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The Tabernacle
Rating Details »
- Nearest Transit:
-
Five Points (North-South, Northeast-South, East-West, Proctor Creek)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
54 reviews for The Tabernacle
Another fine venue for catching a show. It's incredibly unique on the inside, and while spacious it's very intimate. I've seen a couple of shows here in the past and it was always a real treat!
The acoustics here are pretty decent. On one occasion, a singer took to the stage alone and sang a capella. The sound carried beautifully through the space and was clear as a bell. It can become a little muddied with too many instruments, but it's a far cry from sounding terrible.
Parking costs are probably the worst part, so if you're coming alone, take MARTA. It can be anywhere from $5-15 depending on the show and other events in the area, so unless it's a large car full of people, MARTA is, as they say in the ATL, smarta.
The Tabernacle is a great place to catch a live show. In all honesty its not my favorite from the sound standpoint. I have seen three different concerts at the Tabernacle from three different genres of music and the sound quality was not all that great for any of them. But despite the sound, I still love this venue. The historical value is great and there is no where else in the city quite like it. I love all the various nooks where you can just sit down and relax. It has a lounge feel. The bartenders are also on point and the drinks aren't too ridiculously priced. Ladies, be sure to watch your step if you are wearing heels. The steps are old and uneven in spots and I have seen many slip on the stairs (and there are a LOT of stairs at the Tabernacle).
I suggest parking about a block away instead of directly behind the Tabernacle. We did this and saved 7 bucks on parking. Gotta love that!
When someone asks you about your significant other you sometimes may struggle to tell them why you love your mate so much. Sometimes words aren't enough, and you're left realizing... they're great, because they're them, and without knowing your partner like you do... others will never completely understand.
I found myself walking up the painted stairs of the Tabernacle this evening after a long sabbatical due to lack of music I wanted to hear, and lack of funds to hear it with. Upon entering though I was reminded why I consider this venue the best place to hear music in Atlanta. It's not always about the walls around me when it comes to a venue. Anyone can create something acoustically sound and pay people to play for you.
When I walk into The Tabernacle I instantly feel like I'm going to have a great evening. It's nice to stop and take sometime to look at the details that have gone into this Old Church. Thinking of this venue as a church is a little odd to me sometimes. The debauchery that goes on here I'm sure has someone rolling in their grave! Two Balconies and am inclined lower floor provide ample space for a grand audience. The walls have been covered in art work you'll have to see to appreciate. Five bars total provide customers a place to get a drink as well. The monstrous stage also caters to several different groups that can't fit in other venues.
Simply put, it's a place to hear music. When it comes down to it, it is what it is and what it is... ummmmm... I'm struggling to find the words honestly. You'll have to look at upcoming artists and venture out for a show. From the music, space, aesthetics, drinks, and acoustics, I just don't think you'll find another place to hear your tunes that can compare. Like I said.. I love this place! Why?? Because it's The Tabernacle, and until you get to know the venue like I do, you'll never completely understand.
The Tabernacle, in my opinion, is one of the best places in Atlanta to see a show. Have been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience.
When driving to Atlanta the last thing that seems like a good idea is giving someone 15 bucks to park but, when youve been driving 40 min. in Friday night traffic and avoiding wrecks you dont really question it too much before paying up just in order to leave your car. Successfully arriving feel like a victory in itself so, just be warned that if want to park at The Tabernacle you will pay for it.
Besides that I have nearly nothing but good things to say about this place. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly guiding us through the 3 or 4 level venue and the maze that is the rest of the of place.
The set up of the venue has good and bad sections to sit in, as far as sound and no bad areas, that I found for seeing. For the best sound ( and sight) try and aim for the center of the stage. The sound does muffle at the sides but, isnt so bad that it steals from the experience.
Also, when seeing a band like The Dead Weather its great to be able to be right up on the stage to feed off that energy but, due to the platforms that extended the stage (and to keep people under control, I suppose) they needed a barrier between the stage and us, the lovable public.
