Atlanta jumps when the weather turns warm.
Concert-goers can enjoy music alfresco in almost every satellite town throughout the metro area and in venues large and small, from amphitheaters that hold 25,000 to back-yard spots just the right size for the neighborhood.
Many Atlantans have enjoyed that warm-weather rite under the stars at the 6,900-seat Chastain Park, where white tablecloths and candelabra add to the elegance.
But there are smaller, more down-home spots, where sneakers and jeans are welcome, ticket prices are lower and you’re more likely to see picnic baskets full of Kentucky Fried Chicken than crab cakes.
Matilda’s Under the Pines
Matilda’s Under the Pines in Alpharetta is just such a laid-back venue, where folks bring their own lawn chairs and coolers and friendly (leashed) dogs are welcomed as members of the audience.
“It’s a unique little setting,” said Mary Jane Potter, who six years ago began hosting music on the lawn behind her Alpharetta art gallery, Matilda’s Cottage. “My husband got the stage ready, we started from scratch and at the first concert, we had about six people show up.”
Now the Friday and Saturday night shows April through July bring in anywhere from 80 to 200 listeners and the July 4 show might have 400 packed into the yard. There's no shelter, so shows are at the mercy of the weather.
While her main gallery has moved to Roswell, Potter still hosts the shows behind her cottage, featuring well-known artists such as Mudcat and the Packway Handle Band, and home-grown outfits such as the Internationals. This weekend Big Daddy Love plays Friday and Heel Toe Express plays Saturday. Shows are 8-11 p.m.
Ticket prices at Matilda’s are $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for kids. Matilda's Cottage is at 377 South Main St. Information: 770-754-7831; www.galeriematilda.com/
Chukkar Farm Polo Club
Wind and rain don’t stop the tunes at the Chukkar Farm Polo Club near Alpharetta, where the music plays in the open air the first Saturday of every month under a 3,000-square-foot pavilion. Owner Jack Cashin kicks off each performance singing “Just a Gigolo” and then blues, jazz and singer-songwiters take over.
Perhaps 200-225 customers can fit under the covered area, but more come bringing blankets and picnic baskets to lounge on the lawn. The view from the pavilion takes in the performers, the grassy polo field behind them and then the foothills of the Appalachians beyond. This Saturday's sold-out concert features James Casto, Marc Alan Barnette and Kim Parent. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 general admission, $45 table for two.
"We're in our sixth year,” said Cashin. “A lot of people said we have a mini-Chastain.” The club is located at 1140 Liberty Grove Rd. Information: 678-665-0040, or 770-664-1533; www.chukkarfarmpoloclub.com/
Masquerade Music Park
Some of the biggest outdoor concerts in Atlanta take place at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, a 25,000-capacity shed south of downtown that will host Def Leppard and Kid Rock later this summer. Less well-known is the lawn facility at Midtown’s Masquerade, an open-air venue behind an old Excelsior factory that can hold 4,000 and presents alternative and underground music as well as mainstream acts. “We put on Dave Matthews in the early days, when he was selling T-shirts out of the trunk of his car,” said booking agent Greg Green.
Now the Masquerade Music Park is reserved for acts that have grown too big for the venue's three indoor halls, fancifully titled Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. About eight to 10 outdoor shows are produced each season, Green said. Pittsburgh-based rapper Wiz Khalifa, performing July 12, is the next show planned for the outdoor Park, said Green, but others will be added. No coolers or chairs are allowed, but folks can bring blankets. The Masquerade is at 695 North Ave. Ticket prices and information: 404-577-8178; www.masqueradeatlanta.com/
Marietta
The Square in Marietta is alive with the sound of music, with jazz outside dk Gallery on Fridays, bluegrass outside the Australian Bakery Cafe on Tuesdays and concerts in Glover Park on the last Friday of every month. Most of the music is free. Those attending shows in the park can bring blankets and lawn chairs and tables are available for rent. Yacht Rock plays at 8 p.m. on June 24. Glover Park is located at 50 Park Square. For information: 770-429-1115; www.historicdowntownmarietta.com/
Woodstock
The Park at City Center in Woodstock hosts concerts throughout the summer, including The River Wing and Rock Fest on Saturday, with bands paying tribute to Bon Jovi, Journey and the Eagles. The 14th annual summer concert series continues June 11 with the LoCash Cowboys and includes acts such as Wet Willie and The Return. Many events are free. The Park is located at 101 Arnold Mill Road. Information: 770-517-6788; www.WoodstockParksandRec.com.
Centennial Olympic Park
Downtown Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park is the scene of free lunch-time concerts every Tuesday and Thursday, from April through October, and free Wednesday evening concerts April through September. On Wednesday, Kermit Quinn and Jukebox perform 5:30-8 p.m.. The park is located at 285 International Blvd. Information: 404-223-4412; www.centennialpark.com/
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