Atlanta blues

INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This week” Indie blues in and around Atlanta Jan. 8-14

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, live blues, Live music, what to do in atlanta January 8, 2018

Come in from the cold and wrap yourself in the blues at these great shows! It is mostly locals, which gives us a chance to rejoice that our locals are so spectacular! Monday Brandon Reeves is at Blind Willie’s. Larry Griffith is at Fat Matt’s, and the Blues Jam is hosted by Lola st Northside […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This weekend: Blues in and around Atlanta Jan. 5-7

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, live blues, making a Scene January 5, 2018

It’s the first weekend of 2018 and that;s a fantastic reason to go out and hear some great blues in an awesome club! Here are some choices for you: Friday he Colin Alvarez Band is at Darwin’s and Watermelon Slim is at Blind Willie’s.Tyler Neal is at Fat Matt’s and Eric Gales entertains at Terminal […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

An artist to watch: Cody Matlock at Darwin’s, Sandy Springs GA, Dec. 30, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, atlanta indie blues, Cody Matlock. Cody Matlock and The Mothership, Darwin's Blues Club, indie Blues, live blues January 5, 2018

Let’s talk about Cody Matlock. There he is, on the stage at Darwin’s. two days after his 22nd birthday. He’s already a seasoned performer. His dad hauled him around to play Atlanta clubs when he was 13 We first saw him at 16, when he seemed shy on stage and didn’t sing much, just letting […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This weekend: Indie Blues in and around Atlanta Dec. 29-31

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues club, Atlanta live music, atlanta new years, Atlanta nightlife, live blues December 31, 2017

Goodbye to 2017! It’s the last weekend of the year and Sunday at midnight we get to welcome in 2018. The blues was good to us this year and we can count on them in the year to come! Choose your venue and see the year out right! Friday Eli Cook is at Eddie’s Attic. […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This week: Indie Blues Around Atlanta Dec. 25- 31

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, live blues, new years eve atlanta, what to do in atlanta December 25, 2017

What better way to see one year out and another in than with the blues? Here’s where to find them: Monday Most of the clubs, like Darwin’s, Blind Willie’s and Fat Matt’s, are closed for Christmas.The Blues Jam hosted by Lola at Northside Tavern still takes place. Tuesday Poverty Level is at Darwin’s and Mudcat […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This week Indie Blues In and Around Atlanta Dec. 18-24

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Atlanta nitelife, blues music, christmast atlanta, live blues, making a Scene, what to do in atlanta December 18, 2017

Celebrate the holiday week with lots of local blues and blues jams! Happy holidays! Rhetta Monday There’s a Toys for Tots drive with Cody Matlock at Blind Willie’s. The Pork Bellys are 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 […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This weekend: Indie Blues in and around Atlanta: December 15-17

Rhetta Akamatsu americana, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, atlanta nites, blues, blues-rock, indie Blues, making a Scene, roots rock, what to do in atlanta December 15, 2017

As always there is a lot of good blues music going down this weekend, but the two HUGE things in my eyes are Victor Wainwright bringing good times and boogie-woogie piano to Darwin’s and the Royal Blue Holiday Celebration to benefit prostate cancer with Bobby Rush and Big Bill Morganfield! And don’t forget to take toys to Lola’s […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This weekend: Indie Blues around Atlanta Dec 8-10

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, blues, blues-rock, indie Blues, live entertainment, Live music, making a Scene, what to do in atlanta December 8, 2017

Take a break from holiday frenzy and head for your favorite venue for some great live local music this weekend! Or catch Nick Moss at Blind Willie’s! Of the local acts you can choose from some of the best: Heather Luttrell, Cody Matlock and The Mothership, Delta Moon, The Cazanovas, and more! So get out, relax and […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

Little G Weevil Moving to Memphis Party – Darwin’s Burgers and Blues, Dec. 2

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Cody Matlock, Farwin's Blues Club, Little G Weevil, making a Scene, Mudcat, Rebekah Easton Ellis, Truett December 6, 2017

Little G Weevil had himself a fantastic farewell party a Darwin’s Saturday afternoon, and many of his fans came out to see him off. We are sad to have him leave us, but Memphis is not so far so we know he will be back to play for us. And, in the meantime, Gee, as he […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

This week: Indie Blues in and around Atlanta Dec. 4-10

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, live blues, making a Scene December 4, 2017

