Making a Scene Presents the 2019 Independent Blues Awards! Congratulations to all the nominees! The 2019 Independent Blues Awards nominations are now in and ready for you to vote on. We do things a bit different than other awards in that we give you the opportunity to explore and experience artists and music you may […]
There are loads of blues for Memorial Day weekend and The Decatur Arts Festival too! So kick back and enjoy yourself with any of these events! Friday Sandra Hall and The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s Big C comes to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Northside Tavern has Nathan Nelson from 6-8 pm, followed by […]
It’s a weekend full of blues! There’s the Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, the annual Harp Blowout, Magic Fredfest, and so much more. Go out and support some honest, homegrown blues! Friday George Hughley & the Shadows is at Blind Willie’s and Nathan Nelson at Northside Tavern has Nathan Nelson from 6-9, followed by […]
While it hurt me to take Darwin’s out of the lineup since it has closed, there is still a lot of great blues this weekend, some in unusual places for this report. So wherever you are in the Metro area, you should be able to find a show you will love! Check it out! And […]
Making a Scene Presents On the Scene with Scotland troubadour Dean Owens – On the Road in the USA It’s interesting how we come to hear about great artists. Especially when they are not typically played on national television or radio. We find them because we hear their name mentioned by an artist we follow, […]
Blues are blooming all over the place around Atlanta! Visitors include Gary Clark Jr., Geoff Achison and The Lucky Losers. It is very important to come out and support Friday Tony Levitas & the Levitations are at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs and Sandra Hall and The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s. The Vipers are at […]
Alih Jey and Cunao at the High Hat: a perfect musical match creates a magical night. Alih Jey and Cuñao merge almost psychedelically, strewing sparks and lightning bolts in their wake. Patrick O’Heffernan Some collaborations in music are just perfect. Not only is the music magnificent but the collaborators give each other new energy so […]
Ted Drozdowski came to Darwin’s last Friday with his fellow band members in the new group, Coyote Motel. That is also the name of the latest album featuring Drozdowski. The other members of Coyote Motel are Sean Zywick on bass and Kyra Curenton on drums. Ted, of course, plays guitars and handles vocals, plus the […]
I hope you enjoy your Spring holiday this weekend, whether it is Passover, Easter or just the promise of the season! There are a lot of great blues to appreciate around town too, including an Easter Gospel show at Blind Willie’s. Ted Drozdowski is in town on Friday too and there’s a plentiful complement of […]
When a person reaches the age of 91, you know they can’t go on forever, but if you love them, you still hope they will. That is how many Atlanta blues fans felt about Eddie Tigner. And so the news of his death tore a hole in the heart of us all today. Eddie was […]
Every year in April, music lovers in Atlanta gather to celebrate the life of Sean Costello, a young bluesman who left us too soon, but whose legacy goes on through his music, this celebration and the foundation his family established, The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research The concert is also a fundraiser for […]
Dave Davies Announces a new Tour and CD release! “We had great success with “You Really Got Me” and “All The Day and All The Night” and “I Need You” and “She’s Got Everything;” there’s quite a few Kinks tracks recorded that have my guitar sound on it. The Kinks music was very varied, it’s not just hard rock, it’s a mixture of many things really.” That […]
The blues benefits and festivals have burst out with the spring with 4 of them on Saturday alone and the Dogwood Festival spanning all three days! Of all of them, my personal pick will always be the Sean Costello Celebration, both for the amazing lineup and the great cause. But you have a lot to […]
It’s Spring and the blossoms are blooming. So is the blues scene! Come on out and enjoy the best local talent and visiting artist Albert Castiglia. Check it all out below! Friday Sandra Hall and The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s and Kitty Rose & The Rattlers are at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs Little Joey’s […]
6TH ANNUAL JAMMIN FOR JACLYN BENEFIT CONCERT Jammin for Jaclyn is an annual benefit for those fighting cancer. We offer a FREE hot and cold buffet from over 70 eateries (many vegan options), 10 Live Bands, a 50/50, door prizes, TapSnap Photobooth and cash bar for just a $25 minimum donation at the door. (Adults […]
Lazer Lloyd brought his strong positivity and impactful songs to The Crystal Moon in Dahlonega on Sunday, March 31 and I was so excited to see and hear him. Lloyd was born in New York and grew up in Connecticut. He now makes his home in Israel. He is Jewish by birth and by choice, […]
It’s a packed weekend around Atlanta and if you are looking for blues they are easy to find! Check it out and you will see it’s true. But if you’re in the mood to travel just a bit, I have to tell you that one of my favorite artists is at The Crimson Moon on […]
