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 has lots of room, a great stage, and plenty of tables so we can eat and dance (or watch people dance) and socialize between sets. Spike from Blind Willie’s handles the bar, with beer, wine, and mixed drinks in exchange for $5 and $6 tickets.

The entertainment is always provided by the musicians who are going to represent us at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and we give tip money to help them with their travel expenses, which the board matches. This year we had Rae and The Royal Peacocks, Kathy Holmes, and our Youth Group No Solution. They are all great entertainers who proved at the party that we are going to make an excellent showing at the competition.

In addition to raising money for the bands, we bring toys for Toys for Tots and a marine always comes to receive them. This year let’s hope he had some help to take them back!

It was a great party as always, and the warmth and friendship of the blues society members is what makes it so, even more than the great food and music. And we had Santa on guitar in a surprise performance, joined by the talented Diane Durrett art the very end!

The holiday party is only one of the reasons to be a member of the society, but it is a compelling one! You should join us if you are anywhere in Georgia, and if you live elsewhere, see if there is a blues society in your area! Blues people do know how to have a good time!