Monday Mike Watson hosts the jam at Loco’s in Alpharetta and Lola is the host for the jam at Northside Tavern. Tuesday Poverty Level is at Darwin’s and Ross Pead & Friends are at Front Page News in Little 5 Points. Swami Gone Bananas is at Northside Tavern and there is an acoustic open mic […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This weekend: Indie blues in and around Atlanta Dec. 1-3

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, blues, indie Blues, live blues, making a Scene December 1, 2017

It’s a festive weekend, with the Atlanta Blues Society Holiday Party, Diane Durrett and Soul Suga’s Merry Little WooHoo, and Albert White’s birthday party! Also, while Little Gee Weevil moving to Memphis is bittersweet for Atlanta fans, he is having one heck of a farewell party! Plus, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials are in town!  So get […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

This week: Indie blues in and around Atlanta Nov. 27-Dec 3

Rhetta Akamatsu atl, Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, atlanta blues dancing, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, making a Scene November 28, 2017

The holiday season is in full swing but holiday parties like the Atlanta Blues Society one on Sunday are not the only special events this week.   Little Ed and The Blues Imperials are in town and so are Squirrel Nut Zippers.  But my first choice this week is slightly bittersweet because one of my favorite musicians is […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

JP Soars and The Red Hots, Darwin’s in Sandy Springs, GA, Nov.18, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, blues musicians, darwins burgers and blues, JP Soars, JP Soars and The Red Hots, live blues, making a Scene November 22, 2017

Some performers are just mesmerizing to ‘watch. JP Soars is one of those. He’s not a particularly tall man, or physically imposing. He isn’t flamboyant in his movements or his speech. But on stage, with his excellent drummer (Chris Peet) and bassist (Fredrick Cleveland), he consumes your attention. Playing that red guitar or one of […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ Music for Good

Atlanta Blues Society BluesStotts A Benifit for Cystic Fibrosis

Richard L'Hommedieu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Atlanta nitelife, blues dancing, live blues, making a Scene, what to do in atlanta October 21, 2017

The Atlanta Blues Society is so proud to bring Blues Stotts back this year in celebration of the life of Larry Stotts, one of the biggest fans of the ABS and of the blues that we’ve ever had the privilege to know. Mark your calendars and come down to Blind Willies and celebrate with us the […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ Music Biz News

Atlanta Blues Society Makes Commitment to Healthy Environments for Musicians

Richard L'Hommedieu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, atlanta blues society, atlanta music scene, making a Scene, musicians health, smoke free, smoke free atlanta October 20, 2017

   The Atlanta Blues Society has long had the policy of a Smoke Free Environment for all of their events. They require any venue that they work with to be smoke free during any event that is hosted by the Atlanta Blues Society. This in itself is a huge step in creating a healthy environment […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Ted Drozdowski and The Scissormen at Darwin’s in Sandy Srings, Sept. 23

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Darwin's urgers and Blues, Ted Drozdowski, The Scissormen October 3, 2017

Ted Drozdowski and The Scissormen at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs, Sept. 23 Sept. 23-Rhetta Rambles It was a football night in Atlanta and unfortunately meant a rather small crowd for Ted Drozdowski and The Scissormen.But Drozdowski and his two bandmates gave an excellent performance anyway, and with his usual good humor.  There may have been […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

AUSTRALIAN BLUES/ROOTS GUITAR SENSATION GEOFF ACHISON RETURNS TO THE U.S.

Richard L'Hommedieu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, blues, blues clubs, blues foundation, blues hall of fame, blues music, blues radio, blues-rock, celebration of Blues and Soul, Circus americana, Funk, IBA, independent blues awards, indie, Indie B, indie Blues, indie blues movement, Indie Rock, live from the midnight circus, Live music, making a Scene, r&B, red clay soul, Rock, roots, roots music, roots rock, what to do atlanta September 18, 2017

AUSTRALIAN BLUES/ROOTS GUITAR SENSATION GEOFF ACHISON RETURNS TO THE U.S.  Kicks off tour Oct. 5th ATLANTA, GA – Australian blues/roots singer/songwriter, guitar sensation Geoff Achison, who invokes the spirit of the great blues & soul artists to create his original sound, will hit the American shores for part II of his extensive CD release tour in […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Bobby Messano at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs GA, August 11

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Bobby Messano, Bobby Messano Darwin's Burgers Darwin's blues club blues music blues-rock, darwins burgers and blues, what to do atlanta August 14, 2017

