With WhySound no longer a viable option for shows due to ongoing and serious allegations, Logan’s local music scene finds itself in a bit of a pickle. WhySound was, for many of us, the cornerstone of accessibility. It was a space where up-and-coming bands could take the stage without massive costs. It was all ages. It was built for music. And now, there’s a vacuum.
But the music doesn’t stop just because a venue goes silent. There are other options — not all perfect, but all worth knowing about. Here’s a breakdown of what’s out there.
- Logan Music Venues
- Logan Event Venues
- Logan Bars
- Logan Restaurants
- Other Logan and Cache Valley Venues
- Cache Valley’s Cultural Dilemma
- A DIY solution for Logan’s music scene
Logan Music Venues
These are the pinnacle of local music. Unlike restaurants and bars where there can be concerns about disrupting the experience of customers, everyone at a pure music venue is there for music. It doesn’t get better than that for a musician!
WhySound
Pros
Accessible: All-ages, affordable tickets, no pay-to-play.
Artist-friendly: Flat $100 cut, bands kept the rest.
Creative space: Included rehearsal and recording options.
Community-driven: Supported diverse local and touring acts.
Central location: Near bars, easy to draw crowds.
Cons
Small capacity: Max of 49 limits turnout.
Leadership issues: Misconduct allegations halted operations.
Needs reform: New ownership, oversight, and safety protocols required.
I’m listing WhySound up top because it’s really the metric by which all other venues in this list will be measured. While the venue is currently persona non grata, it’s important to understand what it offered local artists and bands, so we can properly gauge other venues.
WhySound, located at 30 Federal Avenue in Logan, Utah, has long been a cornerstone of the local music scene. Established in 2008 by Tim Moes, a former New York City resident, the venue quickly became known for its intimate atmosphere and commitment to fostering musical talent. Since then, it has gone through a variety of owners — but keeping music accessible always seemed to remain its core mission. With a capacity of just 49, WhySound provided an accessible platform for both emerging and established artists.
The venue’s financial model was, in our experience, very artist-friendly. Open Door Policy played there regularly throughout our ten-year existence. To the best of my recollection, we never paid to play. The venue took a straight cut of about $100 to cover operating costs and the rest of the night’s proceeds were split by the bands. At somewhere between $10-$15 a ticket, this made it extremely accessible, even to bands without large followings.
Beyond live performances, WhySound also functioned as a recording studio and rehearsal space, further cementing its role as a creative hub in Logan. Its all-ages policy, coupled with its proximity to local bars, made it the ideal venue for a diverse range of artists and audiences. Over the years, it hosted a wide array of musical genres and welcomed both local and touring acts, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the Cache Valley music community.
That said, until leadership changes, this venue is no longer a viable option for bands and music lovers alike. I would honestly encourage anyone who can to buy WhySound and take over ownership (though, is this even possible without those facing allegations making a profit?). Please, make it even more accessible — with a diverse oversight board and some well-thought-out safety protocols.
Seize the Night
Pros
All-ages music venue: Rare and valuable in Cache Valley.
Pro-level setup: Great sound, lighting, and live recording capabilities.
Spacious: Main room fits 100+; warehouse holds up to 300.
Merch services: On-site production of T-shirts, stickers, and more.
Marketing help: Offers promo support for bands.
Reputation: Trusted by local orgs for audio/video services.
Cons
Not ultra-cheap: More affordable than most, but not WhySound-level accessible.
Location: Smithfield Main Street — a bit far from Logan nightlife.
Seize The Night is a newer entrant in Cache Valley’s music scene, but it has a lot of promise. First and foremost, it’s a pure music venue — and an all-ages one at that — which is a rare and valuable thing around here. It sounds like they’ve built a solid reputation offering professional audio, video, and event services for organizations and companies across the valley.
The venue itself is no small operation. The main performance area is spacious enough to comfortably fit over a hundred people, and I was told there’s an adjacent warehouse space that can hold up to 300. The stage in the front area is beautiful, roomy, and built for more than just aesthetics. It’s outfitted with a full lighting setup and the gear necessary to record both audio and video at a professional level, which makes it a great option for bands looking to capture high-quality live footage.
But it doesn’t stop there. Seize The Night also offers merch production services — right on site. Need T-shirts, stickers, or other custom items for your show? They can handle that. And for bands who want a little help getting the word out, they offer marketing support, too. That’s a huge asset for smaller acts who may not have a big promo machine behind them.
