Chastain Park attendance - any tips? (Atlanta, Cochran: work, school, entertainment)

[RainyRainyDay]

I've lived in metro Atlanta almost 6 years but don't get out of the 'burbs much. Now I have tickets to James Taylor at Chastain Park on Memorial Day and I've uh, never been to this venue. Any advice on where to park, how early to go, what to bring, etc?

[JPD]

Bring an umbrella. It ALWAYS rains.

You are allowed to bring in coolers full of whatever food and beverages you like for most shows. Check your ticket. If coolers are not allowed at the show, the ticket will say "NO COOLERS", or something to that effect.

I always park for free along the road. It's a five minute walk from the roadside parking to the venue entrance.

Expect the audience to converse loudly during the entire show. Unfortunately, Chastain is notorious for rude audiences.

[FunnyMomof2]

Chastain is a GREAT venue. I've attended 10 shows there over the years, and it has rained twice on me. I also have never experienced the "Rude Audiences" JPD mentions.

You will see everything from bottles of wine and fancy wine glasses to solo cups. We usually go to Whole Foods or Fresh Market and buy food to take and eat there. It can be kind of a hassle to lug it all in and set it up - so try to keep it simple. I definitely recommend a cooler on wheels. Some people also bring a tray (like what you would use for a tv dinner) and use that for serving/eating. Many people also bring candles and even flowers... yes- you will see it all!

I think Chastain is such a unique venue- I look forward to it every year.

Have a great time!

[JPD]

Originally Posted by FunnyMomof2

I also have never experienced the "Rude Audiences" JPD mentions.

I was in attendance when Neil Young had to stop in mid-song at Chastain because the audience was talking so loudly.

You can easily find other examples of rude audience behavior at Chastain with a simple google search.

Don't get me wrong, some of the best concerts I've ever seen were at Chastain. It IS a nice venue and if the audience has a little respect for the artist and their fellow audience members it makes for a great concert.

But when the audience starts yapping...well, you can read about numerous examples here:

http://www.accessatlanta.com/enterta...9_wabes_g.html

[George Chong]

I have attended shows at Chastain and you can also have Proof of the Pudding cater your event too. You just place your order and pick it up just outside the amphitheater.

Here is a link to Proof of the Pudding: Proof of the Pudding

Yes there is free parking available but the Galloway School has parking available for a fee too. The school is literally next door to the site.

Yes the audience does have a tendency to talk. Just bring out your inner librarian and tell them to hush!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Some audiences have gotten so bad that some artists refuse to play there- ever again.
Like Jimmy Buffett. Damn Parrotheads!

[jpowalowski]

I have been to many concerts at Chastain and I am going to James Taylor as well (yeah!). I love the place so much I don't go to concerts anywhere else! It must depend on the show because the audience has never kept me from not enjoying a concert before :-). The only thing that ever caused me to not enjoy a show was the rain. Hopefully we won't have that problem. See you there! You'll love it!

[JPD]

I can't really figure out what it is about that place that makes everyone talk through the shows.

At season ticket shows, a lot of the tables are bought by businesses as perks for their clients or employees...people who in many cases don't even really care about the artist, but just want a nice night out under the stars. Those folks are there to socialize and have dinner more than anything, so of course they're going to talk the whole time.

On the other hand, a band like Wilco or Neil Young plays there, and their show is not part of the season ticket series and there are no tables and no coolers allowed. Theoretically, at these types of shows the only people there are fans of the band, but somehow even they wind up yapping all night.

It's very bizarre. Maybe the design of the venue, coupled with the lower than average volume level of the music makes the talking more noticable than at other venues.

[RainyRainyDay]

Thanks everyone, very much, for all the info. I'm taking my 14 year-old to the concert as my husband will be out of town. She'll likely be so excited about the outing that it will mute any disappointment I feel over the audience talking. The diversity of opinions on that is interesting ... I guess I'll have to experience it for myself!

It seems unusual to bring food to an evening event like this, but I'm glad to be forewarned. The 14 year-old would be crushed if we were the only people in sight without a picnic. So I'll have to work on that.

[Buckhead_Broker]

I've been going to "Chastain" ever since they starting having concerts there. I've been to over 100 concerts there and worked security for probably 25. It's more of a cocktail party there now. I refuse to go. Park wherever you can, try Cochran Drive. Don't forget your candleabras!