Matt Says: The Blue Gator downstairs is one of the newer venues in Athens. Terry Anderson (the guy who was held prisoner in Lebanon for years) and Joel Schechtman recently purchased the 2 story Swindlfish Saloon and turned it into two venues. The upstairs stage is huge (for Athens) and recently renovated. Downstairs was completely remodled to accomodate bands. Anyone who remembers how nasty and piss-laden the downstairs used to be will be totally taken aback by how fantastic the downstairs now looks. A total and complete overhaul was done. The stage is of moderate size, but located in a corner (READ: triangle shaped stage). The oddly shaped stage might throw some performers for a loop because the sound on stage is going two directions at once. People eat dinner and drink during some shows. Big name blues acts are slated to play the bar. Blues (in all it's forms), Jazz (also in all it's forms), Swing, and Country are the staples of the Blue Gator. They also serve moderately priced Cajun food. It's a classy joint.

Random AMN User Comments:
Folks, you never know who will show up for the open mic at The Gator. I attended two weeks ago and there was Catfish smoking on the fiddle along with Junebug on bass, a guitar-playing friend just in from Vegas and none other than John Saunders of the Silent Lion on banjo (he plays Irish Bazouki, mandolin and guitar as well) jamming to beat all. It was an incredible group with music made for recording. If you are in town on Tues night check it out and have a great Lousiana dinner as well. My husband and I have just moved back to SE Ohio from NJ (9/05) and we are oh so happy the 'Gator is here!
Comment By: Celia Wetzel
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