The Auburn music scene is lacking.
The same bands come every fall and spring--Perpetual Groove, Boombox, Noise Org, etc.
Auburn students are frequently driving to Atlanta, Birmingham and recently Tuscaloosa to see their favorite bands.
The new Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and refurbished Georgia Theatre make Tuscaloosa and Athens, Ga., meccas for music.
The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is the largest outdoor theater in west Alabama. It was finished last spring, and since opening day The Avett Brothers, My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses have played shows there.
This fall, STS9, Widespread Panic, Alabama, Yonder Mountain String Band and Pretty Lights are set to play. The amphitheatre is an intimate venue that holds 7,470 people. It is ideal for students and is within walking distance from Tuscaloosa's historic downtown area.
The Georgia Theatre opened its season with Big Boi, RJD2, Bela Fleck, the Flecktones and more.
Artists like R.E.M., The B-52s and The Indigo Girls all emerged from Athens and played at the Georgia Theatre.
There are no exciting shows planned for Auburn this fall, and I am disappointed. The usual bands are scheduled, like JJ Grey & Mofro, Mama's Love and Moon Taxi.
I will probably attend these shows because it's my only option for decent music.
Skybar, Bourbon Street and Moe's Original Barbeque are not good enough venues for a show.
What makes a good venue? An outdoor amphitheater does. There is plenty of space, sunsets, vendors, seat and standing options and more.
My hope is that students read this article and raise awareness to Auburn University and the city of Auburn about considering adding an amphitheatre in our college town.
Auburn is a small town, but we are called "The Plains." I hope there will be acreage and funding for a new amphitheatre one day.
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