Table Talk

By alias

August 9, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

I have never been to a concert at Chastain, but I have seen people set up elaborate tables, complete with canapies, at fireworks displays. One family had their “area” set up very nicely with streamers, red, white & blue flowers, etc. Quite festive.

By Eric

August 9, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

The dinner tables at Chastain are the STUPIDEST thing ever. Those people aren’t there for the music or the art, they are there to see others and be seen. I wish they’d ban the tables and use only the ‘rock seating’ for all shows.

If you aren’t there to see the artist, STAY HOME you pathetic wannabe losers.

By Drew

August 9, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

I’ve been to Chastain many times and I was even at the Guster show recently mentioned above. I think a nice picnic is most certainly in order for a night out on the town, but those who break out all the flashy silver and roses and such are just showing off to people who really don’t care - like me. In fact, I think they actually create problems for other guests because their set-up is so elaborate. It makes it hard for us to walk by because we’re trying to tip toe around their table or they block our view because they show up 10 minutes after the concert starts and spend the next 30 minutes setting up their caviar & pate. Don’t get me wrong I’ll suck down some liver mousse myself but not at Chastain, not to show off. It’s the same old story though, one “Buckhead Betty” trying to out another. Do us a favor, leave the pate in the Range Rover.

By Amanda

August 9, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

I’ve never sat at a table, but when I went to see A Prairie Home Companion last year we brought food. Not exactly a rock show, it was nice to have dinner while listening. But I agree, get rid of the tables at a concert. Especially a rock concert. Dance and get wasted like you are meant to (at least the dancing).

I rationalize this comment by noting there is a difference between an outside and inside venue: I also really dislike going to a show at the Fox when they allow food and drink inside the theatre. I don’t know if they do that at other venues (I’m a newbie to Atlanta), but it drives me nuts to hear people eating and drinking during a show! Outside, where there is an atmosphere of noise (nature and all that), I don’t mind it as much.

By Rod

August 9, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

I absolutely hate going to a show at Chastain. The last two times I went, many people - mainly the “diners” were talking and carrying on during the entire show. These people drink and get louder and louder all during the show. Chastain security is to scared one of them is important to tell them to be quiet. The Prairie Home Companion was a fiasco due to the noise.

If you want to see the show and eat some, by all means do it. If you just want to get drunk and loud - go to a bar. Chastain: get some balls and stop this crap!

By Deborah

August 9, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’ve been to Chastain and sat both at the table section and the orchestra. When I sat in the orchestra section I brought 2 TV Trays one for myself and my husband. We put them close together. I had one small orchid in a tiny glass vase, 2 glade candles, some hot wings with celery and blue cheese, a bottle of wine and 2 nice wine glasses. I received tons of compliments from people about the 1 beautiful orchid and how nice our little set-up was.

Now when I sat table we brought a white table cloth 1 rose in a vase, some wine and the food was delieved by a well known vendor. We had plastic wine glasses,forks, knives, and spoons. Nice Chinet paper plates. At the end of the show all we had to do was put everything in a trash bag, put it in the trash and leave the park empty handed. It was no Muss no Fuss.

By Dana

August 9, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

We have been to Chastain several times, and while I enjoy the picnic dinners we bring, I agree many go way over the top. It’s less the flashy tables, if they want to lug all that stuff in - more power to them. What I hate is all the socializing. Last year I could hardly hear BB King for all the chatting going on. We go for the music, just wish more people did. Or at least had some consideration for those of us who do, and for the artists on stage who are working hard to bring us a good show. I can’t imagine how disheartening it must be to them to watch 3/4 of the audience ignoring them. It’s why some entertainers won’t play there.

By JC

August 9, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Last year we brought dinner from Whole Foods and enjoyed setting up tv trays for dinner, glasses of wine, and candles (to keep the mosquitos away). It’s a fun experience!

To those of you who dislike the table arrangement, it’s a characteristic of the venue and part of the experience. If you don’t like it, enjoy one of the numerous other venues in Atlanta where you do feel comfortable.

There’s something for everyone in Atlanta, and I enjoy Chastain!

By bg

August 9, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Chastain is over-rated. Still nice “after all these years,” for sure, but way too many talkers and “need to be seen” folks, and not enough true music fans. If you get the chance, try the Mable House Amphitheater (in Mableton) or The Fred in Peachtree City. Both offer way less traffic in and out, close parking (either free or $5), great facilities with reasonable concessions on site, and, yes, cheaper ticket prices for seats closer to the stage. OTP has its advantages!

