Phenix City Amphitheater celebrates 20 years

Rebecca Harris says an intimate atmosphere has been created for audience members at the Phenix City Amphitheater. She likes that those attending concerts are close to the performers and are often able to have photos taken with them or receive autographs.

One evening, a young man jumped on the stage during a concert and proposed to his girlfriend.

That was a little too intimate.

“We don’t encourage that,” she said, laughing.

Besides concerts, there are weddings, graduations and corporate events at the venue now celebrating 20 years on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

“We use it all the time. It is a real benefit for the people of Phenix City,” said Mayor Eddie Lowe.

Working with the Phenix City Department of Parks and Recreation, Harris is special events coordinator and is responsible for shows appearing at the venue.

“People have told me it is the crown jewel of Phenix City,” she said.

A few of the musical acts who have performed through the years are Percy Sledge, Lorrie Morgan, The 5th Dimension, Nadine Coker, Cole Swindell, Gary Puckett, The Little River Band and The Grass Roots.

Her favorites were the Marshall Tucker Band and The Lettermen.

Harris is excited about this summer’s lineup of talent.

It starts today with country music star John Michael Montgomery, who has sold 16 million albums and has had 15 singles top the country charts.

On June 4, the songs of the legendary rock band The Eagles will fill the air of the amphitheater. No, the Eagles will not be appearing but the next best thing, the tribute band 7 Bridges Road, will be performing all the hits songs such as “Hotel California,” “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Best of My Love.”

On July 4, there will be a patriotic concert and fireworks show with The Moore Band playing contemporary praise and worship music, as well as some patriotic standards.

On August 12, Zapp will be in concert. Harris said the band is being brought back by popular demand. She said it is a high energy funk show.

Described as a rising star in the world of country music, Mo Pitney will come to the amphitheater on Sept. 16. He will be performing hit songs such as “Clean Up on Aisle 5” and “It’s a Boy and Girl Thing.”

“A little something for everyone,” she said.

Harris said, the amphitheater seats about 3,500.

“People bring in blankets to sit on, and also folding chairs,” she said.

It is a beautiful setting, especially at sunset.

“When the sun goes down, the stars come out to play,” Harris said.

She is proud of the venue and is able to keep shows at a reasonable price.

“We want this to be a place where the average family can enjoy. That’s why the children get in free. You don’t have to find a babysitter,” she said.

She said the amphitheater is an investment in the community, bringing people in Phenix City together. “It is a goodwill gesture,” she said.

It is also good for tourism, bringing in people who might not normally come to Phenix City.

“Many small towns do not have a venue such as this and can’t afford some of the shows at other places,” she said.

Turnout has been good at shows, and there has been good luck with the weather, with only two or three performances being postponed.

“We have had people sitting here under umbrellas waiting for a show,” she said.

Both she and Lowe said a cover for the amphitheater might be in the future.

Harris said the venue has little trouble attracting good acts.

“We have a good reputation. Acts will talk about how well they were treated here. People have called us to study how we do things,” she said.

Some act members like to go whitewater rafting. “We encourage them to visit Columbus,” Harris said.

The venue has recently become available to private promoters.

And she expects the venue to even get bigger play as the city creates an entertainment district running from the amphitheater to the new Courtyard Marriott.

“I see restaurants with live entertainment and some street dances,” Harris said.

The mayor agreed.

“It is all about good business and giving people in Phenix City a good quality of life,” Lowe said.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Phenix City Amphitheater celebrates 20 years."