Tag Archive for: smiths olde bar

“CTHULHU: THE MUSICAL” IS COMING TO ATLANTA IN JULY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/24

Smith’s Olde Bar on July 9th

Tickets here.

After sold-out performances all over the west coast, Puppeteers for Fears, Oregon’s only dedicated puppet musical horror troupe, will bring its original show, Cthulhu: the Musical!, to Atlanta for a performance July 9 at Smith’s Olde Bar as part of the company’s 2024 summer tour.

Far from the lo-fi puppet show stereotype, the production features a full cast of five actors with elaborate custom-made puppets, a full-rock band, and projected multimedia backgrounds for an immersive and engaging theatrical experience.

The play is adapted from the 1929 short story, The Call of Cthulhu,” by horror icon, H.P. Lovecraft, and tells the story of his most famous creation: Cthulhu, a giant, malevolent, octopus-faced elder god who hibernates beneath the ocean, communicating to humans through their dreams, slowly driving them mad. Though Lovecraft is not as much of a household name as writers like Stephen King or Edgar Allen Poe, he is widely considered to be the creator of the genre of gothic horror, and the creatures and themes he created are highly influential on modern literature of all genres. The story PFF chose to adapt is dark, disturbing, and totally unfit for musical comedy—all qualities that make it a perfect fit for their irreverent style. 

“We are always looking to turn classic themes on their head instead of rehashing tired storylines,” says PFF Artistic Director Josh Gross. “So when thinking about what our next piece might be, I sometimes add the words, ‘the musical,’ to different phrases in conversation to see how people react, if it has that magic combination of familiar hook, and new twist. When I said, ‘Cthulhu: the Musical,’ for the first time, a bunch of heads immediately turned in my direction, and strangers started asking where they could see it. So I knew we had to do that as a show, even though the challenge of turning something so dark into musical comedy was pretty daunting. It was definitely worth it though. There was a lot of comedy to be found and this show is so much fun to perform.” 

Cthulhu: the Musical! will be directed by Katy Curtis, and with a script and original songs from playwright Josh Gross.  Performances will feature live puppetry, a full rock band, and multimedia backgrounds courtesy of visual artist and Production Designer, Aubry Hollingshead. It stars Hunter Prutch, Alyssa Marie Mathews, Alex Giorgi, Owen Webb, and Forest Gilpin. 

THIS WEEK AT SMITH’S OLDE BAR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/19/22

Week of 1/27-2/2

Calendar view: https://www.freshtix.com/organizations/smiths-olde-bar

Weekly Events: https://www.sobatl.com/weekly-events

Wednesday, January 29 – Atlanta Room – SOBATL Presents King Falcon with support from Jesse Own Astin and Handcrafted

Genre: Alt-Rock / Indie / Punk-Rock

Coming straight out of Queens with a captivating mix of modern rock and a hint of vintage guitar, NYC based outfit King Falcon has released their eagerly-awaited self-titled debut album. Showcasing an exhilarating blend of indie-rock adventurousness and Classic Rock swagger, King Falcon’s exceptional songwriting recalls artists like Black Keys, Jack White, Cage the Elephant, The Strokes, Royal Blood, and The Killers.

Jesse Owen Astin [JOA] is a recording artist / producer from Atlanta, GA. Over a span of ten years JOA has released several full-length albums, three EPs, and a handful of singles as JOA, Like Clockwork, and with his Alt-Rock band World Is Watching. He currently works alongside world-renowned vocal coach Jan Smith as co-producer, engineer & songwriter at Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, GA.

Formed in 2001 by brothers Jesse and Jordan Hensley, Handcrafted has always been a bit of a family affair. With thrashing guitars and an old school punk rock formula, Handcrafted quickly made a name for themselves as one of the only punk rock bands in South Atlanta, GA. After the tragic and untimely death of Jordan in 2005, the band was forced into nearly a 15 year hiatus. In 2020, Handcrafted was reborn, with new members and a brand new sound. Jesse recruited new lead guitarist Greyson Hensley (who is actually Jordan’s son). Expect plenty of new music and even some old releases soon! Most importantly, live shows!

Doors: 7pm / $12 adv / $15 day of show

Friday, January 31 – Atlanta Room – Casual Americans ft. Pasadena with special guest Laura Jauch

Genre: Americana / Country

Formed in Athens, Georgia Casual Americans is a collection of guys who have played music professionally for well over a decade. The band represents the kind of indie rock indebted to the ’90s and ’00s with an updated feel that they wished they heard more of today. Casual Americans started releasing singles in October 2021 and released their first full-length album on March 22, 2024, propelled by the single “Cowards.” This 10-song self-titled record was recorded and produced by Justin Reynolds, mixed by Darrell Thorp (Beck, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Paul McCartney), and mastered by David Ives (Foo Fighters, Kacey Musgraves, Mac DeMarco).

