The Collegiate Hotel, located in downtown Auburn, is a luxury boutique hotel with Southern style. Since its establishment in 1940, the hotel has continued to add to its rich history through new additions and events.
Hotel owner Kim Wirth began live music events at the Bar at Wittel, the rooftop bar connected to the hotel, this past July to celebrate the six-year anniversary of the hotel.
The events cater to parents, families and students, which has captured the attention of locals throughout the area. Currently, each live music event is on every Thursday of the month.
“We decided to try live music on the rooftop during July, and it was such a big hit that we extended it into August when we started having more students come back. They really responded to that well, especially because we don’t charge cover, and it was so successful. We’re now through September, and I think we’re going to continue it through October,” Wirth said.
The owners are looking to continue to create an opportunity for small, local musicians to spread their music. Presently, they have not booked any musicians past Montgomery or Columbus and are mainly looking for artists 30 miles around Auburn.
Acoustic acts consisting of one to three people are what the owners are mainly looking to book. This is due to the rooftop’s size, as it is only able to fit around 50 people.
“There are a lot of artists in town and some are well established and then others are looking to get their name out. We thought it might be a nice way to get them some visibility but also give our guests a different experience on the rooftop,” Wirth said.
The Brokers Band, an Auburn/Opelika band, played on the rooftop bar on Thursday, Sept. 12. Bill Loosier, guitar player, John Gwin, harmonica player, and Seth Snider, lead singer, all went to Auburn University and met in the year 2000 during their KA pledgeship. They began a six-person band while attending the school but officially started The Brokers Band in 2014.
The band performs covers of all different genres and artists, catering to everyone they perform for.
“The great thing about The Collegiate is the crowd is always so diverse. The crowd is always a blend of, you know, ages, so college kids. We try to play stuff that they would like, but then you can always count on adults ages thirty-five to sixty-five. It’s always a fun time up there,” Loosier said.
Jack Schellhase, an employee at The Collegiate Hotel, has seen firsthand how the live music has changed the atmosphere of the Bar at Wittel.
“I think it brings in more of a crowd. It’s a lot more locals and students and not just guests. I think the live music is a great addition,” Schellhase said.
Due to the success of bringing in live music, The Collegiate Hotel will continue the events throughout the fall. On Nov. 10, the owners plan to turn the rooftop bar into a Christmas extravaganza, titling it “CoHoHo Christmas Pop-Up Bar.”
“We want everybody to come out on Thursdays and enjoy the music,” Wirth said.
The introduction of live performances has elevated the experience at The Collegiate Hotel, creating a completely new and entertaining environment for customers.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