Seeing Bobby Messano at Darwin’s is like seeing an old friend. In fact, my husband and I are old friends of Bobby’s so I am far from unbiased.  But I think everyone who sees him feels that warmth and connection and walks away feeling they have seen a very talented friend. Part of it is […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

JP Soars and The Red Hots at Darwin’ s Burgers and Blues in Sandy Springs, GA June 8

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, darwins burgers and blues, JP Soars and the Red Hots. Atlanta entertainment, JPSoars, live blues, what to do in atlanta July 11, 2017

JP Soars and the Red Hots played Darwin’s in Sandy Springs Saturday night. What an amazing musician that man is! Who else do we know who mixes original tunes in with not only blues but gypsy jazz and Latin music? He moves easily from his own songs to  Django Reinhardt, Johnny Guitar Watson, and Muddy […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The Markey Blue Ric Latina Project at Darwin’s June 30

Rhetta Akamatsu americana, Atlanta blues, atlanta indie blues, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Darwin's, indie Blues, making a Scene, Markey Blue, RNB, roots rock, soul July 4, 2017

By Rhetta Akamatsu Photos by Takesi Ken Akamatsu Markey Blue has changed its name to The Markey Blue Ric Latina Project but the high-energy, nonstop joy of the group live hasn’t changed a bit! Lead singer Markey and lead guitar player Ric Latina still lead the charge into electrifying blues and blues-rock with Ron De […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, June 25, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, atlanta blues society, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Breeze Kings, live blues, TheVista, vista room, what to do in atlanta June 27, 2017

Sunday, June 25, the Atlanta Blues Society had its monthly Gathering and Jam. This time, the meeting was at The Vista at Napoleon’s in Decatur. The Vista is a wonderful venue with a large stage perfect for bands and jams, lots of tables and plenty of dancing room. In other words perfect for the ABS! […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

What a blast! Bluesberry and Beer Festival, Norcross, GA, June 17, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, atlanta festivals, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, blues, blues-rock, Bluesberry and Beer Festival, indie Blues, live blues, making a Scene, music festivals, Norcross Georgia blues festivals, roots rock June 20, 2017

By Rhetta Akamatsu Photos by Takesi Ken Akamatsu Norcross, GA is a perfect town for a music festival, nd every year they have one, the Bluesberry and Beer Festival, featuring some of the best local blues acts. The festival is totally free, and people come out in droves. This year’s festival took place last weekend, […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Reverend Freakchild and The Mike Lowry Band, Darwin’s, June 16, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Darwin's, live blues, Live music, Mike Lowry Band, reverend freakchild, what to do in atlanta June 20, 2017

Photos by Takesi Ken Akamatsu Friday, June 16, Reverend Freakchild returned to Darwin’s as the opening act before The Mike Lowry Band. My husband and I got to talk to him before after his performance and it was like re-uniting with an old friend, even though we only met him once before, at the former […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Rae and The Royal Peacocks at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs, June 2

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, Rae and the Royal Peacocks, what to do in atlanta June 5, 2017

A lot of people were very excited to see Rae and The Royal Peacocks at Darwins Friday night. They are a sort of Atlanta super-group. Long-time area favorites Danny Vinson on lead guitar, Art McNaughton on drums, and Harold Pattillo on bass joined with keyboard wizard Valerie Waters and Rebekah “Rae” Easley on vocals and […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Brandon Santini at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs GA May 19, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, americana, Atlanta blues, Atlanta live blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Atlanta nitelife, Brandon Santini, Darwin's, Funk, indie Blues, making a Scene, RNB, Rock, roots, soul, what to do in atlanta May 23, 2017

Brandon Santini and his band played Darwin’s on Friday night, May 19. Many fans were anxious to see Santini,  who has played here enough to be a big Atlanta favorite. They were also happy to see Timo Arthur, the lead guitarist,  as he lived in Atlanta and was part of our musical community before moving […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The Breeze Kings – Guston’s Grille, Kennesaw GA, May 13, 2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, atlanta blues dancing, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Atlanta nitelife, blues, Funk, Gustons Grille, indie, indie Blues, Indie Rock, live blues, making a Scene, RNB, Rock, soul, The Breeze Kings, what to do in atlanta May 17, 2017

