The Classic Grand bears more than a passing resemblance to a Chicago speakeasy. The innumerable stairs leading up to the 550 person capacity, theatrical live venue lend the feeling of 1920’s socialite secrecy and sin. The palm trees which flank the stage, the drapes which frame the bar, might lead you to expect Gypsy Rose Lee to take to the stage to entertain Al Capone. All in all, a perfect venue for live bands and decadent club nights.This has been a venue of choice for Celtic Connections, the late, lamented Triptych (where this writer has witnessed blinding gigs from Sebadoh to Billy Childish), and the new Stag and Dagger Festival. The Classic Grand is located in Jamaica Street and houses two spaces (250 downstairs/550 upstairs). The site has been a nightclub for some years, but the building dates back to the early 20th century, when it originally opened as a picture house; the upstairs space is built into the original circle. The cinema famously became an art and porn cinema, some of this louche ambience still remining. The interior has kept true to the history of the building, showing off its art deco features to contemporary advantage. The Classic Grand is also home to a smaller first floor lounge and dancefloor, whose dark interior, luxury furniture and low ceilings make it the perfect forum for after-show parties or record label launch events. The downstairs venue is intimate, perfect both for seeing cutting edge music up close or lounging to the early hours. The upstairs is a dramatic space, perfect for enjoying big shows with the best of sound from a state of the art PA, or for partying the night away at one of the in-house rock club nights, Damnation, Absolution or Ritual, at the weekends.