csps

The reviews of the CSPS I read rated it highly. We were expecting something more. For starters, the entrance is poorly marked and difficult to find. This place adds a new meaning to the phrase "self guided" as there is no one at the door, no one walking around, basically....no one in the place. The limited amount of exhibits makes for a very fast visit. On the upside, the place has been beautifully refurbished. There is a nice looking bar area, which was of course unattended. Perhaps on certain artist release days it would be a better place to visit.

We LOVE attending concerts here. They seem to draw in amazing and obscure acts from around the world. We are fans of all kinds of music and can easily find something fun to attend every month or two. We'd be there more often if it wasn't a two hour drive! Check their website and get on the mailing list to keep up on the talent coming through.The musicians have always been top-notch, and the intimate setting is wonderful. The art exhibits tend to be a bit wacky and off-beat, but fun. The coffee/wine/beer bar in the lobby is greatly appreciated. There are several nearby restaurants to make an evening of dinner and a show. Let's hope the New-bo area continues to recover and grow!

Excellent place to hear music! Newly renovated after the flood, the auditorium is nicer, there is now A/C and a bar. Super fun for checking out new talent! Highly recommend

I had not been to CSPS/Legion Arts since the facility was remodeled following a devastating flood in Cedar Rapids (and beyond). I live over an hours drive away so it has to really be someone I want to see. I attended a concert on July 25 by Conjunto Chappottin, a Cuban "Son" Band. Not only was the band well worth the drive but I couldn't believe the venue and in fact the entire neighborhood when I arrived! The surrounding neighborhood used to be dingy & downright scary when you're a lone female walking back to your car after a concert. Now it's bustling with restaurants, shops, a grocery & more. The actual performance area appears to be the same but before where there was coffee,tea & cookies to purchase there is an expanded bar area with beer & wine.The Art Gallery is in a new space and Oh Joy- expanded restrooms! I was VERY impressed & glad I made a donation to CSPS/Legion Arts with my ticket order.

What a surprise when we discovered CSPS. You'll find them online under legionarts.org. Tickets are very affordable. You'll see musicians onstage from all over the world in a very intimate setting.Families should feel comfortable taking their older children with them but leave the toddlers at home. Check out their calendar of events online at the above mentioned url

I've been going to CSPS for years, and I have to say it just keeps getting better. Mel & John do a fantastic job of bringing entertainment variety to Cedar Rapids ... not to mention great beers and wines to enjoy before and during the show. The renovated space is is wonderful (I love the updated bathrooms and that I no longer a need to wear gloves during winter shows) ... we are so lucky to have a venue like this in Cedar Rapids.

I have been to two performances at CSPS, one a play and one a musician. It is a wonderful place for both types of entertainment. The bar area is inviting and the theater area is great. I love the art displays.

Best kept secret in CR! Very small and intimate venue that does not have a bad seat in the house. Bar available. Seen an absolutely awesome performance by Suzy Bogguss here.

Pre flood this place was great. Post flood, it is amazing (super upgrade to the indoor space.) The shows nor the art disappoint. If you want to see great acts (theatre, music, vaudeville) on the cheap / reasonable in an intimate setting, this is the place. The addition of the Carlo Bar in the lounge area really ads to the scene. Thanks Mel & John!

We have been here many times (pre-flood and post-flood) and enjoyed some of our favorite folk musicians in a fine and intimate setting. There are also a great number of world musicians and other events. The price is always reasonable. It is also historic, being the old Czech social hall. There are beverages (including beer and wine) and snacks. The sound is great. After the post-flood remodeling the place is also comfortable with AC and heating. (But where did the cats go?) There are small art galleries as well. The neighborhood has also been rehabilitated with food and drinks nearby. A great place.