The Breeze Kings played Guston’s Grille in Kennesaw Friday night. Guston’s is an inviting place with great, reasonably priced food, a bar and a friendly staff. The stage is sizable and we could see very well from where we sat. It turned out to be a case of the perfect band in the perfect venue. […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Grant Green, Jr. wowed Darwin’s, Sandy Springs GA, May 12

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, blues dancing, Darwins blues, darwins burgars and blues, Grant Green Jr., indie Blues May 15, 2017

Grant Green Jr. wowed the crowd at Darwin’s new location in Sandy Springs Friday night. A lot of young, fashionably dressed women in short dresses were up and dancing most of the time and Green seamlessly played to his audience, delighting younger and older by playing and singing a wide variety of songs. While he […]

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INDIE Blues Artist/ Jam Band Artist

RIP Col. Bruce Hampton, beloved musician, 1947-2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta music, Atlanta music news, Col. Bruce Hampton, making a Scene, music news, music obituaries May 2, 2017

Col. Bruce Hampton was onstage performing an encore , Monday, May 1,  at his birthday concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta when he collapsed and died soon after. He was surrounded by members of Widespread Panic, Phish, REM and other musicians and friends when he fell to  the stage.  He died shortly after being […]

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On the Scene

Jake Holliday and Friends at Darwin’s, Sandy Springs, GA April 22

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live music, Atlanta nightlife, atlanta nights, Atlanta nitelife, blues-rock, Darwin's, Donna Hopkins, Funk, indie Blues, Jale Holliday, making a Scene, RNB, roots, roots rock, soul, what to do in atlanta April 25, 2017

Saturday night at Darwin’s, Jake Holliday rounded up Donna Hopkins and some other friends and called the show, appropriately enough, “Jake Holliday and Friends feat. Donna Hopkins.” That’s an irresistible title to anyone familiar with Jake’s fantastic bass playing and Donna’s talents as a singer, guitar player and songwriter, so off we went. There were […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Concert Review: The Jeff Jensen Band- Darwin’s, Sandy Springs GA, April 7

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, blues-rock, blues-rock. live blues, Darwin's, indie Blues, Jeff Jensen Band. blues, making a Scene, roots, roots rock April 12, 2017

It was two hours before showtime on Friday night when we arrived at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs to eat and wait for The Jeff Jensen Band. We wee actually covering a convention about 10 minutes away in Atlanta but we never willingly miss Jeff, Bill and David and we knew the convention had the whole […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The Atlanta Blues Society Meeting and Jam – Darwin’s Sandy Springs, March 26

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta Blues Society. Darwin's, Atlanta music, atlanta music scene, Atlanta nightlife, Atlanta nitelife, blues music, blues society, Darwin's, David T and Friends, making a Scene March 29, 2017

It was the first Atlanta Blues Society meeting at the new Darwin’s location and the place was absolutely packed. Many of the people were there to  see the group who were playing for us, David T and Friends, and  some were there to see the new Darwin”s. The club, which won the Keeping The blues […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Mick Kolassa and The Taylor Made Band – @ Darwin’s, Sandy Springs, GA March 24

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta nightlife, Atlanta nitelife, b;ues, blues-rock, Darwin's, Funk, indie, indie Blues, Indie Rock, live blues, making a Scene, mick kolassa, RNB, Rock, roots, roots rock, soul, taylor made blues, Taylor Made Blues Band, what to do in atlanta March 29, 2017

The room was buzzing at Darwin’s Friday night. Mick Kolassa and The Taylor Made Band were the first touring group to play the new location,, and people were pretty excited. By the time the music started,  it was standing room only with people standing at the back wall. Aftr years of producing and making albums. […]

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Indie Rock Scene

This weekend: Blues in and around Atlanta March 24-26

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, Atlanta nitelife, live blues, making a Scene, what to do in atlanta March 24, 2017

Good news! Darwin’s is finally open in Sandy Springs! And they are celebrating with Mick Kolassa’s Taylor Made Band Friday, Jason Ricci Saturdy, and the Atlanta Blues Society meeting Sunday afternoon! The Rusted Hearts and The John Pagano Band are at The Earl, Big Bill Morganfield at Blind Willie’s,  and a whole lot of good […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Darwin’s opening night in Sandy Springs, GA with Mudcat March 21

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, blues clubs, blues-rock, Darwin's, indie Blues, making a Scene, Mudct, Piedmont Playboys, roots, Rootsrock. americana, Sandy Springs, tlanta blues March 23, 2017

