Best Venue--Outdoors
DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center
READERS' AND STAFF PICK: Grateful Deadheads, jazz freaks, peaceniks, blues junkies, pops fans and theatre-lovers all know the importance of the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. We've mourned for Lennon and Garcia there, enjoyed Sunday afternoons taking in the sun, fun and food offerings during blues and jazz festivals, and spent balmy spring evenings with Willie Shakespeare. Bring blankets, water, Frisbees and your furry doggie friends and be prepared to have a happy time. Bitching from local area yuppies almost put the kibosh on the recent reggae fest, but cooler heads (pun intended) prevailed.
Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club RoadREADERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Come nightfall the flower-filled courtyard at St. Philip's Plaza transforms into an ideal concert setting beneath the stars. This adaptable space, at 4380 N. Campbell Ave., lend itself equally to theatre-style seating, dance parties. Even in inclement weather, jazz fans huddle together for an intimate concert under the breezeway. Sit in the plaza or on the patio of one of the restaurants overlooking the action. If you really want to make a night of it, there is a hotel right next door.
