Why Fayetteville Rules: George’s Majestic Lounge
Over the last 5 years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the Fayetteville music scene. We lost a couple of our favorite venues when Chester’s and JR’s Lightbulb Club shut down / stopped doing live music. The Green Door also closed recently, as did the Dart Room (now the new Gypsy )
Despite all that change, one local venue has remained constantly dedicated to live music in Fayetteville: George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson Street.
We did a poll about six months ago and George’s was the unquestioned favorite venue in Fayetteville among Flyer readers. An informal poll of musicians will get similar results, as most appreciate the top-quality sound equipment and the live room that always sounds great, both inside and on the patio.
Whether you like blues, country, jam-bands, indie-rock, jazz or R&B, George’s accommodates everyone, with an always eclectic mix of local, regional, and national acts.
It’s been at it’s current location for over 80 years, and has been having regular live music since the 70’s, and the dedication to live music at George’s Majestic Lounge is a huge reason why Fayetteville Rules.
Brian Crowne, current owner of the historic venue was kind enough to answer some questions about Fayetteville’s oldest live music venue. And he wants to know who you’d like to see at George’s this spring / summer.
Fayetteville Flyer: How long has George’s been in it’s current location on Dickson Street?
Brian Crowne: Since 1927… please see this link for a little more history…
FF: And how long has there been live music?
BC: It’s had music very steady since the early 70’s…I’ve been told it had one off concerts and functions as far back as the late 30’s.
FF: You’ve played in a lot of bands around town before you bought George’s, and I know you’ve been a part of and seen a lot of shows there. What are some of the biggest shows at George’s you can remember?
BC: Yes, I’ve been fortunate to perform with a load of great musicians since first playing George’s in 1989…damn…I’m old at 42. You ask a tough question about some of the biggest shows…there are shows that were big to me and shows that would be bigger to others. A few that come to mind are…Leftover Salmon at George’s four and half years ago as it was our first large national act after purchasing and retooling the venue. Robert Cray, Derrik Trucks, Tower of Power, every show that the late Martin Fiero played sax on, Steve Kimock, Big Smith and recently we’re very proud to have played host to Conner Oberst, Jenny Lewis, Gavin DeGraw, Dr. Dog, Mix Master Mike and more. We’re very blessed to have incredible national aritsts as well as what I feel are locally based artist as good as they get playing our little neighborhood concert venue.
FF: Biggest doesn’t always mean the best. What are some of the best shows you’ve had?
BC: A three piece band called Grease Factor featuring Jeff Sipe on drums was jaw dropping to all 25 people that attended. A show within a show would be the drummer that played with Junior Brown…an old dude with only a snare drum that said more with that drum than almost any drummer I’ve ever seen. A true artist. Tower of Power is the best horn band on the planet. The night we had them you could have rolled in the Stones with the Foo Fighters and it wouldn’t have been any better to me….damn they’re incredible players.
FF: What are some shows coming up that we shouldn’t miss?
BC: Depends on what you are into man…here’s a list of some killer stuff coming over the next three months…Drowning Pool, Rehab, New Years Eve at the club with Ben Del Shreve and friends, North Mississippi Allstars, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Mix Master Mike, Yonder Mountain String Band, Jason Boland, Ryan Montbleu, Citizen Cope, JJ Grey & Mofro (one of my personal favorites), Jack Ingram, G Love & Special Sauce, Eli Young and more.
FF: How do you perceive the live music scene in Fayetteville?
BC: I feel it is as diverse and full of talent as any scene in the country. People say New York, Nashville, LA and Austin..I say Fayetteville Arkansas. The other places only have more artist none better. The scene like any has it’s ups and downs as far as commercial viability and real music fans find this tough to swallow sometimes. It hurts our feelings when the art form that we love isnt’ loved as much sometimes by others. I think it’s on an upswing right now.
FF: A lot of venues have come and gone on Dickson St. since George’s first opened. Why do you think George’s has stood the test of time?
