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There’s no mistaking the fact that live music is alive and kicking in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a mecca for genres from R&B to Rock to Progressive, to Indie. But it’s hard to forget how live music got a kick in the rear during the pandemic years. While countless live music venues saw their doors shut for a season, some unfortunate places never re-opened.
The Musically Sound has a particular interest in acoustic music venues that not only allow music lovers to hear quality music in a more intimate setting but also shine a spotlight on seasoned performers who thrive in an atmosphere of appreciation. We’ve compiled our 2024 list of the current best acoustic music venues in Atlanta, Georgia so that you can enjoy live acoustic music as it should be.
Read on to discover the 11 best acoustic music venues in Atlanta in 2024.
Eddie Owen Presents
Eddie Owen Presents is among the best live acoustic music venues in Atlanta set in a comfortable theater that seats 260 in the Red Clay Music Foundry, located in Duluth, Georgia. The series is favorable to singer-songwriters with tribute bands interspersed in the genres of folk, Americana, and country. Not only does the venue present songwriter rounds, solo acts, and occasional stand up comedy 3-4 nights a week, but it also gives audience to up-and-coming performers through the EOP Open Mic, where the opportunity to play is by video audition only.
With a music school to boot offering lessons in a variety of instruments as well as songwriting, The Red Clay Music Foundry is a vital part of the music community in Duluth.
Eddie Owen Presents is located at 3116 Main Street N.W., Duluth, GA 30096. Phone for general inquiries is (678) 892-6373. Artists seeking the opportunity to play in the theater should email a press kit to info@eddieowenpresents.com.
Eddie’s Attic
It would be near impossible to live in the greater Atlanta area and not have heard of the legendary listening venue Eddie’s Attic, which sits in the heart of Decatur. Once you climb the narrow staircase from a side entrance and gain entry, you’ll find yourself in an intimate room that seats roughly 65. Since 1991, musicians and singer-songwriters like Ani DiFranco, John Gorka, Shawn Mullins, David Wilcox, Al Stewart, Cheryl Crow, The Civil Wars, and even Justin Bieber have taken its small but prestigious stage.
Just as famous as the quality talent that’s booked at Eddie’s Attic is the Monday night Songwriter Open Mic, a valued gig for local and traveling musicians alike. The open mic is adjudicated by a panel of judges who choose three stand-out acts to retake the stage and compete for the best act of the evening.
Plan your trip to Eddie’s Attic located at 515-B North McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030. You can contact them here for general inquiries, sign up for the open mic, or call (404) 377-4976.
Matilda’s Music Under the Pines
Matilda’s Music Under the Pines is an acoustic music hidden gem in the Alpharetta area of Atlanta. This outdoor acoustic music venue features an alluring eclectic outdoor stage that resembles the front porch of a rustic shanty shack. Their series features the best of live Americana, bluegrass, folk, and roots music by trending regional acts. Some groups who have played the stage include Sugarcane Jane, Six One Five Collective, Dejablue Grass Band, Mudcat, and John Paul White of the Civil Wars. This series has gained notoriety over the years, selected for the Alpharetta Reader’s Choice Awards for Best in 2019.
Concerts occur on Saturday nights from the beginning of May through the end of October. It’s a laid-back experience where listeners are encouraged to bring their own picnic items and drinks (wine and beer allowed). The venue provides tables and chairs for listeners, but the rule of thumb is that you are invited to reserve a table day of by placing your name on it. Otherwise, seating is first-come/first-served. As seating capacity is limited, it’s encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
You can find Matilda’s Music Under the Pines at 850 Hickory Flat Road, Alpharetta, GA. Inquiries can be made by email at Matildasmusicunderthepines@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 480-6932.
The Red Light Café
Whether you’re looking for a variety of live music genres like blues, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, folk, country & western, or something else like comedy or a burlesque show, the Red Light Cafe has been offering this and more since its doors opened in 1991. Their location by Piedmont Park in Midtown puts this among the best acoustic music venues in Atlanta location-wise if you want to also dine out, walk about, or use public transportation.
While this 100-seater room can get lively, it is one of the best acoustic music venues in Atlanta. Their offerings are diverse, such as a Wednesday night jazz jam session with a featured band, 1st and 3rd Thursday Karaoke, and a monthly storytelling open mic, among live music and events that occur almost any night of the week.
Located at 553-1 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, the Red Light Café can be contacted by phone at (404) 874-7828, emailed with general inquiries at contact@redlightcafe.com, or for artists seeking a booking at booking@redlightcafe.com.
Everett’s Music Barn
Excuse me, did you say “music barn?” For all of Atlanta’s hip urbanity, it’s good to know that there are a few venues that conjure bygone days in all their old-time innocence. One such place in Suwannee, Georgia caters to the best bluegrass bands around. Check out Everett’s Music Barn, which has delivered stellar bluegrass music every Saturday night since 1964. Bluegrass greats like the Steep Canyon Rangers, Claire Lynch, Dailey & Vincent, and Grasstowne have taken the barn’s stage over the years.
