IT'S BEEN A volatile few months for Atlanta's small-scale concert venues.

Since the Cotton Club and Echo Lounge closed their doors not long ago, the Midtown nightspot Drunken Unicorn and East Atlanta's EARL have been picking up the slack. And now, this weekend, the club formerly known as Vinyl jumps back into the fray with its grand re-opening as the Loft.

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The Loft's grand opening jam fest brings DJ Mixmaster Mike of the Beastie Boys Thursday.
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PHOTOS FROM OPENING NIGHT

The venue has moved upstairs from its old Midtown location next to the larger EarthLink Live. Downstairs, in its place, will be Park Bench bar and restaurant, which itself replaces the Park Bench near Emory University. The Park Bench will offer food before and after concerts.

Tom Cook, who owns the Loft, EarthLink Live and Park Bench, says the Loft has a capacity close to 600 and square footage of about 10,000. After its three-night grand opening — featuring DJ sets from Mixmaster Mike (tonight) and ?uestlove (Friday), plus rock band Pleasure Club on Saturday — the Loft will be available for concerts, parties and catered events. The venue will have bar service and will play host to some all-ages shows in addition to 18-and-up events.

"My vision for the space was always to be three different venues in one," Cook says. "And every year I've gotten a little closer to that vision. But it has finally all come together."

GRAND OPENING

Thursday, Feb. 24: DJ Mixmaster Mike of the Beastie Boys. $15-$20 for ages 18 and up. Doors open at 9 p.m.; show 11.

Friday, Feb. 25: DJ ?uestlove of the Roots. Starting at $15. 9 p.m. for ages 18 and up.

Saturday, Feb. 26: Pleasure Club with Taylor Hollingsworth, Family Force Five and more. $10-$12 for ages 18 and up. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show at 9.

UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE LOFT

March 12: Ash with the Bravery. $12-14. 7 p.m.

March 13: Hot Hot Heat with Louis XIV. $12 advance; $14 day of show. 8 p.m.

March 23: Citizen Cope. $12 advance; $14 day of show for ages 18 and up. 9 p.m.

March 31 to April 2: A3C Independent Hip-Hop Festival. $7-$10 for ages 18 and up. 3 day pass: $15 (21 and up); $20 (18 and up). 7 p.m.

April 7: Mark Broussard with Will Hoge and Sara Bareilles. $12-$14 for ages 18 and up. 9 p.m.

April 16: Dizzee Rascal. $15 for ages 18 and up. Doors open 8 p.m.; show at 10.

• THE 411: 1374 W. Peachtree St., Midtown. 404-885-1365, www.earthlinklive.com