Kalamazoo State Theatre

Mr. MVP and I have been to the State Theatre three times for comedy shows — Mike Birbiglia, Paula Poundstone and Lewis Black. We like the State Theatre because the tickets are typically reasonable and because it’s located downtown it’s close enough to our house that even Sunday evening shows are not a huge deal for us. We NEVER buy our tickets online through Ticketmaster because that adds nearly $ 15 or more in fees. Mr. MVP physically goes to the State Theater box office window and pays for the tickets where there are never any fees.
During the Paula Poundstone show, we sat near the front in the folding chairs. We thought this would be a great idea because sitting closer for my hearing problems with someone like Paula who tends to mumble, but it was actually a huge mistake. The front rows of folding chairs are enormously uncomfortable. The Paula Poundstone show was just okay and after two hours we were ready to leave and what made it so much worse was the truly horrible uncomfortable chairs. Sit a few rows back in the regular seats and your back and hips will thank you.
For Lewis Black we procrastinated and could only get tickets in the balcony. We both knew that Lewis Black was loud, but we were unsure if I would be able to understand him once he started ranting. Thankfully sound travels fairly well in the State Theatre, so my hearing issues were not really a huge issue with this show. Our seats were really not too bad either — in the balcony on the far right in the second row. At the very least we did not have the problem of the dreaded folding chairs.
One problem that the State Theatre does have is that it’s old and so if you are larger than me (5’5 and 127 pounds) the seats are probably a smidge tight. Mr. MVP is a little over 6 feet and stocky and he FITS in the seats very firmly. His knees hit the seat in front of him and his elbows rest squarely on the armrests. He has absolutely no room to wiggle, where as I have quite a bit of room to breathe.
Team VP does not drink and the reason why we pick venues with alcohol to take our business is because that is where the shows we want to see are playing. We deal with a lot of stupid inebriated people, but the State Theatre does a pretty good job of keeping things under control. The breaks between warm up comic and headliner comic so patrons can refresh their alcohol and popcorn supplies could be shortened, but I appreciate we live in America and people cannot make it more than two hours without food or beverages.
**This is simply a humanity rant and nothing about the State Theatre, but we have had to endure the most irritating seat-​mates at the State Theatre. Men especially who clap each and every time the comic says anything, even non funny things, then they kick the back of our chairs in hysterics. Also college aged boys who chat through shows. I blame this ill behavior on alcohol.

The State is a great, small theatre in the heart of Kalamazoo. I lived in the area for several years, but never got around to seeing a show until now. I really missed out. Not only is the theatre beautiful (I would compare it to the Fox in Detroit, but on a smaller scale), but the sound quality is amazing and viewing is amazing. My friend from Dexter who met me at the State was told my a co-​worker who had lived in the area that there wasn’t a bad seat.
The State Theatre offered many different concession stands where you could buy a wide variety of beer, wine, cocktails, and soda as well as candy and popcorn. The upstairs area offered bbq. The bbq may only be on certain evenings (I’m not sure), but it smelled amazing!
My friend and me saw the amazing Keb Mo perform. It was a fantastic evening!
The location is amazing. Close to a ton of wonderful restaurants, craft breweries, quaint shops, and tons of parking.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre is a must stop when you are in the area.

I was sexually assaulted at this music venue, while sitting in the front row, less than two feet away from a security guard. Nothing was done.
I am using an anonymous account to protect my identity.
I had been a patron of the Kalamazoo State Theatre for many years and found it to be a lovely venue, without a bad seat in the house. Now, I can’t bring myself to come back.
I had very front row seats for the concert I attended, which was one year ago. Throughout the course of the concert, my guest and I made friends with the two young men sitting next to us. They were incredibly sweet and did not drink. The two men behind them were very intoxicated – yelling, jumping around, and making surrounding people uncomfortable.
During the intermission before the encore, two security guards came and removed the men who were sitting next to us due to «intoxication and I’ll behavior.» It is obvious that they were meant to remove the people who were sitting behind them, but the message was somehow lost in translation.
When the encore began, the two intoxicated men leapt over the now empty seats to fill the void. One of them grabbed me – a stranger – and held me close to him, somewhat like we were hugging. At this point, the stranger stuck his hand down my shirt and bra while using his other hand to keep me attached to him, then moved his hand down my pants and underwear. I will not go into more detail than this.
After about 60 seconds, I was able to free myself from him and quickly changed spots with my guest. I spent the final 10 minutes of the encore sobbing, as the guard, who had watched all of this happen and saw me sobbing, did nothing.
The MOMENT the music stopped, the band manager and a security guard from backstage ran to my side (coming through the stage) and began asking what happened and telling the security guard who had been next to me that he should have removed the guests the moment he saw me crying. The young man acted confused, offered no apology, and said «I just thought they were dancing.»
The head of security from that night, a woman, and another security guard ran up to the front – now totaling three security guards and the band manager. The man who assaulted me was still next to us. The head of security asked if I would like to file a police report. I said yes. At this point, the man who assaulted me began to stumble away. Both my guest and I told security to go after him and keep him here. Not a single one of them moved. He would have been very easy to stop. My guest almost went after him, but did not want to leave me in my current state.
The man who assaulted me walked out with no problem. The guard who watched it happen looked at the floor and offered no apology. The head of security, the woman, began laughing about the scenario. «I have three daughters, things like this just happen sometimes. You’ll be okay.» This was incredibly demeaning. I was told I could no longer file a police report because the suspect had left. I asked to leave a message for the general manager, who never contacted me.
The band manager introduced me to the frontman of the band to try to cheer me up. He had witnessed everything from his position on stage.
This sexual assault has haunted me, and only now, a year later, with an anonymous account do I feel comfortable talking about it. It was handled horribly. I do not feel safe at this venue.
Please, Kalamazoo State Theatre, re-​train your security for incidents like these. Help prevent other women from experiencing what I went through.