That said, Seize The Night isn’t quite the ultra-accessible haven that WhySound once was. I looked into holding an event there and was given a few potential cost structures — none of which would be super accessible to small-time bands. Still, compared to literally every other option in the valley, it’s far more reasonable and artist-friendly than most. Just don’t expect the $100 flat fee and profit split that WhySound offered.
The only other slight drawback is location. Seize The Night is on Main Street out in Smithfield. While that’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown Logan, it’s still outside the cluster of downtown bars and nightlife. So if you’re hoping to step out between sets for a drink or a bite nearby, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Still, if you’re prioritizing sound quality, video capability, and space, Seize The Night is arguably the most promising venue in the valley right now that I’ve found.
Logan Event Venues
These are venues that rent out space. This means they are typically open to all ages, all genres, etc. But high rental costs may make them prohibitively expensive to smaller bands and artists.
Lionheart Hall
Pros
Spacious: Large stage and audience capacity.
Pro setup: Quality sound and lighting.
Versatile: Great for concerts, theater, weddings, and more.
Supportive staff: Professional, inclusive, and welcoming.
Central location: Near downtown Logan.
Cons
Limited access: Pricing excludes many local and emerging artists.
LionHeart Hall in Logan, Utah, is a venue that offers ample space both on stage and for the audience. The hall can fit a large audience and features a large stage, along with professional sound and lighting — making it ideal for live theatre, music performances, weddings, recitals, and other events.
Additionally, the staff and owners at LionHeart Hall are known for their professionalism, dedication, and inclusion. They have cultivated a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all walks of life. It’s also not too far from downtown Logan — residing near 500 North and 100 East.
However, the cost of renting LionHeart Hall can be a significant barrier for smaller bands and independent artists. Despite being offered various pricing options, I found the rates prohibitively expensive for those with limited budgets and small fanbases.
This makes it challenging for emerging performers or smaller acts to access such a high-quality venue, potentially limiting opportunities for local talent to showcase their work.
Logan Bars
These can occasionally be more accessible than other places, but since they are not pure music venues, the potential for disrupting customers has to be taken into consideration. Additionally, since they’re 21+ only, it makes it impossible for families, teens, and young adults to attend.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles
Pros
Cozy venue: Good stage and intimate crowd space.
Versatile: Great for small shows and community events.
Welcoming vibe: Personal, engaging atmosphere.
Cons
Members-only: Limited access without coordination.
21+ only: Likely age-restricted, limiting audience and performers.
Less accessible: Public events require extra planning.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) in Logan, Utah, offers a welcoming venue that combines a well-equipped stage area with ample space for a smaller audience to gather and dance. This setup makes it an ideal spot for intimate live performances, community events, and social gatherings. The venue’s layout fosters a cozy atmosphere where attendees can enjoy entertainment up close, creating a more personal and engaging experience.
However, hosting events at the FOE can present some challenges due to its status as a members-only venue. Access is typically restricted to members and their guests, which means that public events may require additional coordination or special permissions. Additionally, I’m admittedly a little fuzzy on whether FOE actually classifies as a bar — but I’m fairly confident it’s only 21+, which inherently limits the audience and bands that can be there.
Despite these limitations, the FOE remains a valuable community resource, offering a unique space for events that align with its membership guidelines. However, it does make it less accessible than other venues.
The Cache Bar
Pros
Solid shows: Hosts quality live music and established acts.
Great vibe: Fun spot for a night out, both on and off stage.
Capable venue: Can handle well-planned, successful events.
Cons
Hard to book: Tough for local or smaller bands to get in.
21+ only: Age restriction limits accessibility.
Nightlife Focus: Prioritizes nightlife over local scene-building.
The Cache Bar in Logan has always felt like a tough nut to crack for local artists. In my personal experience, they’ve tended to favor a rotation of bigger-name or out-of-town bands, rather than giving consistent opportunities to smaller, homegrown acts. That’s not to say they don’t host great shows — they absolutely do — but it often feels like they’re catering to an already-established scene, rather than investing in the one that’s growing right here in their backyard.
