Due to technical issues I was not able to write reviews last week of two great events, the Little G Weevil Band at Darwin’s Blues Club in Marietta and the Atlanta Blues Society Holiday party. Both of these events deserve reviews and so I am combining them in this article.

Friday,, December 5, was Little G Weevil and his band at Darwin’s. A smiling, relaxed Little G led his stellar band, consisting of Lex Luther on bass, Danny Vinson on guitar, Neal Wauchope on keys, and David Green on drums. It was pure pleasure to see these guys play together, each one of them brilliant at what they do. The crowd was  into one hundred percent.  A large part of the packed crowd were regulars at Darwin’s and so Little G weevil was able to banter between songs and, as he said, “Thank goodness for Darwin’s. Darwin’s is family

Then on Saturday,  the Atlanta  Blues Society Holiday Party took place at the Helen L. Slater Senior Facility in Atlanta. What a great facility that turned out to be! There were plenty of space for tables and room for dancing and the delicious food that Fat Matt’s served up, plus the bar and the huge stage. The party is always fun but it was lovely not to be as packed as we sometimes  have been. Everyone was in a jolly mood and our IBC winners were amazing entertainment. There was youth group No Solution, consisting of a 14 year old, two 15 yeard olds and a 16 year old, who just floored everyone with their talent. Then Diane Durrett and Soul Suga  the People’s Choice winner, did a fabulous set , including crowd favorites like “Sassy LaRue” and “WooHoo.”  We enjoyed seeing Trombone Jesus play with the group.

After Soul Suga, Blind Cadillac took the stage and proved why they have won the Duo category at the Atlanta Blues Challenge two years in a row. They were followed by the Band winner, Markey Blue, headed by the beautiful land energetic Markey and guitar wizard Ric Lantana. They  have a tight group with keyboards, drums, and an excellent new bass player and they always get an audience up and moving.

Overall, the party w as  a marvelous end to a delightful weekend. Atlanta blues lovers are having a wonderful holiday season so far!