The Masquerade

Formed from the rustic wood and roughly hewn rock of the turn-of-the-century Excelsior Mill, the Masquerade opened in 1989 and quickly carved, whipped and clothespinned a niche for itself in Atlanta nightlife. Heaven, the mid-level 1,000-capacity concert hall, features an ever-changing schedule of local and national bands. In the downstairs dance club Hell, DJs spin everything from old wave to NuNRG three days a week. Those looking for a breather can hang out in pub-like Purgatory, or catch a breeze at one of the seasonal shows held in the outdoor Masquerade Music Park. Whatever your fetish, there's a night here for you. From the dark side to the Pharcyde, ravers to rednecks, punk to funk, at some point the Masquerade has hosted every conceivable subculture, often several at the same time.