From the founding of great groups like Steve Miller Band and Garbage, to creativity fostered by current and past students, Madison has grown into a musical mecca. The isthmus’ impressive concentration of venues to support this melodic boom — often as varied as the outfits they attract — can be daunting for any newcomer wandering the confusing one-way streets.

But fear not eager concertgoer for we have a solution; a simple guide of campus-friendly venues, their distance from dorms, upcoming shows and overall vibe so you can impeccably plan your nights.

For those about to rock — or witness it happening — we salute you.

The Majestic

Atmosphere: Trademark theater potentially haunted by vaudeville phantoms
Upcoming acts: Toro Y Moi (9/25), Of Montreal (10/25)
Distance from Lakeshore: 31 minute bus, 23 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 15 minute bus, 40 minute walk

The Barrymore

Atmosphere: Elicits nostalgia in its aesthetic and pride because you had to figure out the bus routes to get there
Upcoming acts: Dirty Heads (9/1), The Milk Carton Kids (11/3)
Distance from Lakeshore: 42 minute bus, one hour 20 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 20 minute bus, one hour walk

The Frequency

Atmosphere: Small, yet aggressively energetic — like Charlie Day
Upcoming acts: ProbCause (9/10), Titus Andronicus (10/10)
Distance from Lakeshore: 31 minute bus, 38 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 9 minute bus, 20 minute walk

The Orpheum

Atmosphere: Escape the tedious congestion of State Street in this classy, yet approachable venue
Upcoming acts: Father John Misty (9/20), Garbage (10/18)
Distance from Lakeshore: 28 minute bus, 31 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 6 minute bus, 13 minute walk

High Noon Saloon

Atmosphere: Country Western meets “Cheers” in your friend’s older brother’s basement
Upcoming acts: 7 Seconds (8/18), Low (9/18)
Distance from Lakeshore: 39 minute bus, 47 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 17 minute bus, 29 minute walk

The Overture

Atmosphere: “Charles, get me a glass of the best Merlot would you?”
Upcoming acts: The Decemberists (9/30)
Distance from Lakeshore: 26 minute bus, 32 minute walk
Distance from Southeast:  5 minute bus, 14 minute walk

Wisconsin Union Theater

Atmosphere: Familiar faces, local acts and good ole Sconnie goodness
Upcoming acts: Joan Armatrading (10/6)
Distance from Lakeshore: 20 minute bus, 19 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 3 minute bus, 7 minute walk

Union South

Atmosphere: Diverse range of music with a Bucky high-five never too far away and bowling afterward
Upcoming acts: TBA
Distance from Lakeshore: 11 minute bus, 17 minute walk
Distance from Southeast: 8 minute bus, 9 minute walk