Best Of Atlanta 2010 After Dark Large


After Dark

Thank gawd for gentrification. Without it, we'd be denied some of our guiltiest pleasures.

Have you noticed that Atlanta's newest nightlife district sits smack dab in the middle of Old Fourth Ward, one of the few remaining neighborhoods where you'll find scenesters mingling with soulsters - and where crack is still considered a designer drug? Fancy that.

Truth is, there's a revived exploration happening all throughout our late-night nooks and musical crannies. Take Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. Relegated to the sidelines by the industry, Big found a way to remind us that there's still something inherently cool about being an outcast. The same goes for Zoroaster, a band with the mettle to reshape this town's music scene.

It took an old-school karaoke party to bring life back to Pal's historic corner of Auburn Avenue. Meanwhile, throwback bands like Yacht Rock Revue and the Soulphonics and Ruby Velle have injected new blood into their epic redux.

From strip clubs to 7-inches, Atlanta's finding some inventive ways to reanimate the tried and true.

— Rodney Carmichael

Best Neighborhood Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Brick Store Pub

Runner-up: Flatiron Restaurant & Bar


520 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., 404-688-8864

Best Nightclub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
The Shelter

Runner-up: Gold Room


2416 Piedmont Road N.E., 404-693-9693, www.goldroomatl.com/

Best OTP Music Venue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Sweetwater Bar and Grill

Runner-up: Darwin's


1598 Roswell Road, Marietta, 770-578-6872

Best Outdoor Music Venue for Concerts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

Runner-up: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater


2200 Encore Parkway, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com/

Best Place to Hear Local Music BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Eddie's Attic

Runner-up: The Earl


488 Flat Shoals Avenue S.E., 404-522-3950, www.badearl.com/

Best Place to Hear Music For Free BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Park Tavern

Runner-up: Centennial Olympic Park


265 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, 404-223-4412, centennialpark.com/

Best Nightlife Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Graveyard Tavern

Runner-up: Opera


1150 Crescent Ave. N.E., 404-874-3006, www.operaatlanta.com

Best Place to Play Pool BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Twain's Brewpub & Billiards

Runner-up: The Independent


931 Monroe Drive N.E., 404-249-9869, www.theindependentatlanta.com/index.php

Best Rock Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
The Earl

Runner-up: Masquerade


695 North Ave. N.E., 404-577-8178, www.masq.com

Best Sex Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Trapeze

Runner-up: Flex Baths USA


76 Fourth St. N.W., 404-815-0456, www.flexbaths.com

Best Nightclub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
529 Bar

Runners-up:


Eddie's Attic


515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 404-377-4976, www.eddiesattic.com


AND


The Earl


488 Flat Shoals Ave., 404-522-3950, www.badearl.com

Best Sports Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
STATS Brewpub

Runner-up: Woofs


2425 Piedmont Road N.E., 404-869-9422, www.woofsatlanta.com/

Best Strip Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Clermont Lounge

Runner-up: Pink Pony


1837 Corporate Blvd. N.E., 404-634-6396, www.showbars.com

Best Stripper Other Than Blondie BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Blondie at Clermont Lounge

twitter.com/clermontblondie


Runner-up: Anthony at Swinging Richards


1400 Northside Drive N.W., 404-352-0532, www.swingingrichards.com/

Best Trivia Night BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Joe's On Juniper

Runner-up: Jack's Pizza & Wings


676 Highland Ave. N.E., 404-525-4444

Best Urban Music Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Apache XLR

Runner-up: Echelon 3000 Ultra Bistro


1179 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, 404-294-1820, www.echelon3000.com

Best Weekly Club Night BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
MJQ Concourse

Runner-up: VIA Wednesdays


262 Pharr Road N.E., 404-214-5404, www.viarestaurant.net

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Best Local Instrumentalist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Jim Ransone

