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omething about the way the
sound bounces around its dim
walls and then out through the
door into the courtyard gives the
Caledonia Lounge an advantage over larger
clubs. For a place that only holds about 200
people, anyone who has been there on a
packed night can tell you that it feels and
sounds like a lot more. On a sweaty Southern
summer night, the temperature can rise as
the band heats up and people start moving.
A band on the small stage can look the audi
ence in the eyes and create an intimate per
formance without sacrificing sound for stage-
presence. The dark corners and angles of the
space make it a great backdrop for metal, hard
rock, hip-hop and shoegaze type bands.
The building itself used to house the 40
Watt. Twice. It also held a screen printing
shop and a space called the 11:11 Koffee Klub.
The Caledonia is almost hidden behind the 40
duties with The Arcs and Cinemechanica.
Yamashita has considered the guys in
Cinemechanica "an integral part of the club"
since they have continuously played the
Lounge since their debut in town.
As for day two, local living legend David
Barbe will perform on Saturday. "He was such
a huge help when we were first opening up
and has been a steady player here over the
years," explains Yamashita. Joining his alt-
rock-meets-songwriteris soul will be'the hit-
and-run rock and roll show Hayride.
Probably the biggest draw of the weekend
is a band that hasn't been heard from in quite
a bit. You've probably seen an old poster at
the Lounge with the band's name on it, the
one behind the bar that says "They Tried..."
Well, The Tom Collins is getting the band
back together for the celebration. Yes, it's that
The Tom Collins. A mix of classic rock, noodly
guitar solos and catchy tunes, The Tom Collins
Watt and Agora, making the venue a stumbled-
upon treasure for people seeking something
different than your usual pop and rock fare.
Even the entrance through those iron gates
gives the Caledonia a sense of mystery.
It's rare to see a venue last 10 years in
Athens, but the Caledonia Lounge hasn't
just lasted—it has thrived. Buoyed by qual
ity bands, loyal fans, memorable staff and a
little bit of luck, the Caledonia has proved to
be more than a hole-in-the-wall venue. It's a
buried treasure. Just one glance around proves
that this place isn't like any other in Athens.
1 ne Caledonia has had a massive variety of
acts come through that back entrance, from
local bands wishing to rock with their fans
to up-and-coming touring talent. Part of the
appeal is the sheer volume, but owner Kaya
Yamashita suspects that the beer garden is
also a large part of the draw.
There's nothing quite like sitting around
with friends listening to some music. So, in
honor of the Caledonia Lounge's 10th, anni
versary, they've rounded up friends and family
that have played the venue in the last decade.
Each act has a special connection to the
venue and its employees. Spanning two nights
this week, the bands seem to represent differ
ent points in time of the life of the Lounge.
Taking the stage on Friday are The Arcs,
a mash-up of departed bands Ceiling Fan and
The Possibilities, both of which were Caledonia
favorites. The psychedelic punk band Vincas,
which includes former Caledonia employee
Chris McNeal, will be sharing celebratory
has been sorely missed by the Caledonia faith
ful. Yamashita has been bugging them for a
while to get back into the action and play,
especially for this occasion.
"They played opening night and I thought
it would only be fitting that they reunite and
play 10 years later," says Yamashita. "Lucky
for me, their various touring schedules allowed
for this to happen. Those guys are like my
brothers."
Since opening in 1999, the Caledonia
Lounge has undergone numerous changes,
especially recently. In July, the PA system
got a major overhaul. A new deck and stage
were built as well. As for future plans for the
Caledonia, fans are just going to have to wait
and see what the next decade holds.
"Who even knows?" Yamashita says.
"Athens has changed so much from when we
first opened, I can't even imagine how things
will be 10 years from now."
If you're looking for some post-summer
action, this is your chance. Time to blow up
the Dalloons and blow out the speakers, kids.
Jordan Stepp
( ^
WHAT: Caledonia 10-Year Anniversary
WHERE: Caledonia lounge
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 21 & Saturday, Aug. 22
HOW MUCH: Friday: $6 (21+), $7 (18+)
Saturday: $7 (21+), $9 (18+)
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AUGUST 19,2009 • FLAGP0LE.COM 19