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 Stevie Wonder. Also, there was a promise of chicken and waffles, an I was intrigued by that. So, we set out.

Whenever any billing says …and friends” around here, you can expect some amazing local musicians, and Mandi’s friends were no exception. They included Chad Mason on piano, Tony Erici on percussion, Daryl Dunn on sax, Sylvester Ogletree on drums, and a bass player whose name I missed but who was excellent. It was a happy, laid-back session with Mandi handling all lead vocals. They did do a variety of songs from spirituals like “Down By The Riverside” to Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord,” and even one song about fishing, which I thought my devoutly Baptist Daddy would agree was a spiritual practice though not on Sundays.

Those of us who were there had a great time. This quality music deserves a bigger crowd, and if you weren’t there you missed out on a good time, wonderful music, and the chicken and waffles, which were freaking delicious! luckily for you, there will be others, and with no cover charge and the ability to bring the kids, why not? It’ll make you feel good!