The Ventura Music Hall hosts live music for all ages
Formerly known as “The Discovery Bowling Alley,” the Ventura Music Hall is a live music venue that hosts local and touring musicians. This venue is located on East Thompson Blvd. The Ventura Music Hall opened in March of 2022, but before that, it was the Discovery Bowling Alley. Thomas Cussins, the owner of the Ventura Music Hall said, “[The Ventura Music Hall] has been in Midtown a long time, first as a community market, then a legendary bowling alley. We plan for it to be Ventura Music Hall for a long time.”
Music lovers of any age can see talented local musicians while enjoying fresh craft food and drinks served in-house. Food is available during the show from Ruff House BBQ. This venue holds up to 635 people. Almost every show is kid friendly, and kids ages five years and younger enter for free. Prices usually vary from $15-$100.
Blake MacLellan ‘27 said, “[The Ventura Music Hall is] very good because there will be more music in Ventura.”
Cussins said, “I went to check out the building after the old business closed in the pandemic and I fell in love with the building, the unique architecture and midtown Ventura as a whole. I know a lot about music and nothing about bowling, so the idea was to make Ventura Music Hall the living room of the community, bringing music and the arts locally in a comfortable setting.”
Frances Eckberg ‘26 said, “[I saw] like a Mamma Mia tribute band type thing [at the music hall]. There’s like some cool artwork in there.”
Malia Lange ‘27 said, “I went [to the Discovery Bowling Alley] a few times when I was little, it wasn’t very popular as a bowling alley. I don’t think very many people went there. So, maybe it will get more use as like a place for concerts and that type of stuff”
“Our booking team works with major agencies and regional and local bands that have been developing their sound and draw to curate a diverse lineup of talent,” said Cussins.
Artists of many different varieties play at this venue, such as cover bands, DJs and tribute bands. Some artists that have played here include TV Girl, Violent Femmes, The Garden, Thievery Corporation, Stephen Marley, The Ocean Blue, Trevor Hall, Descendants, Mike Campbell, Allen Stone, Atmosphere, GZA, English Beat, Kurt Vile, Matisyahu, Dogstar, Parliament Funkadelic and many more to come in the future.
