The Music Hall: Big Sound, Intimate Setting

Academy Center of the Arts expands its reach with a space designed for connection and community

Photos Courtesy of the ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS

Tucked just below the growing campus of the Academy Center of the Arts, The Music Hall is fast becoming one of the most unique and accessible performance venues in the region. Though small in size—its capacity hovers around 100—the venue offers something big: opportunity.

“It’s a small, intimate venue that puts the artist with the audience,” said Joel Williams, Director of Marketing for the Academy Center of the Arts. “We wanted to create a space that could house upcoming local and regional artists who don’t have to worry about filling 300 or 400 seats—or doing a lot of legwork to get their name out there.”

That accessibility isn’t just for performers. One of the core values of the Academy is being community-focused, and affordability played a major role in the creation of The Music Hall.

“Part of the reason we were able to reopen the Academy’s doors [in 2018] was because the community got behind us,” Williams said. “But the cost of operating an event at one of our larger venues can price some artists or performers out. This provides the same Academy quality on a smaller scale and at a lesser price point.”

The Music Hall comes fully equipped with sound equipment and a full bar, creating a professional performance experience without the pressure or expense of a large venue.

And while it lives up to its name with a focus on live music, the space is intentionally versatile—from R&B to rap to hardcore to theatrical improv.

“You won’t see the same genre over and over,” Williams noted. “A lot of venues in town are often tied to a bar, brewery, or a restaurant, where the music can be more about background atmosphere. Here, people come for the performance itself. It’s a true entertainment venture.”

Photos COURTESY of the ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS

The setup shifts based on the show. For a jazz performance or cabaret-style event, tables with small lights create a cozy, club-like ambiance. For a high-energy night, the tables are cleared to open the floor for standing room. It’s this adaptability—along with the Academy’s broader programming vision—that allows The Music Hall to bring something fresh to the table each week.

With a goal to host live shows every Friday night, the space is also a launchpad for emerging talent.

“If a show sells out and gains traction, there’s opportunity for them to come back and perform at The Warehouse [the Academy’s 600-capacity space],” said Williams.

“That gives artists a pathway to grow their audience while still staying connected to their roots here in Lynchburg.”

In addition to its performance lineup, The Music Hall is available for rent at an affordable rate. With a built-in PA system, full bar, tables, and flexible layout, it’s an ideal spot for everything from small wedding receptions to retirement parties.

Looking ahead, the team at the Academy hopes to continue using the venue as a platform for growth and inclusion.

“We’ve already had two bands ‘graduate’ from The Music Hall to The Warehouse.

That’s the goal—our venues scale with the artist’s audience. And because we’re community-driven, we want the space to continue being a resource, whether for celebration, creation, or connection.”

The Music Hall is actively seeking local and regional performers to perform in the space! If you are an artist or performer, visit academycenter.org/
music-hall-artist-submissions.