Music Venues and Festivals in Rome, Georgia
Points of interest, music festivals, and venues in northwest Georgia
There must be "something in the water" in Rome's northwest Georgia rivers. Music — whether it is bluegrass, blues, symphonic music, choral music, rock, or opera — is truly a major part of this city's DNA. The Rome Symphony Orchestra is the oldest symphony in the South, having been founded in 1921. Some of the world’s greatest opera singers have been educated at Rome’s two senior colleges, Berry College and Shorter University. Tenor Michael Hendrick, soprano Indra Thomas, soprano Theresa Hamm Smith, and soprano Cecily Nall have performed in the world’s operatic centers, and perhaps one of the most renowned opera singers of today, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, was trained at Shorter University.
Each year, the Armuchee Bluegrass Festival attracts picking fans from all over to its tree-lined venue. Downtown Rome features venues that showcase rock and roll, blues, country, Americana, and more. PRCA Rodeo bullfighter Kevin J. Ellis states, "If you love music, Rome, Georgia's the place to do it!"
Below, use the itinerary to find must-see music venues, festivals, and more points of interest, and listen to music by local artists in the "Our Rome Picks" playlist.
The Fine Arts Department at Berry College presents a roster of concerts that are a music lover’s delight. From solo instrumentalists and vocalists, chamber groups, choral groups, wind ensembles, and jazz ensembles, the students, faculty, and guest artists at Berry College produce world-class events. Campus venues include the historical Ford Auditorium and the Georgian Berry Chapel.
Led by Maestro Sam Baltzer, this community orchestra serves as a hub for talented musicians throughout the northwest Georgia region. RSO concerts feature classics, outdoor concerts, and their very popular holiday concerts. The orchestra makes its musical home at the beautiful Rome City Auditorium, a venue within walking distance of many of downtown Rome’s excellent eateries.
Shorter University's Brooks Chapel is the home to its on-campus musical events, and audiences can thrill to choral music, solo recitals, and the hall’s splendid organ. Talented students, faculty, and guest artists regularly offer excellent musical events to the delight of a loyal and enthusiastic audience.
1. Dark Side of the Moon/Moon Roof
These two venues are affiliated with Rome’s Harvest Moon Café. Moon Roof, specializing in acoustic acts, sits in an open balcony overlooking historic Rome and features its own separate bar. Dark Side of the Moon regularly features bluegrass and cool jazz.
The Historic DeSoto Theatre, home of Rome Little Theatre, was the first theater in the Southeast to display sound, or “talkie,” movies. This small proscenium-style venue hosts a number of musical concerts throughout the year.
Owners John and Charlie Schroeder may very well be the godfathers of live music in Rome, Georgia. John has a reputation for nurturing regional and local talent, and the famed Deli Courtyard has been host to some of the most cutting-edge artists on the circuit. From experimental rock to poetry readings, the pizza and music of Schroeder’s New Deli make it a prime Rome destination.
1. Armuchee Bluegrass Festival
This venerable festival is the real deal, with live bluegrass music onstage and in numerous jams throughout the site. Meeting in late May, camping on the grounds is available, and the arena is situated just north of Rome in Armuchee, Georgia.
Each October, the Ridge Ferry Park stage at the Chiaha Harvest Fair is programmed with a long slate of artists from northwest Georgia.
Held in September at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, Rome River Jam features a variety of country music stars. Past performers have included Cole Swindell, Tracy Lawrence, and Blackberry Smoke, among many others.
