Things to Do

Historic Unveiling of the Hill Country’s Newest World-Class Recording Studio & Theatre

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

Earlier this year, Texas-based musician and world traveler John David Kent leased out the old Uptown Theatre in Marble Falls, and he and his team of seasoned musicians, engineers, producers, and writers became the proud new owners of the building. His team envisioned a first-class entertainment venue in the heart of Texas, where folks from all walks of life can come to enjoy some live music across the genres. The added bonus? Uptown Sound Studio is also just that — a fully functional, world-class recording studio.

John David Kent was signed to Mercury records at age 16. Since, he has been making his way around the world as a musician, singer-songwriter, producer, and business man for over 20 years.  As owner of The Vaultrecording studio and president of Blackland Records and Artist Management, he has helped shape and launch the careers of many aspiring artists, all while releasing albums and touring internationally as a solo artist.

With a passion for “old” things (buildings, music, recording equipment, etc.), he is excited to bring his musical-family vision to the Texas Hill Country. “I want to create that Motown vibe; we write, we play, we dance, we sing, and we break bread, and we do all of it together.”

Uptown’s Rich History

Uptown Sound Studio Sign

Photo: www.uptownsoundstudio.com

The historic theatre was built in 1942 by a couple that had the vision of creating an acoustically sound venue that would bring music to the people of the Texas Hill Country. Successful in their venture, The Uptown Theatre served as an iconic musical experience for the community of Marble Falls for over 50 years. The theatre not only helped to mold the community culture, but in turn, gave the local singer/songwriter community a place to share their music.

The building transferred ownership in 2004 to another owner with a revolutionary vision. The new owners transformed the space into a full-circle entertainment venue, doubling the acoustically sound listening theatre as a unique movie theatre, showing independent, classic, and foreign films, as well as hosting other events.

Uptown Sound Today

Uptown Sound Studio

Photo: www.uptownsoundstudio.com

In February 2016, Kent’s team reopened the doors to this special place that has been nurturing the art of music and film in the Texas Hill Country for the past 74 years. They refurbished the venue while preserving its rich history and created a brand they are proud of. Most importantly to Kent is the renovation of the green room area behind the stage — his team transformed it into a “world-class analog and digital recording studio stocked with the best equipment, instruments, and creative team around.”

“We have created an atmosphere built to foster creative collaboration, outfitted it with the highest quality analog and digital recording equipment around, and stocked it with a massive collection of musical instruments. It is an intimate space designed for comfort and nurturing the rawness within. It is an atmosphere that holds reverence and cultivates inspiration from the spirit and energies that flow within these historic walls.”

When You Go:

Uptown Sound Studio
218 Main Street
Marble Falls, TX 78654
Phone: (830) 220-5005
www.uptownsoundstudio.com

Grand Opening & Upcoming Events

Whiskey Myers

Photo: Instagram

Set for Saturday, May 28, 2016, at 7 p.m., Uptown’s Grand Opening will blast off with highly acclaimed country band Whiskey Myers. According to the band’s website, Whiskey Myers is “loud and proud, they sing about what they know with a refreshing directness and clarity. Some call it rebel music, but it’s more like everyday soul. Their songs are stories, with relatable characters and situations. Stories of celebration, of mourning, of trials and triumph. Through the quality of these songs, and the band’s undeniable power in concert and on record, Whiskey Myers has attracted a devoted army of outspoken fans who pack venues, sing the band’s praises online, and continue to make them a growing word-of-mouth sensation.”

Don’t miss Uptown’s Grand Opening… and this grand opportunity to witness history in the making.