Open Door Policy has managed to play at The Cache exactly twice. The first time was for a private event (shoutout to Athena and USU for making that happen). The second time came only after I essentially pitched them a fully developed show and marketing plan. Huge props to In The Wave for being down to play that night with us — and to everyone who showed up, because the turnout was fantastic!
The event went off without a hitch and did really well. But even with all of that, we haven’t been invited back. And considering the amount of legwork it took just to make the last time happen, I haven’t really had the motivation to approach them again.
It’s also worth noting that The Cache is a 21+ venue and not a pure music venue. So while it can be a great spot for a night out and some solid live music (I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time there both as a musician and a patron), it’s just not the most accessible or consistent place for local bands — especially younger ones or those just getting started — to really grow their audience or find a welcoming stage.
However, this could change in the near-future. Cache Bar owner Mark Lunt has mentioned that the bar is hosting local jam nights based on the “12 bars blues progression” — similar to the Green Pig’s blues jam nights in Salt Lake City. He is also organizing a local band committee to help curate local bands to bring on stage — and assist in promoting and producing their shows. He says these committee positions will be paid — which, in my opinion, really shows sincere effort to foster local music.
The Owl
Pros
Cozy vibe: Warm, welcoming space for performers and patrons.
Friendly staff: Supportive and easy to work with.
Good potential: Could become more local-band-friendly.
Cons
Small stage: Limited size and visibility for performances.
21+ only: Age restriction limits reach and inclusivity.
Bar Focus: Bar setting may limit performance types.
We’ve had the opportunity to perform at The Owl once, so far, and it was a genuinely enjoyable experience. The venue boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot not only for bands but also for patrons eager to enjoy live music. The staff is friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming environment that encourages both performers and audiences to return. However, the stage area leaves something to be desired; it’s modest in size and lacks the elevation that can enhance visibility and acoustics for live performances.
Despite this, there’s a lot of potential for The Owl to become a more accessible and accommodating space for local bands — though this remains to be seen.
As with the other entrants in this section, it’s important to note that The Owl is a bar, catering exclusively to a 21+ crowd. This age restriction inherently limits the audience, excluding younger fans and musicians who are integral to the local music scene. Moreover, being a bar rather than a dedicated music venue means that live performances might not always be welcome unless they fit a certain sound and volume that their patrons enjoy.
Barrel & Stave
Pros
Great energy: Laid-back, classy atmosphere.
Cons
Volume limits: Too loud? Don’t expect to play.
Not a music venue: Bar setting restricts band types and audience ages.
Barrel & Stave has a great vibe. I have greatly enjoyed many evenings there for music, bingo, or just a chill night reading a book in peace. It brings a much needed classy vibe to downtown Logan, in my opinion.
Open Door Policy had the pleasure of performing at Barrel & Stave a couple years back — and the turnout was nothing short of phenomenal. The venue was packed, the energy was electric, and the audience’s enthusiasm was palpable. However, despite the overwhelming success of the night, we were informed afterward that our performance was too loud for the bar’s preferences. As a result, we were told that we wouldn’t be invited to perform there again.
As a bar, rather than a dedicated music venue, the type of music that Barrel & Stave will allow into its venue is inherently limited. While this is absolutely understandable, it does go without saying that it makes the place fairly inaccessible for most local bands.
Logan Restaurants
Restaurants might seem more accessible at a glance — no need to worry about age restrictions! But, like bars, they often have to take customers into account — and typically their customers are even less used to live rock music than bar patrons. This makes them pretty inaccessible to anything but soft rock bands, instrumental music, or acoustic acts.
The Factory Pizzeria
Pros
All-ages: Welcomes everyone, with beer available for 21+.
Inclusive vibe: Friendly, community-focused atmosphere.
No volume complaints: Bands can play without sound issues.
Great memories: Longstanding local favorite for live shows.
Cons
Not a music venue: Primarily an eatery, not built for concerts.
Limited space: Not ideal for dancing or high-energy crowds.
Starting out with a bit of an outlier! The Factory Pizzeria in Logan holds a special place in my heart, brimming with cherished memories. Over the years, I’ve attended countless shows there, and Open Door Policy has had the pleasure of performing there a few times.
The venue exudes a welcoming and accessible atmosphere, making it a staple in Logan’s music scene. However, it’s essential to note that The Factory is primarily an eatery, which means the space isn’t ideally suited for a dynamic, dancing crowd (though people definitely make the most of it!). While it’s one of the more approachable venues in town, it doesn’t function as a dedicated music venue.
