Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues
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! […]
blues music, diane durrett, Diane Durrett and Soul Suga, Diane Durrett and Soul Suga Live at Eddie's Attic, Eddie;s Attic, making a Scene
Diane Durrett LIVE Diane Durrett has a voice like sugar, but she can also get sassy. She is a born storyteller as well as a singer/songwriter who easily captures many moods. Thanks to this new live album recorded at the popular Eddie’s Attic music venue, you and I have the pleasure of experiencing her skills […]
Atlanta blues, detroit blues, eliza neals, Eliza Neas and The Narcotics, live blues, making a Scene
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 […]
Atanta blues cubs, Atlanta, Atlanta blues, live blues
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 […]
Atlanta blues, blues music, Darwin's Blues Club, Ira Makin and The Vipers, Ira Malkin, making a Scene, The Vipers
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 […]
Babylon is Falling, blues, Delta Moon, indie Blues, making a Scene
Delta Moon Babylon Is Falling By Rhetta Delta Moon is arguably the finest “swamp rock and blues: group around. Babylon is Falling,” their 10th album is both comfortably familiar and different enough to please any fan and let casual listeners know what they have been missing. There are 5 original songs and 6 covers, so […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues music, Live music
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 […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues, making a Scene
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 […]
acoustic blues, Beautiful Slop, jason ricci, jj appleton, making a Scene
By Rhetta Akamatsu I thought that Appleton and Ricci’s Dirty Memory was my favorite album of the year, but then along came this one and it’s even better! The only other musician involved in this powerful acoustic album is bassist Derek Nievergelt, a brave man indeed, who does a fine job keeping up. Nievergelt and Appleton also produced […]
Atanta live music, Atlanta bues, Atlanta bues clubs, live blues music, Live music, making a Scene
It’s another packed weekend in Atlanta and all around! Notice Maria Muldaur is in town! And there are festivals happening pus so much great local music you could be running from place to place all weekend. Or just pick one and prepare to have a great time! Friday Geneva Red & the Original Fireballs and […]
Atlanta, atlanta blues society, blues, Georgia Blues and Roots festival, making a Scene, roots music
Photography by Tom Dausner www.photographictom.com Making a Scene Presents an Review of the Georgia Blues and Roots Festival by Rhetta Akamatsu It was a gorgeous Autumn day at Mable House Amphitheatre Saturday for the Georgia Blues and Roots Festival. Music crackled through the air. David T and Friends did a great set for the ones […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues club, live blues, making a Scene
It’s an exciting weekend for the blues! Many of us are excited for The Georgia Blues & Roots Festival, Atlanta Legends of the Blues, and Squirrel Nut Zippers. and there’s more! Check it all out below! Friday St. Paul & The Broken Bones at Fox Theatre. The Lucky Losers are at Blind Willie’s and Jason Ricci & The […]
Carlos Santana, Gary Golio, music books, musicians, picture books, Rudy Gutierrez, santana
Carlos Santana Sound of the Heart, Song of the World by Gary Golio The story of Carlos Santana’s musical development from a six-year-old boy being groomed to be a mariachi violinist to a man who makes music for the world is an inspiring one. In Carlos Santana: Sound of the Heart, Song of the World, author […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues music, live blues, making a Scene
What a weekend! The blues are everywhere so get out and enjoy the official start of Fall! My special call-out this week will go to Victor Wainwright at Blind Willie’s on Saturday, but you can’t go wrong no matter where you go! Friday George Hughley & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s andThe Pussywillows are at Darwin’s […]
blues music, making a Scene, Victor Wainwright, Victor Wainwright and The Train
Victor Wainwright is coming to Blind Willie’s in Atlanta on Saturday, September 22, and I had a chance to speak to him briefly this afternoon. Unfortunately, due to mechanical failure, the audio did not record. But it was a short conversation and I can at least tell you what we talked about. I asked him […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues music, indie Blues, making a Scene
