Years ago, one of my best-ever first dates took me to Matilda’s outdoor music venue, a wonderful treasure right in our backyard. Open, yet intimate, wholesome, fun and relaxed, there’s really no place like Matilda’s. Part of the charm of Matilda’s under the pines and beneath the stars, is its simplicity. Come as you are and enjoy as you will, Matilda’s welcomes families with children, dates, neighbors and teens. Most bring picnic style dinners and beverages of choice and dance as they’re inclined.
Some 20 years ago in Oklahoma City, Mary Jane and Mark Potter were living their young married lives, working at The Prairie Lady, a small music hall with salvage and state of the art equipment, recording Ritchie Havens, Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Emmy Lou Harris and Michael Murphy.
But it was 18 years ago that Mark and Mary Jane were in town visiting her brothers, and between jobs, when they happened upon what would become Matilda’s. Land and buildings in the raw for lease right on Main Street in the heart of downtown Alpharetta.
Inspired by the bright colors and architecture of San Miguel de Allende, Mary Jane painted the interior of the front building in a vibrant folk art style. People took notice and the arts community was drawn to the space. By 2001 it was considered a Best of Atlanta Folk Art Gallery.
So Matilda’s was helping grow the local arts community, but in the back of Mary Jane’s mind, she wanted the music element integrated into the scene. She knew that music sounded wonderful out there, but wasn’t sure how to get an outdoor music venue up and running.
Meanwhile, Chuck Citaro and his Barn Rats were looking for somewhere to play and thus became Matilda’s outdoor music venue. Mark added a stage to the Hen House for the bands to play on, and the Hen House stage and green room remains a Matilda’s trademark today. Chuck and The Barn Rats bowed out before 2012, when the Alpharetta Visitors Bureau began sponsoring Matilda’s concerts.
The property has been sold to make way for high density homes, but the hope is that Matilda’s will land safely somewhere locally.
I attended a recent concert featuring the Jess Goggans Band and spoke with Cheryl Botts and her husband, Edward. They’ve lived in Alpharetta for 25 years and hope it can be saved to another location. Lonny and Suzanne McCann worry the community will be diminished if Matilda’s doesn’t find a new place. Thousands of signatures on petitions hope for a positive outcome.
As the band played a Jimi Hendrix cover of “Changes,” I couldn’t help but think that, “Yes, Matilda’s is going through some changes.” Here’s hoping it survives somewhere.
Information: www.matildasalpharetta.com
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