That said, one of The Factory’s standout features is its inclusive environment. The place is all-ages, but serves beer with an ID — allowing younger audiences to enjoy live music without the restrictions of a 21+ venue. They’ve also never complained about the volume!
This approach fosters a diverse and vibrant community, where music lovers of all ages can come together. The combination of good food, great beer, and live music creates a unique and enjoyable experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Logan.
Prodigy Brewing
Pros
Family-friendly: Welcoming, all-ages dining atmosphere.
Chill vibes: Great fit for acoustic or mellow acts.
Good food & beer: Solid option for casual entertainment.
Cons
Volume limits: Louder bands not a fit.
Limited access: Not ideal for high-energy performances.
Prodigy Brewing in Logan, Utah, is a family-friendly brewpub that blends craft beer with a welcoming dining atmosphere. Their event calendar seems to showcase a preference for mellow, acoustic, or genre-specific acts — such as jazz ensembles and folk duos.
Open Door Policy has tried to perform there before, but were told we were too loud to be considered as evening entertainment. It’s clear that the brewery has a preference for lower-volume music.
This is, of course, once again understandable. Prodigy Brewing is an eatery first and foremost — and their focus will always be on providing a comfortable dining experience for their customers. That means that the music must complement, rather than dominate, the environment.
As a result, performances that might be perceived as disruptive to diners are less likely to be featured. Because of this, bands with a louder, harder sound will likely find Prodigy fairly inaccessible.
Other Logan and Cache Valley Venues
There are most definitely other venues in the Logan and larger Cache Valley area — The Alley on Center, Jack’s Wood Fired Pizza, and even Utah State University, to name a few. And don’t event get me started on venues in Preston (which I know nothing about)!
However, I unfortunately don’t have direct experience with these venues (yet), so am unable to provide any insight. If YOU have direct experience, and would like to share your insights, please reach out to me! I will gladly add them to this article and credit you!
Cache Valley’s Cultural Dilemma
Perhaps one of the larger, overlooked issues with Cache Valley’s music scene is that of the populace at large. Do they actually foster local music themselves?
Places like Funk’n’Dive and Kamikazes in Ogden — which has one of Utah’s best local music scenes — host music nights with a wide range of local and touring acts. Patrons typically can’t get into these bars on music nights without paying a small fee at the door — all of which goes to the bands. Oftentimes, whether it’s for the music or the drinks, people continue to come out in droves and pay to see bands they don’t even know about.
I’ve rarely seen a model like that here in Logan. And I’m not sure how successful it would be. People don’t seem nearly as willing to go see bands they don’t know or support local music in general (and I’ll readily admit that I haven’t done the best at this myself over the years, and strive to do better). That does make it more difficult for venues to balance the books and put on shows with small or emerging acts.
But, at the end of the day, these bands and artists are putting on shows they’ve put years of practice and creativity into — along with thousands of dollars in instruments and gear. Whether small or large, they should be getting paid — not being the ones doing the paying.
So I feel very strongly that any venue that requires bands to pay to play — whether that’s in the form of rental fees, eating ticket sales, or something similar — is doing the opposite of fostering local music.
A DIY solution for Logan’s music scene
In the meantime, perhaps the most accessible venue is the one you build yourself. Maybe it’s time to go back to the good ol’ “house show” format!
Local musician Sammy Pond recently said that he and other Logan musicians are discussing the idea of DIY house shows where donations are accepted in lieu of ticket sales. This was a pretty common sight for me as a teen and young adult back in the early 2000s — and I’m not sure if it just faded from view due to aging out of it, or if it’s died down in Logan altogether.
I would welcome a return of house shows — as long as it’s done safely and responsibly. I don’t have hard evidence of this, but I suspect one reason this show format seems to have died off in the last couple of decades is due to Logan police and Cache Valley cops regularly getting involved and busting up house shows. I don’t think it’s exaggerating to say that, back in the day, house shows regularly mixed music and drinking — including underage drinking.
As long as local Cache Valley house shows work with their neighbors and avoid any illegal activity to ensure a stellar and safe experience for all, I hope they’ll make a huge resurgence!
…Anyway, uh, who has an open house we can play at?!