While Atlanta has a rich musical tradition dating back to the Atlanta Pop Festival of 1969, which predated the legendary and infamous festival of Woodstock in New York, its currently legacy is being maintained by three music venues.
The Tabernacle, which originally opened up as a church in 1911, has since been reinvented as a performance venue, established in 1996, as the “House of Blues” and has been a staple to the Atlanta music scene ever since. To this day, it is still home to the original stained-glass windows and organ that resided in the church. It has also hosted a myriad of musical, comedic, and theatrical performances which live between big arena and super intimate settings. In this way, the Tabernacle has hosted many big artists which otherwise would be troubled to find a musical hall to house them along with their fan base. I do dare to say that any act worth noting has performed at this hallowed hall at least once in their career.
Another, yet smaller, venue with prominence in the Atlanta scene that should not be understated is Center Stage. This three-in-one establishment’s multi-faceted approach to housing musical guests has allowed for a range of many of acts to call this place their home. This venue is comprised of musical rooms known as Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl. From obscure acts to readily known performances, these musicians have made their presence known in this space. With theatres ranging from 300 to 1050 in capacity, Center Stage Atlanta is able to host both up and coming and well-established artists in environments which can be either intimate or grandiose, depending on the preference of the act. No matter which musical room you attend, there is not a bad spot or a bad seat in the house.
Last but not least, Variety Playhouse contributes to the community exactly what its name implies, a wide assortment of acts and artists. Located in the heart of the Atlanta artistic district, Little 5 Points, this quaint yet impactful venue has been in operation since 1962. Since then, this building has hosted all numbers of musical and theatrical acts, building for 8 decades of presence which permeates the Atlanta entertainment scene. This venue adds, not only to musical culture, but to the maintenance of older theatrical culture. Regularly, the Playhouse hosts views of musicals and plays originated in the 80’s and before such as Working Girls, Desert Hears, and Brazil.
If you have not yet attended a show at either one of these three venues, I highly recommend them. From the grandiose, original theater artwork, to the intimate setting of the shows, to the unbeatable sound quality—these are venues in which will make a lasting impact that you will not soon forget.
Frisson Frets 