Hawthorne Theatre in Portland

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comments 5

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  Jason Zerbel

  :: 23 May 2018 10:05:58

  This was the best show I've been to yet at the Hawthorne theater. Sound was better. Security was better. Bartenders were awesome.

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  Rick Garza

  :: 21 May 2018 20:09:21

  I've been here quite a few times for shows and security are always great people to chat with (me having personal security experience) its always fun to share stories. The sound quality of the shows are always top notch.

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  Jeán Hubbard

  :: 16 May 2018 11:16:52

  The venue itself is not too bad, but the acoustics in the venue is TERRIBLE! Just awful sound quality in there. Drinks are on the pricey side too.

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  Kathryn Moore

  :: 15 May 2018 12:54:24

  I've been to a fair number of concerts at The Hawthorne, and I consider it to be one of the best smaller venues in Portland, especially for metal shows. The floor is just big enough to allow enough people for a good mosh, but not so big that things easily get out of control, so serious injuries are less likely (but not impossible, always keep that in mind; some of the most painful pits I've ever been in were small, mostly because some bands have very angry and/or enthusiastic fan bases). The equipment is actually pretty advanced for a small stage set-up, too. For example, I saw a band I love at a different venue about 7 months ago, my ears weren't ringing at all afterward and the sound quality left me wanting. I saw that same band at The Hawthorne last night and I could actually hear the vocals and high notes clearly. My position, in relation to the stage, was almost identical for both shows (first "row", slightly stage left). The staff are usually quite nice, though I have run into a few Grumpy Gus's here and there (they're usually working door security, so I can't blame them; I've seen people be very rude to them). The floor security are usually on point, always checking with people to see if they're alright if they look like they're in pain, yet they don't interfere with the mosh unless someone's purposely hurting people or it gets too energetic. It's a tricky job, keeping a pit safe without stifling the fun. On another note, I HAVE NEVER PURCHASED FOOD OR DRINK FROM THIS VENUE, SO I DON'T FACTOR THEM INTO MY REVIEW. I don't buy consumables from ANY concert venue, as it's typically overpriced and can be mediocre in quality. I like to be sober for shows so I can actually remember what happened.

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  Sydney Schneider

  :: 01 May 2018 18:50:22

  Love the size of the venue. Seeing any of your favorite bands or performers here is extra rewarding because no matter where you stand, you feel very close. I was pretty disappointed with how rude security was this last time in. They were disrespecting everyone in line and belittling them. They even went so far as to flip through every last one of my cards in my wristlet. The line for security took so long that we missed the opening act even though we arrived long before he was supposed to go on. Inside, the guards were obsessed with stopping anyone who was attempting to smoke, but were missing more serious security threats left and right. Beer cans were being thrown from the balcony and my boyfriend was hit with one. Of course, he was upset about this, but he was more upset that not a single security guard seemed to be paying attention. Also, a sold out show needs more than one bartender. Waiting 15 minutes for a drink during a 2 hour show is inexcusable. I will be back to this venue, I was just disappointed with this experience.