By Tonia

August 9, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

There are different venues and settings to go see concerts here in Atlanta. I never been to Chastain before, but if you don’t like the tables at Chastain, do go. There are many different opitons for people in Atlanta.

I am sure those who set up their elaborate tables enjoy it, and the entertainer(s) for that evening probably really like the setting also.

By Sharon

August 9, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

I have been to Chastain a number of times. Most of the time I have sat in the grass seats. I usually take a blanket, picnic basket, wine and couple candles. It just makes for a nice evening. Nothing too fancy and at least you can take your own food and drink, which is less expensive then having to use their vendors. At other venues, you pay hefty prices for the tickets and on top of that pay $7 for a beer or childs portion of wine! Not to mention the cost of food is outrageous. If people want to go all out that is their choice. I do agree if there is too much chitchat then someone needs to do something about that because it is like sitting in a movie and not being able to hear what is going on. I think the real reason a lot of performers will not perform there is it is a small venue and they can’t sell as many tickets. All in all, I still enjoy Chastain, it can be very enjoyable!

By Lisa

August 9, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

The bad part about so many pessimistic people killing the mood of others around them is that they are like viruses, it spreads. I think the unique dinner table arrangements add to the ambiance of Chastain, while they are in good taste. There are some that like more elaborate set-ups, but that’s them and it really doesn’t concern you as long as they aren’t blocking the aisles. If they are that noisy, call security, their judgement is sound. If they don’t kick them out perhaps its YOU being too sensitive, at a concert of all places. I find it more annoying for people to turn their noses up at those there to enjoy themselves by taking advantage of the one venue that allows for it. As mentioned above, if you don’t like it go to HiFi Buy where you can park in the mud, and endur the drones of teeneagers that giggle loudly, talk rudely and walk all over you, or Phillips. You have options.

By Drew

August 9, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

These “talkers” that everyone is chatting about are certainly a problem at Chastain. Here’s why:

Many of the tables in the orchestra pit and surrounding area are a legacy item, meaning they are commonly passed down through familes or friends. There are hundreds if not thousands of people on waiting lists and they have been there for years. What does this have to do with talkers? Well, people go to these shows simply because they have a table; they go because they can and they treat it like dinner at a restaurant. For instance, at the Guster show I saw several tables of folks who were VERY clearly out of their element. There were 2 tables of old folks up front (old like 70+) at a college band rock show. They were not there because of the show. They had their backs turned during the Ray LaMontagne performance, chatted incessantly, and I don’t think Mr. Ray was happy about that. It all goes back to the yuppie silver vase crowd who think that just because they don’t know or like the artist, it’s ok to talk through the performance.

By Annette

August 9, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

As a frequest visitor to Atlanta, I attended a concert at Chastain for the first time last month and was unimpressed with the table/TV tray dining experience. First of all it was too hot, too much talking and having to hold on to our tray to avoid latecomers’ knocks was a bit much.

By Buz

August 9, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

People go to Chastain to talk and eat and enjoy being outside with some music. This is what the venue is known for. As respectful as it is to listen to the musicians, the venue is a social outing and the bands should know this. Just as you don’t stop your dinner conversation in a piano bar, not everyone will stare raptly at the stage at Chastain. The music is part of the experience at Chastain, and not neccessarily the most important part. Also for those who say BB King is not the guy playing at a piano bar, I’ll bet he started at clubs where the audience socialized and the music was a backdrop for other things.

By Amy

August 9, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Its funny - I have LOVED going to concerts at Chastain, but we don’t get the tables, just the seats. We tried to get a table, having no idea it was just not an option, for an upcoming event. Maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t, if there is so much talk going on. From the seats, it’s been a great concert every time I’ve gone; even on hot summer nights it seemed very bearable to me.

By Jungleland

August 9, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

I see why people (and the bands) get upset, I almost never go to Chastain shows anymore. Elvis Costello and (way back when) Stevie Ray Vaughan were ruined by loud people who had no interest in the music and chomped away.

That said, I went to see Steely Dan this week and they did not allow ANY coolers and had no tables. It was a great show, but I can’t understand why we could not bring in a bottle of wine or some snacks. I paid $40 for a few beers and some popcorn.

