Tori Amos. Garbage. Brian Setzer. Jamiroquai. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. They've all played at the Electric Factory building, usually packing in all the 3,000 people the Factory can hold for a show. This is an all-ages venue, but grown-ups with proper ID get to retreat to the upstairs balcony to the bar and a view overlooking the stage.

It can get crowded; with a straight floor and no seating on the stage level (the balcony has some bar tables but most concertgoers hang over the railings during shows), the kids stuck in the back might not have the best view. For the bigger draws, the crowd extends as far back as steps from the door. -- Elva Ramirez"

As for visibility, if you want to be on the floor, be in the first few rows (unless you are very tall) or move up the sides. It's, of course, very tight in the middle. Left side is my preference because when the heat gets unbearable they tend to open the side doors. First couple of rows along the front of the balcony are good too. I'm short so most places are a bit of a problem for me.:-( 

The one thing I would like to warn people about is the parking scams down there. There is a lot right next to the Electric Factory. It's usually about $8.00 for the night. If you are driving and you turn off at 7th Street, there will be men with flags trying to wave you down side streets. They will charge you about $15.00. Just drive right by them and continue straight until you see the Electric Factory lot. 

Glad to be of some help to this board. I'm a fairly new Russell fan so I don't have much to say that most people don't already know. So it's nice to be able to help out with something I do know a bit about. Any other questions, feel free.