A blast of muggy air heated by sweaty bodies welcomes you to the loud and live third floor dancehall at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. The Crystal Ballroom attracts bands from across the world, and you can get down to rock, rap, indie, hip-hop, or electronica from the likes of Nick Cave to Bloc Party to Paul Oakenfold. Don’t be alarmed when the floor starts shaking and quaking; this historic building is not crashing down. Rather, concerts at the Crystal literally bounce as fans jump in unison to the beat on the floating dance floor, which responds like a hardwood trampoline. It’s impossible to resist the urge, so join in and give yourself over to the thundering melodies and flashing, multicolored strobes. Then cool off with a pint of beer brewed in the pub downstairs while watching the action from above in the rear balcony. And after the show when the lights come up, you’ll realize you really are in an authentic ballroom complete with ornate, glass chandeliers, hand-painted murals of musical life, and cackling jokers carved atop colonnades.
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