Posting the blues around Atlanta for the weekend is beginning to feel like writing a book. So much is going on. But I want to tell you about one that is a short road trip away as well, just in case you don’t have enough Saturday choices. That is the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta entertainment, blues music, bluesmusicians, making a Scene
How lucky we are this week to have visitors like Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite and The Taj Mahal Trio with our own Jontavious Willis opening! Add to them our own amazing local musicians and you have a weekend full of blues potential. Get out and have some fun! Friday Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite […]
Atlanta music, blues guitar players, darwins burgers and blues, Guitarama, making a Scene, The Cazanovas
On Saturday, August 25th, a mighty noise of guitars filled the air at Darwin’s, additionally spiced by drums, harmonicas, keyboards, and voices. It was the 3rd Annual Guitarama, hosted by Danny Vinson. Vinson has for years been part of The Cazanovas, and he and his bandmates Pete Maier (drums), Harold Patillo (bass), and Valerie Waters […]
Atlanta Blues Challenge, blues, blues competition, live blues
by Rhetta Akamatsu Photos by Takesi Ken Akamatsu As usual, Hard Rock Cafe’s Velvet Underground room was packed for the Atlanta Blues Challenge, where musicians competed to represent Atlanta at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January. Aside from one People’s Choice Award, chosen by ballot by the people, the winners are chosen by a […]
Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues, Live music
The blues are all over the place around Atlanta this weekend! And you have some really special opportunities this week with the Guitar-a-Rama with Jeff Jensen, The Cazanovas and other great guitarists and the Atlanta Blues Challenge! That is a heap of music right there! We will be at both, and if you come to […]
Atlanta blues, Darwin's Burgess and Blues, Little G Weevil, live blues, making a Scene
It must have been a traveling musician’s nightmare. Little G Weevil had just started his set at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues with his band, drummer Daniel Harper, and bassist Omari Billings. In front of a full house, they had delivered a blistering instrumental that showcased Weevil’s ability as a guitarist. Then suddenly his amplifier just died. […]
acoustic, acoustic blues, blues, dirty memory, jason ricci, jj appleton, making a Scene
Jason Ricci and JJ Appleton Dirty Memory Dirty Memory is as different as possible from Jason Ricci’s Approved By Snakes, so if that is what you are expecting, get it out of your head! Ricci has teamed up with New York City singer/songwriter JJ Appleton to give us something much more laid back. This one […]
Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta entertainment, making a Scene
It’s another busy blues weekend around Atlanta! You can be part of Mudcat’s live recording, celebrate The Little Feat Allstars, have a Voodoo Throwdown with Trombone Shorty and his guests, and enjoy a throng of local talents! Choose your blues adventure here: Friday Mudcat w/ the Atlanta Horns have a Live Recording at Avondale Towne Cinema. Beverly “Guitar” Watkins […]
.blues, acoustic blues, Atlanta nightlife, Darwin's Burgess and Blues, jason ricci, jj appleton
The layout was simple at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Sandy Springs Friday night. There were two chairs on stage, in which sat Jason Ricci and JJ Appleton, and there was a huge upright bass, played by New Orleans legend Jack Joshua (“That’s 5 J’s,” they point out with a laugh.) There are no amps. […]
Atlanta blues, Beverly Guitar Watkins, blues legens, blues women, The Meter Tones
Beverly “Guitar” Watkins always says her musical talent is a gift from God and there’s no doubt that she is a miracle. It has been 10 years since I first saw her. But that is nothing to the 50+ years Ms/ Beverly has been performing. She is 79 years old now and while she may […]
americana, blues, folk, Hope. acoustic, Katie Martin, making a Scene
Katie Martin has a new album called Hope, and hope is the thread that binds her powerful songs together. Martin says that she writes from her life, about things that she has overcome, to let other people know they can overcome as well Martin’s music is unique in the way she uses looping and layering […]
Amerivana, Ashleigh Flynn, Ashleigh Flynn and The Riveters, making a Scene
The debut album from Ashleigh Flynn and The Riveters is coming out in September on Home Perm Records. The first thing to get out of the way is that this is an all-female band. now let’s talk about how good they are an how much you will love this CD. Lead vocalist and acoustic guitar […]
