The Valley’s latest and greatest entertainment site, Crescent Ballroom, features a music venue, lounge and kitchen all rolled up into a building that once housed the 1917 F.L. Hart Garage in Downtown Phoenix.
The 308 North 2nd Avenue concept opened to the public on October 3 with a sold out performance from Portland band Blind Pilot to an audience of over 400.
The 7,000-square-foot red brick warehouse features vaulted wood-beamed ceilings with a large stage and a darkened, yet cozy, ambience. Bleacher-like wooden seats are stacked along the back wall, allowing all patrons a clear view the stage, standing or sitting. Depending on the performance, the floor may be open, inviting some intense dance-going, or perforated with two-person round tables.
Stateside Presents purchased the historic building this past summer.
“I’m going to look at every kind of music that’s good music,” Charlie Levi of Stateside Presents told Phoenix New Times, adding that he’d like to see blues, country western, and other genres mixed into the schedule. “Once we’re open and get more established, I think we’ll be able to attract more musicians.”
Crescent Ballroom also features “pop-up restaurant” Cocina 10. Cocina is Spanish for “kitchen,” while the 10 is a reference to the I-10, where the venue is near.
The kitchen is overseen by Chris Bianco of the locally famed three hour plus wait time Pizzeria Bianco, and fellow local chef Doug Robson of Gallo Blanco. Bianco describes the gastro delights of Cocina 10 as “Mexican-accented road food.”
True to taste, I tried the bean and cheese burrito when I attended the Washed Out and EMA show on October 15. Leave it to the Bianco-Robson duo to give me the best burrito of my life. Other menu options include nachos with side of beef or pork; al pastor (a pork burrito marinated with chili with side of pineapple); beef burrito; and churro (how did I miss the churro?).
Along with the venue, Crescent Ballroom will also house a lounge with food, drinks, no cover, and a small stage where acoustic bands, DJs, and other artists can play on a nightly basis. The lounge is open at 4 p.m. everyday.
November’s lineup includes bands such as M83, The Love Me Nots and Rachel Yamagata.
The Crescent Ballroom
308 North 2nd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-716-2222
