people are working there with warmth and professionalism in very relaxed way so that no matter what happens show is very successful and happy through my experience here. I enjoy coming here from Boston area but parking can be tough so everyone come here, get early enough for good parking spot. Great musical experience ! read more

The Strand - Horn section job I did at Strand on November 4th 2023 for Tabanka Djaz for first time - Music Venues Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The Strand Ballroom & Theatre (formerly the Paramount Theatre, Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel and commonly The Strand) is a live music venue located in downtown Providence. The theatre opened in 1915 as a vaudeville theatre and later became a cinema and concert venue. I have been to the Strand several times for concerts and live shows. It's a small venue with a busy calendar and very expensive concessions. It used to be called Lupo's until 2017 when it was renamed the Strand. The few times I've been, the shows have not started on time and they are not very good telling you what the delay is about....nevertheless, it's a place for live music for young and old to get entertained. read more

The Strand - the outside of a restaurant - Music Venues Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Sound is good and it's a nice place but security is fucking awful. I crowed surfed acouple times and got told if I was to do it again I would be forced to leave while I watched other people crowd surf 5x as much as me and have no repercussions and security dropped me every time and dropped me in a trash can once, there is also a kinda noticeable lack of trash cans read more

The Strand feels like the venue from back home; grungy and open but communal. I visited The Strand last night for the Ice Nine Kills tour and was surprised by the giant two lines wrapping around both sides of the building. There were no signs explaining which line is for what so I had to ask the people waiting up front. The doors opened promptly at 7pm and the lines moved fairly quickly. In order to get alcohol, you had to show ID before entering the building to get a wristband. I ordered my tickets on Etix and was nervous about it going though (since I usually use Stubhub or Ticketmaster) but our tickets were there. They did NOT check vaccination cards or COVID tests and just assumed people would be wearing masks if they weren't vaxxed. This was a bit uncomfortable to me, especially with new variants coming out. Security was quick, they were checking bags and had metal detectors but they were rushing everyone because they decided to put a merch table right in front of the exit to the security check and it was getting crowded. The GA floor was huge and had two bars as well as three more merch table booths. We sat in the mezzanine and I admit that I was stupid and didn't read the tickets right (of course, no one came to tell us that we were in the wrong seats). So we were supposed to be row I and I sat in row A (I didn't look at the letters, it wasn't labeled anyways...because I purchased tickets that were right in the front of the balcony. I didn't realize there were three tiers of balconys). Anyways, someone told us we were in their seats (two seats empty next to us) and told it us it was okay, they'll sit in the ones next to us ((until those people came)). Well, those people never showed up so I lucked out on my own stupidity. Another great thing was that security was TIGHT. They made sure people weren't getting hurt in the mosh pits, people crowd surfing had to leave (there were signs for no crowd surfing), stopped the concert to help someone who was injured, and they were trying to find the person who dumped beer on another person. The security was very friendly and nice. Acoustics were not great, there was a lot of feedback and some of the mics were either not on or very quiet. The seats and floor were dirty, the floor was especially sticky. However, the venue was close to the Graduate hotel that we stayed at so it was extremely convenient. Yes, I would go to this venue again. There is something nostalgic about this venue (though this was my first time here). read more

See all

I was here for a concert and thought the place was AOK. The aesthetics of the actual building are 5/5--gorgeous and beautiful. Lots of small little details that make the place a joy to notice small details in. I didn't have many drinks from the bar, but did get a bottled water which was $4 during the concert, not atypical for shows. The reason for the 3-stars is that the acoustics for the particular show weren't the best. The sound tends to drown out toward the back, so you may get better sound up front, but it just didn't travel well for this particular show. Also - the floor in front of the stage was pure alcohol/beer, but that is no fault of the venue, but more of the rowdy crowd and band. All in all - it wouldn't be my first choice to see a show, but if a band I really liked came through here, I wouldn't hesitate to return. read more

Either smells like puke or skunk. No good bands are there anymore. Drinks are over priced. People that work there are complete jerks. Asked about VIP since NO ONE was sitting in the VIP section for hours... the man I asked screamed across the entrance to another woman who said they were SOLD OUT. My response... that's funny because no has been sitting there for the past hour... and he responds o they are walking in now with orange bracelets... needless to say over an hour later still no sign of the VIP... read more

