Judson's Live

Orlando's premier performing arts center has a newly built live music venue, Judson Live. The newly opened intimate space launched in January of 2024 and caters to impeccable acoustics and an elegant live music experience. Sound Fabrication ensured the pristine acoustics through the curation of bespoke millwork, using curved paneling which both matched the acoustic and aesthetic needs of the venue.

The space caters to making artists sound their best with custom acoustic paneling created by Sound Fabrication, using millwork techniques involving Etimoe quartered veneer. The center provided Etimoe logs, which were then cut into flitches and laid on to a Pheolic backing. These panels are class A fire rated, and were bent into form. The hole size and spacing for each panel are varied to provide different acoustical absorption characteristics, which enhances the pristine quality of the sound of the room. The final finish applied to the panels was a Rubio mono-coat, a hard wax oil finish that is hand applied and provides a more natural looking finish than spraying or other lacquer varnish techniques.

Tom Payne, the architect on the project, worked closely with Stages who was the theater and acoustics consultant. Sound Fabrication was brought in early on in the project to aid in the design process, and worked closely with Damian Doria, of Stages, to model the acoustic performance of the panels. Brasfield & Gorie were the general contractor of the project and oversaw the local install assistance, with the sub contracting provided by Creative Concepts, who proved to be critical to the install. For this project every aspect had to be custom fabricated for the space, making Sound Fabrication the perfect fit for the initiative, as the acoustic expectations were high.

For those unfamiliar, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a complex of performance spaces all with remarkable perfection in their acoustic quality. Judson's Live could be no different. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is comprised of a 2,700 seat amplified hall, a 300 seat venue, and a 1,700 seat multiform N1 sound rated space, which transforms into varying styles to accommodate a variety of events. The Judson Live space was the final addition to the multi-venue complex, and was designed with a more intimate cabaret style performance space in mind.

With this addition to the variety of spaces at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which occupies two city blocks, the opening of Judson Live now hosts some of the most acoustically perfect spaces for live music, and it is no wonder that Sound Fabrication was contracted to ensure the highest quality precision, measurements, aesthetics, and acoustics. Together with Tom Payne, Stages, Brasfield & Gorie, and Creative Concepts, Sound Fabrication was able to take custom materials and create unique and high quality paneling made by custom millwork, hand finishes and Etimoe quartered veneer, ensuring the highest quality acoustic treatment, and sound. These acoustic treatments enhance both the visual and aural delicacies of the space. A true treat for the ears, a feast for the senses, the Judson Live venue delivers hand crafted detail in every aspect of the experience.