BC: It has only had four owners in it’s 81 year history. I think that says that the folks that owned it truly love it and Fayetteville. Smart money might say change with the trends, but I love that George’s has been George’s for so long. I’ve always preached slow and steady and we should be able to keep the doors open. So far so good. We’re not always going to be the most prosperous, but we’ll keep the bills paid.
FF: What have you been listening to lately?
BC: Silence is great sometimes…ha ha. My soul as a sax player is in old R & B, but lately if it’s not XM I channel surf a lot from Country radio because I love the stories to listening to a lot of the artists that perform at George’s. It’s cool because they all give us free music!!
FF: Any big plans in the works?
BC: I wish I had something big to announce, but I just want to weather the harsh economic reality we’re all facing. Thank god for democracy as 2009 might be better. I am working on some killer stuff for George’s and The AMP for next year. I want to continue to recognize the diversity of our musical fan base in NWA and try to give them what they want. I’ve been good at realizing I don’t know what’s cool all the time. I need good folks like you to let me know who to look at bringing to Fayetteville from time to time. What would you like to see?
Thanks Brian. So, Flyer readers – this is a great opportunity to tell Brian who you’d like to see at George’s and/or the AMP.
So let’s hear it. Who would you like to see? And what are some of the best shows you’ve seen at George’s Majestic Lounge?
Comments
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By ts on December 1st, 2008
Out of all the venues I have ever played at or been to, George’s is BY FAR the best. Seriously, nobody gets treated better. Rather your an artist or a person at the bar.
By Total Bastard on December 1st, 2008
George’s rules, but not like it used to IMO.
I recently visited and was disappointed to see that the authentic beer garden had been replaced by just another patio.
I blame that Dave dude and all his douchey bars.
By Sardon on December 1st, 2008
George’s is great. Bringing David Lindley was wonderful. I’m excited about Mofro and JJ Grey. JJ is a great storyteller and frontman, and the band gets a groove and stays in it. The lyrics are sometimes socially and environmentally conscious, and sometime just dirt poor cracker southern fun, singing about Southern food, for example in Ho Cakes. JJ might tell you a story about some dumbass crackheads trying to rob a bank. If you don’t know them, listen on their web site (http://www.mofro.net/home.shtml). Whoo Woo. Friday, Feb. 20 with Galactic.
Speaking of Galactic, I’d love to see more New Orleans bands, especially The Radiators. Any band that plays Jazz Fess, but please, please get the Rads. Brian, If you need help with contacting The Radiators, shout out here and I’ll call you with contact info. They stay busy. Check their schedule here: http://www.theradiators.org/index3.php
By JTrain on December 1st, 2008
Agreed. George’s rules it!!!
By Lankford on December 1st, 2008
I honestly haven’t spent much time at George’s, but my few experiences over the years have been really good. My best memory there was also one that Brian mentioned. The drummer for Junior Brown…man, that guy blew me away. I was not expecting that at all. After the show, we ate some Jimmy Johns with him and the bass player. Never got their names, but they were really friendly.
By George on December 1st, 2008
George does rule and thank you all for noticing. Oh wait…George’s. George’s what?
Rrrriiight. I’ve seen a ton of shows there over the years. Unexpectedly my favorite turned out to be Michael Franti & Spearhead last year. The venue must have had something to do with it b/c when they played the Dickson St Music Fest this year it was not nearly as good. Plus I always seem to run into some people I actually want to see.
By Goatse's pet gerbil on December 1st, 2008
Jason Webley, Jason Webley, Jason Webley, Jason Webley.
uhh, yea. I think he’d put on one hell of a show at Georges.
George’s, you make my teeth sweat..
By Ronnie on December 2nd, 2008
I still miss Jr’s Lightbulb Club and watching Hunkr Down play there. BTW where is Hunkr Down these days? Are they going to play anywhere local soon?
By Unkle Sherman on May 8th, 2009
In the late 50’s Georges had delivery service.
We were under age and would order beer from Georges,
Have it delivered, put the money in an envlope with a tip for the
delivery guy included, write a note on the envlope,like,Here’s the money,
had to step out for a minute. Thanks and please leave the order on the porch.
seemed to work every time.
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