Top Five Music Venues

By Lane Billings1. The Variety PlayhouseAs far as Atlanta venues goes, the Variety Playhouse is a good as it gets: leveled ground so you can see the performer from every angle (seated or standing!), a sound system that makes every note sound crystal-clear, and a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere.2. Eddie's AtticTen to 15 dollars gets you a very intimate listening experience at Eddie’s Attic, a tiny little gem of a venue in downtown Decatur where listeners crowd around wooden tables to see a curated selection of up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Obsessive attention to the sound system makes the acoustics pristine, and an enforced no-talking rule ensures you’ll hear every whisper.3. Center StageNestled in an otherwise unmarked corner in midtown, Center Stage doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, listeners will find one of the best sound systems the city has to offer, presented amphitheater-style with a small floor area right in front of the stage. Center Stage holds about 1,000 people, which means it mostly brings in mid-sized acts, but every now and then, expect a big name to sell out the whole place — Frank Ocean played there last summer.4. The TabernacleThe Tabernacle — a renovated 19th century church — houses mostly big-ticket acts and has an air of old-school mystery about it. Regardless of who you’re seeing, the beautiful architecture and spacious dance floor make the Tabernacle an exciting place to see music happen.5. The MasqueradeIf not always a feast for the ears, the Masquerade definitely offers a feast for the eyes, in the shape of three themed floors — Heaven, Purgatory and Hell — decked out in spooky, Halloweenish array. The Masquerade is the ideal venue for the college set: at any moment one can find a handful of buzzbands on its calendar. Those looking for a less dark and clammy experience should check out the Masquerade Music Park, the venue’s backyard, outdoor venue, during the summer months.