Pasadena is an Americana Country band that expertly blends clever, heartfelt lyrics with irresistibly catchy melodies. Their music pays homage to the rich traditions of American rock and seamlessly incorporates the storytelling prowess of classic country. With a captivating live presence, Pasadena has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as Jason Isbell, Joshua Ray Walker, and Grady Spencer & The Work, solidifying their position among the finest in the genre.

Doors: 7pm / $12 adv / $15 day of show

Friday, January 31 – Music Room – SOBATL Presents Quaint with Neat Friends: Malibu Cowboys and Common Noble

Genre: Alt-rock

QUAINT is the music project of Zach Ramirez, a musician based out of Canton, GA. During the initial lockdowns in 2020, Zach took his new found abundance of free time to write, record, and produce QUAINT’s first EP “Songs About Stuff and Things.” QUAINT takes on a plethora of musical styles and sounds, from surf-rock guitar tones to 80s inspired drum machines! Some QUAINT music for QUAINT people.

Malibu Cowboys is an Atlanta pop-rock band with infectious melodies and high-energy performances. Rooted in authenticity, their music is a reflection of sincerity and a connection with their audience. Ultimately, The Malibu Cowboys incorporates the audience and understands the importance of creating a shared experience, making concertgoers feel like active participants rather than passive observers. This interactive approach contributes to the overall enjoyment of the performance and builds a lasting connection between the band and its fans.

Common Noble is an alternative rock n roll band based in Nashville, TN made up of three brothers. Guitarist+vocalist Ben Roberts, guitarist+vocalist Aaron Roberts and drummer David Roberts have played music together in different capacities since childhood. Their passion and desire for life flows loudly and impactfully through their music. Common Noble has a unique rootsy-anthemic-rock sound with an electric personality.  Their nostalgic lyrics blended with wild guitars and huge drums ultimately hone distinct elements of surprise and familiarity all at the same time.

Doors: 7pm / $15 adv / $20 day of show

Friday, January 31 – Music Room – Late Night DJ Set

Genre: EDM / House 

Doors: 11:30pm / Tickets $10 / Ages 21 and up

Saturday, February 1 – Atlanta Room – SOBATL Presents Airshow with support from Marsoupial

Genre: Jam Band / Psychedelic-Rock

Airshow is a high-flying, Nashville-based jam band featuring a unique contrast of familiar acoustic and mind-bending electric sounds that transports listeners from a campfire picking-party to the outer reaches of the multiverse. Formed by longtime friends Cody Chelius (Mandolin / Vocals) and Steve Gallagher (Guitar / Vocals), the group’s lineup was completed with the addition of Bill Baker (Bass/ Vocals) and John Rodrigue (Drums/ Vocals) in 2016. While each member has different musical influences, it is their shared passion for exploring uncharted sonic territories that has propelled their ascension to the top of Nashville’s jamband scene – and they won’t be landing anytime soon.

Marsoupial is an Atlanta-based cover band that exclusively plays original music. Marsoupial’s improvisationally heavy live sets span from 60s rock to modern pop, leaving no genre or style off the table. Come groove, dance, and sing along with Atlanta’s new favorite swampy and psychedelic jam band – you never know where they’ll take you next!

Doors: 7pm / $15 adv / $18 day of show

Saturday, February 1 – Music Room – SOBATL Presents Emo Nation – A 2000s Pop-Punk Tribute

Genre: Pop Punk Tribute

EMO NATION IS BRINGING THE TOP BANGERS FROM THE 2000S POP PUNK ERA TO SMITH’S OLDE BAR! Emo Nation is a 2000’s Pop Punk Tribute is an Atlanta based 6 piece rock production bringing you the nostalgia of the early 2000s with the best scream along songs. The band has 2 female/2 male rotating vocalists that perform the top artists of that time (Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Simple Plan,  A Day To Remember, Hawthorne Heights, New Found Glory, Story of The Year, Blink 182, Sum 41, etc). Be prepared for a high energy performance, epic guitar solos, and heavy breakdowns that will make you want to throw yourself into a mosh pit.

Doors: 8pm / $15 adv / $20 day of show

Saturday, February 1 – Music Room – Late Night DJ Set

Genre: EDM / House

Doors: 11:30 / $10

Just Announced:

February 21 – [Early Show] The Goods with support from Ben Rollins 

March 1 – ZYX / The Maxines / Lost Mountain

March 7 – Madeleine Kelson 

March 14 – SOBATL Presents Frigga Five / Velvet Edge / Nocturne’s Kiss / Buckshot Mouthwash

March 16 – MOREDOPEMUSIC Presents Tiberius with Cast List and Pretty Colors 

March 25 – Bbygirl Entertainment Presents THA RAP GIRLS – Maya Ayam / ITGIRL / Jazzy Tha Rapper / PHATGIRL / DJ Mila Buc