Some of my fondest memories are of bringing a cooler of beer, some sandwiches and chips and seeing The Beach Boys, Moddy Blues, Hall & Oates, Ringo, Dylan etc. Not a full on dining production, just some cold drinks.

Not sure why it has to be all or nothing over there.

By Carla

August 9, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Drew and Eric, you’re both spot on. I like to be able to bring something in, especially if the show is right after work, but those trying to make the tables appear as a State dinner in DC not only look ridiculous, spill over into the aisles, or what’s left of them, but most importantly talk and clang their silver and crystal to the point that the rest of us can’t even hear the performance due to the already ridiculous sound restrictions! We stopped going regularly 5 or 6 years ago unless it’s an act we absolutely can’t see anywhere else within reason and I can’t even get my husband to go see BB King when he’s there anymore!

By Carla

August 9, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Buz, the problem is a combination between loud talking and noisy tables and the unbelievably low dB requirements! There have been several entertainers who complained after their performances! I do remember several years back, maybe 6-8, when Meatloaf announced prior to the show that he would pay the fine and ignore the noise restrictions because he knew of the problems at that particular venue.

By Rod

August 9, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Lisa, what at arrogant and snotty remark! You said “If they are that noisy, call security, their judgement is sound. If they don’t kick them out perhaps its YOU being too sensitive, at a concert of all places.” No, we (99% of the people who complain) are not to sensitive. When people are laughing and talking as loud as they can - usually while getting drunk - they are the ones who are “wrong.” Chastain is known for having no security - God help you if you get robbed, they really don’t care.

When people compare it to a piano bar - that’s just assine. I don’t pay $50 to go sit at a piano bar to hear a no-name. This is a venue that many artists refuse to go to because of the disrespect by the constant chatter and distractions (and no, Sharon, it’s not because it’s a small venue - many artists have publicly complained specifically about Chastain).

There were comments that if you don’t like it, go elsewhere. That’s hardly a solution when the performer you want to see is playing at Chastain. Many mid-level artists play there because they can’t pack a major house, so it’s go there and put up with the obnoxious jerks or miss out on an artist you like.

A true test: If you don’t think the people causing all the noise and making others miss the concert are jerks - then you are one.

By Sheri

August 9, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

I’ve been going to Chastain for over 20 years, and it’s always been about the “picnic” atmosphere. If you want to decorate your tables — go for it! But don’t block the aisles with your elaborate displays, your huge coolers, and your outstretched legs, please. And don’t get me started about the jibber jabberers, the drunks, and the bored Buckhead Betties who obviously can’t get enough talking time in with their friends during the day. This is a CONCERT you are attending, folks. Have a little courtesy for the people around you and put a lid on it. I was surprised the collegiate crowd at Guster was the most courteous crowd I’ve experienced this year. Chastain’s older crowd could learn a few manners from their children…

By Beet Hoven

August 9, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

I hate, loathe, despise and abominate Chastain concerts. It’s all about being seen by Atlanta’s Buckhead yukkii snobs. The music is IN-cidental. However, you weenie idiots complaining about the noise of the patrons: It’s a concert of pop music, part & parcel of which is yelling, standing and dancing. If this bothers you, then you are too old & grouchy to go to concerts, so stick to Neil Boretz.

By Mayretta Local

August 9, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Chastain is a fantastic setting in which to see a concert in Atlanta. BYO is great! Unfortunatley for many music lovers & musicians alike, the Buz from the crowd is too much, especially with the noise / decible level that that the venue enforces for the surrounding neighborhood. The tables up front are too full of chatty folks who didn’t pay for tix, just there for dinner, and the paying fans are stuck back behind them. It’s not just some talking, but constant conversations from whole tables.

Yes, Mr. King started in juke joints, and people were there DANCING & socializing, probably very boisterously after some moonshine. He did have the advantage of being able to turn up the amp LOUD if he needed. I’m guessing people up front were there for the music, or were standing out back so they could talk, not standing in the front of the room wearing a blazer with shorts and loafers with no socks with a chicken leg hanging out of their mouth…

Tom Waits played to a packed house at the Tabernacle last week, and during his quieter songs, you coulda heard a pin drop, people were hanging on his every word. Never woulda been that way at Chastain.

