Artistic expression reforms The Local
BY JOSH DZIK the echo
Issue date: 9/6/02 Section: Culture
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The Local Performance Hall, located in the former Jacob's Ladder building on Martin Luther King Boulevard, opened its doors Aug. 2.
The Local is a distinct venue that focuses on local artists, allowing them an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Open to those 18 and up, The Local owners stress that the space is a performance hall — not a bar. The Local features not only musicians but sculptors, painters and writers alike.
Currently, the venue features bands every Friday and Saturday night. The doors open at 9 p.m., and the bands start playing around 11 p.m.
Many of the renovations have been done by local artists themselves.
The stage has been slightly modified, tables and chairs have been added, and the walls have been repainted. The bar and bathrooms have been cleaned significantly and remodeled. Plans to renovate the deck are in the near future.
Bonnie Hedgcroff, owner of The Local, wants the venue to stand out from the previous "bars" before it, she said.
In doing so, the venue will not only serve both draft and bottled beers; it will serve refreshments such as tea, coffee, smoothies and light snacks.
Hedgcroff chose to focus on local artists because she feels they do not have many performance venues.
Alternate places around Chattanooga, such as Rhythm and Brews and the Bay often feature national or regional acts.
Although Hedgcroff plans to have regional bands play occasionally, she wants to support the bands in Chattanooga.
"That's what I like about these local bands," she said. "It's raw; it's rough. I want to let them shine. It is apparent that we have great local talent. Local bands just don't get the chance to play on stage."
Although bands will be a large part of The Local's acts, a forum will also be open to poetry readings and art shows soon.
Hedgcroff also hopes to demonstrate paintings and sculptures from UTC students as a part of the inner decor.
Hedgcroff said she hopes The Local will be a place where people can actually participate in the events and be more than just spectators.
She feels that if she can get people through the door to see what The Local is all about, they may have a new place to hang out.
"I like how it has changed," said Shawn Henry, a Chattanooga sophomore. "It's a lot cleaner and I would definitely go back."
The atmosphere has also changed, according to Maryville, Tenn., senior, Amanda Womac.
"[The Local] has a good atmosphere," she said. "There are candles on the tables now, and you don't have to walk through a crowd of people to get in the door," said Womac.
Hedgcroff anticipates that The Local will serve as a meeting place for people new to the area, especially for students at UTC.
The cover charge is $7 for those 18-20 and $5 for those over 21.