darwins burgers and blues, Gopel, Gospel lunch, making a Scene, Mandi Strachota
Sunday afternoon, we decided to go check out the Gospel Lunch with Mandi Strachota at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Sandy Springs. I had been curious about these lunches for some time. I know Mandi has a great voice. The Facebook page promised a wide range of spiritual songs from everyone from Taj Mahal to […]
Darwins blues, Josh Garrett Band, live blues, making a Scene
Making a Scene presents a Show Review of Indie Blues artist The Josh Garrent Band at Darwins Burgers and Blues Saturday night we ventured out to Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Sandy Springs to hear a band we knew nothing about, The Josh Garretts Band. They turned out to be amazing. I don’t know the […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, indie Blues, live blues, Live music, making a Scene
Whether you crave muscle Shoals memories or a Gospel Jubilee, you can find it this weekend and a lot more besides Check out these events below and go out and support live indie blues! Friday The Johnny Burgin Band is at Darwin’s and Sandra Hall & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s. Herman Hitson entertains […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues, Live music, making a Scene
There’s lots of good stuff going on this weekend, with an Atlanta Blues Society meeting, Tedeschi Trucks Band are The Fox and the music spreading out to more places! Let’s all go out and support the Indie blues everywhere! Friday The Bridget Kelly Band is at Darwin’s and Sandra Hall & The Shadows are at […]
americana, folk, John Prine, making a Scene, singer-songwriter, The Tree of Forgiveness
It’s been a long time since John Prine released an album of original material, and some long-time fans, like me, might be worried that he might sound different, or the material might not be as true and touching. Well, stop worrying. The Tree of forgivenesss is as wry and wise as Prine has ever been. […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues, Live music, making a Scene
The blues continues to rule in Atlanta with tons of local talent keeping things cool in the heat. Find your choice below and go! Friday Runway 27 is at Darwin’s and Houserocker Johnson & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s. Beverly “Guitar” Watkins entertains at Fat Matt’s and Frankie’s Blues Mission is at Northside Tavern. […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues, Live music
This weekend, there are blues all over! Check the list below and get out and have fun supporting live music! Friday JJ Grey & Mofro are at Atlanta Botanical Garden and Diane Durrett & Soul Suga’ are at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. The Nouveaux Honkies are at Darwin’s G. Houserocker Johnson & The Shadows are […]
atlanta blues society, blues music, Darwin's, The Tullie Brae Band, Tullie Brae
Sunday, June 24, was a special day for this writer as The Atlanta Blues Society brought Tullie Brae back to Atlanta for the first time in several years. The occasion was the monthly gathering and jam, which always features a “host band” who perform for about an hour to kick the meeting off. I admit […]
Arlanta live music, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues
June is flying by and Sunday brings July,. Summer and good music just belong together, and here is where to fnd the good blues! Remember, with live music things can change so you may want to check with the venues if you don’t feel adventurous. Monday Barrelhouse Bob Page is at Blind Willie’s and The […]
Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues, blues music, indie Blues, making a Scene
It’s am exciting blues weekend! We cannot wait to see The Tullie Brae Band at the Atlanta Blues Society meeting Sunday! Even if you aren’t a member, you can come. ABS Meetings are always open and free! Also, please note the change Saturday at Darwin’s. Annika Chambers had to cancel but The Cazanovas are providing […]
blues music, Bluesberry and Beer Festival, festivals, indie Blues, making a Scene
The crowd in Betty Maulden Park were happy and excited, waiting eagerly for Mike Holey to hit the stage and kick off this year’s bluesberry Festival, which he did by announcing The Colin Alvarez Band. It was our first time hearing them, and we were favorably impressed. The crowd was still relatively small and the […]
Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues, indie Blues, making a Scene
