Mercury Ballroom

Went there last night for the first time. Awesome acoustic show from a band we love. The sound was incredible. The downside was the crowd. First, if you can’t stand up for four plus hours, then you are out of luck. Unless you are a VIP there are literally only a few couches to sit in upstairs by the bar far away from the musicians. They did place a few chairs by the restroom for the disabled people at least. Second the crowd was so tight that there was only a very narrow path to walk to the bathroom squeezing around people. There was a lot of free dead space upstairs.
If they limited the number of tickets to a smaller number, they could have a very cool venue because you can get very close to the artists. Would I go again? I guess that depends on the artist, but I really disliked my experience.

I wish I could put a negative number up!
We were out to see Led Zeppelin 2 (sounded pretty good outside the front doors). No kind of organization at all for entry-​just a cattle line of people. Have they had shows here before? You think they’d have a game plan.
After waiting in line for over an hour to pass security (wand/​go thru women’s bags/​empty pockets-​hey why not just get a metal detector man? Didn’t know there was a plane ride involved here!!) anyway we are about 10^th or 12^th in line to get manhandled and admitted-​and the lead goon shouts «OK-​no more can come in-​we are at capacity-you’ll have to wait for someone to leave!»…great – however the box office was continuing to sell tickets the entire time so it was obvious this problem was imminent. This is what gets me so hot-​they never stopped selling tickets (we had gotten our online ahead of time).
Hey I found something better to do-​just angry I’ll never get those 90 minutes of my life, taxi fare to and back from Highlands and Germantown — sorry man-​selling tickets-​not gonna leave a dime on the table were you-​then locking us out?
Bad way to run a business. Won’t see my shadow at your place again!

The Mercury Ballroom is one of the newer concert venues in Louisville, having only opened in April of 2014 and has come in with something of a bang to host numerous genre-​spanning acts.
Though I’ve walked by it many times, this was the first time I’ve been inside. Before even entering the building, you’ll notice that the Mercury Ballroom has unusually heavy security, at least compared to most of the venues I’ve been to inside Louisville. I was both patted down and wanded before I could enter into the building itself. Since I was there to see the premier performance of Cirque Louis (A homegrown Louisville Circus Act), I was a little surprised by this, but if you are excessively worried about safety, I suppose this is a plus. In any case the security staff were friendly and efficient, and I was soon on my way inside the venue.
The layout and decoration is where the Mercury Ballroom sadly falls a little short. Although, this may be a little unfair, I can’t help but compare the Mercury Ballroom to its Fourth Street neighbor, the Louisville Palace. Instead of 1920’s grandeur you are ushered into a relatively stark and minimalist interior. The venue is made up of a large (I wouldn’t really describe it as a ballroom) space with a well stocked bar on the side facing the street and stage on the other end. There is an upstairs balcony area, but this was roped off during the performance, so I didn’t get a chance to see it. The decorations are relatively spartan, with a few large paintings of famous musicians (such as Jimi Hendrix) decorating the walls. There is almost no regular seating (they did bring some chairs for the circus), and the stage is parallel to the floor, which means that if there are a lot of tall people in front of you, you might have trouble seeing the performance.
While I found the interior to be a little disappointing, the reason why you would go to a place like the Mercury Ballroom is for performances, not to admire the décor, and here they did not let me down. The venue has very decent acoustics, Cirque Louis was fantastic, and a quick perusal of the Mercury Ballroom website shows that they’ve attracted a lot of great bands to Louisville. I enjoyed myself and for the right act I would definitely recommend the Mercury Ballroom, just bring a comfortable pair of shoes.

My first time to this venue, it’s a cool atmosphere and I think a concert here would be great.
I was here for a show type play for their dress rehearsal so I didn’t get to experience the bar or overall service of this venue.
I like the stage but I think the balcony seating isn’t the best for seeing what all is going on, on stage.
Bathrooms upstairs which are convenient!

I went to the Bön Jovi Tribute concert here last weekend (thanks Unilocal Elite for the free ticket!) and I really liked this venue! I had never been here before and was a little hesitant to do so because of the ‘standing-​room only’ events that they have. I can honestly say this wasnt even a problem, I was so busy singing and dancing that I didnt mind not being able to sit down. The venue is large enough to hold a big crowd but small enough that you could see the stage from everywhere and the sound was fantastic. The only thing I didnt like was their drink prices. Wayyy to expensive. We asked for two beers and our total was $ 20 which I thought was excessive. Needless to say that was the only beer of the night. They should definitely make some changes to their prices.

