Altar Bar transforms

For some people, music is a religion,and in Pittsburgh Altar Bar offers a sanctuary for… For some people, music is a religion,and in Pittsburgh Altar Bar offers a sanctuary for music worshippers of all ages.

Altar Bar, like Mr. Smalls, is an old church reborn as a music venue.

Located in the Strip District, the building that is now Altar Bar served as St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, but since its renovation in 2000, the building’s mission went from spreading the faith to resurrecting live music in Pittsburgh.”

Altar Bar consultant Chad Hardy explained that the transition from church to music venue is surprisingly logical.

“When you think about it, a church space realistically was built for masses,” said Hardy. “So when you talk about possible uses, there’s a lot of potential.”

He also noted that churches have naturally great acoustics.

Despite the possible controversy that might arise from the conversion of a house of God into a house of rock, Hardy said the transition was calm, with the exception of a few ugly comments from people passing by on the street.

Since then, Altar Bar found its place on the Pittsburgh music and bar scene and benefits from a rise in underage crowds that flock to the Strip for live music.

According to Altar Bar marketing assistant Brittany Hoydich, the venue is becoming a hot spot for the under-21 crowd.

“With Altar’s location, great music is essentially just a bus ride away for many students,” Hoydich said.

“This past fall, a show that did extremely well was the AP Tour Fall Ball, which featured The Academy Is…, Mayday Parade, Set Your Goals, The Secret Handshake and You Me at Six. It was a sold-out crowd,” said Hoydich.

This February, Altar Bar hosted sold-out performances by Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and Mr Greengenes, said Hoydich.

“Donnie Iris and the Cruisers is always a favorite because of Iris’ ties to Pittsburgh. Mr.Greengenes, on the other hand, is a cover band from Philadelphia that primarily performs rock songs,” she said.

Despite being a music venue, Altar Bar sometimes thinks outside the confessional box.

On March 19, for instance, the venue hosted The Art Institute of Pittsburgh’s fashion show, “Renegade: Rebellion on the Runway,” featuring clothing from local designers and boutiques.

“So while Altar is primarily a music venue, we do on occasion hold college events and private parties,” Hoydich said.

“Because it’s a smaller venue, it’s more intimate. Instead of making you feel detached, it really puts you right in the middle of the show,” she said.

Altar Bar’s lower level has a private VIP lounge and bar, and the main level features a full-size stage and runway. Above the stage, there is a private party room that can be rented out.

The 650-capacity venue fills up quickly, but the variety of space almost guarantees everyone will find a niche.