Field Notes from my Musical Adventure in Flagstaff, Arizona

AN INSTANT CONNECTION
"People said, 'You're crazy.' But the culture of Flagstaff is such that I kind of knew we’d be able to pull this off because people here really appreciate music, appreciate culture, appreciate community."
—Chris Scully, Former Co-Owner, Orpheum Theatre
Flagstaff has a magnetic pull—something about this place draws you in and makes it hard to leave. Historic hotels and music venues, amazing food, sound baths, listening rooms, and the scent of ponderosa pines in the air: this town is pure magic. What started as a quick stop to catch a show at the Orpheum and spend the night at the Hotel Monte Vista turned into a month-long adventure. Before I knew it, I was negotiating with hotel management to extend my stay. Listening back to this episode, I realize I only skimmed the surface of what Flagstaff has to offer. It’s a place that pulls you into its orbit and makes you feel like you’ve been part of the community all along.

ROCK HARD & SLEEP WELL
"I needed to bring extra pillows to their room, and I remember walking in and seeing gorgeous instruments just leaning against the walls."
—Lindsay, Front Desk Clerk, Hotel Monte Vista
The Hotel Monte Vista, located just off Route 66 on San Francisco Street, is no ordinary hotel. Each room has its own personality, which is part of the charm, along with the hotel’s rich history and the parade of famous guests who’ve stayed there. I recorded this episode from two of their most iconic rooms: Michael Stipe’s and Bing Crosby’s. It didn’t take long to realize that this hotel is the heart of Flagstaff. The lounge and adjoining cocktail bar buzz with energy, filled with travelers and locals alike.
One of the hotel’s most memorable stories comes from Lindsay, a front desk clerk. She told me about delivering extra pillows to Elephant 6, a band staying at the Monte Vista after performing at the Orpheum Theatre. Moments like that highlight the unique energy of this place, where musicians and guests mingle in the most unexpected ways.

RAGED SO HARD THEY BLEW A FUSE
"Everything else in the building shut down, including the lighting rig. The emergency lights came on. We went to a cash bar, but the sound kept going and the show went on. It's a legendary night at the Orpheum. I still hear about it to this day."
—Chris Scully, Co-Owner, Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre stands as Flagstaff's crown jewel for live music, hosting acts from JJ Cale and Lucinda Williams to Tyler, the Creator. During my tour with Chris Scully, we explored every corner—from the parking lot to the green rooms—uncovering the venue's architectural quirks and legendary stories. One of the most iconic? The night Umphrey’s McGee rocked so hard they blew a fuse.
The entire building went dark except for the emergency lights, but the music didn’t stop. The band kept playing, the crowd stayed, and the night became part of Orpheum folklore. There was even the time a fan crawled through the attic and made it all the way to the green room—just another wild chapter in the venue’s history.

THE INFAMOUS MEAT MAN ROOM
With nearly a century of stories—spanning speakeasy nights, music legends, and celebrity guests—the Hotel Monte Vista feels alive with history. And with that history comes a few ghosts. Lindsay, the front desk clerk, shared the hotel's eerie tales, which are anything but tame.
"They’re not exactly PG. Sometimes kids ask me about the stories, and I’m like, 'How do I tell you that someone robbed a bank, got shot, and then had his last glass of whiskey here in our lounge?’"
But the creepiest stories revolve around the “Meat Man” room, haunted by a ghost that leaves even the staff unsettled. While I never encountered any ghosts firsthand, the stories lingered with me long after our conversation ended, giving me chills just thinking about them.

IN CONCLUSION:
What started as a quick stop along Route 66 became a transformative experience. Between the concerts, cozy rooms, and ghost stories, Flagstaff left its mark on me. It’s a place where music and history intertwine, pulling you into a community that feels both familiar and new.
This connection is what I love most about live music venues—the way they connect us to the spirits of those who stood in the same spot, under the same roof, witnessing unforgettable performances. And that’s the magic of Flagstaff: it leaves you feeling connected, not just to the place, but to everyone who came before.

LISTEN TO THE FULL ROCKUMENTARY PODCAST HERE

---