FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville was voted Best Local Music Venue in the southeast U.S., according to Hometowns of Consequence, a competition based on fan-led nominations of venues across the country that have become a "home-away-from-home" for music fans.
Fans were asked to nominate their favorite 2,000-capacity or less local venues, and finalists were narrowed down to five U.S. regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.
In the regional finalist's announcement, Consequence stated that while some venues in the mix are newer, some "have extensive histories, like the 96-year-old Fayetteville, Arkansas venue George's Majestic Lounge," while also mentioning Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, which is almost 100 years old.
“We are truly humbled to receive this type of fan voted recognition! Thank you first and foremost to our artists that grace our stages and to the live music fans that support them. George’s Majestic Lounge is a beneficiary of the love that happens between an artist and fan since we get to be the house that joins them in real time. Thank you to our team and past teams over 95 years that have kept the vibe and spirit alive that makes George’s part of our music community,” said Brian Crowne, the owner and talent buyer at George's.
George's opened in 1927 by George Pappas, who ran a restaurant and bar from the location and a general store. Since then, the venue has become a staple for locals when it comes to live music. According to George's Majestic Lounge website, the venue is the oldest and longest-running in the state. "Although live shows regularly began in the early '70s, many loyal locals recall social events, dances, and music on the old patio as far back as the 1930s."
Notable musicians who've played at George's include Brandi Carlisle, Amy Ray, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, NEEDTOBREATHE, Whiskey Myers, The Avett Brothers, The Floozies, Big Gigantic, and many more.
Regional Finalists & Winners
Southeast
- George's Majestic Lounge: Fayetteville, Ark. (WINNER)
- The Portal at fifteenTWELVE: Louisville, Ky.
- 9:30 Club: Washington, D.C.
- The Radio Room: Greenville, S.C.
Northeast
- Rockwood Music Hall: NYC (WINNER)
- Crossroads: Garwood, N.J.
- Ardmore Music Hall: Ardmore, Pa.
- Park City Music Hall: Bridgeport, Conn.
Midwest
- First Avenue/7th Street Entry: Minneapolis, Minn. (WINNER)
- Knuckleheads: Kansas City, Mo.
- The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern: Cleveland, Ohio
- Metro: Chicago
West
- The Crocodile: Seattle
- The Get Down: Portland
- The Casbah: San Diego
- The Troubadour: Los Angeles (WINNER)
Southwest
- Cain’s Ballroom: Tulsa (WINNER)
- Mohawk: Austin
- The Van Buren: Phoenix
- White Oak Music Hall: Houston
You can vote for George's by clicking here.
"Nearly 1,300 venues received incredible support from fans during our nominations round, and we wish we could honor all of them. It’s these 20, however, that have made it through to our final voting round," Consequence said.