Kilby Court

Decent venue, merch space super cramped but the show space and sound are good. Overall decent time. Pretty hot tho lol

Will always be my favorite music venue in town. Whenever we have nothing to do we always know a weird but awesome adventure is awaiting us at kilby. I have seen countless bands here first before they hit it big. The used. Fun. Vampireweekend. And soo many more… If u want to be able to say «I was a fan while they were still underground» then make this spot a permanent hangout.

It’s down a dark alley. It’s in a shed behind a metal fence. There is no liquor. There is no food. There is no seating. It’s very loud.
Now, somehow, even with all those drawbacks — Kilby Court still comes out shining. It’s a very cool place to see very cool up and coming bands. Employees are unpretentious and the venue is unique as hell.

There are draw backs to Kilby so don’t let my five start review fool you into thinking I’m some hipster fan boy. Here is the downside a) as mentioned this is literally a garage/​shed b) inside is really tiny and outside (because it is outside duh) is exposed to the elements c) there is no real stage per se so short people better get here early so they can literally «see» the band. Now here is the reason Kilby gets five stars. The people who run and book shows have a knack for finding some amazing talent. I think they really take advantage of small bands traveling between California and Denver needing a place to stop for the night. They also take advantage of having a lot of up and coming California bands drive 12 hours to get here to play a quick show. Not every band that rolls through becomes huge but a lot of big bands that role through talk about playing at Kilby «years ago». I’ve seen Vampire Weekend, The National, and Foals here as well as countless bands that I thought deserved a bigger venue, like Beach Fossils and Sylvan Esso (and probably would in a bigger town). A lot of times I will just peruse the upcoming Kilby show list just to find new bands.

This place would be cool if they cleaned it up a bit and made it a 21+ place. The outdoor area would be way cool with a small bar. Even for people who aren’t drinkers, it seems that a bar just makes the atmosphere of a music venue feel more authentic. It seems like the shows here attract a younger, grungier crowd of man-​buns and crop-​tops. I went here once when I was 18 or 19 and I thought it was really cool, but going back as a 25 year old, my boyfriend and I just felt really out of place and left shortly after getting there (fortunately our tickets were comped to us, so we weren’t losing money).

A great venue in downtown SLC showcasing the bands you won’t hear about until next year (maybe). I’ve been here a few times for some prize indie gems, and all have been good shows. Even if the band doesn’t want to meet with anybody, at Kilby Court, they probably will considering there really is no private space for the band. You don’t see me complaining.
Yeah, it’s small. I get it. But who cares. I works. It operates like a «normal» venue, and people still love coming here. Bands get a kick out of something a little different, even if different means the sticker-​plastered walls of a garage.
If it sounds like I don’t love this place, I do. Tickets are always more than affordable, and it gives bands a chance to play live that maybe couldn’t book elsewhere. I would give this place 4 ½ stars if I could. There’s just one thing – I just wish the venue/​surrounding area was slightly cleaner. I see the appeal of the somewhat trashiness, it’s kind of like a thrift store, but if there was only a way to just pick up a little. Maybe it’s the people in the surrounding buildings, I don’t know. I just think there needs to be a communal effort somewhere.
But whatever, it’s freaking great. Come to Kilby Court. Come have an intimate experience with your band.

5 stars for my favorite venue. I love you forever and always, Kilby Court. Some of my favorite memories have been made in that intimate little garage with incredibly beautiful music and amazing people. If you want to see a lovely show, attend one here.

Small concert venue in converted garage brings in baby indie acts, many of whom go on to bigger things. Friendly, alcohol-​free venue a favorite of under-​30 music fans, and high-​schoolers. Parking is limited.

Kilby Court is raw, in a great way. You can cut the «teen angst» in the air with a knife and honestly having a venue like this for artists is what it’s all about. I ended up at an all ages show — and felt like a creepy pedo — so left early … but that was my problem not the venues. It is in a sketchy area and I walked about a mile to another pub — so keep that in mind for transportation. You don’t want to walk the area at night alone. Overall, check if its all ages and I’d recommend going with friends … It’s not a solo type of place — it is way too intimate. Overall — great place.

What’s not to love? In a just world, places such as this would be lauded and rewarded for adding cultural vitality to cities — instead of being frequently harassed and shut down by officials.

