Dinner and a show doesn’t have to take place within the confines of a smoky nightclub or a stuffy theater. Some metro Atlantans opt to get their nourishment, both musical and edible, in an outdoor setting. We stepped outside, and here are three of our favorites.
Canoe
This enduring eatery, equal parts swank and laid-back Southern, offers a top-shelf backyard view. Customers, on a first-come-first-served basis, can choose to sit on the outdoor patio. It overlooks the river garden, a color-laden area with a walkway. Stroll the path, and you’ll find benches and tables along the way. It all backs up to the tree-lined banks of the Chattahoochee River. Canoe’s Song of the South local music concert series continues for the next seven Wednesday nights. The lineup primarily consists of fresh-faced up-and-comers, who are likely as hungry as the restaurant’s clientele. Singer-songwriter Micah Dalton (May 1), Lauren and Jason Morrow of the Whiskey Gentry (May 22), and the soulful Ben Deignan (June 5) are among the highlights. Fans of high-octane bluegrass have two chances to catch Seven Handle Circus. This six-piece band injects bits of punk and alt-rock into the proceedings, and it’s been known to share the stage with T-Pain and Yung Joc. Seven Handle Circus plays May 8 and returns June 12.
7-10 p.m. Wednesdays. Through June 12. Free. Canoe, 4199 Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 770-432-2663.
Kurt’s Bistro
The latest incarnation of Kurt Eisele’s family-owned restaurant exposes its customers to local music, and it’s using the patio to do that. It’s located on the side of the building and shaded by bundles of trees. Half of the patio is covered by a roof, and the other portion is out in the open. Tables in the latter area include umbrellas. Don’t worry about getting an eyeful of the parking lot. Those who congregate on the concrete patio score a view of the Bistro’s green space. The stage is built into the side of a hill and plays host to a mix of musical styles. The BorderCollies (April 26) put a contemporary spin on Celtic and folk tunes. Expect acoustic folk and rock interpretations on April 27 as LashBrooks, the husband-and-wife team of Troy and Rhonda Lashbrooks, trade in harmonious vocals. Mixed Genes sets up shop May 3 and 4. Will and Barbara Jenkins are true to their name, a play on the fact the acoustic duo melds folk and jazz-influenced vocals together with a rock- and blues-trained guitarist. Guests typically soak up the entertainment while simultaneously soaking up the patio’s drink specials, which include Krombacher beer and Redneck Martinis, a mix of Ivy Mountain whiskey and peach schnapps. Popular patio nibbles include the imported German pretzels, steamed mussels and the chilled seafood plate. The patio crowd is usually made up of libation lovers, such as couples and small groups. Co-owner Alexander Eisele suggests making reservations as patio seating is limited. Eisele says the music will continue in the late spring and summer, and urges potential visitors to check the restaurant’s website and Facebook page for updates.
6-9 p.m. April 26-27; May 3-4. Free. Kurt’s Bistro, 3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth. 770-623-4128.
Park Tavern
Although it’s not technically outdoors — the festivities take place underneath the venue’s air-conditioned tent — the all-summer-long Unplugged in the Park series plugs in for another installment. The choice view of the Midtown skyline is a definite draw, and after 10 previous years of discerning talent, this year’s roster doesn’t fail to impress. As the title suggests, most of the acts perform acoustic. The rootsy stumble and swagger of Blair Crimmins & the Hookers kicks things off on April 28. Other notables include Levi Lowrey (May 19), local hero Michelle Malone (July 7) and Mac Powell of Third Day (July 28). Collective Soul’s Ed Roland wraps it up on Sept. 8 with his other group, the Sweet Tea Project. If all that music makes you hungry, know that a sushi bar will materialize underneath the tent at each show.
7-11 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 8. No show Sept. 1. Free. Park Tavern, 500 10th St. N.E., Midtown. 404-249-0001.
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