Wow, ok-so I think it happened? I never thought it would happen, but I have a new favorite live music venue in Georgia.
This is a big deal, since my instant connection, love and appreciation for The Dixie Tavern in Marietta, Georgia  has made it my personal favorite live music venue in Georgia (and at least half the U.S if not more) for the past 20 years. Dixie has had the best sound man I’ve ever seen, heard or witnessed. One of the ABSOLUTE best cover bands I’ve ever heard-Hypnotic (they’re no longer together, unfortunately-but their leader has his own band now The Paul Hand Band, who will be at Sidelines Kennesaw soon!!!), one of the best owners in night club history, home venue to Dirty South TV ‘s The Electric Lunch Hour AND The Zac Brown Band!
But, somehow this place called The Velvet Elvis in Milton, Georgia grabbed my attention in every way, and tugged at my heart.
Doorman: Best to ever do it. Personable, professional, very good at his job and an old school hunk that the ladies love!
Bartenders: The best-period. Period. Hard working, NEVER without a warm southern smile and very good at what they do. And they HUSTLE and make sure everyone gets their attention and their attention to detail.
The food: Oh my GOODNESS! Not enough time to even touch this right now, but my GOODNESS!
The Owner: Half Rock God, half nightclub owner. And it works-he’s awesome.
The crowd: The best and most beautiful I’ve seen in a decade.
The Live Music: What I witnessed last night puts them on par or above anywhere else in Georgia. It started with Rocco Gorelik who blew the crowd away, and then finished the night off with Barry Richman with the City Limits Band who completely blew the roof off of the place.
Best building: Kind of/yes. That whole patio is part of the room via garage type doors is just “right,” is the best way to describe it. Musically-there’s no bad seat in the place.
Best stage: No, it’s a little small but they definitely did what they could in that space.
Best Sound: No, (Smith’s Olde Bar-in Atlanta-upstairs) but it was damn good.
Best ambiance/comfort: Yes.
Best Bartenders and wait staff and their support team: A RESOUNDING Yes.
Best Venue Owner: A very close photo-finish second to Anthony Chio from The Dixie Tavern.
On the way home, did I feel like I experienced live music as good as it could get: No, but a close third to the former Nick’s Place and Darwin’s in Marietta, Georgia. What could improve it? A couple sub woofers and a couple more tops (All Electrovoice would be even better) with a slightly larger stage. The volume could be lower with much more, and more accurate sound. Is that nit-picking from an audiophile-Yes. The sound was awesome as it was, and the sound man-Dakota was very good at his job.
If you mix all of this together, does it work: Another RESOUNDING Yes. So, for the time being, I have a new favorite live music venue in Georgia. But, there’s rumors of three other live music venues tweaking their rooms and staff to take the crown.
Special Note: As of yet, I have not experienced a show at MadLife Stage & Studios. From what I hear, they are the new standard in live music venues in Georgia. Hopefully we’ll see soon.

Live Music Venues: Holla at your boy!