I love Nate Ruess. I’ve seen him live more times than I can count, and it sort of kills me that the next time he comes to town, I’ll have to fight my way through hordes of teenage girls with big glasses and boys in skinny, skinny jeans at one of Utah’s enormous, personality-​less venues. I’ll just have to cling to memories of better times, such as the time in 2009 when I stood in line at Kilby Court for two hours to see him on his first tour with fun.
Kilby Court, as I was reminded this evening, is the antithesis of a large, impersonal amphitheater. You can’t get more intimate with an artist than this unless you’re sleeping with him (or her).
Located at the end of a slightly intimidating alley (particularly in the dark. particularly the first time.), Kilby is basically just a garage, a courtyard, and a few outbuildings. There are some very old houses and apartments where people are actually living. It’s shabby, but in the nicest way possible.
The stage is little more than a large platform and it occupies about ¹⁄₃ of the room. There is no bad place to stand. The acoustics are so/​so, but the fact that band members are close enough to sweat on you basically anywhere you’re standing in the room makes up for it.
90% of the time, the bands they feature don’t interest me. I wish I could get behind the local music scene, but I just can’t. Sorry. Maybe if I were 17 again, I could bring myself to care. HOWEVER. They do occasionally bring in obscure bands who are nonetheless CRAZY TALENTED. (TILLY AND THE WALL. TILLY AND THE WALL.) If you don’t have a nose for this, make friends with someone who does, and LISTEN TO THEM when they tell you to come see a show here. It will be a truly unique experience.

Kilby Court is an interesting venue. It is super small (literally a garage) and given the right talent, it can be a fun time but if a band is booked there who thinks they are better than that, you are in for a ride. I don’t even know if this place has a bathroom? You can go in and out though but that means walking down a dark alley in a part of town that doesn’t seem to have anything else going on (or existing for that matter). It’s a cool inimiate spot to see some great indie bands that come through though. They also have an outdoor fireplace. The standing area itself probably holds about 100 people but you could hang out by the fire pit (and merch table) and still hear the band.

Really like the vibe of this place. I love walking down the alley at night, with the slight buzz of music in the foreground. The fire pit is a nice touch, especially on cooler nights. Although the sound system seems to be a little hit or miss, the intimacy of the venue cannot be beat. Definitely a no-​frills place, but considering how inexpensive it always it, one can hardly complain.

In the realm of SLC music venues, Kilby Court kind of feels to me like that spunky younger brother, even though it’s older than most of the other venues.
I get that younger brother vibe because it’s an all ages, booze free venue, but I put up with that because it’s such a cool atmosphere and they get some pretty awesome bands to play there. You’ll probably get lost trying to find this place the first time you go, but once you know which alley it is, you’ll never forget.
So come by, sit by the fire, purchase one of those adorable little cans of apple juice, and enjoy some great indie music.

I adore Kilby Court. I saw the Annuals here, and they were awesome. But regardless of the band, it’s just a cool space. It looks like someone’s old garage that they no longer use and handed over to their teenagers. The walls are all tagged and plastered with stickers. It’s just a great place to chill with friends and listen to some great music. And afterward, you almost certainly can talk to the band members, because, well, they’re right there.
It’s tucked away, so you won’t know you’re there until you kind of wander around and stumble upon it.

Hidden garage down an alley way turns Venue! I love the look, idea and feel of Kilby Court. Surrounded by concrete industrial looking buildings you probably wouldn’t know it even existed unless one of your favorite bands happened to play there. I have only been to Kilby twice and it was to see the ever amazing Appleseed Cast. The show they put on this year far surpassed the show they put on March of ’10.
As soon as you walk into Kilby you see chairs/​benches around a fire pit, which can be nice if its not already surrounded by a circle of hipster 19 year olds you look like they maybe don’t shower and have been sitting there with their buddies all day. You’re lucky if you get a seat. There is a separate area from the actual venue where the bands will sell merchandise which is always rad. Who wouldn’t want to purchase something and support one of their favorite bands?
As far as the venue goes, agian let me reiterate I LOVE the feel of Kilby Court BUT, depending on where you stand… thats the kind of show you are going to get. The sound quality isn’t the best and the speakers aren’t set up very well. Last year from where I was standing, I couldn’t even hear the lead singer the entire time. All I got was lots of pretty music that I didn’t even recognize. Still fun but kinda lame at the same time. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t leave a little bummed. And this year? I could hear everything perfectly. So perfect that my right ear was ringing and messed up for at least a week.
None the less, how can you dislike Kilby??? Yes its cold and drafty, yes they unfortunately let 18 year olds in (if doing so brings you more money then hell yes!), yeah the sound quality could be better BUT this place is truly one of a kind. To have such an amazing venue with so much personality where local Utah bands can play and rattle our earbuds, is a out of this world awesome. Let’s not take it for granted.

