City: New Haven, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (203) 785-0468

Address: 45 Crown St.

Insider Pick:

Description: Both recording studio and performance space, this unique venue in New Haven is, obviously, located in an old firehouse. Downstairs the bar looks like a combination of a modern art museum and a 1920s speakeasy, and serves classic cocktails along with a great selection of wine and beer. Hanging over the bar is the recording studio, which won an award for its unique design. The soundproof space seats 75 people, the band, and the recording engineers. The bands who play here are usually creative, experimental groups, mostly jazz artists; be prepared to have your musical expectations challenged. You can buy tickets for one or both performances, and have an old-fashioned or a mint julep in between. This is a neat opportunity to be part of the recording process, and, hey, your claps and whistles might even make it into the next album.