Photos by Scott Page/Splash! On Saturday night, August 28, the sidewalk along Palafox Street was lined with hundreds of hopefuls waiting to experience Pensacola’s newest concert venue – Vinyl Music Hall.

Vinyl, which is housed in the 112-year-old Masonic Building on the corner of Garden Street and Palafox, is the latest in a series of developments helping Pensacola become a regional entertainment destination.

Those that attended opening night were treated to a free concert by Big Rock Candy Mountain and The Gills. The Gills (pictured above), originally from the Pensacola area, have recently relocated to Nashville, Tenn.

Vinyl’s interior boasts a raised stage with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, a sizeable dance floor and a full bar.

The blending of modern amenities with the historic architecture makes for a unique atmosphere.

The acoustics are surprisingly pleasant and the smokey orange glass windows, with light beaming through the Vinyl logo give an almost dreamlike impression.

Renovations of the three-story building began late last year and Vinyl was originally expected to be open by spring, but a series of construction delays and code requirements pushed back the opening to late August.

Investors say the idea is to attract more regional and national acts to the areas, expanding the Pensacola’s musical repertoire.

Vinyl already has acts booked up through November 11. For a complete calendar of acts or other additional information, visit www.vinylmusichall.com.

FACTS OF RECORD

 Size: 5,500 square feet (first floor); occupational license allows a standing-room capacity of 526.

 Address: Corner of Garden Street and Palafox Place.

 Amenities: Full bar; state-ofthe art sound system; raised stage. A small cocktail bar "5½", with an entrance off Garden Street, will be open seven days a week; 5½ will serve as a VIP room during live music events.