I’ve been to this particular venue multiple times and I thought it was due for a review. First I’ll list my complaints. Number one… the drink prices are way too high. Seriously. $ 5 for a 12oz can of PBR. $ 6 for a Bud Light bottle. $ 10 for a jagerbomb/​vodkabomb. So two beers and two shots were $ 35 without tip. Those are Vegas prices. Holy Moly! Lol!!! My second complaint would be there was too much commotion going on during the opening act (who I was there to see) and at times all the talking made it difficult to enjoy one of my current favorite singers. That’s always a pity.
For the positives, all around the sounds is good quality, the staff are nice, the bottom floor standing area is big with a decent view of the stage no matter where you are. I have yet to go upstairs so I can’t really comment much on that. I think the Mercury Ballroom has full potential to be better. Drink price consistency is one that needs to be worked on. Why are drinks cheaper for some shows than others? This would be a perfect example of something they should probably look into and change.
With all this being said, I genuinely do like the venue and I know I’ll be back to see more great shows. Considering this is one of the few medium sized venues in Louisville, I would definitely like to see them stick around!

Talk about an amazing crew and sound system. Production team with outstanding. Clean venue. Great knowledge of their equipment and room. Manager was super accommodating and staff was amazing to work with. Wish more venues had people working for them like this.

Saw Eluveitie show last week. It was a good place for a show the show was excellent. The security guys hassled me and other people about my cheap tiny camera yet they did not care about the hundreds of cell phone cameras recording video and taking pics better than my camera.
The balcony appeared to be closed.
The sound was decent. I will come back if a band I want to see performs there.
Did not try the bar but people said it is very pricey

Last night, I attended the Magic Men show at Mercury Ballroom. It was my first time visiting Mercury Ballroom, and in a nice way of explaining my experience, «I’ve experienced better,» is an understatement. The venue itself was great. Not too huge, not too crowded, pricey drinks, but who cares, it was worth it. They were well-​poured drinks, poured by kind bartenders that I initially had the delight to encounter. The bouncers and event staff were kind. It was the «Bar Manager» that I encountered at the end of my night, who was the downfall of the ENTIRE shindig.
Up until the end of the evening (which was the end of my evening at 11:00pm) when I was completely turned off of the whole experience because of the rude, unprofessional «Bar Manager» that decided to be a complete ass to me in particular. This salty tone of mine comes with some reason, and here it is: This «Bar Manager,» whose name I wish I knew (because I would name it, just so no one else will ever have to experience the rude, distasteful, small human being that he was) decided to ask me to move to the end of the bar when I was standing in front of the bar. Was I flailing my arms to the high heavens (no), was I screaming loudly (no), was I being offensive to any other patrons what-​so-​ever (no), was I abhorrently drunk (no), was I waving a 9 millimeter pistol around with abandon (no), but apparently that is what this «bar manager» thought I was doing, from the sheer anger and directness in his voice, when he asked my friend to «move me down to the end of the bar.» I had my eyes closed and was literally standing in my own personal bubble, nodding my head up and down to the music that was playing, while half naked men pulsated on stage. I was DRINKING WATER, with my eyes closed, bopping to music and he asked me to move down. I would understand this request if for-​say my eyes didn’t re-​open, if I was laying on the floor, if I was rudely asking for another beer, if there were a good handful of people behind me, if I was incoherent, if I was obstructing anyone else’s personal bubble, if, if, if… but no, I was simply head-​bopping with no foot/​arm movement to mention.
I quickly opened my eyes when I heard his request to my good friend standing next to me, and asked (after moving down to the end of the bar quickly, I might add), «Hey, why did you ask me to move?
His reply: «You’re clearly fucked up, and maybe if you would order something other than water, I’d care more.»
OKAY, I ordered two L.I.T’s and two beers in the whole duration of my night there, which began at 8:00pm. Two of those four drinks went to the aforementioned friend standing next to me. I drank water in between. I was literally the only patron standing at the bar. NO ONE AROUND ME, except for aforementioned. And this is a «Bar Manager» complaining to a guest of your very own establishment which you work for, to ORDER MORE ALCOHOL before they are driving home FROM YOUR ESTABLISHMENT. I WAS DRINKING WATER YOU IMBECILE, preparing to close my tab, and watch the end of the show. But you, kind sir, thought it were more important to flare your testosterone-​filled (or what little you obtain) antlers in my direction and continue to be a disgrace to YOUR establishment by insulting me further with derogatory and offensive language instead of apologizing for the mistake, and letting me continue to head-​bop and drink my water. Next time you decide it’s acceptable to be completely rude to a paying customer at your place of business (possibly warranted at first glance), or just any human being in general, remember, there’s this little thing called Karma. She’s real and she’ll bite when you least expect, «Bar Manager.»
Aside from that, the show itself was fantastic: well-​done, choreographed, so entertaining and fun. Great seating with organized rows, nice staff (up until the end of the evening) who walked us right to our seats. Appropriate music (head-​bopping music) accompanied the show and it was an all around awesome night until… «Bar Manager.» Dude, just learn to be a little more kind. It’ll help you out in life, I promise. :)

