The Jefferson Theater
110 E. Main St.
245-4980
jeffersontheater.com
Runner-up:
nTelos Wireless Pavilion
700 E. Main St.
245-4910
thenteloswirelesspavilion.com
The history of The Jefferson Theater starts with a bang and a whimper: In 1912, it was conceived as a “combination house,” doubling as a vaudeville and silent movie theater. These days, it’s pretty rare to find The Jeff silent (unless it’s empty for cleaning or something)—this year alone, the Downtown venue has opened its door for acts like Spin Doctors, Cut Copy, and Lucero with Shovels & Rope. Down at the Pavilion, Bruce Springsteen showed up for a free concert to stump for Obama in October, Loretta Lynn took the stage in July in a pink taffeta gown with a full-on sparkly bodice. Still sassy at 81, her performance of “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” had every woman in the joint singing along. We’re looking forward to more country when Willie Nelson comes back to town September 15.