Runner-up: Klimchak


www.myspace.com/klimchak

Best Local New Music Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
A Fight to the Death

www.afighttothedeath.com


Runner-up: Rua 6


www.rua6.net

Best Local Jazz Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Bonaventure Quartet

www.thebonaventurequartet.com


Runner-up: Bernadette Seacrest and Her Provocateurs


www.bernadetteseacrest.com

Best Local Record Label BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Double Phantom Records

www.doublephantom.com


Runner-up: Stickfigure Records


www.stickfigurerecordings.com

Best Local Mainstream Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Mastodon

www.mastodonrocks.com


Runner-up: Constellations


www.theconstellationsmusic.com

Best Arts Provocateur BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Big Boi

Best Local Mixtape BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Searching for Bobby Fischer by Stanza

www.djbooth.net


Runner-up: Breaking Bad by Mudfish


www.myspace.com/mudfish

Best Local New Music Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Mermaids

www.myspace.com/mermaidsatl


Runner-up: The Wheeler Boys


www.myspace.com/thewheelerboys

Best Local Overall Music Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Zoroaster

Best Local Overall Music Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Yacht Rock

yachtrock.com


Runner-up: Constellations


www.theconstellationsmusic.com

Best Local Promoter BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Cobra Corps

www.myspace.com/itz_cwill


Runner-up: Mon Cherie


www.myspace.com/rockabillylounge

Best Local R&B/Soul Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Janelle Monae

www.jmonae.com


Runner-up: Gritz & Jelly Butter


www.myspace.com/gritzandjellybutter

Best Local Rock Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Damage Report

www.myspace.com/damagereportatl


Runner-up: Jungol


www.jungol.net

Best Local Songwriter BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Sara Crawford

www.saracrawford.net


Runner-up: Levi Lowrey


www.levilowrey.com

Best Local Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Tree Sound Studios

Runner-up: Patchwerk Recording Studios


1094 Hemphill Ave., 404-874-9880, www.patchwerk.com

Best Local Vocalist BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Bernadette Seacrest

www.bernadetteseacrest.com


Runner-up: Sara Crawford


saracrawford.net

Best Lounge BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Halo Lounge

Runner-up: Aurum Lounge


915 Peachtree St. N.E., 404-815-9426, www.aurumlounge.com/

Best Local Mixtape BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Trunk Muzik
Seems like we've been heralding Gadsden, Ala., transplant Yelawolf as the next big thing since he was hood-high to a Chevy. With TRUNK MUZIK, the rest of the nation, and Interscope Records, finally took notice. 'Bout time. www.myspace.com/yelawolf

Best Local Mixtape BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Supernova: A prelude to a journey

Best Neighborhood Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Brick Store Pub

Runner-up: Flatiron Restaurant & Bar


520 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., 404-688-8864

Best Nightclub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
The Shelter

Runner-up: Gold Room


2416 Piedmont Road N.E., 404-693-9693, www.goldroomatl.com/

Best Sound Guy BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Jonathan Rhum
A good soundman is hard to find. So when Curt Wells, the Earl's in-house man behind the board since 2007, decided it was time to move on, he left a pretty big hole to fill. While no one was looking, former Earthshaking Music salesman JONATHAN RHUM stepped in and started running sound in one seamlessmore...
A good soundman is hard to find. So when Curt Wells, the Earl's in-house man behind the board since 2007, decided it was time to move on, he left a pretty big hole to fill. While no one was looking, former Earthshaking Music salesman JONATHAN RHUM stepped in and started running sound in one seamless motion. Like Wells before him, Rhum possesses a keen ear and a guitar-playing past that gives him an ability to work the club's sound system in inventive ways. With a down-to-earth disposition, Rhum rises above the stereotype of the grumpy sound guy. And in just a few months, he's already earned a sound reputation. 488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. less...