Wife and I saw Richard Marx, love the old historic bldg. Gothic inlay love to have a Halloween party here. Would definitely come back. Lots of eating places real close. Not a bad seat in the house.

Beautiful theater that needs an overhaul. Some if the chosen acts that play there scare me off from being around the place… while other acts are fine. I want to fall in love with it again… not sure if I am feeling it these days. There is no air conditioning.

Great staff at a beautiful and historic place. They’re actually closed in the summer because they’re so old that they don’t have a/​c! Note that the space can get pretty toasty on a warm day. They had a really cool free kick off party this fall. I also came here to see the Lala’s Burlesque show and had a great time! The space is big, but also feels very intimate. The whole experience from the moment you walk in is unique. Bonus: I love that they have craft beer on tap and in bottles instead of just domestic.

This is one of my favorite venues, simply because it’s so cool. The inside reminds me of the Mexico ride at Disney World. The ceiling and walls make it look like you’re outside underneath the stars. Of course the outside has the retro marquee, which I love.
I have seen both general admission and seated shows at this theatre. I bought seats in row BB, thinking they would be towards the middle of the main floor area. Nope, they were right up in the front! It was a nice surprise.
Beer prices are average for a music venue, $ 7-​$ 8 for a craft beer. Security can be hit or miss; the security guards usually stay out of peoples’ way but at the last show, I saw a woman’s phone get shoved almost out of her hands. I know that photo/​video rules are usually up to the performer, but there were lots of other people around her taking photos and filming as well. Pro tip, go up to the balcony level to use the bathroom; the women’s restroom on the main level only has 2 stalls.
Sound quality is pretty good, I’ve never noticed any issues with sound. I would recommend hitting up Tibbs brewing (right next door) beforehand for a beer. If your favorite band or artist has a show here, I highly recommend you check it out!

The staff completely worked with the needs of my significant other whom is in a wheelchair… They accommodated us even though our tickets were for the balcony. The theatre manager came up to check on us to make sure we were both comfortable. We have never been taken care of like this in any other venue. We both appreciate the work that was done for us to have an enjoyable evening together as we celebrate both of our birthdays.

I saw Wilco perform here. It’s an intimate theater that most fans appreciate. They sounded great and ended up playing 32 songs non stop! It was incredible. The sound system was solid. It was really hot and everyone was sweating by the 6^th song. There are only 2 women’s stalls in the first floor bathroom. They need to add more. I missed a really good song because I was waiting to use the bathroom.

Gorgeous. So, so, gorgeous. Saw Primus here, and it was amazing. However, there are only 2 stalls in the main floor ladies room, so it meant waiting every time I needed to use the bathroom.

Consistently attracts great performers to West Michigan. Sound is good. Ambience is good. Tickets are always reasonable. Always a great musical experience. Now the bad part… security is unnecessarily violent and prone to theft. Their attitude should be of service and safety, not power trips and aggression.

Fantastic, clean, historic and wonderful venue! Sound quality is great, staff is very courteous and it’s always a treat to come here.

Love this venue! Saw Jonny Lang there sat, (¹⁰⁄₉). Every seat is perfect, and the acoustics are surprisingly well engineered. Wonderful setting for an artist like Lang, one who becomes very passionate, and musically intimate with his audience.
A bit macabre on the interior, the exterior is what you’d expect from a small-​town movie theater to be like from maybe from thirty years ago. Yet, it’s function is perfect for small venue concerts like Lang.
Will definitely be going back!

Ambiance: ¹⁰⁄₁₀
Beer Prices: ⁵⁄₁₀ (Pregame at Bell’s instead)
Layout: ⁸⁄₁₀
Sound quality: ⁶⁄₁₀
I’m always happy when I get the opportunity to see shows at the State in downtown Kalamazoo. Tons of cool places to pregame, and the venue itself has a nice big open GA section as well as a fantastic balcony. Decent sight-​lines all around in a really beautiful historic venue.

Excellent venue! was very impressed with the quality of the theater and facilities. The staff was also very profrssional, courteous and helpful. Very Pleased with my experience at the State!

What a fantastic gem of a theater tucked into downtown Kalamazoo — a historic spot that has been beautifully restored. I’ve only been to one show here thus far… The Swell Season… which was an incredible show, but I digress… I was super impressed by the inner beauty of the theater. I felt like I was transported into some quaint little town in Italy or something. Our seats were in the mezzanine. My one complaint would be that the theater seats are really close together. I wedged into my seat and my knees were touching the chair in front of me, so definitely no room for people to shuffle past… everyone has to stand to let people pass. But, it was a beautiful theater with beautiful acoustics and we had a fabulous time at the show. I would definitely go back. Oh, and since it’s downtown, you — of course — have to either find street parking or park in a parking garage.

Fortunate to see many shows in this venue. Drink prices are 10 to 30 percent cheaper than similar venues in Grand Rapids and Detroit markets. Free parking lots located just one block south of the venue, or for a very small fee you can use the parking structure that is just a block north of the facility. Staff is friendly, but it is a good idea to call ahead for info if cameras will be allowed. Sound quality in the facility is second to none in Michigan in an historic vaudeville venue.

Old school restored theatre. Had the privilege of seeing the Ramones on two of their farewell tours, Kathleen Edwards, and the Indigo Girls. There was a VERY short line to the mens restroom at the Indigo Girls concert.

One of my favorite venues to see music in. EVER. This place is beautiful on the inside and out. A nice old theatre in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. See a show here if you can.