As one of the oldest independent venues in Northern California, Harlow’s embraces all kinds of music in a time where it seems like many venues steer clear of certain genres. Julia Heath from Harlow’s explains her favorite part of working at her venue by saying, “In any given week, we might have artists that are punk, international, blues, tribute, hip hop, classic rock, psych, and country. And because we have two rooms, sometimes there will be two totally different shows happening at once!” Harlow’s is also the only venue in Sacramento that has the capacity to have two shows happening at one!
Harlow’s is no amateur when it comes to the independent music scene. From remaining independent for so long and for being one of Sacramento’s most loved venues, Heath explains the importance of keeping these types of venues relevant. “In a time when independent venues are becoming less common, we think it’s important to draw attention to those venues that have remained independent!” Heath explains.
Read all of Julia’s answers below, and visit Harlow’s for one of their Independent Venue Week shows July 10, 11, and 12. See all shows here.
What’s your favorite thing about working at your venue?
I love that Harlow’s embraces all kinds of music in a time where it seems like many venues steer clear of certain genres or just book shows that they know will sell out. In any given week, we might have artists that are punk, international, blues, tribute, hip hop, classic rock, psych, and country. And because we have two rooms, sometimes there will be two totally different shows happening at once! Everyone here also prioritizes making Harlow’s a platform that local artists who are just starting out can perform at, whether that means opening for a touring band or headlining their own album release show.
What is something unique about your venue?
We’re the only venue in Sacramento that has the capacity to have two shows happening at once. We are also one of the oldest independent venues in Northern California.
Why did you get into live music?
I’ve always been friends with artists and musicians, but I’ve never been a musician myself. Working in live entertainment has shown me how many different opportunities there are to support artists from behind the scenes and now I can’t see myself ever doing anything else.
Why did you get involved in Independent Venue Week?
We’re incredibly proud of the fact that we have remained independent for so long and that we are one of Sacramento’s most loved venues – and we definitely believe that those two things go hand in hand. In a time when independent venues are becoming less common, we think it’s important to draw attention to those venues that have remained independent.
What are your expectations for Independent Venue Week in the future?
We would love to see IVW’s social following grow so that the network of independent venues across the globe is broadened. Building a community of independent venues that support each other would be rad!
