The Graveyard’s downstairs concert venue is up and running
While The Graveyard Tavern will still host parties and DJs, all concerts are moving downstairs to the recently opened Basement. The bar and venue boasts the biggest stage in East Atlanta, and can hold about 350 guests. Though local outfits Barreracudas and Gringo Star performed on Friday, April 9, owner Philip Christensen said there's still a few final touches to be added. He expects The Basement to go full throttle by May with shows every Friday night.
The primary booking agent, Chuck Sammons, said he's lining up national acts as well as local bands. US Royalty of Washington, DC, and the Atlanta-based Young Orchids will play together on April 22. Christensen said that Purge ATL, a local alternative arts and culture website, has reserved Friday, May 13, and will probably throw a party that consumes both Graveyard and The Basement.
A year in the making, The Basement possesses the rock 'n' roll vibe of its upstairs counterpart. There are booths along the wall, and the bar is a massive, lit-up half-circle. But The Basement has a few naughty amenities that are unlike anything offered at other Atlanta venues. In the rear area, there's a big, plush red circle bed. There's also a narrow room with benches where people can buy 15 minutes of privacy—tokens are $5 at the bar. Christenson mentioned the possible addition of mirrors above the bed, and maybe even a stripper pole. He might have been joking, but neither of those extra elements would be out of place.—Jhoni Jackson/Special to Metromix