Was stoked to be at this venue. I was with the tour package. The venue has extremely nice green rooms (downstairs) with showers and towels. They even have an office for the TMs. Load in was through the back. Had to parking under a parking garage. There is a CVS down the street along with a Starbucks.

Mercury Ballroom is a great place for concerts! Last night I went to Mercury Ballroom to see 16 candles perform on stage and paid $ 14. The drink prices were expensive, but I guess that makes up for the ticket price.
The lighting and performance was great, and the location of Mercury ballroom is awesome. Once the show was finished it was just a short walk to 4^th street live. Hopefully they will continue to bring great concerts to Mercury ballroom in the future so I can return.

A very cool place to watch a show. Drinks are expensive and they told me the wrong kind of beer which I ordered then didn’t correct them because I’m one of those people who just lives with things instead of sending stuff back and risking making people upset. I also love run-​on sentences.
Frank Turner is awesome. Hope to be back for other shows in the future.

This is an amazing venue. Definitely will be back to attend more events here. The lighting and sound were on point. Drinks were kind of pricey but for the venue and price of the show they evened out. We had a great time. Check it out.

Finally made it here for a show. We saw Curren$y on Wednesday night last week. The lines to get in (ids checked and tickets scanned) were moving very reasonably. Once we got in I immediately noticed the curtains and pictures on the walls, and how the bar back looked in the front of the building. This is a cool little music venue.
The sound quality seemed good, however sometimes at hip hop shows it’s hard to gauge the acoustics of a place. The lighting was done well and the space was well used. I like that the merch table is not in the way of walking to the bathrooms and also found the upstairs to be really neat looking. I would like to go to another show and stay up on the balcony for it.
They had a spinning wheel set up on the first floor and you could spin and take a chance to win something awesome. I won two free tickets to a show coming up at the Mercury Ballroom and my boyfriend won two tickets to a different show coming up. I guess we will get two more visits in soon without spending a dollar on the tickets. Go us! Spinning wheel for the win!
The drinks were kinda pricey. I drank draft beer and I think the Goose Island IPA I ordered was like 8 bucks for one beer. I know venues tend to run higher than regular bars but in Louisville it seemed a little higher than I was used to spending. Oh well. It was worth it. I enjoyed my first visit to the Mercury Ballroom.
I am glad that Louisville scored another music venue and even more so that they placed it downtown on a block that is so full of character.

Until a few weeks ago, I had no earthly idea that this place existed! Did you know it is located right next to the palace? Well it is! The place is GORGEOUS!!! It looks like a haunted mansion from the outside! I only wish that the inside wasn’t all neoned out and flashy. That being said, WHAT A COOL IDEA TO RENOVATE THIS OLD BUILDING INTO A CONCERT HALL!
There isn’t a band (standing) seat in the house and for those VI People, there’s an upstairs that gives a clear view of the stage and all the crazy groupies clawing at the stage below.
After watching a serious throwback concert of Better Than Ezra, I’m gonna keep an eye on their shows to see what else rolls into town!
P. S. I just drank water, so I don’t have any complaints about prices of alcohol, but the other reviews kinda bash that part — so be aware.