Last night March 21, Darwin’s re-opened in the new location in Sandy Springs. The opening guest was originally supposed to be just Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck solo, but he decided to bring a couple of his Piedmont Playboys, Hobo and Dan Dan The Healing Man, along, as well as Mandi Strachota and special guest Francois Blues […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Chicken Raid 2017 at Northside Taven, Atlanta, GA

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Atlanta music, Atlanta nightlife, Atlanta nitelife, blues benefit, Chicken Raid, making a Scene, Northside Taven March 21, 2017

Every year in March there is a 2-day music event at Northside Tavern in Atlanta, which is like no other. It is an event that honors M. Frank Edward and benefits his estate. Mr. Frank was a beloved blues man in Atlanta who died in 2002. Many of the older musicians and attendees remember Mr. […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Mardi Gras Party: Little G Weevil and The Cazanovas at MadLife Stage and Studios, Woodstock, Feb. 19

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, blues, Daniel Harper, Jeff Baker, Litle G Weevil, live blues. Madlife Stage and Studios, making a Scene, The Cazanovas, Valerie Waters, what to do atlanta February 21, 2017

By Rhetta Akamatsu Photos by Takesi Akamatsu Of all the many groups and solo performers in Atlanta that I love, The Cazanovas and Little G Weevil are my personal favorites. So when they were performing separately and together at MadLife Stage and Studios  in Woodstock Sunday afternoon my husband and I were excited to go. […]

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CD Reviews/ CD Reviews INDIE Blues

This weekend: Blues in and around Atlanta February 3-5

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Atlanta live blues, indie Blues, indie blues clubs, live blues, making a Scene, new Blues February 2, 2017

Now that I have the February news, it turns out to be a busy blues weekend! There’s lots of stuff to choose from, including Tinsley Ellis at The Variety Playhouse and Francine Reed at Eddie’s Attic, plus much more! Just a quick update on Eddie Tigner, who I know Atlanta area blues fans have had […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The Little House Fundrauser Festival for Darwin’s:The power of love and blues

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, Darwin's, Little House Fundraiser, live blues January 30, 2017

The music room at 5 Seasons Brewing Company in Sandy Springs was packed last Thursday for the “Little House” fundraiser to help Darwin’s get moved into their new location at the former Steve’s Live Music building and open for business. It was an act of love for Lindsay Wine and Jonathan Aiken and their club, […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

A magical day with the Atlanta Blues Society Jan. 15

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta Blues Society.Atlanta, Atlanta live music, blues, blues music, Live music, making a Scene January 21, 2017

It was a beautiful day in Atlanta on Sunday, a surprising gift to us all after the ice and snow the week before. In one week, we went from that to this, 70 balmy degrees under clear skies! We were all gathered, about 150 Atlanta Blues Society members and guests, at the home of former […]

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Indie Rock Scene/ On the Scene

Butch Trucks to appear at the City Winery Atlanta 1/3/2017

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, blues, Butch Trucks, City Winery, what to do atlanta January 3, 2017

Is there anyone in the Atlanta area who does not know who Butch Trucks is? He was a founding member and the drummer of The Allman Brothers Band. He performed with them from 1969 until they disbanded in 214. Now, he is touring with his new group, The Freight Train, and they are at City […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

An Ending and A New Beginning: New Year’s Eve at Darwin’s Burgers and Blues in Marietta

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, Darwin's, live blues, New Year's Eve, what to do atlanta January 3, 2017

Saturday night, New Year’s Eve, was Darwin’s last night in its Marietta location. The little house was full, mostly with people who had been coming to the club since before Lindsay and Aiken took it over. We all felt nostalgic, I believe, thinking of all the memories and bands we had heard there. But we […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ Indie Rock Scene/ Jam Scene/ On the Scene

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues: Goodbye to the Little Old House

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta blues clubs, blues, blues venues, blues-rock, darwins burgers and blues, Geoegia blues clubs, indie Blues, making a Scene December 27, 2016

Editors Note: Darwins Burgers and Blues, because of circumstances beyond their control, has been forced to close their doors at their current location. I had the opportunity to speak to Lindsey Wine one of the owners of this legendary Atlanta Blues Venue about what has transpired and what they plan for the future.  So listen […]

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INDIE Blues Scene/ On the Scene

