The Listening Room | Fargo ND

The Listening Room in Fargo is just what the name implies. A cool little studio/gallery that caters to the performing songwriters/storytellers and pulls in the audience that comes to listen to them. I'm looking forward to my next time in. Eric Taylor - bluerubymusic.com

The Listening Room is a live music venue located at The Spirit Room, 111 Broadway North in Fargo, ND. Dedicated to creative, contemplative and healing arts, the Spirit Room is pleased to partner with this listening experience.

Listeners sit comfortably on padded chairs in this intimate setting where the musicians are only a few feet away. To get any closer, you would have to invite them into your living room... which is really what this is all about. This is a place where the performers are able to connect with the audience in a way that cannot be experienced in concert halls or outdoor festivals.

During the break and after the show people get to know the musicians and one another. It is a music community where friends meet and newcomers are welcomed as old friends.

If you are looking for a place to listen to music without the distractions of a noisy bar - or if you are a musician who is looking for a place to be heard, you have found it.

Our format is very similar to what you find with House Concerts. Musicians receive 100% of admission. The Spirit Room generously provides the space and advertising, and the manager donates his time and equipment. We are proud to host quality musicians from around the country.

Check us out and you will see why The Listening Room is the favorite music spot for both musicians and listeners!

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From The Manager

I worked my way through school writing songs and playing in restaurants, bars and coffee-houses. Knowing how good it is when musicians have a listening audience, I started this venue where the focus is the performer's music.

My acoustic music listening roots grew out of Houston's Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant in the early 1970's. I heard the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Eric Taylor, Nanci Griffith, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovette, Ramblin Jack Elliot, and Lucinda Williams. It was (and is) an old comfortable building with a great listening room, a library where you could sit on one of the ratty couches or stuffed chairs and pull a book off the shelf. It was a community of musicians and music lovers.

When people sat in the listening room, they listened. The music was why they were there. It was a place where musicians and their music were respected. If someone were foolish enough to start a conversation during a performance, someone would not-so-gently suggest they go out to the bar or to the library if they wanted to talk.

It is hard to believe that we already have almost 3 years behind us! I am pleased to say that we haven't had a bad concert yet. Every musician who has played for us has been excellent. Most of the folks we have are not from our area, so my scouting is done listening to streaming audio and video on the internet.

We have continued to upgrade our sound system this. After attending a concert his first time, a local musician commented, "This is the best sound system of any in small Fargo venues." We found out it doesn't do too bad in larger venues too. This summer we held the first Listening Room Outdoor Event. We easily filled the 200 block of Broadway with the stage on the US Bank Plaza.

Again, we are hoping to increase our advertising - but remember that the best advertising is word of mouth. Let people know about The Listening Room and bring a friend!

I am committed to bringing quality musicians to the stage and providing a place where musicians like to play. If you have been with us, keep coming and bring your friends! If you haven't been yet, come join us and enjoy the most unique music venue in Fargo!

Scott Curfman