News Summary
The historic Skyline Club in Columbia, recently acquired by Angie Cook, is preparing for a grand reopening, aiming to revive the local country music scene. With its rich musical history and nostalgic decor, the club will host live performances and introduce new dining options, including a restaurant. The reopening is expected to attract both longtime patrons and a new generation of fans, enhancing the community’s entertainment landscape.
Columbia—Angie Cook has officially received the keys to the historic Skyline Club, located at 100 Lee St. near Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The World War II-era venue is set to become a new haven for country music enthusiasts, focusing on line dancing and live performances, as the local community seeks a revival of the vibrant country music scene that recently diminished with the closure of Carolina Western Pub.
The Skyline Club, a long-standing venue for country music, encompasses 14,000 square feet filled with relics from decades of musical history. The club has a particular charm with its untouched neon signs, liquor bottles, and vintage decor that remain from past eras. The walls tell stories, with photos of performances by well-known artists such as Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn adorning them, reminding visitors of the club’s exciting past.
After its shutdown in late 2023, the club is poised for a grand reopening event scheduled for a Saturday in mid-August. This relaunch will feature live bands performing both inside and outside the venue, aiming to attract not just the loyal patrons of yesteryear but also a new generation of country music fans. Local community vendors will also be invited to showcase their businesses during this special reopening, fostering a sense of community.
Aiming to maintain the club’s nostalgic atmosphere, Cook plans to retain original features, such as the iconic grand line dancing floor, which has been a central part of the club’s identity. While honoring its roots, Cook will introduce new elements, including the “Chuckwagon Trail Restaurant,” developed in collaboration with a North Carolina team to offer unique culinary experiences. Additionally, an in-house cowboy boots store will be opened to enhance the country experience for patrons.
In a bid to modernize while respecting the venue’s history, the club will introduce an innovative “generational mural.” This mural will be composed of stories and photographs contributed by fans, celebrating the legacy of the Skyline Club and its connection to personal memories. To promote an inclusive environment, the previous VIP area will be removed, emphasizing equality among all patrons.
Live music will remain a focal point of the club’s revival. Cook has expressed intentions to feature a diverse array of bands, including local talents and those from Nashville and other regions. After receiving feedback from patrons about returning the main stage to its original position, Cook will make adjustments to ensure an optimal experience for performers and viewers alike.
The significance of the Skyline Club runs deep for many local residents, as the venue has played a role in numerous life events for those who frequented it. Cook herself cherishes her memories tied to this venue, having lived in Columbia for 38 years, but originating from Tennessee. Many locals have expressed their nostalgia on social media, recalling their fond experiences at the club, which has left an indelible mark on the community economy and entertainment landscape.
The revival of the Skyline Club comes at a crucial time for Columbia residents, who are eager for live country music and vibrant nightlife options. With its commanding history and the revitalization initiative led by Cook, the club is on the verge of reclaiming its place as a cornerstone of Columbia’s country music culture.
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Additional Resources
- Southwestern Lexington Ledger: Skyline Club Auction
- Wikipedia: Country Music
- The State: Skyline Club News
- Google Search: Skyline Club Columbia
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- Google Scholar: Country Music Clubs
- Cola Today: Columbia Attractions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Club Music
- Legacy.com: Obituary Information
- Google News: Columbia Skyline Club Revival
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
