By MJ

December 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Some may disagree but…candles, carry in food & beverage, quality and consistency of acts…there is only one…Chastain Park!!!

By Saxman

December 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I’ve dug Jamal ever since he first began, doing Friday nights on CLK. He’s the best, and certainly deserves this honor…

I like Michael Baisden a great deal too (& his tv show), but props gotta go to our hometown man first & foremost!

Continued success Jamal…

By Glaze

December 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

ATL, There is only ONE, that is second to none in the city while driving to you crib or whatever your destination may be in the afternoon.Jamal Ahmad is by far the most knowledgeble, educated, music connoisseur in this time slot “hands dowm” When your S.O.U.L is craving for some real RAW soul, hand picked, rare grooves, house, latin soul, etc. NEED I SAY ANYMORE. The rest of those DJ’S are just playing programed music. i.e., the current top 20…and that’s it! So, if you want to expand your horizen, and “git out of the front yard mentality”. tune your station in at 3pm to 91.9 the “soul of jazz”, and allow Jamal to get you home on another level that you’ve never experienced inthe realm of real music. Support community radio people, and let commerical radio PLAY it’s commerical !!

By Jim Shores

December 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Dollar for dollar, take a golf cart ride to The Fred! Frederick Brown Jr. Amphtiheater 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 ph: 770-631-0630 fax: 770-6310430 www.amphitheater.org The sound is excellent, the patrons are excellent, beautiful setting in the woods and you are welcome to bring the food & beverage of your choice or they have a full service bar and food service. Check it out! ~Jim

By lorraine

December 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Actually i like the Apache cafe as a intimate venue I’ve not been there a whole lot of times but the times i’ve been there to see Vinx or Donnie rank really high on special evenings!

By Jazziz

December 8, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Jamal Ahmad - Best! AJC already know.

By Mark England

December 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

My nomination for best New/Old Theatre or small venue is the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, on the Historic Marietta Square.

www.earlsmithstrand.org

By Michelle Goff

December 8, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

I have to agree, I visited the inaugural presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, on Friday, December 5th and all I can say is WOW what an awesome venue. I am anxious to go see more productions there. The downtown Marietta Square has so many things to offer and still have that small town feel. You must go here.

By FM Fats

December 9, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Eddie’s Attic, hands down.

By Ann

December 9, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Eddie’s Attic, without a doubt!

By Ziza

December 9, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Churchill Grounds! and special mention to Apache Cafe!

By Stumpy's Bear

December 9, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Eddies Attic easily

By K

December 9, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Smiths Olde Bar

By dman95

December 9, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

The Loft. It’s like being on stage with the act.

By Jenna

December 9, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

If you’ve ever been to a show at the Tabernacle, you know that no venue will ever top it. The intimacy, the crowds, the decor…the Tabernacle is the perfect setting for any concert experience.

By Private

December 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Sugar Hill is the best small venue for urban music. they have great show every month and the tickets are cheap!!

By reuben

December 9, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Sugarhill

By Shirley

December 9, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Eddie’s Attic for serious listening (and playing).

Kavarna in Oakhurst for up and coming musicians.

And of the course the Bandstand on the Square in Decatur is a great place for relaxed listening for the whole family.

By bobby

December 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

The Earl The Drunken Unicorn Eyedrum

There are none better than these in Atl.

By Melissa

December 10, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Loft is the best small venue in Atlanta

By Music Fan

December 10, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

SugarHill, then Apache, Centerstage

By AARON

December 10, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

CENTERSTAGE

By AARON

December 10, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

OH YEAH, CHASTAIN PARK SUCKS IT FROM BEHIND

By donkey200

December 10, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Apparently, LATIKA, you are on the wrong nomination list. Get out of this one and on to the DJ one! You’re obnoxious!

I’m all with The Fred in Peachtree City, too! Great venue and the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful.

By jc_atl

December 10, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Chastain Park is the absolute WORST and not even small venue, so forget it. I boycotted that place years ago.

The Variety Playhouse is hands down the best small venue in Atlanta. The sound quality is consistently excellent and you can buy tickets through their website without having to get raped by TicketMaster’s fees. Finally they do not allow smoking within the actual theater so if you don’t smoke, you don’t have to breath second hand smoke for the entirety of the show. The only drawback to the VP is limited parking in the L5P area so just get there early and grab a beer at the Yacht Club or something.

By JennyMulch

December 10, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

37 Main in Buford is fantastic. Great music and food.

By gabe

December 10, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I agree with Variety Playhouse…fun part of town and decent restaurants in the area for a pre-concert meal.

By kate

December 10, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Northside Tavern. Go Mudcat!