Aside from those two minor details it was a great experience. As you would hope and expect from a venue like this, it is professional and beautiful, a landmark and a place that hosted us well.
very pleased.
I think the Tabernacle is a pretty solid Atlanta venue.
I never got to visit it in its House of Blues days, but I wish I had. I have seen two standard concerts here, as well as participated in a rave-style show back in the days when those were mainstream. The layout was actually really good for a rave because there were tons of places that were ideal for setting up as chill areas.
The most important thing about a concert venue for me is the vibe. This place has a good vibe. Don't know why, but it just does. The architecture and furnishings are really nice and add something that you just don't get from places like the Lakewood Amphitheatre or Center Stage or whatever those places are called nowadays
A venue can be a lot more than a place to see a show. More than big speakers and overpriced beer. With a consistently good lineup and and a bit of character, a venue can elevate the performance.
The Tabernacle has some grit and a fair share of insider secrets. It's got options, you can push your way to the front and talk to the band, or you can take a seat above it all and take it all in. It's downtown location makes it an event, and an opportunity to check out a few places that might normally be slightly off the radar.
Sometimes the price gets a little out of hand, but it is consistently my favorite place to see a show in Atlanta.
I saw The National last night ... amazing
Having seen both Less Than Jake and Queensryche here, I'd label the Tabernacle a perfectly fine venue for live music. Having lost the opportunity to see Hot Water Music and the first part of Less Than Jake's set here, however, I offer the following warning:
For any punk fan used to the generally-accepted 1.5 to 2 hour delay from show "start" to actual playtime, the Tabernacle tends to start shows exactly on time, unlike any other self-respecting punk rock venue. It's something you might not be used to, so be wary of the difference if your favorite band is the opening act.
You have been warned.
Cool venue. Annoying practices.
It's rad to worship the music gods in an old church, but the lack of organization leads to a disgruntled congregation. If you're into the whole "having a seat" concept, you're best served elsewhere. Seats are usually General Admission. General Admission means "Ha, you're standing in the back." Try not to be a petite girl when you go here.
When it IS a seated occurrence [i.e. a comedy show], the folding chairs tend to wind up in something not resembling rows. It's amusing so long as you intend to not ever use the restroom or to refill your drink. Otherwise, prepare yourself for an obstacle course of unparalleled difficulty.
Sometimes there are ushers; sometimes there aren't. Sometimes the expressionless bouncers will stand in your way, blocking access to where you want to go with their arms crossed without saying a word; sometimes they don't. Sometimes people actually follow the nonsmoking ordinance and allow your hair and lungs to be free of the grody stench and carcinogens of cigarettes and cigars; sometimes they won't.
It's pretty much a lottery.
What you can count on is great acts, loud sounds, and a good time, despite the factors above.
This is a pretty remarkable place to see a show.
The furnishings alone are worth the visit.
I like how there are different levels in the building, just like the Masquerade.
I don't remember drink prices being all too high for a concert, but I have only been during the week, this could make the prices cheaper.
I have been here for 3 shows, and I would love to make it to some more.
The sound is kind of loud in here, but I like it that way.
Good location. There are plenty of places for a pre-game in the area.
I really can't sum up my thoughts any better than Blake B. has already done so I'm just going quote him - "A pretty awesome place to see bands during the rare event that you can find someone worth the money that comes through here. An old church couldn't be a better location for shows: the huge walls and ornate architecture add a real sense of presence to the venue." The room and stage really give shows a great atmosphere. Good sound. There are some cons: high ticket prices, Ticketmaster, expensive refreshments, parking, booking. But overall a really great place to see a show if there actually is something you want to see.
4
I hadn't been here in ages so I was withholding a review but I went again recently and I still really like this place. I've only been to general admission shows and I've always stood but I have checked out the view from the balcony and it's very good. I like the bar in the upstairs, too (the separate room with sofas and such), and I think it's nice that there is a little bar at the back of the balcony so people up there can get drinks without having to go outside where the music is not.