The Taylor Made Blues Band rolled into town Friday night, and they were just as much fun as ever! The very tall Mick Kolossa and David Dunavent, looking about half the size he used to be, shared vocals and guitar and they had a new drummer and bass player from Atlanta (We’re half a hometown […]
The biggest music event this weekend is probably the Experience Hendrix Tour, which includes Taj Mahal and Jonny Lang among other stellar musicians. But there’s plenty of other great music happening. Don’t overlook The Taylor Made Blues Band with my friend Mick Kolassa, The Randall Bramblett Band, and Dane Durrett and Soul Suga and all […]
Mardi Gras is almost here and you can be celebrating already with live blues and some great Mardi Gras parties, like the one at Tony and Carmen’s house! If you want to go to it, and you should, there is an open invitation on Facebook and it will really help if you RSVP! Their back […]
What does a band do when the lead singer loses his or her voice? Most o the time, there’ a scramble to find someone to fill in Friday night, not only was Rae of Rae and The Royal Peacock out sick but the bassist, Harold Patillo, was out, too. Luckily, Darryl Lee, one of the […]
Some welcome visitors join the talented local blues crew this week. Damon Fowler and Gino Vinelli are in town on Friday, and Delbert McClinton shows up Saturday. Also in Saturday, Sweetwater has its “throwdown,”: bringing us Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Samantha Fish, and the Grassland String Band! With all that and our […]
SISSTER Wows LA at the release party for her debut self-titled EP Patrick O’Heffernan (Los Angeles) SISSTER wowed a n LA audience when she released her self-titled EP last week and demonstrated why she is so popular and so beloved. You could feel the love in the air at the Sunset Blvd multi-venue Los Globos […]
The weather may be unpredictable in and around Atlanta these days, but you can always count on the blues! These performers and clubs need you, too, and your support. Come on out! Friday George Hughley & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s and Crossfire Blues are at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs. Jet Black & The […]
By Adam Signore Colin Blunstone, That Voice February 5th, 2019. A night I’ll never forget. State of the Union. Are you kidding me? Hometown team having their Super Bowl celebration. Nope. This was a night of great music that brought me back to my youth. I got to see in person a Rock and Roll […]
X.ARI at Sayers Club in Hollywood: agony and ecstasy in a wonder to behold Patrick O’Heffernan (Hollywood, CA) X.ARI not only brings a high level of creativity to her music, but a kind of creativity that is unique, that stands out in a very crowded space, not because it is loud or shocking – which […]
Darwin’s was crowded Friday night. Some people there to celebrate music lover Ellen Hamby’s birthday, others to see Peter Karp, and many for both. A few were not really familiar with Karp, but before he finished his first song, “Gee Chee Gee Chee Wa Wa” everybody was tuned in and with him. Karp is a skilled […]
So we aren’t in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge! Look who we have right here in Atlanta this weekend! Arlo Guthrie Peter Karp Shawn Mullins, Lil Ed & The Imperials and so much more! Get ready to get out and get moving; at any one of the shows below! Friday Lil Ed & The […]
Saturday night, we had the privilege of sitting with my husband’s sister Maho and her husband Volker and an assortment of their friends in a coffeehouse called The Copper Coin in Woodstock. We were there to hear The Peter Ponzol Quartet play jazz. The Copper Coin is a cool space just right for jazz, with an eclectic […]
It may be cold outside, but the blues will keep you nice and warm all over town! Check the shows below, pick one and go forget the weather! Friday George Hughley & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s and David Ashley Trent is at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs.TTodd Pruissin & Commins come to Fat Matt’s […]
2019 is off to a good start, and this weekend looks like a fun showcase for local blues groups (plus John Nemeth!) so get out and get your blues groove goin’! Friday John Nemeth is at Blind Willie’s and Barnyard Garden is at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs.The Rockaholics come to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and The […]
Attending a live blues event at a favorite club is a fantastic way to end 2018! Here is your chance to catch some of the best blues artists in Atlanta in town or all around! Just check the list below! A New Year’s Eve guide is on the way! Friday George Hughley & The Shadows […]
Because I know you need to start the New Year off with friends and the blues, here is a special roundup of blues events for New Year’s Eve in Atlanta, from casual to upscale! The Painted Pin has Larry Griffith, bowling, champagne and a balloon drop at midnight! $20 cover, $35 for bowling. Northside Tavern has […]
Happy Holidays! There’s plenty of great live blues all over Atlanta and all around to help you celebrate. Take any out-of-town guests if you have any, and be sure to be generous to the bands and your servers! Friday The North Mississippi Allstars are at the Variety Playhouse. Sandra Hall & The Shadows are at […]