By Roberts

December 10, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Yes, agree the VP is a great house - saw Ray Davies there last week and excellent show from him as expected. Parking on the other hand does bite, though; after driving around 20” finally parked at the Horizon Theater, but worried the whole show I would be towed when I got back…not fun. Plus, attendant at the VP lot was rude. Haven’t been to Center Stage in yrs but always loved it, Tabernacle, Mable House, etc. We have some excellent venues in this town.

By WestSider

December 11, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

Wow…maybe some of the people posting here (Lakita) should look up the definition of ‘Venue’ (google dat!)

VP used to be fun in the old days, but now they have some two-bit thugs who think they own the place (i.e. the security staff)…still for the quality of acts , VP cannot be beat.

By JC

December 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Charlie Mopps - same bands as other blues clubs in town - and NO COVER.

By Deke

December 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

For me, it’s neck-in-neck between Smith’s Olde Bar and Eddie’s Attic. It all depends on what kind of music I’m in a mood for that evening.

By Stuart

December 11, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

If you want to hear music, The Variety Playhouse. If you want to pay outrageous prices to hear people in pink izod and loafers talk about the “dawgs” or “what Laura Anne wore to the steeplechase” while paying more attention to their food than the artist onstage, the one that you’ve always wanted to hear live and still can’t, then have fun at Chastain. And tell Buff III and Dipsy I said hey.

By T

December 11, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Nothing in town can compare to the Variety Playhouse. If I ever move from Atlanta it will be the one place I will miss more than anywhere else.

By T

December 11, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I agree Chastain is clearly the WORST venue in Atlanta for a concert because of the oversized dimensions, the relatively poor acoustics, the curfew, and most of all the careless, uninvested, self absorbed audience.

By WaffleHouseDJ

December 11, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

for my money, the best small outdoor venue around the city has been the Mable House Amphitheatre. parking is a breeze, the sight lines are great (even in the lawn area) and seating is built to accomodate coolers and TV trays. additionally, the acoustics are FAR superior to Chastain!

my favorite indoor venue, for listening to jazz, is Spivey Hall…HANDS DOWN!!! the sound is OUTSTANDING!!! Drawback: no concessions. honestly, i don’t miss the all too familiar sound of glass beer bottles being kicked over, like at the Variety tho.

By Leon

December 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

The Variety Playhouse hands down…

By me

December 11, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

VP is awesome. Perfect name since they do have a wide variety of music to pick from. Saw Over the Rhine there earlier in the year and it was a perfect venue and a great band. Tabernacle is 2nd favorite. Chastain is tops if you like background music to conversations. It sucks a$$.

By Tim

December 11, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Three Bears Cafe - Great sound and stage in a small venue. Located on the Square.

By Russell

December 12, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Smith’s Old Bar

By OLD SCHOOL

December 12, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

KATS CAFE at the corner of 10th and Piedmont is THA BOMB every Thursday with Teddy White(drums) and Al Smith(keys). JAZZ IMPROV and OPEN MIC for vocalist. It’s the best entertainment in the city Thursday night. REAL MUSICIANS

By allen

December 12, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

Eddies attic for serious music fans

By truth

December 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Variety Playhouse

By mayretter local

December 12, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Center Stage is amazing, not a bad seat in the house, 1000 people i think.

Variety Playhouse is good, 1200 people, but they don’t sell booze, ony beer & wine, and the balcony is too far back. the aisle seating doesn’t let the place groove as hard as you sometimes want in a venue of that size, which is why i like center stage better.

for a small music club, gotta be Smith’s, originally Upstairs at Gene & Gabe’s. My folks went there all the time to see jazz and the caberet while they were dating in the mid-60’s, and when they were going out danicng in the 70’s. Great sound and cool people working there. amazing to think who’s been on that stage over the years, even though it’s not got the rep of The Royal Peacock, where all the R&B and everybody played during the segregated years.

By wesley what what

December 12, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

variety playhouse, hands down.

By blackjackk

December 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Variety Playhouse - best sound, lighting, good mix of small and big national acts, the seating and standing areas are well laid out, the beer and bottled water is reasonably priced and the owner knows how to take care of his clientele.

By JT

December 12, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

The Apache Cafe is quite intimate and eclectic. And a good ground for musicians to train upon. The crowd is like, right THERE when you’re on that stage! Not enough seating for that late night crowd, but it’s cool.

By EMP

December 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

There’s a new venue in east atlanta called 529. It fits about 150, maybe 200 people. Thing is, its renovated so nicely I was shocked when I walked in. It feels like a club yd find in NY or SF, great sound system, nice dark wood walls and bar, good beer selection, and excellent show line up. I’d vote for 529 best small venue in atl.