The standing in the downstairs part can kinda suck but I look at it as my exercise for the day. And, I never feel the need to get there all that early because I can still go in and out of the crowd and get a good spot each time. Even though it can get crowded in the standing area, I pretty much always have a great view and I can always get close enough for me (in the past I have been way up front but now I am older and hang more toward the back).
The building is gorgeous and it is fun to sometimes just stand there and look around at the features. My only complaint is that the beer is sort of expensive here - if you don't care about getting there early and getting a good balcony seat, I think it's a better choice to drink at a nearby bar before the show so you don't have to have as many inside. I haven't driven and parked there in a while but I remember it being not that bad (and I think they've added a new lot) but I actually took MARTA the last time and it was great.
The Tabernacle was OK. We saw Jason Mraz here on Nov. 29th, and he was incredible. However, I'm not a pushy person, nor do I like to be in the middle of a crowd of people, so I was standing at the back on the lower level. The sound sucked.
So upstairs we went... and up again... and again... until we were at the tip-top of the tabernacle, where it was easier to find a seat, the view was still pretty stellar, but the speakers were not on, so the sound could have been better. It was also pretty warm up there, the A/C would have been nice to have on in a full house.
So it was charming, I'll give them that - the staff was friendly, but getting out of that top level was a royal pain.
I've been to the Tabernacle several times for different events. I really enjoyed my experience both times. It's really easy to get to and the venue itself is really nice.
The first time I went was for my college's fall formal. It had more than enough space to accomodate everyone and it was nice to go up in the balcony and watch the activity.
The second time was for a concert where we opted to sit in the balcony (it was general admission). We had a great view of the stage and didn't feel like we were missing out by not being on the floor. The only downside is parking can be a bit of a pain. Charging $10 for parking isn't uncommon, but it doesn't make it any less annoying. I would recommend getting there early to park in one of the lots closer to the venue itself.
Our company held a private event here with a comedian, followed by a popular musician. I'm not too sure that having a comedian in front of a thousand tipsy attendees all walking around the main floor was the best of ideas. I still give the comedian his props for trying. The musician was okay. A lot of die hard fans seemed to get a kick out of him.
The event itself was OKAY to me, but the venue definitely got my thumbs-up!
I love the architecture. I love the furnishings, decorations, and paintings. I like how there's a lounge, smoking area, and bars downstairs and upstairs. I liked how there were plenty of theater-style seats upstairs in which to chill. I liked how they projected the stage onto screens and on the TVs at the bars and lounge.
Overall-- it's a nice place to throw an event. I would probably suggest to have another event here... with better entertainment choices. Cheers!
Meh. An a-ok, Intimate place to have a quaint concert. I was left neither disappointed, or amazed.
The view, on the standing portion of the venue, and the balcony up top was stellar- not a bad seat to be had. However, the venue was a tad too loud for my liking (since the sound bounced off the walls) especially up in the balcony.
By the way, beware if you sit down in the seats at the balcony, though. The seats smell like someone pooted. You'll have to break out the Fabreeze at home later.
I love this venue! I saw The Roots here so my review is totally biased. The show was off the hook! The reason being that in the Tabernacle, you have a great view from everywhere! Lupe Fiasco opened up and from the balcony, you could see that the people on the floor had enough room to move and dance AND were close enough to feel the music.
Upstairs, the chairs were jammed in but we all still stood up and vibed with Lupe and The Roots. There are two bars, I believe. One upstairs and one downstairs. The wait wasn't too bad for drinks either.
The best part about this venue is that the acoustics are great. Plus, everywhere you look, the decor is sure to please. It was an old church. Also, you can get down on the first floor or find a seat on the second. Love it!
I had a break of about 4 years between going here almost once a month until coming back to see Morrissey late last year.
A lot has changed, no more smoking inside (not even downstairs in the old Cotton Club). Looked a lot nicer inside than I remember it.
Backstage area is pretty cool, it connects to the building behind it for ample dressing rooms and a nice spacious dining room.
The tabernacle has it all: great sound system, lots of parking, and great bartenders (especially Jason and Jen!).
