Mic check time. On Wed., Dec. 1, iconic music club The Crocodile opens the doors to its brand new Belltown location, a 30,000 sqft. entertainment complex that dwarfs the original in size and scope, with 50 percent more capacity and its own hotel. 🎸
Those who were in Seattle for the grunge era no doubt have Sierra Nevada-soaked memories of the Croc’s divey roots. Soon after making its debut on 2nd Ave. in April of 1991, the venue became part of rock history , hosting legendary bands such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden + Nirvana (Kurt Cobain was apparently a fan of the club’s pinball machine).
When leasing issues and the pandemic shutdown in 2020 forced a move , the owners found an opportunity to revamp the old El Gaucho/Big Picture space a few blocks away, and really took things up a notch.
The result is four venues in one: the main showroom, Madame Lou’s (a space for punk shows and dance parties), Here-After (a 100-seat comedy club, theater, + bar opening in January), and The Society (a cafe serving up craft cocktails and street food). There’s even a 17-room modern hotel with decor from local artists and concerts that stream in the lobby.
Beyond all those bells, whistles, and guitar distortion, there’s also a solid lineup of shows on the horizon. Here are some highlights that’ll rock your socks off. 🤘
🎟️ Dial Up | Fri., Dec. 3 | 10 p.m. | $10 | It’s a dance party at Madame Lou’s, with Cell Phones + DJ Wifi for the full tech name spectrum.
🎟️ The Murder City Devils | Sun., Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | $30 | What better way to break in the new digs than with this Seattle-based garage band that brings up 90s nostalgia vibes.
🎟️ A Tribute to Seattle Icons: Chris Cornell + Lane Staley
| Sat., Dec. 11 | 5 p.m. | $35 | Cover bands honor the late rock stars.