Metro Music Hall — Local services in Salt Lake City

The Viva La DIVA Show is one of the best drag shows, bar-none, that we have ever seen. I’ve spent a lot of time in Salt Lake City, having previously travelled there frequently , but for my husband’s first-ever trip to Utah this month, I was searching for, as we always do when we travel, local drag shows to see. I know there are at least a few in the area, but we were very drawn to Jason Cozmo’s story– bringing drag to where you really wouldn’t have expected it to flourish, especially a few years back. So we purchased tickets to the Jolly Holiday DIVA! Show for a 2pm Sunday show. The venue– Metro Music Hall– seemed cavernous on its website, but upon arriving, it was large, but cozier than we expected, and even though they said it was a “light” crowd, it seemed that every table and booth was filled up to us, filled by a crowd with lots of energy. When we arrived, late..of course, we were greeted by the incredibly sweet staff– who made us feel welcomed immediately and moved us to better seating just before the show proactively without us asking, which was very gracious. The bartenders graciously walked us through how to order drinks (SLC liquor laws being what they are, it’s anxiety provoking for NYers!). I have to say that the touch-button light (for booth seating) and order-by-text for floor seating were extremely ingenious ideas to both maintain compliance and keep the booze efficiently flowing. We very much appreciated this– having drinks just appear after sending a text vs the normal mad crush, lines, and waiting of most drag show bars. The drinks were reasonably priced. But enough about the venue and logistics. The Jolly Holiday DIVA! Show was amazing– and unique– and there's a few reasons why: Jason Cozmo, diversity, amazing trained dancers and live singers, and (most importantly) heart. Jason Cozmo– this man, this queen, did NOT disappoint. When he opened the show with (SPOILER ALERT) “From a Distance” (Christmas Version) as Bette Midler, my husband, a huge Miss M fan, did not know of this holiday version of that song, but I knew it was going to be a special show for it to start with such a deep/meaningful message as opposed to just something loud and sassy (which of course came rapidly afterward lol). We could not get over the 100% spot-on “celebrity impersonation”as Bette– the look, the hair, the dress, the movement, the affect– everything. Equally impressive as the spot on lip-synching in-character was the ease of transition to being the MC of the show. This was a comedy queen– smart, sassy, star quality, ability to read (and “read”) the audience, fast with a witty comeback– but most importantly– this theme and message of inclusion and leaving this place more open-minded than when you came in. This was refreshing because it was genuine, and it was not “everyone, be more liberal…” as evidenced by the amount of Mormons, and people from other towns in UT, and straight people, and three generations of Jason’s family in the audience… I could go on and on. We were amazed by (seemingly I believe without changing makeup) Jason went from Bette in a sparkly dress, to Bette in a Christmas nighty/pinout type deal, to Liza with a Z, to two (or three?) versions of Dolly– each as spot on a likeness to its inspiration as the last. Performing Dolly’s Hard Candy Christmas literally made me cry (ok I cry at everything) but stil.. It was beautiful. It was so great to see a drag show featuring 2 drag kings– as Elvis and George Michael. It was great to see this on a main stage in a great show, Two of the greatest parts of the show were an amazing dance by (hope I got the names right) Mason as Jack Skelton, and Mack as Cindy Lou Who and Davin as the Grinch– singing live– classically trained artists giving all the feels. The amazing dancers who supported much of the show were also a big draw whether backing elvis or being Santa’s elves. Catch this show while you can and I really think you will have a great time, see a top notch show, and leave feeling just a little bit better...

Went for my friends band, and based off my experience I probably won't be going back. I don't go out very often now a days and places like this is why. Been going to this location for close to to 20 years. I've watched as its changed over the time under 3 names and multiple owners/management. This is the worst I've seen. Even worked there for some time when it was called The Mixx. First off it was poorly lit. Except for the stage which lighting was done by personal friends. At least they did a good job at representing the place, even though they don't even work there. Just doing a favor. The Sound was horrible, and not because the bands were bad, the Sound Engineer couldn't get it under control. Too loud and hurt my ears. Did not ring out the PA, multiple train wrecks with the mix. A lot of feedback and squelching from the PA. I could tell the Audio person was inexperienced or didn't have time to make a proper mix for all the bands. Probably cause they either had lack of experience or didn't care do to low pay. Which is usually the case. At least my buddies band sounded good. My ears still hurt today. Thank God they had ear plugs provided at the Bar. Which brings me to my next portion of my rant. Service sucked. Limited selection, your pretty standard dive bar choices. Service was poor, overpriced, and not friendly. Not even a busy night for one bartender. I asked for a shot of Jameson, which they were out so had to upsell my whiskey, and received a ¼ of an ounce if that. Not even a full oz which is standard. Like I said I used to work there as a bartender so I know my limits and state laws. I got 5 drinks, well technically 2 and a ½ maybe 3. I did try a different selection still maybe ½ shot if that. In total I spent about $60 with ticket sale and was not happy, but I went for my friends, and that was the only thing that made my experience worth it. In closure do yourself a service and stick to the beer. Been in the music community for over 25 years, and as a professional in the industry as a Bartender and Professional Event Production for most of that. So not your usual patron. I would hate for this to be my first experience for an event there. I can't believe they got a 4.5 review on Google. Blows my mind. I would rate my experience a 1, maybe 1.5 if they would add heaters...

I saw Aesop Rock here tonight. I was thinking of seeing Dragonette here in a few days but I'm going to pass.

The sound was really bad. The musicians had to repeatedly ask to turn up their monitors and turn down the bass. It sounded like this place cheaped out and only bought subwoofers. Honestly I don't think it was even the sound guy's fault. It's a long concrete box that's just plain boomy.

The layout left a lot to be desired. In the dead middle of the room is the bar. When the room is full like tonight, if you are further back than the bar, you have a horde of people in front of you talking and placing orders and lining up between you and the artist. Three giant chandeliers hang above the bar, and stay at full brightness during the show. So when you're trying to look up at the stage in a dark room you have to squint past the bright chandeliers.

Lastly, I know it isn't necessarily the venues fault, but there is a homeless camp located a few hundred feet away, and as I was walking up I had to pass several police cars breaking up some sort of incident. I did not feel safe walking to or from the venue.

The only two stars I'm giving for this review are for nice technology that let me just scan my phone at the door and it acted as my ticket, and...