Best Local Albums BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
1140: The Overdose
The aptly titled 1140: THE OVERDOSE paired Atlanta's up-from-dirt MC Pill with mixtape royalty DJ Drama in a release that is the polar opposite of everything Atlanta rap has come to represent. We deem that a good thing. www.theeducatedvillains.com

Best OTP Music Venue BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Sweetwater Bar and Grill

Runner-up: Darwin's


1598 Roswell Road, Marietta, 770-578-6872

Best Outdoor Music Venue for Concerts BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

Runner-up: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater


2200 Encore Parkway, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com/

Best Place to Hear Local Music BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Eddie's Attic

Runner-up: The Earl


488 Flat Shoals Avenue S.E., 404-522-3950, www.badearl.com/

Best Place to Hear Music For Free BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Park Tavern

Runner-up: Centennial Olympic Park


265 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, 404-223-4412, centennialpark.com/

Best Nightlife Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Graveyard Tavern

Runner-up: Opera


1150 Crescent Ave. N.E., 404-874-3006, www.operaatlanta.com

Best Place to Play Pool BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Twain's Brewpub & Billiards

Runner-up: The Independent


931 Monroe Drive N.E., 404-249-9869, www.theindependentatlanta.com/index.php

Best Local Studio BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Living Room
THE LIVING ROOM sits in a 104-year-old house on the Westside, where owners/engineers Ed Rawls and Justin McNeight foster a relaxed vibe that's lost in most higher-end studios. There aren't a bunch of hanger-on types looking to party or distract artists from keeping their head in the recording process.more...
THE LIVING ROOM sits in a 104-year-old house on the Westside, where owners/engineers Ed Rawls and Justin McNeight foster a relaxed vibe that's lost in most higher-end studios. There aren't a bunch of hanger-on types looking to party or distract artists from keeping their head in the recording process. Instead, there's an arsenal of vintage gear, and the staff specializes in analog sound. Rawls and McNeight have also been playing in bands and running live sound at clubs around town since the '90s, and their experience shows. In the past year, they made Zoroaster sound heavier, the Black Lips dirtier, and Noot d' Noot even funkier. The track record speaks for itself. 889 Bowen St. 404-808-1781. &emdash;www.myspace.com/livingroomstudio. less...

Best Bar Food BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Noni's Bar & Deli
"Bar" comes before "deli" in the name of this brave little establishment, and for good reason. A charming Italian restaurant in the respectable hours, a boisterous beatnik headquarters when the lights dim, NONI'S BAR & DELI has administered new life to a storied street. After two years, its hipster hangoutmore...
"Bar" comes before "deli" in the name of this brave little establishment, and for good reason. A charming Italian restaurant in the respectable hours, a boisterous beatnik headquarters when the lights dim, NONI'S BAR & DELI has administered new life to a storied street. After two years, its hipster hangout status is no longer top secret. Without TVs or video games, it's sleek and sophisticated, all while keeping a Sicilian grandmother's touch. And the Saturday night dance parties have become the sweatiest and most talked about in the city. If only grandma's cookbook called for all those PBRs and shots of Jameson. 357 Edgewood Ave. 404-343-1808 www.nonisdeli.com. less...

Best Rock Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
The Earl

Runner-up: Masquerade


695 North Ave. N.E., 404-577-8178, www.masq.com

Best Sex Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Trapeze

Runner-up: Flex Baths USA


76 Fourth St. N.W., 404-815-0456, www.flexbaths.com

Best Nightclub BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
529 Bar

Runners-up:


Eddie's Attic


515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 404-377-4976, www.eddiesattic.com


AND


The Earl


488 Flat Shoals Ave., 404-522-3950, www.badearl.com

Best Local Song BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
'Fucked up in Public' (Young Antiques Music)
Atlanta's consummate power-pop songwriter Blake Rainey takes a drunken stroll through the bars of Little Five Points on the 7-inch "FUCKED UP IN PUBLIC" from the Young Antiques (Young Antiques Music). A rapid-fire jangle and searing lead follows our hero through his mini odyssey in this night in themore...
Atlanta's consummate power-pop songwriter Blake Rainey takes a drunken stroll through the bars of Little Five Points on the 7-inch "FUCKED UP IN PUBLIC" from the Young Antiques (Young Antiques Music). A rapid-fire jangle and searing lead follows our hero through his mini odyssey in this night in the life of a working man. www.myspace.com/youngantiquesrock less...

