A little help from my friends: New venue brings possibility to Knoxville music scene
When it comes to finding new and up-and-coming bands, the local area is not normally my first choice. When writing my pieces, I usually have to travel as far as Nashville or Chattanooga. However, over the summer Knoxville opened up a venue called The Mill and Mine, which is now fully operational.
The new venue opened its doors in early summer 2016 to indie rock sensation HAIM. Owned and operated by AC Entertainment, The Mill and Mine has already booked many major acts such as M83, Saint Paul and the Broken Bones, Band of Horses and Somo.
The venue continues to line up alternative and up-and-coming acts, and, as a standing-room-only venue, will give many Knoxville venues a run for their money.
Built in the heart of downtown Knoxville, The Mill and Mine offers a unique aesthetic that accompanies its urban but rustic surroundings.
The 20,000 foot square space was created with performers and audience members in mind with easy access to the stage and plenty of viewing space.
The venue is designed to hold the capacity of large shows that would play at the Tennessee Theatre or the Bijou but with the intimacy that comes from a venue with standing room only.
Unfortunately, Knoxville has missed many opportunities in the past for bands coming through the area because there had never been a venue to support them.
Many performers wanted a different feel than what a seated auditorium could offer. This led to many people going out of town to see concerts because Knoxville just wasn’t bringing in many bands.
AC Entertainment hopes to not only book bands in their own venue, but also pioneer the way for others to attract more noteworthy entertainment.
The Mill and Mine is another big stride for the urban downtown district of Knoxville. The Knoxville Mayor, Madeline Rogero, is pleased with the difference she hopes the new venue will bring.
I am also thankful for The Mill and Mine because it lowers the cost of travel to other concerts and venues. Now I have the opportunity to see bands and performers that I might not have gotten a chance to see before.