Address: | 1214 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403, USA |
Phone: | +1 802-652-0777 |
Site: | highergroundmusic.com |
Rating: | 3.7 |
A
A Private User
I had a very bad first experience at Higher Ground. Since it was my first time going, I didnt know their exact policies, so I had a bottle of water in my bag (it doesnt say on their website that this isnt allowed). When they checked my bag, the woman told me I had to get rid of it, so I was like, "ok, Ill dump it out, its just water," but nope, I had to be escorted out to my car by security to put it in there. The woman was quite rude, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt at this point. It was an at least somewhat understandable request. Then I decided to get a drink. The bartender asked to see my ID (dunno if thats standard or not, since they already checked it at the door), then makes my drink. As hes making my drink, the woman from before comes in and asks me why my wristband is on my left wrist and tells me I need to come out to the lobby to talk. (I will say that the bartender sort of defended me saying that he checked my ID and it was fine.) Im quite confused and embarrassed at this point and explain that I moved the wristband because it was put on really loosely over my watch so I moved it to the other arm so it was more comfortable. (Note that, as far as I could see, there was nothing dictating which side the wristband was supposed to be on.) The woman and the guy that was giving out the wristbands wanted to see my ID again, told me that it wasnt allowed to move the wristband, and told me I couldnt drink. They were very confrontational and I felt like they were accusing me of something. I even told them that it was my first time at Higher Ground and was not aware of the RIGHT WRIST ONLY policy and apologized, but it didnt do any good. So I just left my drink at the bar (which I had already paid for, by the way) because I was too embarrassed to ask for my money back, which I probably wouldnt have gotten anyway because of their "no refunds" policy. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is because the concert was awesome. I think the venue itself is very nice, but I am very hesitant to return and will almost certainly not buy drinks.
JE
Jesse Lauer
I just now stopped into higher ground, LONG BEFORE DOORS TO A SHOW to say hi to a friend. There were four people at the box office window and one hyper-masculine, i-have-this-teensy-shred-of-power-in-life-so-im-gonna-weild-it-with-full-force doorman sitting in classic "look-how-tough-i-am" folded-arm defensive posture. I ask him if I could speak to my friend briefly. He shrugs and glares at me. The delightful man behind him, like a human being, graciously offers to go grab him. My friend comes out and we interact for long enough to establish for Mr. Unsatisfied With His Position In Life that I was actually there for the reason described and I wasnt trying to scam my way in. Two words with my friend later (still ABSOLUTELY NOTHING GOING ON IN THE LOBBY) he rudely, condescendingly insisted that I take, literally, ONE STEP to the left; treating me like a piece of garbage. Now, Im a metal guy from way back. I know metal crowds and bouncers. I understand that sometimes intensity is necessary. This poor example of masculinity was just looking to be an arrogant jerk. Sorry bout the chip on your shoulder, dude. I wish youd have been hugged more earlier on in life. But youre in your, what, early thirties, so at this point youre your own fault. If you were affiliated with the band tonight (Big Gigantic) then congratulations Big Gigantic, I will continue to have never heard of you. If Higher Ground has employed this horrible testosterone addled shoulder-chip then I suggest they do a staff training or two. I have tickets to see Black Dahlia Murder next week. Dear Higher Ground - Can you let me know if this unnecessarily volatile meatsack is a permanent fixture in your lobby so I can just not bother showing up next week and stop checking your calendar for interesting venues altogether? All my best, Jesse Lauer
DA
David Douglas
We just saw Pokey Lafarge. Those folks were absolutely fantastic. Great compositions, execution and stage personna. We look forward with eager anticipation to seeing & hearing them again. However, sorry to say I doubt we will go to higher ground the next time we do. The primary Reason? Volume! Turn that sound Down! We both have excellent hearing and want it to stay that way. The opening act seemed to be a very good little country rock band. I cant say for sure as the poor little ladies vocals were absolutely distorted from the extreme volume. It is such a nice small place it is totally unnecessary to blow everybodys eardrums out in order to enjoy the music, ruins it in fact. Pokey even went over to the sound man and clearly motioned for him to lower it, slightly better but still extremely painful & unpleasant. Such a shame. Maybe the sound man has a problem with his hearing? Something has definitely changed. When we saw Leo Kotter & Michael Gordon there a couple of years ago we were in the same spot and the sound was excellent, and night to remember. Last nights adventure was pure torture, a night to forget. What Happened? Bottom line: If you do go to HG do yourself a favor and bring earplugs or better yet, ear protectors like you would wear to run a chain saw. That is if you wish to protect your precious hearing so that you can enjoy music in the future. D
WI
Wilmington 32
So I just moved here from Wilmington North Carolina. My girlfriend and I tried to go here because we had tickets to see Coleman Hell. After getting there I showed them my North Carolina ID that shows that Im clearly 21 years of age. They took my ID into the back away from me and we stood there for 15 minutes. I asked the guy at the door where my ID is and he stated shes was just doing here job, while he talked to me like I was a child... then he threatened to kick me out because I was getting an "attitude". She returned with my ID to tell me that she wouldnt accept it because it wasnt real or even registered anywhere in the United States. I then showered her my old out of date ID that states the same information and she proceeded to take both IDs back to the back; so I stopped her and demanded my IDs back. She insisted she needed to take photo copies of them for "training" reasons. Next I was rudely asked to leave or I would be escorted out by the rude bouncer whom had been sizing me up the entire time. This experience was a waste of my time, and money. I will NEVER go back to this facility. Out of state people beware. I have been going to shows for years and never been treated the way I was here; therefore it is my right as a 21 year old American citizen to be able to drink anywhere that serves alcohol.
SA
Sam M
Was there one night, had 3 drinks in 3.5 hours, and went for a 4th. A different bartender than the one who got me the 1st 3 asks me what I want. I tell him, "a margarita." He says, "No. Youve had enough." And walks away...Huh? Enough said. Kinda dumbfounded but whatever. Is it odd to order a margarita in October in VT or something? Im sorry but I lived in GA for four years and its normal there, and I just moved back to VT. Not to mention the rude staff all around. Fake Djs. Garbage crowd/scene. Was threatened that I would get kicked out if I jumped the barrier again (I had dropped my phone over it, was watching the DJ faking being a DJ)...its a really uptight place, which yeah should be expected, this whole state has something stuck up its behind. Compared to the many venues I have been to in FL/GA, HG is absolute s***. This place has really gone downhill since they moved from Winooski when I was there last. Dont go here if youre looking for a good time, or to get drunk, this is not a chill laid back place. Plus their drinks are overpriced, watered down too, they use bottom shelf liquor that homeless people buy, and sell them for 8 bucks, what a joke this place has become.