March 22, 2018
11 Best Places to Hear Live Music in Prescott
Looking for live music in Prescott? The Whiskey Row/Courthouse Plaza area has a great collection of establishments that provide an interesting mix of live music, music festivals and karaoke with a bit of Old West rowdiness. They are all about 20 miles from Talking Rock, and you can even book a shuttle through member services so you can feel free to party.
You can find everything from country covers and golden oldies, to acoustic originals and jazz compilations. The town holds annual music festivals, including bluegrass, jazz and folk festivals as well as seasonal celebrations. Tourists and locals alike relish the mixture of venues and music styles available. Plus, a good dance floor is always a bonus!
Although it’s difficult to narrow down the great choices available, we have 11 recommendations sure to get your boots stomping and heart thumping.
The Palace is the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona. It served as an election central for political races, mineral claims were bought and sold over the bar and Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday frequented the Palace. Today it is still a popular gathering place that offers live music and fantastic Dinner Theatre performances by tribute bands to singer-songwriters of the 70s and country favorites.
120 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, about 20 miles from Talking Rock
Locals say this is one of the best live music venues in Prescott. Located upstairs in the historic Palace Building on Whiskey Row, the balcony overlooks the Courthouse Plaza and is named after Lillie Langtry, a 19th century British-American socialite, actress and producer.
Under new management, the saloon has updated their menu and put a renewed focus on booking the best live music in Prescott. Their Live Music Schedule includes a Wednesday Jam Session, with the stage open from 7 – 10 p.m. for local musicians to bring their guitar or keyboard and jam.
120 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, about 20 miles from Talking Rock
This is a fantastic live music scene with a back patio that’s fun to hang out and dance. Far From Folsom features a Johnny Cash theme, but don’t worry, if Johnny Cash doesn’t fit your music taste, it’s known to host a diverse group of popular local bands.
On St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), you can party with Valley favorite Roger Clyne, who plays at the venue from 5-7 p.m. To see the jam-packed schedule of other live music, visit https://www.farfromfolsom.com/musicandevents.
214 S Montezuma St, Prescott, about 20 miles from Talking Rock
Prescott’s peaceful tree-lined Courthouse Plaza comes alive on balmy summer nights. The Summer Concert Series on the historic Courthouse Plaza kicks off June 1st and runs through August 31st, with free entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There’s also a Prescott Bluegrass Festival in late June.
Events: http://www.visit-prescott.com/events-in-prescott-arizona
120 S. Cortez St., Prescott, about 25 miles from Talking Rock
This is a favorite with locals who stop in to hear live music offered every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The venue books local and national artists, focusing on musicians with a personalized individual musical style. Nice rooftop patio to hang out and enjoy the music and views.
142 N. Cortex St., Prescott, about 25 miles from Talking Rock
Spend some time at the Point Bar & Lounge for a cozy, jazzy experience featuring great music. It’s a local hangout, with a real Prescott vibe.
114 N. Montezuma, Prescott, about 24 miles from Talking Rock
The famous old west saloon is a favorite with tourists, but locals stop by as well. They have live music several nights a week, the bartenders pour strong drinks and you can’t help but wonder what music the gold prospectors of the 1800s listened to.
160 S. Montezuma, Prescott, about 24 miles from Talking Rock
This historic landmark Inn overlooks all the activities at Courthouse Plaza and hosts local jazz musicians who perform in the lounge every night but Sunday. There’s a nice outdoor courtyard for relaxed summer evenings.
122 E. Gurley St., Prescott, about 24 miles from Talking Rock
The museum holds an Annual Folk Music Festival every October. This is Arizona’s longest-running folk music festival and features musicians performing on four stages. The event includes educational and informative workshops on musical history, musical styles and iconic musicians.
415 W. Gurley St., Prescott, about 17 miles from Talking Rock
In mid-June, the Chaparral Music Festival provides instruction for young students of piano, stringed instruments and percussion. Classes extend over several days and culminate in public concerts at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
630 Park Ave., Prescott, about 25 miles from Talking Rock
The Elks Opera House is a turn-of-the-19th-century facility that offers a smorgasbord of shows, ranging from opera to children’s musicals. With a mission of promoting music among local youth and a program of upbeat material, the Prescott POPs Symphony has a regular schedule of four performances a year at such venues as the Yavapai College Performance Hall and Tim’s Toyota Center.
117 E. Gurley St., Prescott, about 25 miles from Talking Rock
Let us know if you have a favorite not on our list. It’s also important to note that Chino Valley has some great live music options as well. Just head the other direction if you’d like to check them out as well!
If you love Prescott, but like your independence, visit Talking Rock talkingrockaz.com
Thirty minutes outside of Prescott, this private master-planned community offers a variety of home sites including custom builds, on the golf course, two to 10-acre lots, and read- to-move- in options.
* Photos courtesy Far From Folsom, The Palace and Lilly Jersey Saloon
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