How long has it been since Richmond had a national level concert venue? One that consistently draws the largest, most in demand touring acts? Legendary performers like Buddy Guy, Ricky Skaggs and George Clinton, along with today’s hottest artists like Disco Biscuits, Andrew Bird and Regina Spektor.
If you ask most people, "Too long," is the answer you'll get.
Enter a young physician who had attended undergraduate school at Yale University. While there, he had spent many nights running sound, DJ-ing or just enjoying the legends on stage at a local, New Haven, CT spot called Toad's Place. After hosting bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Toad's Place had established itself as one of the premiere mid-sized concert venues in the world.
"Why can't I see shows like that here?" our young physician asked. From that moment forward, the thought of bringing the Toad's Place concept of Good Times, Live Music & Dancing all but consumed his every free moment.
One day, he stumbled upon the historic Lady Byrd Hat Building and saw potential immediately. Sitting along the (previously unused) Canal Walk in the heart of Richmond's established Shockoe Slip restaurant and entertainment district, the building was a prime location for out of town visitors and Richmond natives alike. The venue is within blocks of some of the best restaurants in the city, and only a short walk to several hotels.
With the location nailed down and an experienced concert promoter/hospitality manager on board, the Toad's team set out to transform the historic building into a state-of-the-art Music Hall. The renovation of the building was a long and involved process with decisions being made on everything from lighting fixtures and paint colors to the shape of the wall (for better sound quality) and the size of the stage.
Knowing that to be a truly national level concert venue, the sound and lights needed to be the best in the state. Not wanting to skimp, Toad's Place contracted with Clair Bros. Audio, the most esteemed name in concert audio, to custom build a state-of-the-art sound system with a fully digital Yamaha sound board designed to accentuate the unique shape and construction of the space.
With over 70 par cans and 10 moving head intelligent lights, the lighting system matches the P.A. as the best in the state.
Toad's Place has always worked to honor its commitment to the musicians and fans and held dozens of shows of varying genres to date. Plenty of people have questioned why Toad's Place would have opened before being completely finished. The reason is simple, from the beginning, Toad's Place had always promised to bring a variety of excellent national-touring artists to Richmond. Now with our restaurant dining fully realized and the venue now fully constructed...the shows have been great successes. This is largely due to the ownership, management and hard-working staff. The management and staff's dedication and energy pushed through all of the delays and helped make the venue the top notch performance hall it has become.
Over the coming years, we will continue to bring Richmond the best music experience ever!
|