Everett’s Music Barn has a rich history starting in the Family Everett’s home as a weekly radio show and jam that kept growing. In 1968, a music room was added to the back of the home to accommodate musicians, and later the building that would become the “music barn” was donated to the family.
Everett’s Music Barn shows begin at 8 pm Saturday nights, with doors opening at 6 pm. You’ll find it at 4055 Stonecypher Rd Suwanee, GA 30024. They can be reached by phone at (770) 722-1276 or emailed at everetts3@hotmail.com. For booking, call Rena McDaniel at (678) 858-5363.
The Third Door
If you’d like to listen to some vibing acoustic music in a chill tri-faceted atmosphere, The Third Door could be the perfect place. This venue is only a couple of years old but has built up a reputation in historic Marietta for its weekend live music on Friday and Saturday nights, coupled with the character of the venue itself.
First and foremost, it’s a craft cocktail bar housed in a 1920s filling station. They have a bar area decorated like a vintage speakeasy that’s standing-room only. The live music takes place in the garage area with table seating, plus there’s an outdoor area that accommodates music acts in warmer months. They even have a rentable camper for private parties of 4-6 to dine and drink in.
The Third Door can be found at 131 Church Street, Marietta, GA. You can contact them here for general inquiries, email hello@thethirddoor.net, or call (470) 361-0370.
Smith’s Olde Bar
Smith’s Olde Bar has made music waves among acoustic music venues in Atlanta since its doors first opened in 1994. Up-and-coming performers and famous artists have played their two rooms (the 300-capacity Music Room and 100-capacity Atlanta Room) over the decades: John Mayer, Jason Isbell, Jennifer Nettles, The Kings of Leon, The Wallflowers, and the Zac Brown Band.
There’s loads to do like their weekly open mic on Monday, stand up open mic on Wednesday, trivia or karaoke on Thursdays, and then the concerts on select weekdays as well as every weekend. There’s no acoustic music venue in Atlanta more cutting-edge than Smith’s Olde Bar.
Check it out at 1578 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA. For general inquiries contact them here or call (404) 875-1522. To book your act, click here.
Fiddler’s Green Coffeehouse
The Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music (AAFFM) has had an ongoing coffeehouse music series on the third Saturday of the month since the late 80s–the Fiddler’s Green Coffeehouse. They feature an eclectic array of musicians from touring folk artists Rupert Wates, Rob McHale, and Susan Pepper to bands like The Border Collies and Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band.
This monthly acoustic music series is located at the First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. You can call (404) 378-5570 or contact AAFFM here with inquiries.
The Hunt House
The Hunt House is an acoustic music listening room in Marietta that recently reopened with shows by touring acts like the Still House Junkies, Time Sawyer, and The Shady Lurkers. They have an intimate indoor venue as well as an outdoor courtyard space, with food available for purchase on-site from Parsley Caterers.
This venue is well-suited to the acoustic music fan who wants to listen intently, and performers there will undoubtedly feel appreciated. The Hunt House is located at 1127 White CIR NW, Marietta, GA. Call (770) 396-5361 for more info or email catering@parsleys.com.
Madlife Stage & Studios
If you’re seeking the best of indie folk, blues, jazz, rock, and pop in the Woodstock area, MadLife Stage & Studios is a phenomenal venue that will make your listening experience a memorable one. They have a Patio Stage, a state-of-the-art concert venue, and a grill for patrons to dine.
On their Patio Stage, there are open mic events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, with solo artists and bands performing on Thursdays thru Sundays. The 284-seat music venue features bands in multiple genres and even comedy events. Last but not least, they have a top-notch recording studio with 2 tracking rooms to accommodate any kind of recording project from recording to mixing.
Madlife Stage & Studios is a must-visit venue located at 8722 Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188. You can reach them by phone at (678) 384-2363, email info@madlifegroup.com, or visit their booking page if you’d like to play this fantastic venue.
The Velvet Note
There’s one particular club that ranks among the top 100 best in the world in its particular niche. In a nod to the jazz aficionados in Atlanta, we couldn’t conclude without mentioning the Velvet Note Jazz Club. From stellar acoustics and an intimate setting to exceptional talent, this club has got it all. Acts like Larry Carlton, Diane Shuur, Kathleen Bertrand, Joey Sommerville, and the Marcus Johnson Trio have inspired audiences from its classy listening stage.
Beyond the Velvet Note’s commitment to feature music beyond jazz like R&B, blues, and even classical music, they provide weekly events like their Thursday Open Mic Jam. This phenomenal acoustic music venue in Atlanta also has a full restaurant and bar.
Plan a visit to the Velvet Note Jazz Club at 4075 Old Milton Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 30005. For more information call (855) 583-5838 or email info@thevelvetnote.com. Booking information can be found here.
*This post may contain Amazon affiliate links or affiliate links from other companies, which means The Musically Sound earns a percentage of sales from any qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the buyer. Learn more on our Private Policy page.
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