While glancing through the new Creative Loafing, I happened across this help wanted ad:

“New music venue, East Atlanta Ice-House, currently hiring all positions. Apply in person at 543 Flat Shoals Ave., 12-5pm M-F.”

Which is slightly ironic as I had completely glossed over this article in CL a couple of weeks back.  Either way, the empty shell of the Echo Lounge is set to be reopen as a new venue & restaurant called the East Atlanta Icehouse.  The name derives from the fact the building originally used to store ice back in the 20′s.  They plan to “host a variety of home-grown and worldwide musical styles, as well as a diverse roster of live dj’s.”

According to their website and MySpace page, they should be open in May.  In fact, they already have a show booked on May 7th with Hal9000, Young Antiques & The Hitchcocksand another show on May 18th with VieTNam and The Subliminator.  Not sure if and when they’re going to start booking national acts (one local promoter I spoke with said he has no plans to work with them), but at least this town will have another 500 – 800 capacity venue.  ‘Cause we definitely need it.