Music in Athens GA has been thriving since before the Civil War. Despite the genre that you enjoy, this is one place where you will enjoy every aspect of the industry. Country, rock, and bluegrass, can all be heard here. It also saw the beginnings of African Americans performing; the birth of rock in the 1950's; and the New Wave musicians that came about in the 1970's.
Lovingly referred to as the "Liverpool of the South", this city has seen many groups emerge. The Indigo Girls, R. E. M., Ravenstone, and the B-52's are but a few that met with notoriety. Add the influence of the student body of the University of Georgia, and and you had the perfect combination for the birth of rock.
With the majority of clubs located on the north side of the city, it has become famous for it's many nightclubs along the East Coast of the United States. One of the oldest venues in the city is the Georgia Theater that was consumed by flames in 2009. Yet 2011 saw its reopening as the most modern facility there. The 40 Watt Club is another that has long held its popularity. Bill Anderson, a Country Hall of Famer, spent his free time playing guitar on the grounds of the University.
Located in the northern part of Georgia, Athens became chartered in 1806. The first musical notes came from the Indian tribes of the Creek and the Cherokee. The Civil War nearly obliterated Atlanta, but Athens was left unscathed. Due to this, many traveling entertainers went there to hopefully make a small stipend in return for their entertainment. African Americans were first heard entertaining in the Morton Theater. It saw the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington at their finest.
As the sounds began to change into the 1950's, you could be entertained by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra at the YMCA or American Legion. Through the 1960's and well into the 1970's, Athens gave birth to a many musical groups. Gregg Allman and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is probably one of the most remembered. The late 70's saw the insurgence of the rock genre and the rest is part of the city's history.
Club after club opened to support the number of groups that would be in the city at once. To sustain the musical culture of Athens, the University offered the Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art. Many musicians attended higher education here and became well known artists in their field. Some were to become world performers due to their instant popularity.
It was Rolling Stone Magazine that voted Athens the tops in musical entertainment. People even traveled from the continent of Europe to spend time in the city of music. The difficulty came when visitors hoped to see all that this famous city had to offer.
Dining facilities abound to satiate the many visitors with exquisite cuisine. After feasting on delicacies, people head out to see their favorite stars. The best there is in country, bluegrass, rock, and jazz can be heard here. Even the comedy of Steve Martin can be enjoyed. If you come looking for music in Athens GA, you will not be disappointed.
Lovingly referred to as the "Liverpool of the South", this city has seen many groups emerge. The Indigo Girls, R. E. M., Ravenstone, and the B-52's are but a few that met with notoriety. Add the influence of the student body of the University of Georgia, and and you had the perfect combination for the birth of rock.
With the majority of clubs located on the north side of the city, it has become famous for it's many nightclubs along the East Coast of the United States. One of the oldest venues in the city is the Georgia Theater that was consumed by flames in 2009. Yet 2011 saw its reopening as the most modern facility there. The 40 Watt Club is another that has long held its popularity. Bill Anderson, a Country Hall of Famer, spent his free time playing guitar on the grounds of the University.
Located in the northern part of Georgia, Athens became chartered in 1806. The first musical notes came from the Indian tribes of the Creek and the Cherokee. The Civil War nearly obliterated Atlanta, but Athens was left unscathed. Due to this, many traveling entertainers went there to hopefully make a small stipend in return for their entertainment. African Americans were first heard entertaining in the Morton Theater. It saw the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington at their finest.
As the sounds began to change into the 1950's, you could be entertained by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra at the YMCA or American Legion. Through the 1960's and well into the 1970's, Athens gave birth to a many musical groups. Gregg Allman and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is probably one of the most remembered. The late 70's saw the insurgence of the rock genre and the rest is part of the city's history.
Club after club opened to support the number of groups that would be in the city at once. To sustain the musical culture of Athens, the University offered the Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art. Many musicians attended higher education here and became well known artists in their field. Some were to become world performers due to their instant popularity.
It was Rolling Stone Magazine that voted Athens the tops in musical entertainment. People even traveled from the continent of Europe to spend time in the city of music. The difficulty came when visitors hoped to see all that this famous city had to offer.
Dining facilities abound to satiate the many visitors with exquisite cuisine. After feasting on delicacies, people head out to see their favorite stars. The best there is in country, bluegrass, rock, and jazz can be heard here. Even the comedy of Steve Martin can be enjoyed. If you come looking for music in Athens GA, you will not be disappointed.
About the Author:
Since the start of Civil War, music in Athens GA has thrived. When you visit Athens GA you'll get a culture that is rich in music of all types.