Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre — Attraction in Marietta

This venue has the most ridiculous system for entrance. Before I explain this I want to comment on the incompetence, and rudeness of the employees that were controlling the entrance. The person taking tickets had no control and was not capable of keeping up with the ticket holders. Because of the chaos I got separated from my group. My wife had the tickets on her phone and had them scanned. They then hand out wrist bands. Somehow the ticket taker decided I couldn’t enter even though she had just scanned my ticket. She told me I had to have a wrist band that she wouldn’t give me!! I’m standing there soaking wet separated from my group and I couldn’t go in because I didn’t have a wrist band that she wouldn’t give me!!! Then a manager showed up. Admittedly, I expressed my frustration too strongly but the manager rather than attempting to engage me moved away and did nothing to help the situation. She was clearly in way over her head as it would have only required her to insure that I got my wrist band. All this occurred after standing in the rain because of a totally dysfunctional entrance system. At arriving we were told to lineup along the sidewalk. While waiting a storm came in. We had known this would happen. Anyone could see this. A competent management team would have recognized this and figured how to expedite the entrance. Instead when we finally got to the door area we encountered chaos with people coming from the other direction and getting in without standing in line. Those people also had more cover and were not getting the rain like those of us who stood in line. I will never go back to this venue. I was so frustrated and angry that I skipped the show. I recommend not buying tickets at all at this venue. This is a small venue. Just over 500 seats. A functional entrance should not be...

WOW, what can I say other that The Strand knocked another one out of the park! This past Sunday we ran across a new tribute band that we had not heard of playing at the Strand, my favorite venue for smaller, local concerts, which in many cases, are tribute bands for well-known music. This show was “Greggie and the Jets,” a Florida-based Elton John tribute band.

I have been fortunate enough to see Elton John live at the State Farm Area (formally Philips Arena) probably 8 years ago, which was fabulous. That being said, Greggie and the Jets offered the perfect Tribute to Elton John. From the first song on the two-set show, Greggie entertained the audience with nearly 25 songs that mirrored, to the letter and note, each Elton John song played. You could close your eyes and feel yourself at an Elton John concert or listening to an original Elton John album.

The sound was spot-on and Greggie added the Elton John flair to top it off completely with outstanding costumes and the outgoing presence that drew the audience participation in with every song. It was the most entertaining nearly three hours I have experienced in a long time, and I certainly would have loved to spend another three hours listening to more.

Greggie and the Jets are coming back to the Strand and doing so soon. If you are looking for a venue for a local concert, you cannot find any better than The Strand. The sound was great and the personnel, bar none, are fantastic. And if you want to hear and experience a great concert with a solid, best tribute to Elton John, make sure you hit the Strand when Greggie and the Jets return. You will not be disappointed. Several of the audience stated after the show, “It was a feel good, great time, and we were so happy to...

This is a MUST visit place. The main theater is Epic! We went for the Tom Petty Experience by the GPC. It was SO amazing. The lead singer nailed the sound of Tom. The rest of the band knocked it out of the park but the lead guitarist shreaded the night air with his talent. Well done, sir, well done! Great acoustics, the seats are comfortable, the staff was friendly and treated me like an old friend, drinks were cold, and an overall fantastic place. Iconic building that rewinds you back to the days of what it looked like when it was first constructed in 1935. Art Deco at a premium. Fred & Ginger was The Strand's maiden film.

The second floor, 'The Lounge', offers a Speak Easy vibe. Live music from a pianist who commanded the room by gently tickling the keys. What a flashback in time to a world of simplicity.

The top floor is what all bars should aspire to be. As you walk through the door, don't be shy - walk on in, grab a cold adult beverage or an NA drink, and make your way to the outside door of a slice of heaven. The band that was playing during our visit displayed their amazing talent by crafting their take on how music sound like. When you go, tip back your cold drink to them, do a dance if you're feeling the sound, and prepare for a view of the Marietta Square that is jaw-dropping. The spacious deck gives plenty of room to enjoy the Georgia feel. We were there on the opening night for the season and was told they have live music on the weekends. You know we will be going back for that!

Both second and top floors have a separate door. Be ready for a night or several nights of shear joy.

If there is one place that truly defines what Georgia is, it is...