Top Places in Augusta for Music Fans
Start exploring James Brown's hometown with these live music venues, music festivals, tours, and more.
Although best known as James Brown's town, a city of soul and epicenter for funk, the Augusta area's rich musical history and vibrant present were built on the sounds of country, rock, gospel, jazz, and, yes, soul. Be it the groundbreaking blues of Blind Willie McTell, the athletic arias of opera legend Jessye Norman, the new Nashville sound of Lady A, the award-winning jazz trombone of Wycliffe Gordon or the late, great keeper of the Godfather flame Sharon Jones, Augusta’s music and musicians have a long, strong history of producing music that influences artists around the world.
Begin exploring Augusta's rich music history and live music scene with this guide to must-see music venues, festivals, and more points of interest.
Where to enjoy live music in Augusta
Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruises
Solo artists and small ensembles entertain aboard the Petersburg boats on the Augusta Canal, the only intact industrial canal in use in the South. Performers have included folk/bluegrass group The Henrys, torch singer Gwen Hughes, and jazz saxophonist Fred Williams, among others.
Bars and clubs on Broad Street
The somewhat more modest equivalent of Austin's 6th Street and Beale Street in Memphis, Broad Street is Augusta music's home address. Highlights among the venues and watering holes include Joe's Underground, presenting bands, comedy, and hip hop, and poetry open mic; Metro, a coffee house, pub, and live music venue; and Stillwater Taproom, specializing in bluegrass, Americana, and the occasional country act.
Imperial Theatre
Opened in 1918, the historic Imperial Theatre has long been an anchor of culture and entertainment on Broad Street in downtown Augusta. With 853 seats, the Imperial presents concerts and Broadway shows.
James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium
Built in 1977, James Brown Arena was renamed in honor of the Godfather just before his death in 2006. It is part of the municipal Augusta Entertainment Complex, which also includes Bell Auditorium. Both venues host a variety of concerts and entertainment events.
Jessye Norman Amphitheatre
Jessye Norman, the lauded Grammy award-winning opera singer and recitalist, grew up in Augusta, where she would listen to Metropolitan Opera broadcasts on her radio as a young girl. In 1990, the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre was dedicated in her honor as part of the Augusta Riverwalk. The concert venue offers commanding views of the Savannah River and space for 1,800 music fans.
Soul Bar
Soul Bar offers an intimate space for live music and its famous DJ nights. The pool table in the back was once a favorite haunt for James Brown, the man who inspired this spectacular dive’s vibe.
Augusta Symphony
Bringing classical music to Augusta for more than 60 years, Augusta Symphony presents symphonic, Pops, and family concerts, reaching about 20,000 people each year. The Miller Theater is the home of all Symphony Series and Pops! performances.
Top music festivals in Augusta
Arts in the Heart of Augusta
The sprawling Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, held annually in September, programs multiple stages — including World, Jazz and Troubadour — with a focus on musical diversity and dozens of performers featured throughout the three-day weekend.
Garden City Jazz
Garden City Jazz works to connect, promote, and develop the jazz community. As part of its mission, the organization presents several programs throughout the year, including Candlelight Music Series held between May and August.
Points of interest for music fans in Augusta
Godfather of Soul Exhibition
"The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown" exhibition at the Augusta Museum of History tells the story of the acclaimed singer, songwriter, dancer, and bandleader through personal artifacts and rare memorabilia.
James Brown Family Historical Tour
The James Brown Family Historical Tour is a narrated bus tour that visits sites that are significant to the history of James Brown growing up and living in Augusta. Tours originate at the Augusta Museum of History and take place on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. Tickets are $45 and include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Reservations should be made in advance. For more information, visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.com.
James Brown Plaza
Just a couple of blocks away on Broad Street, between 8th Street and James Brown Boulevard (formerly 9th Street), a life-sized bronze statue of the music icon stands in James Brown Plaza. Brown dedicated the statue just a year before his death in 2006.
