Two of Atlanta’s longtime music venues are joining forces, bringing new life to a Little Five Points institution as it celebrates 35 years of entertainment.
Red Light Café, an independent live music and performance venue in Midtown’s Amsterdam Walk, announced Oct. 29 that it has signed an agreement to acquire The Star Community Bar in Little Five Points. The acquisition, expected to close in January 2027, comes as Red Light Café’s current location faces redevelopment, offering the venue a new home while preserving Star Bar’s legacy in Atlanta’s independent music scene.
“Star Bar is one of those places that makes Atlanta, Atlanta. It’s got history, character and a community you can’t recreate,” said Ellen Chamberlain, co-owner of Red Light Café. “We’ve always had tremendous respect for what the team has built, and we’re excited to carry that legacy forward.”
Founded in 1991 in a former Citizens & Southern Bank building, Star Bar has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s underground music and cultural scene for more than three decades. The venue became a hub for the city’s “Redneck Underground” rockabilly movement, hosting early performances by bands including The Woggles, Mastodon and Drive-By Truckers.
Star Bar also helped launch Greasepaint, a musical project by Big Mike Geier that eventually led to his internationally recognized Puddles Pity Party persona.
Beyond its musical history, the venue is known for its neon-lit Elvis Presley Shrine inside a former bank vault, its basement lounge and longstanding traditions such as Bubbapalooza, Truckadelic parties and annual Toys for Tots benefits. It also became home to Rotknee Presents, Atlanta’s longest-running amateur comedy night.
“Star Bar has always been about more than what’s happening on stage. It’s about the community, the people who walk through the doors, the friendships made over the years and the memories that come from a place where everyone can be themselves,” said Luke Lewis, co-owner of Star Bar.
Lewis expressed confidence in Red Light Café’s ability to preserve the venue’s character while introducing new entertainment opportunities.
“They respect what makes Star Bar special, and we’re excited to see what they bring to the neighborhood,” Lewis said.
Red Light Café has similarly built a following through decades of live performances, offering an eclectic mix of Americana, jazz, roots rock, comedy and burlesque in an intimate listening-room setting.
Under the new ownership, Red Light Café plans to preserve Star Bar’s distinctive atmosphere, including its Little Vinyl Lounge, while expanding the venue’s entertainment offerings.
The transition will bring several of Red Light Café’s signature events to Little Five Points, including Wednesday Jazz Jam with the Gordon Vernick Quartet, described as Atlanta’s longest-running weekly jazz jam, and Tease Tuesday Burlesque, the city’s longest-running monthly burlesque show.
Other recurring performances, including The Tipsy Zone Improv Comedy, Joy Deficit, Monster Show for Monsters, Acting Under the Influence Musicals and Electro Lounge, are also expected to continue at the new location.
Chamberlain emphasized that the acquisition is intended to build upon Star Bar’s history rather than replace its identity.
“We want to protect what people love about Star Bar while bringing some of Red Light’s personality and programming into the mix,” Chamberlain said. “And, of course, we’re committed to doing our part to keep Little Five weird.”
Additional details about upcoming performances, operations and plans for the combined venue are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Star Bar celebrated its 35th anniversary on Oct. 31, marking not only three and a half decades of music, comedy and community but also the beginning of a new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most recognizable independent entertainment venues.
