Big Bear Lake : Makeover Gives Concert Venue New Vibe

Big Bear Lake, Calif. : Big Bear's premier entertainment venue The Cave, which is known for its intimate setting and state-of-the-art sound equipment, recently completed phase one of a three-phase major renovation. The first significant improvement was The Cave's movie-theatre-style seats were removed to create room for a new seating plan that allows greater flexibility for a wide range of different acts. Approximately 200 yards of concrete were poured where the theater-style seats once occupied and has since formed three tiered platforms. The Cave can now handle a variety of entertainment that calls for different seating arrangements. Portable banquet chairs accommodate dinner seating for intimate performances or can be arranged in a theater-style layout for various productions. Of course, banquet chairs can be removed to create a spacious floor for general admission concerts.

"The venue's lineup continues to reach out to bigger and better acts," said David Stone, owner of The Cave. "It was inevitable we had to change our seating arrangements to cater to the national acts that we're bringing in, but more importantly we want to ensure that our audience is content."

Mr. Stone says construction for the second phase of the renovation project is already underway, which consists of removing two main-floor private VIP boxes and filling the area with an elaborate full-service bar. Stone says the bar inside the theater on the main floor will make it much more convenient for guests to enjoy a concert while getting a refreshing beverage without missing any of the show. The bar should be installed just in time for the legendary Dick Dale concert on Friday, November 28. In addition to the main bar there will be portable bars on each wing of the dance floor to help with the flow of service.

The improvements at The Cave have also created opportunities that The Cave was not able to accommodate before, such as its new Club Night at the Cave. After each concert the Cave transforms into a night club atmosphere with laser lights, fog machines and DJs that play electronic dance music.

Once phase two is complete The Cave will undergo the final phase that will put the finishing touches on the venue. The plan is to knock out concession stands and put in a full kitchen that will allow The Cave to present a genuine dining experience for its patrons. Phase three is expected to be finished in the first part of January.

"When we complete phase three the improvements will be very noticeable. We"re certainly adding a real touch of class to the theater," added Stone. "The dining experience will be especially exceptional for mellow concerts, comedy nights or special occasions like Valentine's Day."

The Cave is an intimate theatre-style venue that was once the site of the historic Village Movie Theater in Big Bear Village. The maximum capacity at The Cave is 399, making it the ideal setting for an up-close and personal concert experience. Key features include an orchestra pit that is often used as a dance floor in front of the stage. It also has VIP opera-style box seating at the wings of the stage, and it comes equipped with state-of-the-art sound system and lighting.

The Cave hosts live entertainment every weekend, all year round. Some well-known acts that are on the upcoming schedule include Ambrosia (Nov. 27); Dick Dale (Nov. 28); Young Dubliners (Dec. 13); The English Beat (Dec. 27); Missing Persons (Dec. 31); Marc Cohn (Jan. 11); Unwritten Law (Jan. 16); Eric Johnson (Jan. 23); BJ Thomas (Jan. 30); Gin Blossoms (Feb. 6); ALO (Feb. 15); Sammy Kershaw (Feb. 27); Don McLean (March 14) and Edgar Winter (March 28). The Cave is also home to the best of the best tribute bands and cover artists such as The Iron Maidens (Dec. 6); The Dan Band (Dec. 20); Cash'd Out (Johnny Cash); Cubensis (Grateful Dead); Kissed Alive (Kiss). The venue also features stand-up comedians, theatrical performances and social events.

The Cave is located at 40789 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake. General seating ticket pricing varies per show. To get a complete listing of all events happening at The Cave or to purchase tickets visit www.thecavebigbear.com or call 877-825-4388.

For all there is to see and do in Big Bear, make lodging reservations or request a free Visitors Guide log on to www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.