By atlantan

December 13, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Northside Tavern hands down. Best music, best atmosphere, good people. For all of the people who think that Marietta and Peachtree City deserve a vote, go back to New York.

By Todd

December 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The Earl, Lenny’s, Smith’s Olde Bar and Icehouse are all great venues for local and national acts. Eddie’s Attic is also great for acoustic music. I saw Sonia Leight, Levi Lowery and Gill Landry there last night :)

By Meg

December 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I love the Three Bears Cafe in the Marietta Square!

By Ann

December 14, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

I vote for Five Spot in L5P-friendliest bartenders in the city!

By blk-fit-1

December 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Cafe 290!!!!

By RobYn

December 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

SULLY is the best drive time DJ in Atlanta and the known Universe. He is funny, he is real, he has something to say, he doesn’t have to try hard to please everyone, he is just himself. He is a normal person with a microphone and I like him. DAVE also plays the best mix of music for people who really appreciate real music.

By Patrick

December 14, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Variety Playhouse is by far and away the best overall venue in Atlanta. The sound is great and the staff is incredible.

The Tabernacle is the worst venue in Atlanta. It sounds horrible and the venue is always oversold(I overheard two ushers say the same thing one night). I try to skip it unless its somebody I have to see.

By Michael

December 14, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Eddie’s Attic - great music, great room, great sound.

By Wolfus

December 14, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Great memories of stage diving and crowd swimming at The Masque with Bonz and the boys of Stuck Mojo. The Wreck Room (RIP) also was a fantastic venue for up close and personal encounters with the bands.

By Hick from the Sticks

December 15, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Best tandem venues?

Circa 1994-95.

That heart warming stretch between The Wreck Room and The Somber Reptile with Club Nikki Too interposed between the two.

It was filthy.

It was grimy.

It was paradise.

By Bob H

December 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

One more vote for Variety Playhouse. They get some good acts in there that don’t cost a fortune.

If the Tabernacle is considered a small venue, then they come in second. I put the Roxy third, but I don’t think they book shows there any more. I wish they did.

Smiths Olde Bar used to be OK but they don’t seem to get the great acts any more and you will smell like an ashtray after any show there.

I too am in the hate Chastain crowd.

By A. Smithton

December 15, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Definitely The Fred in Peachtree City. Chastain - horrible acoustics Mable House - run by Cobb County (need I say more?) Tabernacle - old Variety Playhouse - my second favorite.

By blah

December 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Hey LATIKA, Google dis! Then go get educated for crying out loud.

By My Two Cents

December 15, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

The Variety Playhouse. Their prices are right and the acts are great! The patrons are nice, too. Great place to dance near the stage.

By Melissa

December 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Vinyl and it’s sister room The Loft are the best small rooms in town.

By LS

December 16, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Barley’s Sports Bar & Lounge on Peachtree is Atlanta’s best kept secret. Live music Thursday-Saturday. A different band each night, all awesome, all offering something different. To top it off the food is excellent for a sports bar, the servers are great and the owners are accessible and friendly. I love the place!

By LS

December 16, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

WAIT!!!! I forgot to mention there’s also a DJ spinning upstairs in the lounge on Friday and Saturday nights at Barley’s. Live band downstairs, DJ and dancing upstairs, Bars and pool tables on both levels. Doesn’t get any better than that!

By jc_atl

December 16, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

LS, advertising for your own establishment is not what this was intended for. What national acts can we see at “Barley’s”?

By JH

December 17, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Tabernacle

By Ted

December 19, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Eddie’s Attic —- for the acoustics, food and awesomely adult fan behavior!!!

By E

December 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

By far the Metroplex! That is when history waw being made!

By JS

December 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

The Masquerade hands down. Its dirty and smelly, but its cheap and has had some great shows.

By FredM

December 19, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Blind Willie’s when they get around to booking good music (although Houserocker does just that) - I miss their acoustic Tuesdays!

After that, Variety (and Red Light occasionally).

Those two cover roots - Eddie’s for indie.

By Mike

December 20, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I live in West Cobb County and will drive to Eddie’s Attic if I want to go to a good small venue. Variety Playhouse is also good, but Eddie’s is great! This year I saw Alice Peacock and Tim Finn there. Both shows were excellent! Plus, the food there is also great! Wish there was something like that in West Cobb. I would frequent it quite a bit!

By IndieArtist

December 22, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Man pUHLEEASSSE!!

Hands down SUGAR HILL!

By Rock angel

December 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

1. Smithe’s Old Bar
2. Centre Stage
3. Tabernacle
4. Starbar (L5P)

By Wil Hodge

January 6, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

The Swallow at the Hollow should be included in the top five. It sounds great in there!