You will love the ornate decorations/art, the larger than life chandelier, and the Indonesian furniture, scattered about the 3 (or 4) different levels.
Definitely a top venue for me excluding 2 tiny flaws: some seats are right behind poles. Apparently, many tickets in these areas say, "may be partially obstructed," but mine didn't. No big deal because you can usually stand in the aisles with no repercussions.
However, if you are in the aisle and people come up to you and say something along the lines of, "we want to stand there, these are Rich Robinson's kids," then you best believe them. The tabernacle apparently does not have a VIP section sooooooo, let;s saw that you are at your first Snoop dog show, and someone comes up to you and says, "I'm snoop's nanny" with no proof what so ever,.......the ushers will make you move while the nanny stands in the aisle.
I love this venue.. I've seen several concerts here and its always a great show.. there are three levels, I haven't been on the bottom but I've heard thats the smoke pit (which I avoid)
I like to go to the main level (2nd) where the band is... but if you can find a seat on the third level then do it.. you can really see the band great from all the seats.
It's an old church, hence the name.. and there is a pic on the second level of what it used to look like. It's painted really cool so when you go, make sure you check out the walls.. Its awesome!
A week ago today when I got to the theatre, my friend Amy mentioned that one of her relatives-in-law was in town for work and had offered her free passes to get into the Tabernacle to see The Black Keys and Dinosaur Jr.
Are you KIDDING?!
So after our show let out around 10, we headed over to the venue, a former church transformed into a different house of worship - supposedly a musical legend here in Atlanta. So excited. After braving some shady parking guys, talking to one of the local cops to be sure our car was safe, and witnessing a public act of urination, we uttered those famous words, "We're on the list", and followed Amy's cousin inside.
Now, I love The Black Keys and can rarely afford to attend any kind of concert ("Yo ho, yo ho, an actor's life for me"), so I was already thrilled just to be hearing them pulsing through the walls and doorways. We went upstairs first for a drink. I asked about photography, and though I didn't take as many photos as I wanted to in order to not look like a complete idiot, I did snap a few fun ones. Our benefactor for the evening tossed down a couple of drink tickets, we grabbed a beer from the surprisingly cheery chick at the bar, and then filed on out and into front row of the balcony. Yep. The front row of the balcony. Quality.
We had missed Dinosaur Jr., of course, because our own show ran so late into the concert, but what we saw of The Black Keys was spectacular (and I had forgotten how fantastic the feeling is when the music is so loud you can feel it in your blood). Prime place for photos, I tell you what, and I took a ton (a few of which I've uploaded for you). The crowd surfing was intense, my beer was actually good, and the enthusiastic people behind me cheered loudly and obnoxiously but at bearable and appropriate intervals (e.g. in between songs). The lighting was nothing short of amazing. I was thoroughly impressed by the show itself, by the bar staff, by the burly stage guards keeping the crazy surfers offstage.
After the concert was over, I have never seen a place clear out so fast. As we were lucky enough to have VIP passes, we didn't have to leave right away and I was able to take some more great pics. The architecture in the place is beautiful, and the detailing everywhere is so colorful and rich, I couldn't stop staring (in between thanking our host and meeting a bunch of other random people). After a Makers & Ginger and a shot of something with pomegranate in it (mixed up by our new friend Christian, who aside from tending bar at the Tabernacle also builds habitats for my friends at Zoo Atlanta, how cool is THAT), Amy and I went backstage for a few minutes to, well, see what we could see.
The multiple paintings on the walls of musical legends were phenomenal (I've uploaded Ma Rainey for your viewing pleasure), and I've always loved independent venues' clever ways of letting you know where the hell you're going (also uploaded). Even the staff backstage was friendly and helpful, guiding us to a bathroom and such, at which point I received a text message from my fiance, instructing me to "Have some rock star babies. Think of the child support!" We then headed out the back door, where people were loading things into a truck.