Mercury Ballroom is trying, with all its might, to become a première music venue. And for this, I applaud them.
They seem to be getting out there, promoting their shows, and pulling in acts that don’t really fit at any of the other venues in town, carefully navigating what can be political waters among the other venues.
They renovated a structure downtown, creating another attraction — yay!
The inside is spacious and general admission, meaning that it’s up to you to get the spot you want — nice!
And at the same time, you can generally find a good vantage point, between the first floor and the balcony space — woot!
Both the first floor and balcony bars have been open when I’ve been there, and there is seating on the balcony, if you want to pay more for a seat — always appreciated!
Overall, the vibe is urban, somewhat intimate and with a side of posh — nicely done!
So why am I not giving Mercury Ballroom five stars? As mentioned in other reviews, the drinks are way overpriced. I paid $ 9 for a can of Guinness. I don’t even pay that much for a snobby, craft beer.
And when I’ve been at MB, there haven’t been any craft beers — much less Kentucky beers — on tap.
This place has so much going for it. And I suppose the ticket prices aren’t too expensive, which helps make up for the drinks.
I really hope MB flourishes in Louisville.

This would be a 5 star if the performer had shown up on time! We won tickets from Unilocal (whooohooo for being Unilocal Elite and getting a chance to win) to Booker T., which is a jazz/​blues type performer. We showed up not knowing the doors didn’t open until a half hour before the show, so we hung around outside. Luckily it was a nice evening.
We went in, asked questions about how we can sit upstairs; since it was kind of an opening night type event they let us sit up there for no extra charge! BONUS!
The show started an hour or more late — bummer – I had to get up early the next day for work and was really disappointed in the lack of hustle for starting on time.
The drinks are over-​priced, but I am sure that’s how they make their money. They do have cider for you gluten free drinkers. No gluten free beer :(
They keep the venue FRIGID! So unless you plan on dancing the night away and working up a sweat, layer up ladies.
The bathrooms were clean and well-​kept and the whole venue was clean. The first time we went they were still doing construction, at least that’s what it looked like to us.
The upstairs-​the VIP lounge, has rooms that can be closed off to have your own private balcony view of the show, tables and chairs, couches, bathrooms and another bar. The back is all glass and looks over 4^th street-​great view, right? There are TV’s throughout the venue and has little funny tidbits and survey answers from famous musicians.
The 2^nd show we went to was Yacht Rock Revue-​WONDERFUL SHOW, I highly recommend seeing them. It was on a Sunday night and the place was not very busy. Jason has some back issues and wanted to sit upstairs-​he made his way up there and they told him he would have to pay an extra $ 10.00 to sit in the balcony area, I was surprised to hear this since the place was pretty dead.

A fantastic concert venue — completely modern, but with a bit of an old-​school ballroom feel. Downstairs is fairly typical, but the upstairs layout is unique (in my experience, at least), with a wrap-​around balcony (VIP section on one end) surrounding a small area of mezzanine-​style seating.
Acoustics are great, and neither concert I’ve been to has been overly loud — though It’s hard to know how much to credit the venue for that.

The intimacy of this small venue makes it a live music lover’s dream (mine anyway). If you want to be in the heart of the action, the main downstairs standing area is perfect for rubbing elbows and dancing the night away. If you just want to chill with your friends or just to listen to the music, the wrapped around balcony upstairs is perfect for watching from the afar and still feel close. There are several couches and seating areas upstairs. The blocked off theatre style seated section upstairs is for those willing to pay for extra comfort, but on a non busy night we sat there with no problems.
The sound is perfect, crisp, clear and never overwhelming. You’re never far from the stage and the singers wherever you choose to be. Though they sold tickets, we were able to get in free on non busy nights.
A good mix of patron, I’ve seen some in their upper 60s and some young college students. Everyone polite and courteous. I’m looking forward to more events here in the future!

What a great twist on the usual music venue! It’s an open concept layout with plenty of space to move about and view the concert from many angles, both upstairs and downstairs and both levels offer bars & restrooms.
The downstair is one large open space with the band at one end and the main bar at the other. In line with the open concept, there are windows behind the bar, so you are actually able to see street action outside. This goes the opposite direction of most claustrophobic venues. The entire place also has ambient background lighting, so you can see as you walk around, without detracting from the concert’s light show.
Upstairs is a wrap-​around balcony looking down on the stage. Opposite the stage is a small tiered seating area with some theater seating, backed by leather bar stool seating. Behind that is the main upstairs bar. But, as a musician who has performed live, I like to view a concert from above side stage whenever possible, and this place accommodates. The stage is flanked along both sides upstairs with railings and bar stool seating. Behind the bar stools on one side is a couch sitting area with end tables and coffee tables for drinks.
As a bonus, there are large flat panel screens showing the concert while on, and sports center or whatever else is happening while in-​between sets. Personally, I love this concept. I was able to catch up on what I missed that day while at work while talking on a comfy couch, enjoying a drink and waiting for the next act.