Too bad the James Gang is at Chastain, I’d love to see them (Joe Walsh rocked a sunset set at MusicMidtown a couple years ago), but it just won’t be loud enough to truly appreciate. People would be telling me to sit down because I’d be standing up during a rock concert. oh my gosh?!?!

The Allman Brothers at Lakewood will be quite the hootenanny though ; )

By Drew

August 9, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Buz - I try to be polite… but it’s people like you who ruin Chastain. Please don’t go ever again. Your kind isn’t wanted there.

By Sara

August 9, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

I happen to love the table set ups at Chastain. Just because you have silver and some roses on your table does not make you less of a fan. I say, if you want to spend the extra time and money, do it! I much rather see that than something on the other end of the spectrum. We live in a beautiful city, with a beautiful venue for music, why not go with it and really enjoy your experience? You might as well go to Hi Fi Buys if you really dislike a bit more of a high class experience.

By kellix

August 9, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

I’ve been to a few concerts there, Yes, Allman Brothers, Moody Blues. The people with the wine and the Grey Poupon, they have their baskets and have a nice dinner. Chastain has always been that way, its not a normal concert hall and never will be. If people don’t like it, don’t go there. It’s been this way for over many years and their not going to change it. If people want to get a corn dog, go to a concert at Lakewood Ampitheather, they can help you out.

By Chris

August 9, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with the posts that emphasize Chastain’s unique qualities - yes, there are definitely some flaws in the system - but to abandon the dining/table vibe would cost Chastain its strongest support. I went to Fiona Apple recently and had an absolutely wonderful time - we were seated right next to the tables - I did not think that people were overly talkative at all.

By MOT

August 9, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Chastain a few times, once at the tables, twice on the grass/rocks. While it was “cool” to feel like I was in the elite section at the tables, it is just that elite and it has all the social effects that the socialites and wannabees seek: statement of power, wealth, fame, and being seen.

We saw Melissa Manchester then. Nice but a bit noisy, this was 10-12 years ago, so I don’t think the chatter/rude level was as bad as now.

We saw Kingston Trio on the grass and had a wonderful time treating my dad who has all their albums. But that too was some years ago.

Most recent, the country singer, Clint Black. Even back on the lawn, the rude, loud drunk socialites were obvious distractions to all in the arena.

If all those in front really don’t care about the performer, and are there to be seen and have music in the background like the piano player at the bar, then I say Chastain should provide the tables at the waaaaayyyyy back, where they can talk and carry on and be drunk as they like and not bother the rest of us. That leaves the area closer to the performer free for those truly interested, they can hear and enjoy, the artist isn’t offended, and the highfalutin socialites/wannabees can be seen, have their music in the background and carry on without skin off of anyone’s nose!

By Officer Mancuso

August 9, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

John, You’ve been working for the AJC for how long? And the Chastain table silliness is news to you? Geez.

By brent

August 9, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Talkers at concerts are one of my biggest pet peeves — and for that reason, I specifically avoid any show at Chastain that isn’t using the “rock” configuration (no tables). Fortunatlely for me, my taste in music is such that I’ve never really had to miss any acts I would want to see anyway because of my desire to avoid the tables. Although, I have to say I’m a bit surprised that the tables were out for a Guster show — that seems a bit out of place to me.

Anyway, the point is, Chastain is what it is — more of a social venue than a concert venue. So, if the noisy diners bug you that much, just don’t go to shows at Chastain. And maybe make your favorite artists aware that when they book shows in Atlanta, they should avoid Chastain as well if they are interested in actually being heard.

By Eric

August 9, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

You people saying if you don’t like it, don’t go, are MORONS.

You go for the artist, NOT the venue. If I pay my bucks to see an artist I like you need to shut the hell up with your smacking food, clanking glasses and non-stop chatter.

By Drew

August 9, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Brent - In the Classic Chastain ASO series which Guster and LaMontagne were part of, ALL shows are table set-up. It’s the Clear Channel/Live Nation/Peter Conlon productions that are almost always a rock set-up.

By Demi

August 9, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

I LOVE the ambiance of Chastain! What’s the big deal about the table decor…If you like it, do it, If you don’t like don’t do it. It’s a personal choice: ) I enjoy coming to see concerts in which you can bring your own food. My husband and I always pick up some take out and bring a tv tray, wine and candles. It’s a fabulous spot for enjoying an evening under the stars with some nice music. I personally never had a problem with people chatting around me, but this is America …Freedom of speech!