Now, while I knew it would be fun to get to meet the Keys, I didn't expect it to happen, so as we walked away from the building, I was on my phone in the middle of telling my fiance we were leaving, and no, I wasn't going to be having any rock star babies but I'd had a lot of fun, and we walk by Dan, who tosses out a "Hi, ladies", which I don't respond to because it didn't even register that it was coming from DAN from THE BLACK KEYS.
I told Patrick I would call him back and went to shake the man's hand.
All in all, a fantastic experience: a beautiful venue, great music, good drinks, awesome photos, and a rock star handshake. What more can a girl ask for?
yep, this is a great place to enjoy a concert. If you are the type that likes to shake your bones amongst copious amounts of other bone shakers then the lower level is for you. If you like to sit back and listen to the fluent tunes dancing off your ear drums, then the balcony is for you. If you are the type who needs buckets upon buckets of alcohol to enjoy a show, then everywhere inside the tabernacle is for you. Bars are at every turn in this venue. If you are a fan of antiques road show then check out the lounge areas on every level fit the bill in your mail box. The tabernacle is a great place to see a show for all types of concert goers!!!!
The shows that I remember most in Atlanta have been at the Tabernacle. Without a doubt, my favorite medium size to smallish venue to see any kind of music. The view is great from the floor or from the upper tier seats, and the old church architecture makes for a truly unique concert experience.
I love it when big time acts that could almost fill Philips choose to play the Tabernacle instead. True, it makes it a bitch to get tickets, but seeing an artist choose to play here because they love it too is a recipe for a great evening.
If (somehow) you've managed to not see a concert here yet, put it on your must list for Atlanta. It's a unique experience and feels smaller and more intimate than venues of a similar size.
Great place to see a show in the Atlanta area. Actually it may be one of the best places to see a show in Atlanta.
Like everyone else said, the place used to be an old school church, so the architectural structure at the top of the building looks ancient and pristine. I almost feel kind of guilty drinking here, but the music and crowd kept my conscience at bay.
The ancient roman catholic design of the venue is perhaps the part of the buildings design that allows the dynamic acoustic sound coming from a bands guitar chords to be clearly heard.
Most of the bands that perform here on a regular basis are really not the type that I would want to see live. If there is a band playing here that you like, I would definitely recommend stopping by.
I think the Tabernacle is the best concert venue in Atlanta. Totally prefer it over the Masquerade...and we all know how that place is. Crowd surfers and mosh pits not your cups of tea? Then simply head up to the balcony where you can sit and enjoy the show. From what I remember, the general admission floor is a slight incline so you can still see your favorite bands / singers / performers whether you're way in the front or back - unless a giant is standing in front of you, which is a negative at concerts everywhere. I just wish more of my favorite bands, and more artists in general, would come to the Tabernacle.
A pretty awesome place to see bands during the rare event that you can find someone worth the money that comes through here. An old church couldn't be a better location for shows: the huge walls and ornate architecture add a real sense of presence to the venue.
Though the tickets cost a little more, it's really worth it to get balcony seating if you can. Mostly I've only ever paid for floor and if you don't get there early (which then requires you to sit or stand for hours waiting for the bands until you feel like you're going to rip your hair out) then you get stuck near the back, where there's not always a great view, considering how the balcony hangs over.
The other thing that really bothers me here is if you end up standing on the edge of the crowd, there are walkways down through the middle that they pay people to keep clear. You can only imagine how hard it is to keep people from standing in them, especially since its open all the way to the front. If you get unlucky in placement you'll have to listen to the explanation that its a no stand zone roughly 1500 times in one night.
At Tom Waits, we snuck up in the balcony and immediately I wished I'd been up there the whole time. A much better view. Plus there's seats, and you can look right down onto the stage. Damn.
Probably the place I saw the most concerts while in my 5 year jaunt in Atlanta...from the Pet Shop Boys to Death Cab for Cutie... too many to remeber right now.
It's fun, rowdy, and just great standing room all around... Don't sit in the balcony and you're golden...
Go for the floor...where first come, first stand...it's better that way.
Hands down the best place in Atlanta to see a mid-market touring band.
I've seen Social Distortion there twice (the last time, I had a drink with Fred Toucher - Stephanie really did have hoof feet!)
