Live-music venues worth the trip in Waterloo, Iowa

The Hippodrome is the National Cattle Congress arena in Waterloo, billed on its own page as Iowa’s Oldest Entertainment Arena and a large indoor sports and concert venue that has been home for Midwest entertainment since 1910. The same page lists 5,200 permanent seats.

The Isle Oasis is a 21-and-up lounge on the second floor of the Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo that books regional cover and party acts, and its own page says talented performers take the stage every Friday and Saturday night.

A biker-flavored downtown Waterloo bar, Screaming Eagle’s own site promises live bands across rock, classic rock, blues and country, hosting what it calls the Cedar Valley’s largest open jam every Wednesday with a house band.

A downtown Waterloo bar and live event venue, the Loft’s own site says it is home to pool and dart leagues, live music, comedy shows, karaoke nights and special themed events. Its amenities page lists a house PA system alongside pool tables, dartboards and pinball machines.