There are so many lists that exist out there, and they all cause some sort of debate because ofthe perceived objectivity. Well, let’s get one thing straight: this is 100% based on myexperiences, memories and moments I have made at these locations. So I’m sorry that therewill be no inclusion of the Department Store. I was still in high school trying to get a ride to themovie theater then. My time starts around 2017 and that is the perspective I’m sticking to. Sueme.
5. The Masquerade
The Masquerade holds a special place in my heart because it was the first concert I went to that wasn’t for a huge artist. It feels like just yesterday I remember walking to 5 Points fromGSU’s campus and feeling like I was descending into an abandoned factory. While the Underground was under an indefinite closure, it was one of the only places in that area still keeping it somewhat lively. I was prepared to split this into separate entries based on the 3 different stages they have (Hell, Heaven, and Purgatory) but it felt more right to include it in its entirety. Whether I was in the crowd as fan or backstage as a part of someone’s crew (or just as fan as well, to be honest), there never felt like there was a bad seat in the house. Then to top it all off, it’s essentially on the MARTA Train line, and the less I have to worry about parking, the better.
4. Aisle 5
Whenever I go to Aisle 5, I think to myself, “This is what it must’ve felt like to wait in line for a Hendrix show or Zeppelin show back in the day.” There’s just something about Aisle 5. Be it the color vomit on the side from the abundance of flyers from concerts dating back months (and in some cases years) or the surrounding artistic stores in the Little 5 Points area, being at Aisle 5 feels like you’re at where the artists come to meet. The inside being a simplistic set up with a ridiculously small back room leaves more room for the actual crowd. In fact, one of my most significant memories from here was being at a Babyrose show back in 2018 and it was the first show to ever sell out (at least that’s what they claimed.) Bonus points for them having a dedicated parking area in the back that I’m almost sure you only have to pay for some of the times.(Don’t quote me on that.)
3. Center Stage
Positioned within walking distance of Arts Center, makes Center Stage one of the best venues to catch a show or event at. Like the Masquerade, Center Stage is composed of multiple sized rooms but, unlike the Masquerade, there is noticeable differences in the rooms. The Vinyl being a smaller, more intimate room is where I frequent due to most local artists only being able to fill that room. The bigger space, The Loft, more akin to small amphitheater, is home to much more variety as I’ve been in this room for a concert, a movie premiere and a wrestling match. The final and largest room, Center Stage Theatre, I admittedly have never been in. So I can’t tell you how it feels in there. However, I can tell you that I have been to Center Stage and seen line wrapped around the block to get in the Theatre, so there must be something to latch on to.
2. Believe Music Hall
You ever walked in to a cathedral or church and thought to yourself, “I could see myself making some regrettable decisions in here?” That must’ve been the thought process for whoever decided to open Believe Music Hall as it stands as a repurposed church that now functions as an event space. Now, the parking for Believe is extremely hit or miss. If you get there at a good time, you can have the pick of the litter, but as time goes on, it gets tight quick. The last time I was at Believe was for Brawl at the Hall, an annual wrestling show put on there, and I was essentially held hostage because I literally couldn’t back out my parking spot. However, the sound system there is second to none in my non-audiophile opinion, so it makes the parking all the more worth it.
1. The Bakery (OG)
The funny thing about this being number one is that it kind of goes against my entire criteria. It was not an easy place to get to or into. I also didn't have a car around this time, so I was always just getting dropped off here. But I remember there was no real designated parking. It was just like this empty ass lot. However, the thing I liked about The Bakery was that it felt like it was a place literally made for the creative scene of Atlanta. I think every time I ever went to a show there, it was like it was a completely different setup. The first Lotus Rosary show I went to was here and this really was the perfect place to get not only the idea of what Lotus Rosary was, but even what The Bakery was as a venue. They had multiple rooms with different things going on that I was like, “Damn, this is crazy.” And then it culminated with them eventually making a stage outside. So not only was it an inside venue, but also an outside venue. Eventually, due to Covid and other business related issues, they eventually closed down original location and have moved around to a bunch of other locations around Atlanta. However, none of them, have been able to recapture what was at that original Bakery.