Built in the early 1900s, The Krog Street Tunnel helped increase job accessibility for the local neighborhoods of Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown and Inman Park.
In 2014, the community took a stance to protect the tunnel; Cabbagetown residents painted its walls grey to protest a city masquerade event planned at the site. Today, the sector is part of Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside trail and is home to public art displays.
The neighbors of Cabbagetown shut down the tunnel Friday, March 7, to host its first out-to-the-public event featuring the Spelman Glee Club.
At the event, at least 50 spectators joined in watching the Glee Club’s director, Dr. Kevin Johnson, conduct a show of choral-style songs. The ladies of the Glee Club wore shiny black gowns and pearls as they sang from the walking platforms along the sides of the tunnel.
The voices bounced off the dimly lit walls as barking dogs blended in with the echoes.
Davis Butner is a design entrepreneur and consultant. Butner curated the tunnel show alongside different organizations, including Creative Placemaking Communities and the Atlanta Beltline.
“This idea came from just wandering through the tunnel, on a particularly busy day, and hearing just how resonant this site was, and imagining what it would be like to feel kind of immersed in that sound,” Butner said. “It is also sort of a chance to kind of break the fourth wall of performance trying to bring performer and audience together in a meaningful way.”
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies reports that legislative appropriations to the Georgia Council for the Arts have increased by only $10,500 since last year.
Ann Dixon, CEO of California nonprofit Creative Placemaking Communities, said the concert’s purpose was to push Georgia to designate more funding and spaces for the arts.
Long-time Cabbagetown resident John Dirga is the neighborhood’s Neighborhood Planning Unit…
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