Best Sports Bar BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
STATS Brewpub

Runner-up: Woofs


2425 Piedmont Road N.E., 404-869-9422, www.woofsatlanta.com/

Best Strip Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Clermont Lounge

Runner-up: Pink Pony


1837 Corporate Blvd. N.E., 404-634-6396, www.showbars.com

Best Club/Party DJ BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Strokers Club

Best Strip Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Clermont Lounge
Besides being Atlanta's oldest strip club (and featuring some of Atlanta's oldest strippers), Clermont Lounge remains the freakiest trip in town. And on Saturday nights, the long-running DISCO FUNK WITH ROMEO COLOGNE serves up elixir for the soul. Something about James Brown and the J.B.'s chanting "Makemore...
Besides being Atlanta's oldest strip club (and featuring some of Atlanta's oldest strippers), Clermont Lounge remains the freakiest trip in town. And on Saturday nights, the long-running DISCO FUNK WITH ROMEO COLOGNE serves up elixir for the soul. Something about James Brown and the J.B.'s chanting "Make It Funky" while Blondie crushes empty PBR cans betwixt her boobs just makes you check your inhibitions at the dance floor. Perfect for date night. 789 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-874-4783. www.clermontlounge.net. less...

Best Stripper Other Than Blondie BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Blondie at Clermont Lounge

twitter.com/clermontblondie


Runner-up: Anthony at Swinging Richards


1400 Northside Drive N.W., 404-352-0532, www.swingingrichards.com/

Best Local R&B/Soul Act BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Soulphonics & Ruby Velle
Egomaniacal frontmen (and women) take note. Lest there be any doubt about magnanimity in the ranks of the classy and copious SOULPHONICS & RUBY VELLE, check out the name, where the backing band gets first billing. But that's far from the only reason we think they're the best. With a towering voice andmore...
Egomaniacal frontmen (and women) take note. Lest there be any doubt about magnanimity in the ranks of the classy and copious SOULPHONICS & RUBY VELLE, check out the name, where the backing band gets first billing. But that's far from the only reason we think they're the best. With a towering voice and steady spirit, the incandescent and impossibly young Ms. Velle is the seven-member group's onstage focal point. The grooving gem of a collective applies its members' exhaustive knowledge of the last few decades of soul to the construction of one funky, devastating sound attack. Simply, it'll make you wanna move. Soulphonics' Stax-indebted music is horn-heavy, grooving, family-friendly fare, but like all good rock and soul, there's a subtle measure of sex and sorrow afoot. www.myspace.com/soulphonics less...

Best Trivia Night BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Joe's On Juniper

Runner-up: Jack's Pizza & Wings


676 Highland Ave. N.E., 404-525-4444

Best Urban Music Club BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
Apache XLR

Runner-up: Echelon 3000 Ultra Bistro


1179 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, 404-294-1820, www.echelon3000.com

Best Weekly Club Night BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Readers Pick
MJQ Concourse

Runner-up: VIA Wednesdays


262 Pharr Road N.E., 404-214-5404, www.viarestaurant.net

Best New Punk Band BOA Award Winner

Year » 2010
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2010 » After Dark » Critics Pick
Ralph
RALPH's buzz-bomb guitars and screaming tornado-punk whir sound more like gems plucked from the grooves of a Killed by Death '80s punk compilation than anything recorded in recent years. The foursome of (barely) twentysomethings explodes with the kind of reeling spastic energy that couldn't be channeledmore...
RALPH's buzz-bomb guitars and screaming tornado-punk whir sound more like gems plucked from the grooves of a Killed by Death '80s punk compilation than anything recorded in recent years. The foursome of (barely) twentysomethings explodes with the kind of reeling spastic energy that couldn't be channeled into anything but punk rock. Of all the bands in Atlanta, Ralph keeps the lifeblood flowing through the post-Rob's House Records scene, and they do so without aping anyone's style. It's punk in its raw, Reagan-era form (Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, the Germs), meaning the band exists in a state of primordial three-chord bliss. The old-school punk ethos is all about capturing something special before it goes bust; the kids in Ralph are definitely reveling in that moment. www.myspace.com/imgonnaralph less...
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