It may be cold outside but the blues are still hot, and all your favorite spots have got ’em for you this weekend! So bundle up and go find yourself a mess of blues! Friday Sandra Hall & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s The Keisha Pratt Band is at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs. Little […]
There was food. There was live music, There were toys galore, and Santa Claus! How could it not be a great party? Every year, The Atlanta Blues Society has a holiday party, catered by Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. For several years now, the party has been at the Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, which […]
Are you in the holiday spirit yet? If not, here is your chance to get the right kind of blues with all sorts of special events, including the Atlanta Blues Society party, which we look forward to all year, and Diane Durrett’s Merry Little WooHoo! Choose something from below and get out and have some […]
Last Sunday. many Atlanta Blues Society members and potential members gathered as we do monthly at various clubs all around Atlanta and the Metro area. This time, it was at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Sandy Springs. Every meeting has a host band, which performs right after Society President George Klein says a few words. […]
The holiday season is officially upon us and no matter what you celebrate, there is a lot of great live blues music to help you feel festive! Just look at all the goodness listed below and go out and have some fun! Friday Tinsley Ellis and Tommy Castro & the Painkillers come to, City Winery. Sandra […]
Do you know why the Jeff Jensen Band is my favorite blues band of all? Let’s face it, there are a lot of really great bands out there. When you go to see a band at a club like Darwin’s, the odds are they will be good. What makes one of them stand out from […]
First of all, congratulations to the Atlanta Blues Society for winning a Keep The Blues Alive from the Blues Foundation! What a well-deserved honor for this group who do so much to support the blues! My husband and I are proud to be members! And you can experience our monthly gathering and jam this Sunday! […]
THE BLUES FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE RECIPIENTS OF 2019’s PRESTIGIOUS “KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE” AWARDS The eleven honorees will be feted at the KBA Awards event to be held during the 35th International Blues Challenge taking place in Memphis January 22-26, 2019. ________________________________________ MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Friday, January 25, 2019, The Blues Foundation will honor 11 individuals and organizations […]
by Rhetta Akamatsu Photos by Takesi Ken Akamatsu Recently. Eiza Neas won a surprising award. She won a Detroit Black Music Award. Now, this was surprising for just one reason Eiza Neas is Caucasian, and no white person had ever won this award before. But any confusion as to why she won is swept away as […]
LONG ISLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME 7th Induction Ceremony! In May of 2003 I was the publisher of an entertainment newspaper on Long Island NY called “Long Island Entertainment”. When I sat down to write my monthly column, I wrote about the possibility of a Long Island Music Hall of Fame. I wrote about a […]
Friday George Hughley & The Shadow are at Blind Willie’s and Paul Nelson Band is at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs. Jet Back & The Whacos comes to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Coy Bowles is at Northside Tavern. The Barry Richman Band is at Nik’s Place in Marietta and Out @ Midnight is at MoonShadow […]
The Vipers played Darwin’s Saturday night and delivered a soulful, satisfying show. “You like it old-school?” lead singer and harmonica genius Ira Malkin asked the audience. “That’s good because so do we!” There’s a lot of varieties if “old-school” and this one involved lots of T-Bone Walker, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and other tunes […]
It’s a weekend full of blues festivals and fun in Atlanta and all around! And don’t miss the opportunity to attend an Atlanta Blues Society Gathering & Jam and see what fun we have. In addition, the weekend is overflowing with chances to go out and have fun and support the blues so check it […]
There’s a lot of blues variety all around Atlanta this weekend, so you are bound to find something to suit your taste! From benefits to burlesque, it’s all here for you! Check it out: Friday George Hughley & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s and The Burnt Hickory Blues Band are at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs. Sly Dog comes […]
By Adam Signore The Simple Minds – New Music, great Concert So I had the distinct pleasure of catching the Simple Minds at Boston’s Orpheum Theater, A Historic venue with amazing sound. I’m a long time Simple Minds fan and knew the band for a lot more than “Don’t You Forget About Me”. This band […]
IMPORTANT!! PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU ENTER ANY NOMINATIONS The independent Blues Awards celebrate the diversity and power of the music that is created by those artists that acknowledge their inspiration and roots are in the blues. These awards will represent not only those “touring” artists who work within the established blues community, but embrace working artists […]