All the rest rooms on the second floor always have lines which creates opportunities for "the nod" (which can be followed by a visit to one of the rooms if you get/got a real live one on your arm).
Not a bad seat in the house; this place used to be a place of worship.
A former house of worship, this three-tiered behemoth is an ideal venue for better known indie acts and small national acts.
The ground floor is standing only, while the upper two tiers have stadium style seating. Honestly, there are no bad seats in the house. Bars on the first and second floors. The basement has a small venue with stage for smaller acts.
Very cool building. Go once so you can say, "Aw duuude, I saw this awesome band in this old-church-turned-rock-hall."
I saw Imogene Heap then Guster there. Great shows. I will not go back. Unless I get seats. Standing sucks. Especially if you go early and stand through the opening acts, then the hour in-between. Suuuuuuuucks. Sucks. Cool building though. There's a similar place in Nashville where Patti Smith and Loretta Lynn used to play. Except in Nashville, you've got the added luxury of sitting on hard wooden pews, which in retrospect were comfortable comparatively.
Attended a party hosted by partners of the convention that I was attending and it was a great locale with all these different smaller rooms. They had a great band, USB playing that night, nice acoustic though a tad loud and you had to whisper into each others' ears....but overall, tasty catered food, free flow of drinks and I won a Zune in the lucky draw!!
Beautiful venue and what used to the the Olympics House of Blues! :)
This a *beautiful* venue.
Seriously.
The staff is really friendly and efficient.
Really good sound. Really really good sound system and acoustics.
One of my favorite places to go for music. Many bars and floors; easy to navigate. Highly recommended for artists and patrons.
Lets just say the Tabernacle is a GREAT place to see a show if you are willing to be patient and stand. I am, so I happen to love this place- however, if standing at a concert or having a seat is important to you, you may want to wait until your favorite band rolls into a different venue. To begin- the furnishings and vibe in this place are amazing, from the painted ceiling and balconies, you can't leave here saying this place doesn't have a distinct personality. Almost everyone in the house has a great place and can see the stage well. However- if you are on the floor and standing, you may have to push your way towards the front to see better, and do not expect to walk away and have your same place back. Be willing to stand and fight your way to the front for an amazing view, and you will certainly get it. The balcony does offer seats, however, many people choose to stand there as well, so if this isn't your thing, this probably isn't the place for you. It also pays to park further away and just walk, it is a huge rip off to pay $20 to park right by the Tabernacle when you can generally find parking on the streets or over by the congress center for only $8.
All of that being said, there really is nothing greater than seeing a band you love in a venue with such flair. I love knowing that I am in an old converted church listening to some of the best music around. For me the personality of the place adds something to the show, that of course including great acoustics and generally a good crowd! Check out the Tabernacle for an eclectic range of music, and have a great time vibing in one of the coolest places around.
Great concert venue. I've seen The Roots, Dave Chappelle and Arctic Monkeys(twice) there. I've had a great time and always had good seats. Security is normaly cool and keeping everything in order. Its a nice compact venue that allows for great energy. I wish I could see all my favorite artists in a small venue like this.
One thing they do need to do is improve the sound system for hip hop shows. Kinda weak....
I plan on seeing many more concerts here.
The old House of Blues venue has fared much better since becoming the Tabernacle. I've seen a variety of bands here: Death Cab for Cutie, Scissor Sisters, and back in the day John Mayer. The place has amazing acoustics as it's an old church and is large enough that tickets don't sell out in five seconds, but small enough that you still feel like you're at an intimate performance with the artist. Great views from anywhere in the balcony or on the floor.
You haven't really lived if you haven't seen a show here.
I think I would go to see just about anybody perform at The Tabernacle. It's just that great of a music venue. Small and intimate, yet big enough to attract big acts. I've seen a lot of shows here including: Guster, John Mayer, Tenacious D, Moby, Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds, Counting Crows, and The Black Crowes.
