Aura

Address:	121 Center St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Phone:	+1 207-772-8274
Site:	auramaine.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Brandon Krupski

The physical transformation from The Asylum to Aura is impressive. The venue looks beautiful. The bar tenders are great and the selection is decent. The "security" for the shows... quite a different story. You dont kick people out the door 15 seconds after the house lights come on. I understand the desire to clear the place out in a reasonable amount of time... but I think you can give folks a solid 10 minutes before the gestapo rolls out. Many people drove a long way to see these bands and drink your beer. I literally walked down the stairs from the upper bar area to where the bands setup their merch for under a minute, then went back to where my people were only to be stopped at the stairs by a person who stepped in front of me about and inch from my face "What are you doing?" "shows over, make your way outside" The security nonsense is enough to turn a 4 star venue into a 1 star review, but the custodian that was keeping the floor fresh all night is a good touch and worth another star. Kudos to you, sir. Nothing worse than standing in sticky beer for the duration of the show. Retrain or fire your security. Theyre trash.

Michael Mcdowell

I mainly went there for karaoke, only to be disappointed. Ive been to so many different karaoke venues, being from Boston and currently living only 12 miles outside of boston, and this was one of the worst karaoke nights I been to. All they wanted to sing was a bunch of punk rock / alternative rock from the 90s, the DJ only catered to the regulars, Not sure but I think he skipped over me a couple of times. I sung a classic by "Prince" no one even stayed to even see what I was gonna sing. And the people that remained did not applause. Ive never been to a karaoke where absolutely no one applauds for me. I always sing good selections and I know I have a great voice. Not a good atmosphere. Maybe they were stereotyping me in a racist way and saying to themselves, "why isnt he up on the second floor at the rap night venue, "isnt that what those blacks wanna hear all the time". Why is he down here with the white people doing karaoke? Because I thought it was real karaoke! And I dont wanna hear that garbage they call rap.

Cera Catron

There are many sections to this business, and all of them are great. The sportsbar has great service. They offer a rather large menu, and the food is always really good. The downstairs space is often used for small music events like retro night, or the local goth-alternative event. The remodel looks amazing, and the sound quality was really improved. The concert space is awesome. There are 3 bars, and the balcony area doesnt have a single bad seat. Ive already seen a few shows there, and the experience has been great. The only downside is that this is an increasingly popular location, so the wait at the bar keeps getting longer!

Eva Sipulova

At first, I was a little worried because I heard that the venue had no ventilation whatsoever but I need to say that it was much better than I expected and we were not sweating that much, despite being inside for hours. I like the design, the sound is not bad either, but what really bothers me is that the restrooms are kind of outside of the main hall, you need to go through the security again to get inside. What I found really nice was that they let you use the restrooms while waiting outside for the show, thats a big plus.

Wheels Waves

The general admission has to go. There is no room for it and you cant see. $60 for the general admission ticket and you couldnt see anything without leaning on peoples shoulders with seats. It caused 2 fights while I was there that also made it so you couldnt enjoy the show. If I had a seat ticket it would of been a great venue but my General admission experience was not even a 1 star. Ill go back but only for a ticket with a seat.

Alan Platner

The place has all the personality of an international airport terminal. A harsh blue light illuminated the audience the whole time. The bartenders attentive but the drinks were pretty weak. The concert/security staff were a total mess no knowing who was checking IDs or even having wristbands. Unless you really want to see the act you will have a better time at HOM or Port City.

Jay Baker

Would have been 5 stars, but found out that the guy sitting behind us, talking LOUDLY with his date during the show, was actually an employee. I had to tell him to keep it down. Rather than do that, they just moved down the row, to other open seats, and kept talking.

drew coombs

The place itself was cool, reasonable bar and an intimate venue, but the sound was way off. I am sure it was more the acts fault but it was so loud I was made disoriented, almost sick, totally willing to give it another shot though.

Brianna Jaro

Blown away. Such a wonderfully intimate venue. Not to mention an incredible 2017 band line-up, considering how much accessibility the space offers. I think its awesome. An impressive, nuanced addition for Portland. 5 stars to boot!

Marilyn Massicotte

Wow. What a nice little venue! Acoustic is fantastic. Comfortable seats. Nice views from floor and balcony. Only downer is they wont allow food inside. Very modern looking. Fully renovated and well organized events.

Raymond Goulet

I havent been up on the balcony, but the floor is way too small. I liked the openness of the old set up a lot more. Maybe I just need to get used to it but after my most recent visit I left disappointed.

Dan Gimenez

Great sound and goid bar areas. The walls need black draping on the walls if the play rock bands. Walls are white and too bright for a rock show. Everything else was AWESOME!

Bill Greenberg

Great venue. Staff is very professional and engaged. Pretty amazing customer service. This place is first class and will bring me back to Portland again and again.

Michelle Leighton

This place is sooooooo much nicer than the Asylum (not that the Asylum was bad) Aura is just a REALLY nice venue...I will definitely be seeing more bands here

Bonnie Anderson

My new favorite club for seeing live music. Clean, easy access, easy parking, quick pleasant staff and an incredible close-up intimate experience

Marcus Bowers

Been going about to Plague (Goth/Industrial night, Fridays) for about 3 years now. Loved it then and still love it now. Its a really great crowd.

Junior Curbow

This is a cool place to catch some music and dancing. They serve good food next door. There is some great artwork on the parking lot walls.

Carl Belanger

Newly renovated and it looks great some bugs to work out the first night of reopening elevator breaking down supposed to be brand new.

Tim Hanson

Drinks being (typically) expensive is the only negative here. I really liked the intimate venue and everything else about it.

A Private User

the worst live music ever. the sound sucks and so does the atmosphere. i thought i was gonna get beat up by crack heads