The Strand - a row of wooden benches in a restaurant - Music Venues Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Went to see Ja Rule and Ashanti perform last night here's how the night generally went. The line was very long to get in and doors opened at 9 line was around the corner by 8:20. Good part is once the doors were open the line moved pretty quickly. Women in 1 line for pat down once inside and men in another. The crowd was a mix of young and old so Dress was from club attire to jeans and tees with sneakers. For those who bought floor general admission standing room they were right at the stage which seemed cool because things being handed out were only tossed to those with floor admission. I had seats in the mezzanine so we didn't have to stand the whole time which was nice and still got a nice view of the stage. The draw back to being on the floor with general admission would be how packed it got which led to multiple fights before the performers even came out. People were getting drinks tossed on them it got pretty ugly. So as much as the floor admission is tempting I would choose to sit where I won't have to watch for flying fists. All in all the night was nice, the DJ was great, the performance was off the hook, and I would come back for more shows. read more

The Strand - Music Venues Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

came here for robbie shapiro (victorious) and it was so fun!! great event and it was so cool to see so many happy faces

This theater sucks. Absolutely freezing in the winter, and the building looks like it's gonna fall down. Just... wow. The seats in the mezzanine are the worst theater seats I've ever sat in. read more

i would give this place a 0 star rating if i could. my friend was extremely sick (21+) and they wouldn't help her at all. they forced her outside to the streets of providence, when we live over an hour away. we asked if we could come back inside for warmth because it was 30 degrees out side and they told us no. it was the worst i've ever been treated. the staff called me a "pretentious bitch" because i wanted my friend to be able to go to the bathroom because she was sick. avoid this place at any cost. the staff will treat you like you are less than them, pick any other place than here. read more

Too damn expensive due to lack of local or cheaper options for drinks. People who have coming to this venue for years know hat Gansett, PBR, etc should be here. Corona X6 =$42 is an issue for a show you paid less for. read more

I understand that good venues for shows are few and far between, but this place is just oozing with neglect. The paint is coming off all of the walls, holes in the ceiling, the seats in the Mezzanine are the worst I've ever experienced. Literally 4 inches from the edge of the seat to the back of the chair in front of you. Everyone in our row was sitting sideways and it's truly the most uncomfortable seating I've ever experienced. The staff was pretty good, which was the saving grace of the venue, but if I ever am forced to go here again, I'm def going general admission and saving my legs somewhat. read more

Good Venue I have going to this spot for over 20 years and the show setting and sound are always great. It's a fairly small amphitheater where you can't get a bad spot to watch a show. Sometimes the place can be a bit overcrowded and maneuvering can be a struggle. Most of the famous shows of my childhood were at this venue and the shows always seemed to be good. If your looking to check out a show in a nice intimate setting then this place will do the trick. Tip: 4 dollar Narragansett Tall Boys are the best deal Thanks read more

The place is a dump!- dirty, smells, peeling paint, ear crushing audio, no stair lights, no ushers, no seat markers that are easy to find.

Quite possibly my favorite venue in New England. It's big but not too big. Small but not too small. Lol. It's a great size to see a big band, but also feel the intimacy. I went in the late summer of 2019 to see Obituary and it was the best live sound I've ever heard at a live show. Perfection. read more

Good size space but absolutely abysmal venue. No free cups of water - charges $4 for a bottle. This is not only dangerous and neglectful but illegal. Drinks are a ridiculous price and poorly made. read more

Renovations look amazing. Sound quality is much improved. It's the best place to see live music within 100 miles if you ask me.

