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Jacksonville is one of Florida’s cultural hot-spots, a fact to which visitors to its many museums and art galleries can attest. The city also has a thriving music scene, and there are a number of spots where you can watch the latest up-and-coming regional artists playing, as well as more well-known touring acts. Here’s where you should visit if you’re an avid concert-goer.

Jacksonville at night

Underbelly

With a quirky décor of candelabras, murals, fairy lights, and vintage armchairs, Underbellyis one of Jacksonville’s most distinctive and popular live music venues. A diverse range of genres can be heard here – from indie to hip-hop and jazz to punk – all being bellowed out by local and national musicians. Small bites can be enjoyed in the seating area if you work up an appetite while dancing, and an impressive selection of craft beers are available on tap. The team at Underbelly are proud to “sell magic in all sizes”, and you’re sure to have an enchanting evening if you pay it a visit. 113 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL, +1 904-699-8186 The Dangerous Summer performing at Jack Rabbits | © A Featherstone/Flickr

Jack Rabbits

Bar

This intimate and lively venue is your best chance to get up close and personal with your favorite acts in Jacksonville, and was chosen by The Guardian as one of the ten best places for live music venues in the whole of Florida. Jack Rabbits only ever charges an affordable $10 cover charge and plays host to loads of local talent as well as the occasional bigger artists – previous guests have included punk band Less Than Jake, indie rockers Yo La Tengo and electronic artist Dan Deacon. 1528 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL, +1 904-398-7496 A popular night | Courtesy of Burro Bar

Burro Bar

Bar, Pub Grub

Downtown Jacksonville
© Om/Flickr
From the terracotta roof tiles to the murals of revolutionaries plastered on its walls, Burro Bar has a characteristic Mexican vibe that is a joy to behold. Found in Jacksonville’s Elbow District, the city’s cultural and entertainment hub, this bar regularly features the best new artists from the underground music scene. The plethora of rotating craft beer taps include selections from local breweries Intuition and Bold City, but designated drivers are also catered for every Thursday with hip-hop and hookah night. Pool, pinball, and arcade machines are also provided.

Music Hall

1904 Music Hall in downtown Jacksonville is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, which despite its renovation has maintained certain architectural features that date back to the early 20th century – wooden rafters, 15-foot tall columns, exposed brick – lending the venue an historic atmosphere. The state-of-the-art stage and sound system have been utilized by deathcore bands Carnifex and The Acacia Strain in the past, but a variety of musical acts come to play here. An extensive list of beer and wine can be purchased and enjoyed either inside or in the 2000 ft2 courtyard. 19 Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL The façade of the Florida Theatre | © Craig ONeal/Flickr

Florida Theatre

For an evening of elegance, look no further than the sumptuous surroundings of the Florida Theatre. This Jacksonville landmark was built in 1927, and its grandeur and rarity – it is one of only four remaining theaters of its style left in the state – has led to it being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Having been graced in the past by such musical legends as Ray Charles and Elvis Presley, in recent years big-name stars like Diana Ross, Alice Cooper, and The xx have performed within its lavish interior. 128 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL, +1 904-355-5661 By Josh Wright

About the author

Josh is a graduate of the University of Leicester’s English and American Studies program, and spent the third year of his degree abroad at the University of Oregon. It was there that he indulged his long-held interests in archaeology and the American West, and developed a new one in Mexican food. He hopes to pursue all three and return to the U.S. in the future, and perhaps forge a career either out of writing or wandering around the woods all day.

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