The Georgia Theatre is a local music venue in Athens. Opened as a music venue in 1978, the theatre has been the home of many awe-inspiring performances by artists that got their start in Athens such as R.E.M., the B-52’s, and Widespread Panic. For a short period of time in the mid 1980s, it functioned as a movie house. In more recent years, artists such as Big Freedia, Cee Lo Green, and Waka Flocka Flame have put on unforgettable performances there as well.
In June of 2009 a tragic fire destroyed the original building. But thanks to the Zac Brown Band and Kid Rock’s benefit concert and Terripin’s special Georgia Theatre Session brews, the theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 2011. The history of the Georgia Theatre up until the point of the fire has been preserved in the form of a documentary called Athens Burning, released in 2011. Over the years, the theatre has also been the filming location for a variety of music videos, from R.E.M.’s Shiny Happy People in 1992 to John Mayer’s No Such Thing in 2002.
The Rooftop Bar and Grill, cleverly located on the rooftop of the GA Theatre, is a great addition to the rebuild. It features burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Open for lunch and dinner, the view from the top is the perfect side to any meal. Live on the Rooftop features events such as Saturday football games, concert after-parties, and intimate live music shows. And this is just one of the many great music venues located in Athens, GA.
By: Amanda Ward, Contributing Writer for Raynbow Affair Magazine