I like this place way better now than when it was Lupo's. There are some tables, but it's mostly standing room only downstairs. Bottled waters are $4 a piece-kinda pricey. I went with a friend to see Bad Fish tonight. The music wasn't too loud which I loved. We had a great time! read more

First things first - I don't think I will ever get over the fact that the Lupo's that I grew up in on Westminster Street is closed. Having said that, I am not the hugest fan of Lupo's at the Strand, but I'm happy that the Lupo's team was able to keep their venue in operation. Even if it is in a space that they share with the Roxy. :Sigh: What do I like about Lupo's? One, they get awesome national acts. Spearhead, that D.J. that does all the crazy mash-ups that teenagers love, Tori Amos, Jurassic 5, Mos Def and Talib - I've definitely seen some awesome shows brought in by Lupo's. Two, the staff, clad in the standard red Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel Elvis-printed t-shirts, are always extremely competent. Three, although the cups that they serve their mixed drinks in are tiny, they are always very, very strong. What don't I like about Lupo's? One, why can't they just buy bigger cups for their mixed drinks? I always feel like I am drinking out of a mouthwash cup. And maybe consider dropping the price just a tad? Two, they scaffold the price of tickets for general admission vs. reserved seating on the balcony. I'm sure this has to do with managing the crowds, but I think that I would really like my choice of where I am in the venue. Three, and most important, I have trouble with the sound. I think the sound is stellar on the balcony and in front of the stage that is not underneath the balcony. But if you happen to stand underneath the overhang, which half of the floor of the club is, the sound is rather muffled. Which means moving forward into the throng, elbowing through the crowd, standing still with your arms pinned against your sides, and not having ample room to dance. Life is so difficult. Bottom line: I like Lupo's at the Strand, I respect the history, and there is no way that I wouldn't go to a show because of my gripes above - it's just not my FAVORITE music venue. I miss the Lupo's on Westminster. :Whimper: read more

See my review for The Paladium in Worcester. This is pretty much the same venue just in RI A nice mid-size venue, pleasant staff. There are places to get away from the crowd (and the show if the openers suck) and inside the hall you can pretty much stand anywhere and see the stage. Drinks are pricey, but no worse than any other club. read more

Was here on 11.14.2013 to see Grouplove and J Roddy Walston and the business. Very nice looking place compared to some of the venues we have in CT. Rich and beautiful interior, the place was huge inside. Though there is a limited selection on draft, I was surprised at how many craft beers they did have, and there are several bars within the venue. Not sure if it was Providence or the headliner but real pleasant crowd - combination of trendy hipsters, supervising parents, and everyone else in between intermingling made for an enjoyable experience. The first floor is standing room only, but decently sized. From what I could tell, the mezzanine seating was about 10 rows of the balcony. Only one area for the bathrooms but they were well maintained and there was plenty of real estate. No food options but there a few food trucks outside the venue. Although they don't have a private lot, there are several parking lots located along Washington Street as well as several parking garages, including the Providence Place Mall. Really nice venue, looking forward to coming back! read more

So, the security guys are a bunch of tools, like total losers. One in particular, dude with the giant handle bar mustache... get a life man, for real. This guy would go out of his way to screw with your evening. My friend and I were standing talking after we got in and he comes right up behind us and screams "You guys need to f#cking move, get the f#ck out of my hallway". Ha, we just looked at him, laughed, and went on our merry way. We weren't even in the way of anything. Besides that, we had a great time here. Sound was pretty good, the place was a bit grungy, but the drinks were on par, and the talent was good. There were aspects of the event that I did not particularly like, but that can't be the venues fault. They did their best to accommodate us. Would I go back again? Yes. read more

This place is an absolute mess. It looks like it was just opened after 10 years of being abandoned. The line coming in was so disorganized, there was no direction from the staff nor were there signs telling people where to go. On top of that once you get in the staff yells at you telling you to move even though you haven't had a chance to even figure out where you need to go. The merch was positioned right outside the entrance and security which just caused a mess upon entering. The cherry on top has to be that there was ONE bathroom for a crowd of 2500. The bathroom on the balcony level was "out of order" which is just unacceptable for a crowd that big. One of the worst venues I've ever been to. read more

Definitely a fun atmosphere! I saw an indie band here called Explosions In The Sky. I had to park a few blocks away in what I thought was a mall parking garage, but the walk wasn't bad. The bar in the middle of Lupo's is great for drinks as well as a neat architectural aspect to the room. Comfy seating along the wall, in cozy little alcoves. There is a balcony section but I didn't manage to make my way up there. One of the shows I was supposed to see was canceled, but Lupo's emailed me right away and updated me quickly on any inconveniences that occurred. I will have to go back soon! read more

Wow, it's been almost three years since I've been to Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. I can't even remember what show I went to, but I found my notes for this place. The sound wasn't amazing, but security was super nice and they had Shock Tops for $5.50. I used to tour with bands... ages ago... and Lupo's has been around forever! They're doing something right! read more