There’s a lot of fun and interesting things going on this week, but my top picks are Annika Chambers and The Tullie Brae Band! Both Annika and Tullie are spectacular entertainers! Who else will you choose? ‘Monday Matt Pendrick is at Blind Willie’s and The Pork Bellys are at Fat Matt’s. Lola is the host […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in the blues this weekend! Friday The Wood Brothers are at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Radar visits Darwin’s and Beverly “Guitar” Watkins is at Blind Willie’s.TNT entertains at Fat Matt’s and Zydefunk is at Northside Tavern. Little Becky & the Big Shots are at MoonShadow Tavern and The Garrett […]
A Womans soul, acoustic blues, Bessie Smith, blues music, indie Blues, making a Scene, rory block
Rory Block is a five-time Blues Award winner, and with albums like A Woman of Soul, it is easy to understand why. This is the first in a series of albums called ‘”Power Women of the Blues.” This one is a tribute to Bessie Smith. The album contains well-known songs like “Do your Duty,” “Gimme […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues club, live blues
This week’s highlights include Bobby Rushm Wiki Fest and my favorite festival, Bluesberry and Beer in Norcross! it;s going to be a fun week so choose your events and come on out! ‘Monday Mudcat is at Blind Willie’s and The Pork Bellys are at Fat Matt’s. Lola is the host for the jam at Northside […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues venues
We are so lucky to have such wealth of blues in our neighborhood clubs and venueS. Check it out below and get out and support live music. Frid Darwin ‘s has Heather Gillis Ban and Delta Moon is at Blind Willie’s. The Rockin’ Blues Review entertains at Fat Matt’s and Ike Stubblefield is at Northside […]
blues music, blues reviews, indie Blues, making a Scene, Unfinished Business, Victoria Ginty
Victoria Ginty has recently released her second album, Unfinished Business. The band consists of Ginty on lead vocals, violin, and acoustic guitar, Tim Costello, vocals and lead guitar, Mike Ivey, vocals and bass guitar, Nick Lauro, drums, Chuck Weirch, Trumpet, and Wayne Cornelius, Tenor Sax.’ The album starts out with a fun and sassy title […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, live blues
Some lucky people will get to see John Fogerty and ZZ Top this week, and all of us have a chance to see some great local talent, some of it in a graveyard! Check it all out below! ‘Monday Bill Sheffield is at Blind Willie’s and The Pork Bellys are at Fat Matt’s. Lola is the […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta music
Lots of good times and good music takes place this week! Here’s the rundown: Monday Clark Ashton is at Blind Willie’s and Dry White Toast is at Fat Matt’s. Mike Watson hosts the jam at Loco’s in Alpharetta and Lola is the host for the jam at Northside Tavern. Tuesday Ol’ Goforth is at Darwin’s and […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues club, live blues, live nusic
Enjoy the best of local blues this weekend. Choose your venue and go out and support live music! Friday George Hughley & The Shadows are at Blind Willie’s. and Entertainment Crackers are at Darwin’. Groove Rockets at Fat Matt’s and Mudcat & the Atlanta Horns are at Northside Tavern. Turnstile is at Nik’s Place and there’s an open […]
Atanta live music, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs
It’s another week packed full of local blues goodness! Get out to your favorite venue and support some tasty blues music! Monday Matt Pendrick is at Blind Willie’s. Dry White Toast is at Fat Matt’s and The Blues Jam is hosted by Lola st Northside Tavern. Tuesday Ol’ Goforth is at Darwin’s. The Crosstown Allstars […]
Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues, Darwins bugers and blues, indie Blues, live blues, making a Scene
JP Soars and The Red Hos are always a treat to watch. We have seen them at both the old Darwin’s location and the present one multiple times, and every time his name appears on the schedule we arrange our plans so we can go. Soars is not a showy performer. [referring to let his […]
ageism, collette Mclafferty, Confessions of a Bad Ugly Singer, frivolous lawsuits, legal reform, making a Scene, pink tribute band
Colette McLafferty lived through an unbelievable, yet true, experience and Confessions of a Bad, Ugly Singer is her account of that time. She is a professional musician, and at the time of this experience she was working as a session singer and singing in several tribute bands. but then in 2011, she was hired to sing […]
