Top 3 Live Music Venues in Atlanta
Tabernacle is a live music venue housed in a renovated church. How fitting. The acts are legendary and life changing. You can find anything form rock to rap underneath the 100 foot ceilings. Truly this is one of the more spectacular music venues in all of Atlanta. This is one of my favorite places for live music in the United States. I saw the Smashing Pumpkins there years ago. I stood less than 10 feet from them and couldn’t believe how lucky I was. The Tabernacle is located at 152 Luckie Street North West, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303. They also have 2 wrap around balconies perfect for people watching and getting a better vantage point of the band. I also like the lounges for when you need a little break from the loud music. Overall you just can’t beat the funky atmosphere found in this one time church. Crystal chandeliers re just the icing on the cake! They can be reached at (404) 659-9022.
Masquerade is one of those live music venues discovered by college sophomores and juniors throughout the city of Atlanta. They walk in naÃ?¯ve and leave wondering how they could have spent a year or two in the city never having made it to Masquerade. Downstairs at Masquerade is Hell, a super popular dance club. In Heaven you find a large concert hall that can hold about 1000 people. I made it to Masquerade for a retro night of 80’s music and returned for great local live music. They also have a great bar, aptly named purgatory. All of this seemed fabulous in college and makes me yearn for those days of loud music, innocent fun, and yes, bubble filled dance floors. Masquerade is located at 695 North Avenue North East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30308. Be careful in this part of town. While this area is a lot more developed and safer than in years past you still have to park in a dark lot somewhat far from the door. They can be reached at (404) 577-8178.
Smith’s Old Bar is a great local live music venue that is perfect in Atlanta. They are a local favorite full of regulars, tourists, college kids and older twenty something’s who love to hang out there. Downstairs houses a bar with somewhat grouchy bartenders. No matter how old you look make sure you have your I.D. on you. Pool tables, dartboards, a foosball table, and even a retro pinball machine keep the guys busy while the girls check out the cute bands upstairs. The attic is where the bands play. It almost looks like it should be a set in a movie, you couldn’t ask for more in a great small live music venue. The stage is framed by huge red velvet curtains, the lights are dim, and smoke floats through the air while young “rockers” grace the stage. There is a cover at the door usually less than $10. Smith’s Olde Bar is located at 1578 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, 30324. One recommendation if you plan on visiting Smith’s Olde Bar. The parking can be terrible here. There is a mall across the street you can park at if it is really late, otherwise good luck. I have had luck at the parking lot behind them. Be sure to walk to and form your car with a friend or group. They can be reached at (404) 875-1522.
