AMPHITHEATER:
Think neon fishnets, furry boots, sparkly bras and the works. Better known to most as “The Amp,” this venue is kind of like the Tampa Mecca of what the youngins’ these days refer to as “dubstep.” Also right along 7th Ave., the vein of Ybor, the Amp has risen in popularity over the past few years with the emergence of EDM– electronic dance music– and the rave scene. It features a 30-foot rotating dance floor and the stage is mostly dominated by EDM shows, although a hip-hop act will pop up every now and then.
1609 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, amptampa.com
CROWBAR:
To some, a bar; to local musicians, a haven. While Crowbar isn’t the fanciest joint in Tampa, it’s a treasure trove for not only supporters of local music, but for fans of indie rock, punk and electro, making sure to span all the genres. They’re also known for hosting guest DJs as well as Battle of the Bands, reigning in an eclectic crowd and always offering a performance space for Tampa peeps. And mark your calendars: Aaron Carter will be in the house on November 21.
1812 17th St. N., Ybor City, crowbarlive.com
ORPHEUM:
For all your indie music fancies, Orpheum serves as a space for local acts and national acts while simultaneously serving as a dance club. Complete with an impressive capacity of 720, the venue offers plenty of groovin’ room on the bottom floor and a spacious balcony. It’s recently been moved to 7th Ave. at the center of Ybor, and now boasts an impressive resume of big names like Against Me, Young the Giant, Black Lips, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and an abundance of others.
1915 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, theorpheum.com
RITZ:
It’s the best of both worlds. Merging Czar and The Ritz Ybor into one space, like a nightclub-music-venue hybrid, it allows for weekly DJ dance parties like Filthy Richard, as well as big name bands, such as recent performers Say Anything and Phantogram. After recent renovations, the once scant little setting is newly transformed into a three-room venue with an upgraded sound system and a new LED system. Tampanians love this place.
