best concert venue

I second RED ROCKS !!! I live just blocks from it and find it an awesome place to hike and bike as well. The place can be downright magical for music with the right sound system and techs.

I've read most of these posts and with all due respect...you're all wrong...!!

But seriously...Yoshi's in Jack London Square, Oakland CA (Must love Jazz!!)

For the Following reasons

Best overall choice of performers.
Not a bad seat in the house.
Great sound
Excellent food (it's also a restaurant)
Intimate size and setting.
And for a guy who's been to too many "stadium" venues...no lines, easy logistics and parking! Arrive at 5:30 for dinner, check in at club, reserve your seat, eat, see show.

FR

I didn't consider outdoor venues as they usually don't sound that great but I don't have a lot of experience here. Long ago I stumbled (literally) into Ahmad Jamal and a trio playing in a church courtyard in Perugia, Italy. The music and outdoor acoustic was memorable but I think the copious quantities of Montepulciano beforehand helped.

Although I have to second the vote for Yoshi's, it is missing one thing.

A few years back I was in London at a Jazz club (Can't remember name) and they had the perfect addition to any venue. Stenciled on the walls were the letters STFU. During the show (Hue & Cry from Scottland) a couple near me started talking and someone else in the audience pointed to the letters STFU and told them to Shut the F up.

My vote is for any venue that has and enforces this.

Yoshi's is also missing atmosphere IMHO. I've been there twice and it's just too clinical, too "corporate" - no smells, no rough edges and certainly no smoke. How can you have a jazz club without smoke - even dry ice fake smoke would be better - liven the place up a bit! My 2c.