Star Bar sold to new owner Kahle Davis
On September 15, a new era begins, as Davis takes over the title as the fourth owner of Little Five Points’ most legendary music club
It has been well over 20 years since Marty Nolan and David Heaney opened the Star Community Bar in a defunct bank in Little Five Points on Moreland Avenue (five points - “Star” Bar, get it?), a venue that has survived the ’90s, the ’00s, and is now riding strong into its third decade. Yes, there have been good times and bad times, great shows where the building shook and the crowds could barely move, and empty nights when even the soundman wanted to go home. But through thick and thin, the Star Bar forged an identity and became one of Atlanta’s most popular and notorious nightspots.
On September 15, a new era begins, as local man about town Kahle Davis takes over the title as the fourth new owner of Little Five Points’ most legendary music club. Davis purchased the location from Hudmac, LLC members Jack and Stephen Hudnall, and Stephen Tally, who will continue to run the Tin Roof Cantina near Buckhead.
According to Davis, “We are not going to make a whole lot of changes right off the bat. I’ve been going to the Star Bar for a couple of decades now and I love the place like it is. We are keeping the staff, Bryan Malone will continue doing a great job booking the place and I’m going to continue booking the Red Light Café.” Current plans include keeping such storied events as Bubbapalooza, Hollyfest, Johnny Cash night, and other annual tribute/charity events on the books.
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Notorious for its, ummm, rather primal facilities, the Star Bar could use a few upgrades. “We might make a few cosmetic changes ...” Davis says. “Maybe put a little love into the ladies room, and we’ll give Bryan a bigger budget for more national acts on weekend nights.”
Davis, who has been involved in the Atlanta music scene for the last 25 years as a musician, booking agent, talent buyer, artist manager, music fan, and traveling sound engineer, has built up a great client list. With stints in places like the Red Light Café, Jake’s Roadhouse, and Smith’s Olde Bar on his resume, he has firsthand knowledge about what works in the Atlanta music scene. “I’m going to miss some of those out-of-town gigs. It’s been a pretty wild ride but I am about ready to come off the road. I’m ready to sleep in my own bed a little more. A lot more.”