I didn't really find anything special about Lupo's. Definitely a hard-ass security getting in. Those guys are on power-trips for sure. The stage is pretty low, thus making it hard to get a good view if you're standing on the main floor. Nothing special about the lights or sound. The concert that I went to see was fine. Lupo's did no damage to the experience. But, it also didn't add anything to it. read more

GREAT place to see a band! Staff was excellent, even for a rowdy show. (Respectful of patrons, but firm when needed to be.) BEAUTIFUL interior. Great bars. (Selection is a tad limited, but, it's a venue bar, what do you want.) Great sound. Oh, and drunk girl with a cup of beer? Please stop trying to clap. Thanks. read more

Lupo's is a great place to go to see a band play. I wish I could get to it more often because I enjoy the show everytime I am there. There isn't a bad place to stand in the venue and there are plenty of bars to keep you from getting thirsty. Like all concert venues, the drinks are pricey so bring plenty of cash. Lupo's is that perfect dark, dirty, and run-down concert venue you have been looking for. They bring in great music and an excellent variety. Defintely worth a visit if you like good live music. read more

Lupo's is pretty good. They tend to have a mix of big and small acts, but I love that I can see some bigger names like the RX Bandits at a smaller venue like Lupos. Um, so for more info.. you will always be waiting in a long ass line out the door if you show up early, so if you don't care about moshing in front or listening to the opening acts, just grab some food at the pub across the street and show up late. Drinks are SUPER watered down, I've never been able to even get buzzed at Lupo's.. 4.. 5.. 6.. drinks, then i give up. even if you tip nice, but you'll get that at most music venues, and I'm sure there are just good bartenders that I've just missed. Overall, the place is cool and I don't hesitate to catch a show there when a band I like is in town. read more

Lupo's is exactly a-ok venue for me. I was here in May, watching the last night of Franz Ferdinand's spring US tour and from what I remember of the place, it was a medium sized theater, kind of old but not in horrible shape. Stage wasn't too high and the sound was good. I should mark this venue a bit higher because of the amazing concert experience there, but as I'm just grading the venue here and not the actual show I went to, I think it deserves the 3 stars exactly. There's not enough effective communication between the staff there. I was trying to bring my non-professional camera in that's a bit on the bulky side because of the high optical zoom on it, and got harrassed by one security guard who gave me crap for it and refused to let me through, but when I went to the person in charge, they were fine with it. And there should've been some type of posted policy about cameras before they opened doors- I know it depends on the artist what the policy is, but the venue should give some fair warning. read more

I really, really wish there was a venue in Boston, like Lupo's. Well, there used to be; the Channel. But, the mob took over that joint, and it got ugly, and they died. A bunch of acts I'd love to see get booked there, but not in Boston. I'm sorry, but you can see acts there, that then get booked at the Fleet Pavilion. I'd rather see the act in a good old-fashioned rock joint. For way less money, too. One of my best memories, was riding the Commuter Rail down from Boston, to see the John Spencer Blues Explosion with Billy Ruane, and the Band's Manager, Tommy. I think Billy was off his medication, because he cleared the car, with his outbursts. read more

Great place to see a concert - sell of fast - Lupo's lineage - can't be better than that.

Went to see Jimmy Eat World here a few months back and a few shows since. I do enjoy the venue. It's smaller than your typical House of Blues, the sound is really good. They need to work on being able to move the lines a bit quicker when accepting people via general admission. Also if you've never been there and are walking down to the floor there are stairs that are very poorly lit. There was at least three people I saw fall down, very unsafe. Unfortunately though unless you want to drive to Boston it still is decent for Providence. read more

Was Lupos before and now it's The Strand , different name same stuff going on here. Was at a concert recently surprised my fiancé with tickets , flyer says doors open at 9pm so we get there at 830pm so we can get a good spot , we were outside until about 10:30pm. First off it was freezing outside , and they had us out there for a long time. The workers never appear to be nice, not friendly at all just shoving you along. They changed the interior a little to make it look a little fancy by the VIP area but the same old habits. It was an 18+ event , but I felt like it was still all ages. I wasn't aware you're allowed to smoke in this place , I have bad asthma and everyone was smoking , it was so bad I went from the front all the way to the back because I couldn't take it anymore and the back ended up being worse. I saw numerous people severely drunk fallen over , and workers just walking right by them. I won't come back here. Oh and not to mention ... the artists didn't come on until 1am, that's several hours of waiting around. The bathrooms are a mess as well. read more

