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 the fund.

Darwin’s hosted this year’s event. It was the second year it was held at Darwin’s, and the place was at capacity for most of the evening! Darwin’s staff did a tremendous job of keeping everyone supplied with food and drink throughout the event, which included 5 bands and lasted just over 5 hours.  Nearly all the band of hiss had special memories to share about Sean from at least one member, and they all tried to include at least one song of his in the set.

The Real Deal Band kicked things off with a rousing set, which had everyone primed for The Cazanovas to hit the stage and have people up and dancing! The Cazanovas are great Atlanta favorites and have long been my favorite local band.

Then came a surprise in the form of David Fisch and The Dadgummits. David Fisch was unknown to me but he was a close friend of Sean’s. For the celebration, he put together The Dadgummits, who consisted of master guitarist Randy Chapman, Theron Peterson on drums, and Bryan Hall on bass. They did a killer set and David told some funny stories about Sean. Fisch moves like he has no bones, and the version that band did of The Stones’ “Miss You” was just so hot.

Then came Mudcat, aka Danny Dudeck. Lately, when we have seen Mudcat play, it has been mostly acoustic, and I had forgotten how good he sounds with a band! It was great fun watching him play with bassist Jacob Holiday (who also played with The Cazanovas) and Eskil Wetterqvist on drums. Such fun!

By the time the headliners came on, it was 11 pm, and some people had faded away. But a sizeable crowd stuck around, including us. It would take more than exhaustion to make me miss The Jeff Jensen Band, my favorite band and dear friends! They put on a wonderful performance as always and ended Sean’s special celebration in style!

As usual, there was such a feeling of love in that place. It is always like that at the celebrations. I truly believe Sean smiles on this event each year. I hope it made him as happy as it made us.

If you were unable to attend but would like to learn more about Sean Costello and donate to his fund, please visit this website.

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