Originally a Vaudeville Theater, Chaplin's Welcomes Variety of Bands

Limerick Patch: When did you open your business?

Chaplin's: Chaplin's Music Cafe opened in 2007. We have had just a few management changes until I took over as General Manager in January 2013.

LP: Who is your ideal client or customer?

C: Our ideal customers are performers. Local to regional performers. We book bands who have a local following to give them an opportunity to play in a premier listening room for their fans. Their fans are our guests. We treat our guest with the best hospitality a music venue could. We have a cafe that offers light fare, drinks, and desserts. We are also a live recording venue where any performer can come to Chaplin's and make their own "Live at Chaplin's" CD or DVD. In addition to being a cafe, music venue, and recording studio,

Chaplin's is also an event hall. We are always looking for ways help locals put on their baby showers, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and political campaign events.

LP: What make your business unique from others in your field?

C: There are many reasons. I would like to start with the history. In 1908 Chaplin's was originally called the Gem Theater. The Gem Theater was a silent film or vaudeville theater where it hosted great acts such as Buster Keaton, Abbott and Lou Costello, and of course, Charlie Chaplin. Today, we use the room which possesses it's naturally beautiful acoustics as a live music venue. We have renovated and added high-end sound gear to get it sounding even better! Now that we have this type of equipment, we are able to capture every performance for our talented engineers produce a live recording product. Performers have used our recordings for promotions, constructive feedback, or for future income opportunities. 

I would also like to point out the atmosphere of the building and the staff. Chaplin's has a warm and cozy atmosphere its almost like you're watching the show in your home. My staff takes extra care of our guests by providing assurance that they have a great experience.

Whether its food service, seating possibilities, or even support for the performers themselves to get the most our of their show. Can't forget about our cool balcony!

LP: What made you decide to open a business?

C: I decided to take over Chaplin's as General Manager for the love of music. I truly believe in the fact that music is an art. As an artist, they should be able to express themselves freely. There are not many places to do so where there is an opportunity to make some money for themselves too. We consider and work with just about any artist to support their passion for music and art.

LP: What is your most popular item?

C: The room is absolutely what makes folks fall in love with Chaplin's. The warm atmosphere and our vibrant stage is really what people never forget. On another note, our performers are the number one reason people come to Chaplin's.

LP: What makes your community special?

C: Our community is made up of a handful of local businesses. Spring City is a very small town, and lets face it, there is just not a whole lot going on there. It is a humble town with just a few business supporting one another. We encourage anyone who walks in our door to have some drinks or food at the Sprig City Hotel, or musicians to purchase last minute items at Georges Music.

LP: What are your hours, website, Facebook page, etc.?

C: We are open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We are open the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. for our open bluegrass jam, the third Thursdays, for our open acoustic guitar jam. Every Sunday night is open mic, Sign ups at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturdays we have shows from musical performers from all over.

Learn more about Chaplin's, located at 66 N Main St., in Spring City, on their website and on their Facebook page.