Center Stage Theatre

03/04/08

Intimate Midtown stage still has the sparkling sound system but doesn't attract the big talent.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
It's not as glorious as the Tabernacle or hip as Variety Playhouse, but this historical theater is where you would want to see your favorite band. The former Earthlink Live scores high on what matters: an incredible sound system and an intimate set-up, with the stage in close view of every seat. The nightclub-like lobby goes for ritziness Liberace-style and finishes with an easy-going atmosphere. Just follow the gilded mirrors and chandeliers to a row of cozy nooks with tables and cushy chairs.

The Music
During its early years, the club witnessed Santana, B.B. King, Duran Duran and Crosby, Stills and Nash. And after the venue reopened it regularly attracted top talent unmindful of genre--Etta James, the Donnas, Psychedelic Furs, Fatboy Slim and Little Feat. Now the club's sparsely scheduled performers seem to lean towards jam, international and nostalgia acts.

08/28/06

A cozy atmosphere for new residents of the Atlanta area

by robijackson at Citysearch

I really enjoyed Earthlink/Centerstage/ The Loft on both occasions. I recently had moved here and was looking to hear some soulful music in an unobtrusive and intimate setting. I went online and discovered the beautiful and talented Goapele would be performing at The Loft and was pressed to go. No long lines, you can actually find parking around the corner for $5, the drinks are served strong...which is always good. Good music...mature people...safe environment. I give it two thumbs up!

On the second visit, I went to see Raheem Devaughn. He took over 3 hours to come onstage, but I didn't get mad because I'd met some really interesting individuals in the audience and was talking my butt off. The vibe is real...something hard to find nowadays.

• Pros: Tickets are reasonably priced

11/26/05

Earthlink Live

by theyjacket at Citysearch

I agree with the other reviews that Earthlink is nice little intimate spot. I respectfully disagree on the sound though. Perhaps it was the particular band we saw perform, but the decibel rating had to be beyond what is required to avoid hearing damage. The sound system was good, but it didn't have to be THAT loud to enjoy the act. Also, even though this is an auditorium, it's really nothing more than a concrete box with theater seating, so the acoustics aren't really that good. To Earthlink Live's credit they do sell ear plugs in the lobby at cost - but all that really does is muffle the artist you paid good money to hear. I would say Earthlink Live is a good spot, but only if you're sure you're not going to get your eardrums blown out.

• Pros: Seating, Reasonable Price
• Cons: Sound too loud, Variety of acts

10/07/02

So cool you may forget the show

by buzzdavis at Citysearch

Back when it was Center Stage, I enjoyed the intimate setting for live music. Returned recently to great surprise to the funky loungy bar area. My friends and I wanted to hang out on the couches more than we wanted to see the show. Which brings me to my main complaint - very few good acts (or at least ones I'd recognize) are booked here. Is it too small?

• Pros: intimate

05/14/02

Atlanta's best venue

by FlorrieBurch_Citysearch at Citysearch

There's not a bad seat in the house at Earthlink Live. It's the perfect place to see a show--the sound is fairly good, and you never have to worry about your view being blocked. The seating is stadium-style, but since the venue is small, even the nosebleeds afford great views of the stage. Saw Air here last year and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to.