Southgate House   

Once a fashionable home along the Ohio River in scenic Newport, Ky., the Southgate House is today one of the hottest venues supporting local, regional and national talent in an intimate setting. Originally built in 1814 by Kentucky State Senator Richard Southgate, the structure is historically significant as the birthplace of the inventor of the Tommy gun. These days, bands that play here are the ones shooting for record deals. Taking over punk bookings after the demise of the legendary Jockey Club, the Southgate's range quickly expanded into alternative rock and other underground musical genres, ultimately giving the club a reputation for taking chances on up-and-coming bands and trends. (The Strokes played here on their inaugural tour and the place once hosted Greg Dulli's Twilight Singers, which resulted in a mini-reunion of Cincinnati's legendary Afghan Whigs). The downstairs concert ballroom features a full-service bar and balcony; the first floor lounge features a bar, pool tables and a stellar jukebox; the second floor parlor hosts intimate acoustic performances; and the third floor features a functioning art gallery.