10 of the world’s most interesting music venues Issue #36

By Katy Henriksen
Published: June 1st, 2008 | 2:11pm

Baalbeck Temples
Beirut, Lebanon
Considered a wonder of the ancient world, these Roman temples become a three-stage celebration of world, jazz, and pop music for the Baalbeck International Music Festival each summer. (baalbeck.org.lb)

Silent Barn
Ridgewood, Queens
Far from the condos of Williamsburg, yet still a quick walk from the L train, this artists’ loft living space heats up some nights as an all-ages underground club playing host to some of the next big indie sensations, including an infamous performance in April 2007 by Deerhunter.

John Benson’s Bus
roams throughout the U.S.
In the grand San Fran tradition of the Merry Pranksters, this party bus fueled by biodiesel was once an Oakland Police mobile unit. It’s now an intimate 50-capacity performance space where bands play while the bus is in motion. (xlr8r.com/tv/41)

Classic Cigar Parlor
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
This 18th-century townhouse serves as a high-end cigar parlor by day. Venture upstairs past the humidors for a glimpse of the local music scene on select evenings. (classcigar.com)

Mike Shirkey’s House
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The iconic Victorian home with an inviting wrap-around front porch hosts internationally acclaimed folk acts courtesy of Good Folk Productions’ Mike Shirkey. Audiences are invited to tap their toes to banjo-fueled jams in the spacious front room of Shirkey’s living room. (goodfolk.org)

Modem
Berlin, Germany
A 23,000-square meter power plant that once supplied energy for East Berlin, this Mitte cultural oasis opened its doors in April with a vision to explore art, architecture, and music in synthesis. (modem-berlin.net)

Southgate House
Newport, Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln once spent the night in this gothic mansion built in 1814. Reinvented in 1989 as a music venue, three intimate spaces host indie stalwarts including Pavement and Devotchka. (southgatehouse.com)

Department of Safety
Anacortes, Washington
An abandoned fire and police station, this artist-run space on Fidalgo Island serves up art and music, in addition to offering artists’ residencies. (departmentofsafety.com/residency)

Coffee House at McMurdo Station
Antarctica
Although only approximately 1,000 people live at this U.S. government-run science and research base, the Coffee House serves as the musical hotspot for the small community.

Brooklyn Masonic Temple
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Normally a place for secret society meetings, this imposing building now doubles as a thriving all-ages indie music spot. Recent bands who’ve graced the auspices include Beirut and the Mountain Goats. (brooklynmasonictemple.com)