UC close to several concert venues

Imagine this: it's the middle of the week, you and your buddies are bored, but all the normal ideas for fun sound mind-numbing. The movie theater doesn't have any good showings, the clubs don't open for another couple hours and Newport on the Levee is too expensive.

Maybe some live music would be the cure for the midweek monotony, but where to go? Luckily, there are several music venues in Clifton that are within walking distance of the University of Cincinnati, including one right on campus.

The Catskeller Game Room and Sports Lounge, located on the first floor of Tangeman University Center, offers much more than the name implies. Of course there are many televisions spread across the room (most of them tuned to a sporting event) and several arcade machines. The Catskeller also offers many food choices for those interested, from Skeller sticks (cheese breadsticks) to wings and everything in between.

But what isn't implicit in Catskeller's name is its live music program: Acoustic Brew, which occurs every Thursday. UC students play their music for listeners every week, and anyone and everyone is invited to perform. An e-mail to mainstreet@uc.edu is all that's needed to get the process rolling.

But if getting off UC grounds is more your style, there are many other options available.

With its ability to bring in the big name acts, Bogarts on short Vine is one of the most obvious answers. Since Bogarts is one of the most successful clubs in the area, this is where to go to see the national acts. Go to bogarts.com for a complete show listing.

But, maybe a smaller, less expensive club would be more agreeable with your wallet (if only Bogarts took the Bearcat Card). If that's the case, there are several cheap or free venues spread around the UC area.

A cheap venue with national acts is located just over the river in Covington: The Mad Hatter. Owner Frank Brady says The Mad Hatter is a "true rock and roll club with very diverse groups." You can expect to see "all kinds of rock. We have indie rock, metal, punk," Brady said. Local acts cost $5 to see, while national acts cost between $7 and $15.

But maybe you want a bite to eat while you enjoy some tunes. That's where Mac's Pizza Pub comes in. Josh Eagle, a frequent performer, said that Mac's "caters to all different types of people." Eagle said you could hear "folk to hard rock to blues to indie bands," while at the Pub.

While you are always welcome to just come in and listen to a band, said Eagle, with food surrounding you, it may be hard to resist. Luckily, Eagle has some suggestions.

"Our burgers are some of the best in the city. But our signature is the Macover. It's like a calzone but 10 times as unhealthy.

Eagle also performs at Boswell Alley, located on Blue Rock Street in Northside.

Eagle said he thinks Boswell Alley has one of the best open mics in Cincinnati, and Dustin McDelfresh, owner of the venue, hosts "acoustic and live bands" at his establishment. McDelfresh said the crowd at Boswell Alley is "casual" and "very diverse."

So next time there's nothing to do on campus, or you just feel the need to groove, drop on by to any of the many music venues around campus. You'll definitely walk away with a little less hearing and a lot of excitement.