The transformation of the Masonic is complete.
The 56-year-old venue, which sits atop Nob Hill in San Francisco, is open for business after undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation that began in the spring.
The upgraded Masonic now features a state-of-the-art sound system, new stage and many other features that should greatly improve the concert-going experience, including new bars, concession stands and VIP luxury boxes.
It’s also a vastly more versatile venue now, with an open floor and new tiered-levels that should work well for all kinds of different concerts — from reggae and rock to pop and country.
The 3,300-capacity venue is operated by Live Nation, which also recently poured millions into renovating the Concord Pavilion. The mammoth concert promoter seems committed to turning the Masonic into a major player on the Bay Area concert venue.
The Masonic has a big reopening weekend planned. The first show is Beck on Friday, with Old Crow Medicine Show following on Saturday and local rockers Train kicking off a two-night stand on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming shows scheduled at the Masonic. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.
Beck: The alt-rock icon, who thrilled fans last month as one of the headliners at the First City Festival in Monterey, is a terrific choice to get the party started. (8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19; $75-$99.50)
Old Crow Medicine Show: The Tennessee troupe is one of the most popular Americana string bands in the business. (7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; $37.50)
Train: The hometown favorites perform two nights in support of their newly released seventh studio album, “Bulletproof Picasso.” (7:30 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Sept. 21-22; $55)
Modest Mouse: Isaac Brook’s band is one of the most significant acts in indie-rock, although it’s mighty infuriating that this Mouse hasn’t released a new studio album since 2007. (7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26; $39.50-$45)
Christina Perri: The Pennsylvania pop star is best known for the multiplatinum singles “Jar of Hearts” and “A Thousand Years.” (7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29; $35)
Pixies: The legendary alt-rock act is on the road supporting this year’s “Indie Cindy,” which is the band’s first new studio album since 1991’s “Trompe le Monde.” (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30; $50-$60)
Explosions in the Sky: This instrumental rock act, known for its work in both the “Friday Night Lights” film and TV series, can be downright mesmerizing in concert. (7:30 p.m. Oct. 3; $39.50-$55)
Daryl Hall and John Oates: The phenomenally successful blue-eyed soul duo can now claim membership in one of music’s most exclusive clubs — the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (8 p.m. Oct. 17; $55-$65)
Placebo: The British alt-rock act might not be all that well known in the U.S., but it’s topped the charts in several European countries. (7:30 p.m. Oct. 23; $35)
Cafe Tacvba: The Mexico City alt-rock act appeals equally to fans, critics and Grammy Award voters. (8 p.m. Oct. 30; $47.50 and $55)
Culture Club: This is the first Culture Club tour in 14 years to feature all of the band’s original members. Boy George and crew also perform Nov. 17 at the Fox Theater in Oakland. (7:30 p.m. Nov. 16; $59.50-$125)
The 1975: The anthemic indie-pop band returns to the Bay Area, having sold out a two-night stand at the Fillmore in April. (7:30 p.m. Nov. 18; $35)
Chrissie Hynde: After nearly 40 years in the business, the Pretenders leader has released her first-ever solo record, “Stockholm.” (7:30 p.m., Dec. 2; $39.50-$75)
Chris D’Elia: Many TV viewers know this multitalented entertainer for his work on the old NBC sitcom “Whitney,” yet he’s also a standup comedian and rapper. (8 p.m. Dec. 11, $32)
Yusuf (aka, Cat Stevens): This 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is embarking on his first North American tour in 35 years. (8 p.m. Dec. 12; $100.50-$150.50)
Follow Jim Harrington at http://twitter.com/jimthecritic.