Mudcat brought warmth and laughter to Darwin’s.Marietta GA, Dec. 6

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Darwin's Blues Club, live blues, live music atlanta, making a Scene, Mudcat December 8, 2016

Danny “Mudcat”Dudeck is well-known all around Atlanta. As Daniel Peter Dudeck, he is a skilled landscape artist and gardener and a blues scholar. As Mudcat, he is one of the most engaging blues musicians you will ever hear. Sometimes he plays with The Atlanta Horns, and those are special, exciting jazz and blues-infused shows. But […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Festive Fun at the Atlanta Blues Society Holiday Party, Dec. 4

Rhetta Akamatsu americana, Atlanta blues, atlanta blues society, Atlanta live music, blues, blues foundation, blues hall of fame, blues music, blues radio, blues-rock, Christmas, holiday, IBA, independent blues awards, indie, Indie B, indie Blues, indie blues movement, making a Scene, soul December 7, 2016

The Atlanta Blues Society had their holiday party Sunday afternoon and early evening and as always, it was everything a party should be! People were eating delicious food provided by Fat Matt’s and drinking beer, wine and mixed drinks served up by Spike from Blind Willie’s or the non-alcoholic beverages provided, listening to great music […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The John Pagano Band rocked Darwin’s Dec. 2

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta, Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, blues foundation, blues hall of fame, blues-rock, Darwin's Blues Club, Funk, indie Blues, indie blues movement, John Pagano Band, JP Blues, jpblues, making a Scene, RNB, roots rock, soul December 6, 2016

By Rhetta  Akamatsu The John Pagano Band played Darwin’s Friday night to a good crowd, many of whom had not seen the band before But whether they were seeing the band for the first time or had been around for the evolution from JP Blues to The John Pagano Band, the crowd responded enthusiastically to […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Annika Chambers at Darwin’s Blues Club, Marietta GA October 29, 2016

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, americana, annika chambers, Atlanta blues, Darwin's Blues Club, Funk, indie Blues, live blues, making a Scene, RNB, Rock, roots, soul November 7, 2016

By Rhetta Akamatsu Photo Credit: Sandra Richardson Saturday night, October 29,  Annika Chambers and her band entertained at Darwin’s Blues Club’s Halloween party in Marietta, GA. They had driven 11 hours from Houston, TX to do the show, but when they hit the stage they were energetic and high-spirited. Chambers, who performed the first set […]

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INDIE Blues Artist/ INDIE Blues Scene

Blues with a Heart!

Richard L'Hommedieu Atlanta blues, atlanta blues society, blues, blues foundation, IBC, indie Blues, International Blues Challenge August 30, 2016

Sometimes when you are working an event you miss a small act that, in the simplest way, has the ability to have a profound impact on someone’s life. This is exactly what happened recently at the Atlanta Blues Society Blues Challenge that was held at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta. Let me start by setting things up […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Little G Weevil at Darwin’s Blues Club, Marietta, GA, August 26, 2016

Rhetta Akamatsu .blues, Atlanta blues, Darwin's Blues Club, indie Blues, Little G Weevil, live blues August 29, 2016

HOME PAGE FACEBOOK Little G Weevil put on possibly the best show I’ve ever seen him perform Friday night at Darwin’s before a packed audience, and I’ve seen him perform a lot of times now. He seemed energized, happy to be back in the states after spending much of the year touring in Europe and […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

The Charlie Wooton Project at Darwin’s July 2

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Darwin's Blues Club, Funk, indie Blues, James Southwell, jazz, live blues, The Charlie Wooten Project July 5, 2016

Charlie Wooton is a versatile guy. Last time we saw him was with Zabadodat with Laura Reed and it was all jazzy and tropical vibes. This time, it was The Charlie Wooton Project and it was blues and funk..We enjoyed both but Saturday night’s show was my favorite. With Daniel Groover on bass,Mike Phillips on […]

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INDIE Blues Scene

Truett blazes through Darwin’s June 25

Rhetta Akamatsu Atlanta blues, Atlanta live music, Darwin's Blues Club, indie Blues, making a Scene, Truett, Tryett Lollis June 27, 2016

When Truett takes the stage at Darwin’s with Tony Erici on bongos ,Jon Schwenke on bass and backing vocals, and John McKnight on drums, he is pure energy from the start.The music just flows out of him without introduction or commentary, in one long medley of awesomeness .He does pause once, several songs in, to […]

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