Kilby Court is the epitome of a hole-​in-​the-​wall venue, its little more than a garage that’s been converted to a music venue. Seriously. Catering to the local and indie music scene, Kilby Court is an all-​ages venue whose primary audience is younger music goers, teenagers and early twenty-​somethings. Although Kilby Court is often the stage for many local Utah bands, they get a fair number of smaller bands from throughout the United States too. Tickets are usually a bargain at only $ 6 to $ 8 depending on the act and shows usually include three or four bands, making the paltry admission cost an even better deal. If you’re headed to Kilby for a show keep in mind it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer so dress appropriately. Also remember some ear plugs, you’ll need them since it can get pretty loud inside.

dearest Kilby Court,
I know we hardly see each other anymore, but I want you to know that I still think about you from time to time. there’s a lot of stuff about you that I know others would find conventionally weird or creepy, but to me it is all absolutely endearing.
so, as for the things I like (a lot), let me list a few:
— the unpaved alley I have to venture down to find you
— the garage in which you reside
— your tiny, approximately four inch high stage
— the string of Christmas lights adorning that stage
— the support pillar in the middle of the floor that I regularly leaned against in order to ensure a good spot while waiting for subpar opening bands to wrap up
— the concrete floor (you, know, the one I sat cross-​legged on, blissfully listening to Low until I had to get up to avoid drunk kid vomit)
— the concessions (cupcakes mostly)
— the firepit outside (in particular, the time when Phil from the Microphones came out and decided to play the show there)
I’m sure there are a lot of things I could add and I know that I’m too old for you now, but I want you to know that I really appreciate all the bands that you have brought to Salt Lake and the fact that you have allowed all the under-21’s to see them. and although I don’t really get where you are going with the new skate ramp and everything I want you to know that I will still come to visit and reminisce about better times.
forever yours (and thanks for the memories),
Ryan S.

Did you ever sit around with your friends and imagine booking a band into your backyard or garage? Tada! Kilby Court is the manifestation of that wish.
Kilby Court is a great venue in a shitty way. Or a shitty venue in a great way. It’s tiny and really small but also lacks space. I think if I were in a band playing at Kilby I might be lulled into thinking we had fans. When you realize that the employee bathroom at 7 – 11 is larger the truth might sink in.
Kilby has seen some great acts over the years. It has also seen an endless list of awful, please-​jump-​off-​a-​cliff list of bands as well. But that’s the point! Bands need a place to thrash around and figure it out.
They usually set up the merch table across the courtyard, and the band sets up in the hall on the other side. The stage riser is maybe 6 inches higher than the floor… so you feel like a member of the band. That visceral, close feeling is what makes this place so cool.
I have seen quiet, acoustic acts; loud, intense acts; groove-​oriented acts… all at Kilby. I prefer the loud, intense type for this venue. You want to feel than kind of show, and that’s what Kilby is all about.

Ohh Kilby Court. Brings back a lot of great memories. Kilby Court is a great place that caters to all ages with a rather strict no drinking and no fighting rules, makes it a great place for everyone.
Kilby is and has always been owned by Salt Lake locals. First started by a man named Phil (if i remember correctly) and his wife Leia Bell (who is an amazing artist and does all the flyers still for Kilby). Kilby was once originally tiny little garage space in the older part of Salt Lake, which was then converted into one of the best venues in Utah. Now owned by Will Sartain and Lance Saunders, both local artists. Also ran for the most part by a lil lady who goes by Lil Miss Corey. Ohh and the two Kilby dogs that always run around.
All shows for the most part run around $ 8. Every band that goes through Kilby Court is there for the music and «you» the audience. With such a small crowd, most bands love to roast marshmallows and tell stories over the open fire pit after a night of great music. A lot of todays greatest bands got started by stopping at Kilby Court while on tour.
I started going here way back when. I go so often still, I can’t remember which was my first show at kilby and what was the most recent. Kilby being owned by locals gives local bands the chance for others to hear there music when no one else will. Kilby has always drawn a large crowd to almost all of the shows. Which only promises good time with a lot of great memories.
Kilby might be a small venue but they have been playing great music with even better shows since 1999. A great little place to relax and hear some of the next big bands and some who already made it big. Always worth the trip and you will never leave with a bad story.