Standing on the ground floor for a concert is ok... but it's just like any other General Admission venue... you have to keep your ground or else you will probably be pushed to the side or rear of the venue. The upper balcony is ok (at least you get to sit down) but can be a little nerve wracking because it feels as though you're going to fall off of the balcony at any time. My favorite place to sit is in the middle section of the first balcony... and they can be hard seats to get, but if you're like me and you really like a band, you will get there early enough and rush up the stairs just to get good seats!
The Tabernacle is definitely one of my favorite venues for music. Standing outside this giant former church and looking up at it, it's hard to imagine that dirty punk bands play inside this beautiful old building.
I've seen so many great acts here, like Blur, Tricky, and my favorite, Morrissey. And like everyone else has said, there isn't a bad seat in the house. It's big enough to hold a giant amount of people, but still intimate enough to be able to identify the people on stage easily from any seat in the two tiers of seating above the main floor.
What is really bizarre is the backstage area. It's so creepy- when I got backstage to meet Moz they took me through this eerie, winding maze of stairwells and levels that made me feel like I was being led somewhere to be executed.
In the basement of the Tabernacle is a smaller venue where The Cotton Club took up residence when it was evicted from its previously prime spot on Peachtree. It's a shame since the old Cotton Club had such a rich history of amazing shows and is now been stripped of its previous glory by being subjected to a basement. But, nonetheless, they still occasionally have great bands that only need that much space for the amount of fans they attract.
One word of caution- be careful when parking around here. I went to Bloc Party last night and some guy who was obviously cracked out on something, approached our car with his hand firmly planted down the front of his pants and demanded $5 to park there. Okay, dude, having a red shirt on does not mean you are legit. Finally, the real attendant came over and shooed away the crackhead and we paid him and he gave us a legitimate ticket to put in our window. So demand a ticket that has the correct date and such on it. After that, have a great time!
The Tabernacle is a former house of worship turned concert venue. Local and national musicians and bands from various genres play at The Tabernacle. General admission standing room only is available as well as balcony and lounge seating.
The Tabernacle is like no other venue with towering somewhat decorative walls and ceiling similar to what you would find in an old church. At the same time it feels abandoned and ragged. While The Tabernacle is not aesthetically appealing, the acoustics are beyond superior. I went to a few concerts there and really felt connected with the artists. The Tabernacle is so intimate that true musicians are more than appreciated. Fraudulent and talent less musicians will definitely be found out at The Tabernacle.
For upcoming shows and information go to http://www.ticketmaste....
Phenomenal set-up, decor, location, size, & acoustics. I like the "stand downstairs, sit upstairs" concept. It keeps annoying kids out of my face, & I can sit my old ass down.
But the prices, jesus! Shows here are sickeningly overpriced. I've seen so many ads for bands/singers coming here, but I always have to pass due to the price. There are very few folks I want to see so bad that I'm willing to skip meals for them.
The Tabernacle started out life as a church - hence the name. Somewhere along the name it was a House of Blues - hence the ecclectic decor, which is a kind of voodoo-meets-Keith Haring.
This is an interesting venue; we came here for a private party put on by SOE for Fan Faire in April 2006. The upstairs space has a really nice stage, with standing room and two large bars on the main floor, and limited seating up on the balcony. Good gracious, is this place *LOUD* however; if you want to talk to your friends or your date, forget it. Their operating mode seems to be "if your eardrums don't break, then we're not loud enough".
Downstairs is another, smaller stage and a small bar, as well as the bathrooms. For the party we attended, the basement was packed - the attendees seemed to like the Metalsome Mondays live rock kareoke better than the bands upstairs. (I felt bad for the bands upstairs, they were rockin' their hearts out and sounded great, but almost nobody was watching them!)
Great venue for a private party. My only complaint was that they emptied us out at midnight instead of 1am - not sure the exact reason, whether it was a noise complaint or what. Walking distance to a lot of the downtown hotels. Alcohol prices were ok - made me thankful I'm not much for drinking.
And it gets HOT inside. Dress to be cool temperature-wise, and let the dress-to-impress vibe be secondary.
