Roseland Theater

07/06/2008 Posted by nessamonster

The show was good, the band was amazing, however the people that ran the place were absolute jerks for no apparent reason. We called in regards as to when to show up for the show, the message that we got said that the doors open at 8, the bands start at 9. When we got there the band we bought tickets for were already playing, when we asked the ticket taker why the band was already playing she said the doors opened at seven, the bands started at eight. When I asked why the phone message said otherwise she said I had a shi**y attitude, I moved forward to see the band. My friend behind me moved forward to get her tickets as well, and the ticket taker said "Your friend has a shi**y attitude, she's a bi*ch." To which my friend said "that's your opinion" Then the employee rolled her eyes. All we did was ask what time the show was supposed to start, she had to put us down. We asked politely why there was a difference in time, we weren't rude, but we were immediately put down. We understand that the place was busy, but we didn't expect that kind of attitude. We didnt' let it ruin the show, Dragonforce was amazing, but I would not go to that venue again. I didn't pay thirty dollars to be called a bi*ch.

Cons: The staff was really unpleasant for no reason.

06/03/2008 Posted by 10gear

I think that this is a GREAT venue to watch shows, good acoustics, is relatively small (in a good way) provides a little more 'intimate' feel with the artists. It's cool that it's all ages but that they have 2 bars (upstairs and downstairs) BUT the BARTENDERS are the WORST!! Mainly, the ones downstairs, in the 1st floor bar. They look like washed up old groupies who never moved on and made anything of their lives and being a bartender in a concert venue is the highest of aspirations they ever reached. For some reason, which I still cannot understand, they powertrip from their position as bartenders (sad, i know). You would think that all those years wasted behind the bar would teach you how to make a decent long island, but i guess not. Also the fact that both bars are cash-only is definitely a con. So from now on when I go to the roseland, I pre-funk before and get there good n' ready so I dont have to deal with those losers. I suggest you do the same.

Pros: Good acoustics, good size venue

Cons: Staff

05/12/2008 Posted by ezseven7

"went to SNOOP the other night, and had a blast, even though snoop played for maybe 20 monutes at most-booooo--- but i found the security to be way cool. Guy by the stage once again, way awesome, helped me out more than once !

Pros: security kicks %$#

Cons: no where to smoke if under 21 yrs

05/08/2008 Posted by animalnanny

We went to a B52s concert here, so perhaps the concert-goers for this show were exceptionally nice and polite. The staff barely looked into my bag, just asking if I had a camera. No one patted me down or checked my pockets. It did get hot, but not until about halfway through the show. Since we wanted to keep our place directly in front of the stage, we never left our spot to order a drink, although I was dying for one. I was nervous about taking my young daughter to this venue, but we had no troubles or issues. (Although many adults almost smushed her at the end of the show, trying to get a drumstick from the band.)

Pros: excellent view of the band, wherever you are

Cons: hot, can't get a drink on the main floor for all ages shows

05/07/2008 Posted by hootyhoo

i have vowed never to attend another show at the roseland many times but since the crystal ballroom seems to book lame shows lately i am forced to go to the roseland that happens to be in one of the worst locations in town. crackheads and junkies are constantly harrasing you as you wait online to get in. first, you have to go through a metal detector and get shaken down as if you were in a max. security prison. second, the sound is horrible. i've never heard a good show there. third, if you want a drink, you have to go to the upstairs bar, through a narrow stairwell, which is always packed because the bar is sooo small. you are forced to squeeze through people who aren't considerate enough move an inch to let you get by so you can get close enough to order a drink. also the security is too uptight. the staff must be full of off duty cops and rent-a-cop wanna be's. there's gotta be a place where portlanders can see a good show. i like doug fir, fez, et al. what happened to Mt. Tabor theater? (not the punk rock version)they used to book good shows, then the ownership took a dive and i guess their booking agents did too. i hope someone can open a mid-sized venue that can book a nice mix of shows soon.

Pros: great mix of music genres

Cons: location, sound and small bar

03/11/2008 Posted by topher503

I always tell myself that I will never go to the Roseland again but since the Crystal Ballroom, the only comparably sized venue, fails to book decent bands these days, I have to go to the Roseland. First of all, If you are seeing anything but an acoustic show, the sound is awful. I've seen several hip hop shows and rock shows and the bass muddles any vocals. The vocals are always distorted. The roseland was built as a theatre, not a music venue. Hence, the awkward layout. If it's a packed house, it takes FOREVER to get a drink. You have to squeeze through a four foot stairwell to get to the bar. No thanks. I usually have to go all the way downstairs to grab a drink and miss part of the show. And the location is atrocious. It's right in the heart of Old Town Portland on Burnside, which is the sketchiest area full of Caberets and vagrants. Not really fun to come out of the concert with creeps and nut jobs swarming around you. It's really a shame that all these artists choose to go to the Roseland instead of the Crystal, Fez, or Wonder Ballroom. I only go cause some great bands play there. But since most of my friends refuse to go, I usually end up going solo.

