How Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse remains a music staple after 35 years

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From movie theater to concert venue

An old photo of the former movie theater that was reborn as Variety Playhouse is displayed in the manager’s office. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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In 2015, Steve Harris sold Variety Playhouse to Agon Entertainment, owner of the Georgia Theatre in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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A live sound and warm atmosphere

Variety Playhouse General Manager Brad Syna at his desk at the Little Five Points concert venue. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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Stage Manager Audrey Birnbaum sets up cables on stage before a Variety Playhouse show. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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Variety Playhouse Assistant General Manager Derek Southern, a 22-year staffer at the Little Five Points concert hall, works at his desk. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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André 3000 performed the first of his six “New Blue Sun” shows at Variety Playhouse in February 2024. (Courtesy of Tiffany Powell)

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