By kellix

August 9, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Chastain’s volume, I have read a lot of people’s complaints about the volume. It started way back when the Allman Brothers played 2 shows. The first show, the volume was concert volume; people loved it, EXCEPT the people living around Chastain did not. The next day, the show I saw, they reduced the volume, and I agree. You could talk louder then the music being played. Which if you have noisy people, it gets to be a nuisance. Since then, that was about 8-9 years ago, Chastain volume has been controlled by the people that live around the park. I just think it would make sense to these people, that if you bought your house next to an outdoor concert pavilion, that they might be able to hear it. I agree that Chastain needs to come to an accord with the homeowners, because the volume has never been loud enough since then. At least loud enough to drown out the drunks and the talkers.

By new in atlanta

August 9, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

I have been fortunate enough to go to a few concerts at Chastain since moving to Atlanta, including Santana and Paul Simon. People, you don’t realize how lucky you are to have such an awesome venue! Not every city has this. The tables and ability to bring your food are part of the ambience of Chastain! Do some people get a little carried away? Certainly. But I have also seen poeple get carried out of other concerts b/c of drug overdoses and being too drunk. There are benefits and draw backs to every venue, just decide what you like. There are plenty of options here. At both of these concerts, the artists remarked about how pretty the candles were and what a treat it is to perform there. If the artists like it, how can it be that bad? If it’s not your style it’s easy, don’t go!

By G in Marietta

August 9, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all the haters posting up on this issue. I have been to a half a dozen concerts at Chastain in the 13 years I’ve lived in Atlanta and all of them were terrific. I’ve never sat in the orchestra pit at a table but we have had tickets to the first ring outside the pit. The most memorable was the Steve Miller concert the night that Katrina passed Atlanta. Steve Miller even went out in the crowd and had a drink and some food from one of the tables. The song “Jungle Love” performed in a hurricane downpour had everybody on there feet. Mr. Miller said it was like a giant party and he loved it. Not one artist that I have seen was offended by the party atmosphere at Chastain and several commented how much they enjoyed the experience. The only disruptions I witness at each concert is people with lawn tickets sneaking into to expensive seats and the owners of those seats needing to get security to help remove the (usually drunk) freeloaders. Even if nobody is sitting there, that doesn’t make it up for grabs. If 70+ year old people have the money to go to a concert with their friends and aren’t driven away by the music, great for them. If you want a pure and uninterrupted musical experience then put some headphones on and plug in your MP3 player at home in a dark closet. If you want to get drunk and be wild go to a bar, you probably won’t remember it either way. If you want to go to a party and have fun, go to Chastain.

By Justin Norden

August 9, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Hey “G” in Marietta. When those 70 year old people are disruptive enough to make the artist stop the show and leave the stage, because they are talking so much they are not welcome. I should know because it’s happened to me before!!

By Lisa R.

August 9, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

For the last 13 years, my husband and I always look forward to going to Chastain. It is great to enjoy a concert outdoors. I’ve never been to a concert where mostly everyone is on their feet dancing (ie. Patti LaBelle, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gladys Knight, EWF & Chicago, New Edition…) As for the food, drink, and talkers - people just need to be courteous. Every show we’ve been to the crowds are GREAT!!!

By Rebecca

August 11, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone to half a dozen concerts at Chastain and have enjoyed every one. I’ve sat at a table up front, in the box seats, at a tables in the terrace section, and in seats towards the back. Not one time was I annoyed by other concert-goers. The noise level has never been an issue. I take my little tray table with my wine and cheese and sit back and enjoy the atmosphere for what it is. I know what to expect when we purchase the tickets and know that it is all part of the experience.

I will not usually go to concerts at Hifi Buys amphitheater anymore because the opposite is true. There is a tendancy for people to get drunk and roudy. It’s a gamble whether or not your visit will be ruined by one or a group of drunks who are trying to make a scene. Besides the fact that you have to spend a third of the concert standing in lines to pay a fortune for a drink.

In my opinion Chastain is, by far, the best summer concert venue in Atlanta.

By Vardaman

August 16, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Everybody knows the people at the tables are jackasses. Get a seat in one of the rows and enjoy the show. Any venue you go to will have people that are going to talk during the show. Tell them to shut the hell up and be done with it. Most of you people whine too damn much!