A popular concert spot in New Haven has been named Best Small Music Venue by USA Today and 10best.com readers.
Toad's Place, celebrating its 40th anniversary, topped USA Today's 10 Best list, being featured as the top readers' choice in the country for a small venue to see concerts at, according to www.10best.com.
"We're honored and thrilled to be receiving this national award. It is especially important to us because it coincides with our 40 year Anniversary," Brian Phelps, owner of Toad's Place, said in a written statement. "The tons of folks that voted for us will always be cherished and a part of our Toad's Place family."
Toad's Place, located at 300 York Street in Downtown New Haven, advertises itself as the place "where the legends play."
"We try to stay well rounded by booking different genres of music and try to obtain the best acts that are available to us," Phelps said.
Toad's Place has drawn the likes of the Black Eyed Peas before they were as well known. In 1989, the Rolling Stones played there for a surprise concert before 700 people that lasted an hour, according to 10best.com. Then in 1990, Bob Dylan played his longest show in his career at Toad's place at the start of one of his tours, Phelps said. U2 also played there on its first world tour.
Other artists that have played there include Iggy Azalea, Third Eye Blind, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, David Cook, Hunter Hayes, Snoop Dogg, Ingrid Michaelson, Kanye West, Beck, Paramore, Hanson, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Matt & Kim, Tegan and Sara, Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg with Andrew WK on vocals, Atmosphere, Wiz Kahlifa, LMFAO, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Many of the legends that have played there are listed on the backs of Toad's Place T-shirts.
Some upcoming shows include Connecticut's Hatebreed for a 20th anniversary show June 19, The Kooks June 20, Turquoise Jeep on June 23, Mighty Mighty Bosstones July 11, Jake Miller on July 14, Earl Sweatshirt Sept. 6, Reverend Horton Heat/The Addicts Sept. 18, SOJA on Oct. 8 and Julian Casablancas and The Voidz, who is known from playing with The Strokes, on Oct. 14. For a full list of concerts coming up at Toad's Place, visit www.toadsplace.com.
