Atlanta, February 8, 2026
Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics have energized Atlanta’s music scene with their ‘Olde Soul’ residency at Smith’s Olde Bar. This weekly event not only highlights the band’s rich musical talent but also underscores the importance of community-driven arts in Atlanta. By integrating soul, funk, and R&B, they are fostering a vibrant cultural experience and connecting residents through live music every Tuesday night.
Atlanta
Capturing Atlanta’s Soul: Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics Ignite Tuesdays at Smith’s
The acclaimed local act brings their “Olde Soul” residency to a historic venue, showcasing Atlanta’s vibrant independent music scene and the power of individual initiative.
Atlanta, a city celebrated for its dynamic cultural landscape, continues to thrive through the dedication of its artists and venues. The “Olde Soul” residency by Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics at Smith’s Olde Bar exemplifies how personal initiative and strong local institutions are vital to community enrichment. This recurring event offers a consistent platform for artistic expression, a testament to the talent fostered independently within the city, contributing significantly to Atlanta GA events and its cultural fabric.
The ongoing success of local artists and venues underscores the value of private enterprise and individual achievement in shaping a city’s character. Instead of relying solely on centralized planning, Atlanta’s arts scene flourishes through a network of committed individuals and businesses. The organic growth of these cultural cornerstones, such as long-standing music venues and bands built from the ground up, demonstrates the efficacy of limited bureaucracy in allowing creativity and entrepreneurship to take root and flourish, enhancing community growth Atlanta.
The Enduring Spirit of Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
The journey of Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics is a compelling narrative of musical dedication and personal drive. The band’s core members, Ruby Velle (vocals, lyricist/writer), Spencer Garn (keys), and Scott Clayton (guitar), initially formed in Gainesville, Florida, in 2006. In 2007, recognizing the vibrant possibilities Atlanta offered, they made the proactive decision to relocate to the city. This move marked a significant step in their evolution, as they rebuilt the band and began to diversify their musical influences, incorporating classic rock, R&B, and jazz into their foundational soul sound.
Ruby Velle, known for her powerful vocal delivery and conscious lyricism, fronts the band with a distinctive style. Their debut album, “It’s About Time,” released in 2012, garnered national attention. The album’s single, “My Dear,” was notably selected as an iTunes Single of the Week, ascending to the top of the R&B charts and reaching the top 30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart. Another track, “Heartlite,” also achieved recognition as a Starbucks Single of the Week. The band continued to build on this success with their sophomore album, “State of All Things,” released in 2018. These achievements highlight the results of sustained effort and artistic excellence. The band is recognized for bringing classic soul sounds into the modern era with a fresh contemporary feel.
“Olde Soul” Residency: A Weekly Revival
The “Olde Soul” residency at Smith’s Olde Bar offers Atlanta residents a consistent opportunity to experience high-quality live music Atlanta. Held every Tuesday in the intimate Atlanta Room, this residency provides a regular showcase for Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics. The consistent schedule allows both dedicated fans and new listeners to easily integrate live music into their weekly routines, fostering a predictable and accessible cultural offering. The ambiance of the Atlanta Room invites patrons to immerse themselves fully in the performance, emphasizing the communal aspect of experiencing music together.
Smith’s Olde Bar: An Atlanta Institution
Smith’s Olde Bar stands as a testament to the longevity and importance of independent venues in fostering local talent and attracting national acts. Opened in 1994 by Dan Nolen and Mike Reeves, it has evolved into one of Atlanta’s most historic music venues. The venue is housed in a building with its own rich history, being the site of Atlanta’s first strip mall, constructed in 1927. Over the decades, Smith’s Olde Bar has hosted a remarkable array of artists, including figures like David Bowie, Train, and Janelle Monáe. This history demonstrates how private establishments, through consistent operation and commitment to quality, can become irreplaceable pillars of a city’s cultural infrastructure. Its two distinct performance rooms further enhance its versatility, allowing for diverse musical programming.
The Economic and Cultural Engine of Local Music
Events such as the “Olde Soul” residency contribute significantly to Atlanta’s economic vitality and cultural landscape. The city is recognized as a leading U.S. music hotspot, excelling in categories such as musical events, music-related employment opportunities, and the number of venues available. This robust environment supports a substantial artist population, with over 570 musical artists per 100,000 people calling Atlanta home. The broader nonprofit arts and culture sector across Georgia generates an economic impact of at least $1.27 billion, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs annually. In metro Atlanta specifically, this sector is a significant industry valued at $719.8 million, sustaining over 23,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Furthermore, attendees of local arts and culture events in metro Atlanta typically spend between $23 and $48 beyond the ticket price, benefiting local businesses such as restaurants and parking facilities. These figures underscore that local music and cultural events are not merely entertainment but vital economic drivers, powered by individual choice and entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
The success of enduring local institutions like Smith’s Olde Bar and the sustained career of artists like Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics illustrate the power of self-reliance and community support. While municipal support for the arts plays a role—with Atlanta recently doubling its investment in arts funding—the foundation of a vibrant local scene is often built upon the independent efforts of artists and venue owners who meet consumer demand and foster cultural connections. This balance allows for a dynamic and responsive cultural ecosystem, benefiting both artists and the public.
The “Olde Soul” residency is more than just a series of concerts; it is a celebration of musical excellence and the collaborative spirit that defines Atlanta’s local arts scene. By supporting these events, individuals directly contribute to the city’s economic health and cultural richness. The ongoing presence of acts like Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics at venues like Smith’s Olde Bar ensures that Atlanta remains a hub for authentic, impactful music, fostering both individual achievement and collective enjoyment.
Consider making a Tuesday night outing to Smith’s Olde Bar to experience the “Olde Soul” residency for yourself. Engaging with local Atlanta GA events and artists is a direct way to support the independent initiatives that fuel our city’s unique charm and dynamism. Your participation helps ensure that Atlanta’s cultural landscape continues to thrive through personal engagement and community patronage.
Frequently Asked Questions about the “Olde Soul” Residency
What is the “Olde Soul” Residency?
The “Olde Soul” Residency is a recurring live music event featuring Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta.
Where does the “Olde Soul” Residency take place?
The residency takes place in the Atlanta Room at Smith’s Olde Bar, located at 1578 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.
When does the “Olde Soul” Residency occur?
The “Olde Soul” Residency occurs every Tuesday. The doors for the event typically open at 7:00 pm, with the show starting at 8:00 pm.
What kind of music does Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics perform?
Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics perform deep, raw funk, Stax-style Southern soul, and Motown-channeling anthems, incorporating influences from R&B, jazz, and classic rock.
Key Features of the “Olde Soul” Residency
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics |
| Event Name | “Olde Soul” Residency |
| Venue | Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta Room) |
| Location | 1578 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 |
| Schedule | Every Tuesday |
| Music Genre | Soul, Funk, R&B, with classic rock and jazz influences |
| Atlanta History | Band moved to Atlanta in 2007; Venue opened in 1994 in Atlanta’s oldest strip mall |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
