Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s time to lean into all things cozy. But that doesn’t just mean PJs and the couch, there are plenty of cozy spots to post up and be comfy, but still get to experience a live event, perhaps even live music. Where, you might ask? Well…
1. A Library
Nothing says cozy like being tucked between old wooden bookshelves stacked with worn leather spines of books to read for hours. But before diving into the classics, what about a little soothing music? This library in particular belongs to the Brooklyn Historical Society, and we could easily spend a few fall nights here.
Sofar New York, photo by Tucker Mitchell
2. A Tea House
Maybe the library’s a little too quiet for you, and you’d like a warm beverage. Well, a tea house might be your spot. This one here is Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea House in Atlanta, GA, a community space that’s also part of The Learning Tea, an international women’s education program. Curious to learn more, see some live music, and have some tea? Well, you’ve gotta get to Atlanta for at least two of those three things.
Sofar Atlanta, photo by Holly Brown
3. A Restaurant
Good food and music, and maybe even pepper in some casual standing and floor seats? Seriously, how cozy is this scene? This restaurant is Il Solito in Portland, Oregon, and after two years of being closed down, they’re reopening their doors for service. If you’re close by, go welcome them back, otherwise, maybe there’s a local spot near you to have a tasty bite and hear some songs…
Sofar Portland, photo by Jacob Penderworth
4. An Intimate Room Bathed in Lights
Cell phones, candles, flashlights— no matter the source, a hundred people holding up tiny lights in the room just gives a communal warmth that’s undeniable. This moment in particular took place at London Scottish House, but the good news is, you can recreate this at your Sofar— when the artist starts the ballad, throw that cell phone up and lead the way.
Sofar London, photo by Jane Jimenez
5. An Art Gallery
Now, sometimes we hear the word “cozy” and we think mellow, or maybe sleepy. But cozy and stimulating experiences can be one in the same. Take seeing live music in Washington D.C.’s Culture House, an art space meant to empower through creativity. Even looking at it invigorates the senses.
Sofar Washington D.C., photo by Mauricio Castro
6. A Backyard Covered in Blankets
Ok, we’re cheating here, but on the occasional warm nights, or even the cool ones, there’s something ultra cozy about covering the yard in blankets and hearing warm acoustic tones of a single guitar floating from artist to artist. (Sidenote: this sweet yard is in Denver, CO.)
Sofar Denver, photo by Julius Garrido
7. A Recording Studio
The room is meant for cradling each note in the most intimate way. This one in particular is the Record Plant in Sausalito, CA, and a show here comes with the bonus of not only stellar acoustics, but the chance to be in a room full of history, one where Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors and Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of LIfe were recorded. Who will you see there?
Sofar San Francisco, photo by Nicholas Woldeselasie
