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The Sylvee

About

If you are looking for the epicenter of the music scene in Wisconsin, The Sylvee is the one place you cannot miss. This modern, world-class concert hall is located in the heart of Madison. Occupying an impressive space in the historic Gebhardt Building, the venue has become one of the most prestigious stages in the entire USA, attracting top artists and thousands of music lovers.

The Sylvee. Source: Kupi.com AI

The venue is designed for 2,500 spectators but maintains a surprising atmosphere of intimacy with the stage. The unique three-story architecture was designed so that no guest is further than 25 meters from the performer. This guarantees unobstructed views and magnificent sound from any point in the hall, whether you are on the general admission floor or the upper tiers.

Beyond live performances, The Sylvee serves as a multi-functional cultural space. It regularly hosts book fairs, art exhibitions, and even private celebrations. The industrial-style interior design emphasizes the character of the neighborhood and makes every event here truly stylish and memorable.

Contacts

For more details on upcoming concerts or to book VIP suites, you can use the following contact information. The venue is highly rated by visitors, confirming the quality of both the service and acoustics.

Address25 South Livingston Street, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Phone+1 608-709-8157
Official Websitethesylvee.com
Google Rating4.7 out of 5 (based on 2,486 reviews)

What to Do

The main reason to visit this venue is the opportunity to see world-class stars perform. Artists like Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, and Lil Wayne have all graced the stage at The Sylvee at various times. Every show turns into an unforgettable performance thanks to state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. Fans of all genres—from indie rock to hip-hop—will find an event to their liking here.

Visitor comfort is carefully considered across all three levels. You can stop by one of the many bars, where the service system is tuned for maximum speed so you don't miss your favorite song. For those who value exclusivity, there are luxury suites with plush seating, individual televisions, and snacks. Even convenient details like phone charging stations built into the columns make staying here as pleasant as possible.

Between sets, it's worth walking through the floors to appreciate the industrial design and check out the merchandise shop. The venue is also known for its inclusivity: well-equipped unisex restrooms are located on every level, and a thoughtful entry system helps avoid long lines even when the hall is at full capacity.

Getting There

The concert hall is located at 25 South Livingston Street, in the vibrant historic East Washington district of downtown. The location is easy to find—the venue is just one block east of the well-known High Noon Saloon. If you plan to arrive by car, you can park on the adjacent streets or in one of the many municipal parking garages in the area.

For those who prefer public transport, Madison offers an extensive network of city buses through the Dane County Transit (Metro) system. Most routes heading downtown pass within walking distance of the club. You can also always use taxis or popular ridesharing services, which will quickly get you there from any part of the city.

For travelers from other regions, it is most convenient to arrive via the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN). It is located approximately 10 kilometers from the center, and the trip from the terminal to the doors of The Sylvee takes very little time.

History & Facts

The history of this venue is inextricably linked to the Frank family, who moved to Madison from Chicago in 1964. Herb and Sylvia Frank began their journey working in the box office of the Capitol Theater and, over the decades, turned their company, Frank Productions, into one of the largest live performance organizers in the region. Their contribution to the city's musical culture is hard to overstate.

The name The Sylvee is a tribute to the memory of Sylvia Frank, who passed away in 2006. Her children and grandchildren decided to immortalize the name of the woman who stood at the origins of the family business by creating a modern space that officially opened its doors in September 2018. The new building was erected on a site steeped in industrial history, emphasizing generational continuity and the city's work ethic.

One of the most touching details of the interior is a unique mosaic created from old audio cassettes. It is a portrait of Sylvia Frank with the inscription "1964 WIS," symbolizing the year the family's musical history began in the state of Wisconsin. This art object has become a true symbol of the venue, bridging history and modernity.

Time Needed

Planning your visit time depends directly on the event format. If you are attending an evening concert by a popular artist, you should set aside about 3-4 hours. This is enough time to comfortably go through security at the entrance, order drinks at the bar, find a good spot, and enjoy the show itself, which usually lasts a couple of hours.

For daytime cultural events, such as book fairs or craft exhibitions, visitors usually spend between 1 and 2 hours. The venue is quite compact and well-designed, so you can explore all levels and displays without rushing or feeling tired.

Working Hours

The operating schedule for The Sylvee depends directly on the calendar of planned events. Doors usually open an hour or an hour and a half before the scheduled start of a concert or exhibition.

Since there are no fixed operating hours throughout the week, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website or confirming the start time of a specific event by calling the box office before your trip.

Nearby

The central location allows guests to combine a concert visit with a tour of other interesting sites. A walk through the neighborhood will help you better feel the atmosphere of the state capital and see its architectural landmarks.

NameTypeDistance (km)
The Livingston InnHistoric Site0.5
Wisconsin State CapitolLandmark1
Mansion Hill InnHistoric Site1.1
Wisconsin Masonic CenterHistoric Site1.1
Wisconsin Field HouseArena3.4
Garver Feed MillRestaurant3.6
Sky Zone MadisonAmusement Park5.9
Reindahl Park Splash PadWater Park6.7
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure ParkAmusement Park11.2
Crawdaddy Cove Indoor Water ParkLandmark12.1

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