Phoenix Theatre — Attraction in Petaluma

This is absolutely the worst, most disgusting, poorly organized venue I've ever been to in my life...and I've been to hundreds of shows at similar-sized places. I drove here all the way from Fremont a couple of days ago to see a local band I really like and left wondering how local authorities haven't shut this place down.

The door seemed to be worked by a bunch of 16yr olds who really didn't seem to care much if you paid or not. If i didn't want to support the band so much, I would have just walked in. All of their little buddies were just coming in and out anyways and skateboarding around the lobby. Annoying plus safety hazard.

The place is completely falling apart. Damaged floors, walls, electrical wires just strewn about unprotected. The place is covered with graffiti inside, and not in an artistic way, in a super trashy way. The building is completely filthy and probably hasnt seen a mop in months.

The concert hall itself is clearly modified during the day to be an indoor skate park. The ramps and grind poles were just pushed off to the side, very much in the way of patrons. At one point a grinding pole fell down on a kid. Thankfully that kid didn't get hurt. No one seemed to care.

Also this is the worst sound system I've heard in a venue this size. Ive seen the same band multiple times at places in San Francisco and they sound great. It's the venue not the band. Fuzzy the whole time. Not a good sound for a band that relies on really intricate riffs and song composition.

I didn't see a concession stand anywhere for food or drinks. I wasnt really looking for it, but at most venues like this, they have concessions all up in your face so that they can make money. Something im discovering this venue has no interest in. I did see a vending machine that no one was approaching. So if you are hungry an thirsty, tank up and hydrate prior to coming.

On top of everything, the show was empty, which I know is not entirely the venue's fault. I mean I realize Petaluma isn't an ideal place to book a local thrash show and most people wouldn't make the trip even if they like the band. However based on the lack of care and pride taken in the facility itself, you can tell they put as much effort into promoting this show as they do in the upkeep of the building.

Someone buy this place and turn it into a gym...

I grew up going here. My first memory of going to the Phoenix it was still A movie theater. I saw the movie E.T. Also seen the first ROCKY the boxing movie. I'm sure I've seen more than that too. On week days it was a movie theater. Had movie posters around the outside of what's showing, and up coming. I like looking at the posters. And on weekends its was a concert hall. For local bands to show their stuff. Also the spectators to release their passion of all different kinds of music. Off the top of my head of what I remember? To name a few bands that played at the Phoenix is...Death Angle, Les Claypool of Primus, George Theirgood and the Destroyers, Snoop Dogg when he was going under a new name "the Loin"?, Ice T with his metal band Body Count, Slashes snake pit. Slash as in Guns and Roses Slash and best for last Slayer & METALICA! played here. When METALICA started they pumped out a new amazing album every year. They took a break for a couple years. But When they put together the Black Album. They played at the Phoenix to try the songs live. Before the album released. To see the reactions of the crowd. Before they were to take it on the road. Plus So many other great bands that I know i will remember as soon as I post this and have to edit over and over again. Bands love this place. The acoustics are perfect. Now none of that would have happened with out TOM GAFFIE. He has kept this place from closing by the skin of his teeth. It's a good place for kids, adults and bands of all kinds to express themselves. Tom is the most kind and thoughtful person. To keep this open as long as he has. Thinking of others. Other than himself. For a long time there was a snack bar counter with popcorn and candy. Behind that was a room for the arcade. Tom had video games in that room and the lobby. Great selection of games too. I can only imagine the abuse and up keep that was. Now with games on your phone. Stand up video games don't make money like they use to. Go check this place out. See a show. An old building always needs some work. It's a little grungy. But if you don't like that. Find a way to help make it a better place. Keep the music alive here at a historical Petaluma building....

The Phoenix is a gem. Truly a beloved, community-minded haven offering free youth services, and also an awesome venue for live music. It operates as a nonprofit and has great resources for younger Petalumans. It's home to a teen health clinic and is a safe place to gather (skate, do homework, take music lessons, etc.).

If you're coming here for a show, don't expect luxury. Its spirit is in its grit. It's an all-ages venue, so no bar (there are snacks and non-alcoholic drinks sold in the lobby). I've been coming here since the early 1990s and its physical makeup feels almost the same. Tom Gaffey is golden, and obviously pours his heart and soul into the place. It's such a fun, energetic, soulful venue to see bands play and one of my favorite things about downtown Petaluma.

I'm really grateful that The Phoenix still offers a beautiful space to see great bands. It makes me happy to see it still having a positive impact on...