Riverstreet concert at the Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion

The Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion is a 6,300 sq. ft. multi-functional facility used for concerts and other performing arts events in Gainesville, Georgia, US. The venue is also used to host weddings, corporate events and dinners. The venue is located on The Arts Council's Smithgall Arts Center complex in downtown Gainesville.

Actual groundbreaking was in early January, 2020.[1] Ceremonial groundbreaking for this facility was on January 29, 2020 with community leaders, volunteers, arts patrons and Arts Council staff in attendance.[2] Executive Director of The Arts Council, Gladys Wyant, and Gainesville Mayor, Danny Dunagan spoke to the crowd about the importance of The Arts Council and this new venue, stressing the importance of the organization's ability to serve Gainesville and the broader North Georgia community for both a cultural and economic impact. Also in attendance was Lessie Smithgall, who, with her late husband Charles A. Smithgall Jr, have been longtime patrons of the arts and The Arts Council, lending their name to the complex where the pavilion resides.

Work completed on the venue early January 2021.[3] The official ribbon cutting and dedication took place on April 16, 2021 and the venue was officially named after the Executive Director, Gladys Wyant,[4] who had held that role for more than 37 years and was instrumental in the acquisition of the original property from CSX Transportation in 1992. the complete renovation and expansion that followed shortly after, as well as the addition of the new pavilion.

Smithgall Arts Center
Smithgall Arts Center complex, including the Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion

Since opening, "The Gladys", as the venue is affectionately known by the local community, has hosted numerous acts like Banks & Shane, Northwards Symphonic Band, Back in Time, The Highwaymen Live, Riverstreet,[5] Nashville Yacht Club Band, Mike Farris, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Moody Band, Electric Avenue, Fly Betty, Tribute: A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band, The Marcel Portilla Band and Mary Kate Farmer.[6]

The venue is the host to Gainesville's annual Oktoberfest celebration; a community event feature all day entertainment, beer, food and activities for all ages.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Arts Council breaks ground on new 'one-of-a-kind' outdoor venue". www.gainesvilletimes.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Smithgall Arts Center begins expansion project". AccessWDUN. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Here's a look at The Arts Council's newly finished stage and pavilion". www.gainesvilletimes.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  4. ↑ "New pavilion named after Arts Council official, first concert Friday". AccessWDUN. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Riverstreet wrapping up Gainesville summer music series". www.gainesvilletimes.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Mary Kate Farmer". events.ajc.com. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Gainesville Oktoberfest 2022 - The Arts Council". Explore Gainesville. Retrieved August 8, 2023.

34°17′51″N 83°49′42″W / 34.29750°N 83.82833°W / 34.29750; -83.82833

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