I remember going to shows at "old Lupo's" in high school. From what I can recall of these evenings, the bathrooms were straight out of a horror movie - if soggy paper towels were substituted for blood. More recently I've been to the "new" Lupo's (when Lupo's took over the Strand, I do not recall) - and I have to say, the bathrooms are much improved. But who goes to a venue to use the bathrooms? (Well, apparently I do...) In general, I really enjoy Lupo's. The sound quality is excellent and I love the balcony seating. (I really shudder at the thought of having the stand through two or three openers... Does that make me old? Yes.) Another review likened this place to the Palladium and I agree - except it's not in Worcester so it gets extra points for that. The staff is, as with all other venues, salty. Some folks are super pleasant and lovely and others are not so polite. This is to be expected. Here's a tip: just don't be a jerk and the security guy won't have to yell at you. If he yells at you anyway, just remember he's the security guy at Lupo's - not your dad. No need to cry about it when you get home. Don't let it ruin your night and enjoy the show. read more

I saw the Deertick show here on Friday night. It was a venue change from Waterfront Park. I am thankful the show went on because I was really looking forward to it. This was the second time being inside of Lupos and it is a great live music venue. The acoustics are nice. The music is loud, but not so loud were I feel like I need ear plugs to function. My only complaint is the place could use a couple of more bartenders. It took a long time to get a drink. However, the prices are pretty good for a place like this. read more

Have been to this "newer" version of Lupo's a few times in the past couple of years. The most recent show I saw - G Love - we sat upstairs and had a great view of the stage and the nonsense that goes on offstage. Watching a show downstairs gets crowded and hot and hard to see the show.... it doesn't help that teenyboppers can get in here and sing along with every song they know. Love that you can still order drinks and bring them to your seat. Definitely not the Lupo's I fell in love with but still a fun place to see a show. Go to Trinity Brewhouse before the show to get beers and yummy comfort food! read more

Divey but it's definitely large enough to accommodate half of Providence when a good gig rolls into town! I can't hate it because AT LEAST IT EXISTS! There were bars inside and there was plenty of room to dance and talk. It's obviously a gutted theater and that concept alone has always given me nausea. This place specifically reminded me of another divey location in Pamona, CA. All that being said, IT WAS BIG. THE BANDS WERE AWESOME. What else could you want? It's no Belly Up. It's no Greek. But at least they have music and at least they have room! *they should always open the balcony, a lot of people just want to be voyeurs and that's hard to do from the very back on the bottom by the bars* read more

Took a train down to Providence to see Dr. Dog a while back. My friend picked me up and we found parking nearby. It's a sketchy area, but with two of us we felt all right. Besides that, I honestly had no complaints. The sound quality was excellent (you didn't need earplugs, either), the drinks were par for any venue, and there was space to breathe. We stood back by the sound and lighting area and had a great view of the show. With a chill band like Dr. Dog it worked, but I could see a more intense band coming in and the place getting really stinky and unpleasant very quick. Given the ticket prices and the space the venue had, I'd definitely return. read more

Been here twice, first time I saw new found glory play and the staff was extremely rude from the beginning. They have short tempers and just made the first time experience unpleasant. The second time around I went was 2 years later and I though why not give it a shot. Again the staff was rude. A friend of mine was a support band for a day to remember and I had guest passes. Security decided I had to leave backstage, there was no reason for me to leave at all. Later that night I stuck around at the front to hang with everyone at the Merch area. Another guard was being an idiot and tried to force us out. We were just about to leave anyway and start packing up but he insisted to be a legitimate asshole. The guard started shouting and we told him to calm down but wanted to get physical. A cop was right there to stop it but then the staff decided to try and gain up on the cop. After a few mins it calmed down to the point we decided to never come back. It's a great location but like many business's seem to be hiring rude people who hate what they're doing. Don't go here!!!! read more