Pros: Good bands, good beer, good people

Cons: Bad sound, horrible neighborhood, difficult to get to the bar, expensive shows

11/20/2007 Posted by zwhite

The Roseland Theater is an awesome place to go to get close to your idols. With general admission you can always be front row. Perfectly sized for the shows being put on and security is not only great it almost seems as if the long lines never stop moving. The grill is a great place for ice cream and some food. I havn't been able to experiance the bar yet but i've been told its a good one. Parking doesn't really matter, The Roseland theater is only 6 block off of the MAX line.

Pros: Great View

Cons: Gets Very Hot

10/31/2007 Posted by vinrouge

Tuesday 10-30-07 Kid Rock concert: First time at the Roseland, one of my best concert experiences yet! After reading reviews on the Roseland, will admit was more than a bit nervouse. I did not experience any of the horrors I read about. Stood in line and had a great time talking with everyone around me. Security was courteouse and efficient but in no way invasive. Lets be real girfriends, do you really need your purse at a concert? Leave it in the car! I skipped right thru security, had my keys and I.D. in my hand, nothing in my pockets, quick pat down, light conversation "Enjoy the event" and I was in. Once inside went right to the bar, and got a seat in the balcony. Sipped my Long Island Tea while I watched the show on the floor. Had a couple more before the concert started, will admit, didnt try the bathroom, and the line at the bar got considerably longer as the concert started so I didnt venture back to the bar one the music started. But the service was as good as could be expected, only one bar and everyone wants a drink! Had a slight hangover this morning, drinks must have been good! View was GREAT. Sold out concert and still had room to dance at my seat. The volume was excellent, felt the music in my toes, but no ringing in my ears today. Will admit the vocals did seem to muffle at times. Totally enjoyed every minute. Nice thing about a small venue, it clears out quickly, no waiting to get out, parking is close by, took less than 15 minutes to get back to my car. Yes they do allow smoking, and I dont smoke, but it was harder to breathe waiting in line (everyone around me smoked) than it was inside the venue. It wasnt too hot and it didnt get dirty until others started spilling their drinks, no different than a concert or any sporting event at the Rose Garden. But this venue is much more upfront and personal from every seat. Portlander's are great people, this is a great venue, if YOU didnt have a good time here, check YOURSELF.

Pros: small venue, upfront and personal from every seat, quick exit.

Cons: Seating exclusive to the Balcony, standing room only on the floor.

09/10/2007 Posted by jlkramer

Let me start by saying that the building is nice, the sound system is reasonable, and the bands are quite good. However, the service is terrible. I hate to pay ticket service fees, so I tried to buy tickets, but even though another concert had just started and they were fully staffed, they said that they were not selling tickets, but that we could by them at Safeway at the same price. We went to Safeway and were charged $7 more per ticket (that was the TicketsWest fee). I can't even figure out exactly when the box office hours are. That info is not available on their website. When you call, you can't speak to a person--rather there is a recorded message which doesn't give box office hours either. Then after you buy the tickets, and get to the show, there is always a long line due to not enough bouncers. All of the staff a rude--in particular the bouncers, and the search is overly invasive. Of course, one doesn't have much choice in venues--if my favorite band is at the Roseland, I'll have to go. Having said that, if I'm not sure whether I want to go to a show, I'll skip the Roseland.

Pros: Good bands, reasonable building, reasonable sound

Cons: Very poor service

09/09/2007 Posted by camevil

I went to the Roseland to see Megadeth on 09/09/07 and didn't get to see the band at all. The reason? Security threw ME out for something I did not do! When one of the opening bands was playing, there was too much moshing going on. This guy was punching me in the back of the head and pinching my side really hard while moshing or whatever he was doing. Next thing I knew, security picks me up and tells me I have to leave. I asked five different people what I did and why I'm being thrown out and all they said is they don't know why I have to leave, but I have to or else they're calling the police. So in short, I was attacked, didn't attack or fight back with anyone, but I was thrown out. I lose out on money and seeing one of my favorite because of a bunch of incompetent morons. Yeah, forget this place, they had no reason to throw me out. STAY AWAY FROM THE ROSELAND!!!

Pros: There really isn't any.

Cons: HORRIBLE SECURITY, squishy, violent freaks, ripoff

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