Staff File Photo
Local band True Stereo takes the stage during a concert at JJ's Bohemia on M.L. King Boulevard. Owners of the venue look for great regional talent in many musical genres.What makesus special?The nightlife in Chattanooga has benefited from intense revitalization of the downtown waterfront, where many venues have sprouted up close enough together that it's usually possible to visit several on foot. Thanks to the three pedestrian-friendly bridges, revelers can safely seek out entertainment on both sides of the Tennessee River.
From dozens of karaoke venues and steamy nightclub jazz spots to underground indie and alt-rock clubs, there's seemingly a venue for every musical genre in the Scenic City.
Thanks to a thriving regional folk and bluegrass music scene, many clubs and theaters regularly host nationally renowned acoustic artists in those genres.
Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. - This is one of Chattanooga's main showcases for live music. Manager Mike Dougher pulls from local, regional and national talent pools to fill his calendar. Last year, the venue hosted a number of area up-and-comers such as Slim Pickin's and The Distribution, as well as nationally known artists like Sam Bush and The Infamous Stringdusters. Rhythm & Brews adjoins Big River Grille & Brewing Works.
Chattanooga Billiard Club, 725 1/2 Cherry St. - This is the downtown location of the CBC (the other is just off Shallowford Road off Interstate 75). With its numerous pool tables and dartboards in the billiards club above and an Avo Cigar Lounge below, the CBC offers a host of activities to complement its food and drink offerings. The club also hosts an occasional stand-up comedy routine. Because CBC is open until 3 a.m., it's often packed long after other clubs have shut down.
Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. - From David Grier and Norman Blake to The John Cowan Band and Michael Cleveland, this is the place to be for acoustic bluegrass, folk and singer/songwriter acts in Chattanooga. Despite being able to squeeze in just more than 175 people, a show at the part-time venue/part-time dance studio has the intimate feel of a house concert.
The Electric Cowboy, 5600 Brainerd Road #A4. - Whether you're eager for a ride on a mechanical bovine or just a few hours of shaking it on the dance floor to artists ranging from Alan Jackson to Flo Rida, there are few places as happening as the Electric Cowboy. In keeping with one of Chattanooga's most popular pastimes, the E.C. also has karaoke performances on the weekend, including a weekly contest Thursdays.
JJ's Bohemia, 231 M.L. King Blvd. - When regional bands first hit the Scenic City, their debut performance is often at this cozy casa. Bohemia owners John Shoemaker and Jeni Brown have established themselves as savvy bookers with an ear for great regional talent in genres ranging from alt-rock and indie to roots Americana and blues. In the last year, acts who have taken the stage at the recently refurbished venue include Monotonix, Joe Jack Talcum and Paleface. Just don't expect liquor; this place is suds-only.
Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Road - Chattanooga's only full-time comedy club hosts comedians in four-night (sometimes three-night) stretches. Fridays and Saturdays host two shows a night. Thursday and Sunday nights are single performances. Last year, the club went nonsmoking, so visitors can enjoy clean-air shows any time. Notable acts to appear on the Comedy Catch stage include Tim Wilson, Pauly Shore, Ron White and a number of finalists and winners of NBC's "Last Comic Standing."
Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St. - As the name implies, one of Chattanooga's newest food/music venues is on Market Street. The tavern is in the Miller Plaza complex, home of the Nightfall summer concert series and The Waterhouse Pavilion. The tavern usually offers a later performance (generally without a cover charge) by an artist in the vein of the Nightfall performer to stretch the Friday night fun out even longer. Monday nights are a chance for old-time musicians to hobnob at a weekly jam session, and returning jazz and bluegrass acts fill the weeknight show calendar.
Terminal Brewhouse, 6 E. 14th St. - This narrow, three-story brewery stands adjacent to the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and has quickly established itself as a hip up-and-comer at the leading edge of the recently reinvigorated Main Street neighborhood. Although the Brewhouse doesn't host live entertainment, it does offer six microbrew beers, pub-style food and a chic, modern atmosphere.
Hair of the Dog Pub, 334 Market St. - This relative newcomer to the Market Street entertainment strip is a narrow, two-story pub in the style of Merry Olde England. Whether it's beer-battered fish 'n' chips, Guinness chili or fried pickles, there are plenty of options on the menu to fuel up for a night on the town. A hand-operated dumbwaiter ferries pints and cans to a top floor packed with pool tables and dartboards.
Given Chattanooga's location within a two-hour drive of cities like Birmingham, Ala., Atlanta, Knoxville and Nashville, national touring artists often schedule stops at the city's larger concert venues: McKenzie Arena (Fourth and Mable streets), the historic Tivoli Theatre (709 Broad St.) and Memorial Auditorium (399 McCallie Ave.).