Yellow Barn

Loved the current Theater Nova production, the original musical ‘Irrational’. The small size of the venue, about 70 seats, makes for intimate and interesting viewing. They also are a pay-​what-​you-​can theater, but even at the suggested price of $ 20 a ticket, I think it’s a good value. A bit hard to find, as it’s not visible from Huron Street, but absolutely worth seeking out.

This is a really cool space for dance parties, DIY film screenings, shows, art showings, you name it. Love that there’s a parking lot and that it’s close enough to downtown for walking, but far enough that it has that tucked-​away, off-​the-​beaten-​path vibe. The porch is a cool place to hang out and strike up a conversation with a stranger. There is only one small bathroom, which is definitely a bummer, but I can deal considering the opportunities Yellow Barn affords for the talented go-​getters in this town.

This place is «off the map», in a way. Younger locals know that it’s a place where you can see an art opening or hear a band play. My first experience there happened to be a photo shoot that my friend Sarah did for her Alter Ego exhibition. I was very impressed by the studio space — it was very roomy.
In one part I saw Roost Roast’s coffee roasting equipment (but no sign of Roost to bug him for a cup!). There was also a desk hosting a vintage typewriter and a curious manuscript. Another section had interesting tye dyed shirts? My friend Paul’s spot had some equipment for music, and it was actually his band that I got to see perform later on in that space. It was very nice, you’ll see familiar faces around town.
It’s non-​smoking, but that’s ok because the porch is a very cozy place to light one. You get a great view of the night sky — plus it’s juuuust far enough from downtown to be able to kick back and relax.