The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/19/07 Section: Variety

Media Credit: MEGHAN JONES The 40 Watt recently was named one of the top 100 nightclubs and bars in America by Nightclub & Bar Magazine.

Known for nurturing legendary college bands like R.E.M. and the B-52's, 40 Watt has earned a name for itself as one of the best clubs to play in Athens.

In fact, the editors of Nightclub & Bar Magazine recently named 40 Watt as one of the Top 100 nightclubs and bars in America for 2007, placing Athens among the ranks of New York, Chicago and L.A.

For those familiar with the music scene, 40 Watt has always been a big player.

"It's pretty legendary," said Michael Ellers, Beyond Tomorrow's keyboard player. "It's the one club I had heard of before moving to Athens."

The Top 100, which were chosen based on how much money they bring in, how well-known they are and how different they are from other competing clubs, will be honored at a show in Las Vegas in early March, according to Nightclub & Bar Magazine's Web site.

In addition to playing 40 Watt twice last semester, Ellers said he enjoys being an audience member just as much.

"Everyone is all crowded against the stage, so it makes for more of a connection between the band and the audience," he said. "The atmosphere causes an intimate vibe."

Ross Shapiro, owner of School Kids Records, has lived in Athens since 1981 and said he's seen 40 Watt move four times before it settled into its current location on Washington Street.

"It's changed hands and rooms many times, but it's always been a great place," he said.

The club opened at its current location in April 1990.

Randy Smyre has worked next door to 40 Watt at Pain and Wonder Tattoo for nearly seven years, and said he's seen the club draw in massive crowds.

"It's one of the best sound systems in Georgia," he said. Smyre said as a result 40 Watt is "the club to play in Athens."

"You feel like you've done something if you get to play 40 Watt," he said.

Some bands like playing 40 Watt for its professionalism.

Jay Gulley, singer and guitar player of Modern Skirts, said he likes playing 40 Watt because of how smoothly it runs.

"They're no-nonsense about everything," he said. "Sound checks are easy and by the book, and the night of the show everything is exactly how we had it in sound check. We don't get that anywhere else."

For this reason, Gulley said they're able to have more fun the night of the show.

Many bands touring the East Coast stop at 40 Watt because of the reputation the club has earned over the years.

"The bands they bring in reflect that it's a good club," Gulley said.

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