Nashville, Tenn. – September 23, 2013 – War Memorial Auditorium, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic venues, is celebrating its 88th birthday this month with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art sound system. Outfitted by local experts Brantley, the new system gives WMA the ability to perfect and amplify the sound during each live concert like never before. The upgrades aim to accentuate WMA’s natural acoustics and make it one of the best sounding rooms in Nashville.
“War Memorial Auditorium was built at a time when there were not a lot of amplification devices available, so the walls and hard surfaces were designed acoustically and architecturally to carry the sound naturally,” said Brent Hyams, chief operating officer for War Memorial Auditorium. “With the new technology, we can augment the natural acoustics, amplify the sound and make sure that every corner of the room–from the balcony to the floor seats–provides an incredible concert experience.”
“From classical, comedy, country, pop or hard rock, this new sound system will enhance every live concert experience at War Memorial Auditorium! We challenge all of Nashville to find a better sounding room,” said Brantley.
Fans and audiences are already talking about the new sound at WMA.
- Hundreds of celebrity artists have performed at War Memorial Auditorium (WMA), including Ray Charles, KISS, David Bowie, Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, R.E.M., The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Jason Mraz, The Eagles and more.
- War Memorial Auditorium was the performance home for the Nashville Symphony (1925-1980) and the Grand Ole Opry (1939–1943).
- While at WMA, the Opry inducted Minnie Pearl, Bill Monroe and Ernest Tubb into the Grand Ole Opry membership.
- Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy all gave speeches on the steps of War Memorial Auditorium.
- War Memorial Auditorium was designed by Nashville architect Edward E. Dougherty. When the venue was dedicated in 1925, it was given the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architecture.
- Superstars Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers latest collaboration, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” was filmed at WMA. The music video recently debuted on Good Morning America; watch it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTmi6v0Sy2s. Jewel’s music video, “Satisfied,” was also filmed at WMA and showcases the venue’s intimate and exquisite stage that has served as a platform for many legendary artists.
- War Memorial Auditorium’s front steps served as the location for several Tennessee inaugural ceremonies, including Governor Winfield C. Dunn, Governor Buford Ellington, Governor Frank Clement and Governor Hill McAlister.
- War Memorial Auditorium currently hosts an in-house acoustic series called “The Attic Sessions” in an eclectic, private room in the upper level. Each session gives fans access to intimate interviews and stripped-down performances from some of Nashville’s best up-and-coming artists (www.theatticsessions.com).
- Motion picture “The Identical,” produced by award-winning director Dustin Marcellino, was shot at War Memorial Auditorium and features celebrities Ashley Judd, Seth Green, Ray Liotta, Joe Pantoliano and more. The film is set to hit theaters nationwide soon. Fans can watch the trailer online at www.theidenticalmovie.com.
- War Memorial Auditorium was originally built to honor the 3,400 Tennesseans who died in World War I (1914-1918). A central courtyard surrounded by Doric columns features tablets inscribed with their names.
An Iconic Venue with Killer Sound
War Memorial Auditorium has an unparalleled history of music, politics and the arts. Once home to the Nashville Symphony (1925-1980) and the Grand Ole Opry (1939-1943), this storied concert hall remains a significant landmark for live concerts, recordings and broadcasts. Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has rocked audiences for years, bringing performances by legendary music artists from Ray Charles, Roy Acuff and Elvis Costello to Hollywood starlets and presidential candidates Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy, who gave speeches on the courtyard steps.
Since its dedication in 1925 to its 2013 reinvention, War Memorial Auditorium has earned a stellar reputation with artists and audiences for its world-class acoustics; open floor and seated configurations; and charming neoclassical aesthetic. Recognized for its distinctive architectural design, War Memorial Auditorium was originally built to honor the 3,400 Tennesseans who died in World War I (1914-1918), and the venue’s emblem, designed by renowned American sculptor and Tennessee Native Belle Kinney, is carefully crafted after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, signifying victory after the war.
Brantley is a highly respected provider of full production services throughout the United States and Canada. Whether it is a local system or a specific gear rental, music festival, national convention, national music tour, or individual special event, Brantley provides quality systems, professional tour personnel, audio, lighting and video engineers and production technicians to complete the system specifically designed for each client and event. We look forward to providing the best in production services for your next event of any size!