BLUES BEYOND: Get your folding chairs ready
Outdoor blues and roots festivals return this month
I have groused in the past in this column about the surprising, and disappointing, lack of blues or roots festivals in a city as musically diverse as Atlanta. That said, those that occur annually are scheduled for September when, if we’re lucky, the heat will be more bearable for large scale outdoor happenings.
First up is WRFG’s 38th Annual Labor Day Blues Barbecue, this year on Monday, Sept. 4. Yes, it’s the 38th such gathering (give or take some virtual ones during the pandemic) and one of the yearly highlights for Atlanta’s blues community. This is also one of the non-profit community station’s primary money makers. It’s always packed with Northside Tavern, Blind Willie’s and Fat Mat’s fans getting outside — albeit under a tent —to listen to the blues in the day light hours with sunshine and fresh air replacing the usual stale beer and generally more claustrophobic atmosphere of the clubs in which they usually hang out.
The show is headlined by not one but two women, a welcome change of pace for the usually maledominated lineup. Blues/soul belter Kat Riggins tops the bill. She has released four albums since 2016, with her most recent, Progeny nominated for Soul Blues Album of the Year by The Blues Foundation. She fronts a six piece band and is known for knockout shows. Her co-headliner is EG Kight, aka the Georgia Songbird, well known for over a quarter century for her soulful blues. Kight also brings a band and will feature songs from her new album released last month. Area acts William “Bluesman” Reed and the Juke Joint Dukes, along with Jackson and the Nightcaps get the crowd warmed up. The excitement begins around 1PM. See below for more details.
Next up is the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, now in its 29th year. Scheduled for Sept. 23, the roster features six terrific performances worth driving down to Thomson, GA, for. Heading up the festivities is UK born, New Orleans-based keyboardist Jon Cleary, one of that city’s finest and most talented pianists. Also on tap is multi-award winning and Grammy nominee soul singer/songwriter Shemekia Copeland, lauded Americana songsmith John Fullbright, Austin rocking blues veteran Carolyn Wonderland, Atlanta’s own young up and coming guitar hero Eddie 9V, and Memphis based The Sensational Barnes Brothers. Arrive the evening before for a free show from Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, a forty year blues veteran. Now that is an impressive lineup.
Allman Brothers Band fans will flock to Macon for three days of GABBAFEST (short for The Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association), which returns from a six year hiatus on Sept. 22-24. Celebrate everything Allman associated with lots of jammy guitar solos and a special tribute to Dickey Betts.
Closing out the month on Sept. 30 is the 3rd annual Roswell Arts Fund’s Beaucoup Jazz and Blues Festival. On the local blues end, we get a second dose of Eddie 9V along with a set from the Tyler Neal Band. Soul/jazz pianist extraordinaire Joe Alterman, who has two recent albums to his name, appears, as does the Hibbard/Wright Project featuring saxist Mace Hibbard and Atlanta guitarist Trey Wright. Drummer/vibraphonist Jason Marsalis heads a wonderfully diverse bill.
On the same date is the 3rd Annual Lynn Couch Benefit Concert at The Gardens of Kennesaw Mountain with an evening full of many of the locals acts constantly mentioned in this column, including as Bill Sheffield, Blue Velvet Atlanta, and others. Better still, all proceeds raised go to the various charities with which the Atlanta Blues Society is associated.
But wait, there’s more.
Dust off those cowboy hats and boots for the Georgia Country Music Fest, in Marietta for three days of fun, Sept. 1-3. The eclectic lineup includes everything from commercial twang to more edgy fare with acts such as The Turnpike Troubadours, Ashley McBryde, Cody Jinks and Jamey Johnson.
These events crown September as king for the best local festival month this year. Now let’s keep it going!
More details below.
It’s a busy month. Check out these Blues and Beyond live highlights for September.
Fri., Sept. 1
The Pink Stones, Teddy and the Rough Riders, Spencer Thomas, The EARL — Athens’ Pink Stones do “cosmic American music” right, the way Gram Parsons wanted it. Their soulful, pedal steel led country flourishes on two albums, the newest of which, You Know Who was released last month. Frontman Hunter Pinkston exudes a lazy, honky-tonk vibe that’s charming and natural. Flying Burritos and New Riders fans take notice.
$15. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 1- 3
Georgia Country Music Fest, Jim R. Miller Park/North Georgia State Fairgrounds — It’ll be three days of some tough, and often edgy, country and rocking Americana. The Turnpike Troubadours (pictured) and others headline an impressive bill that’ll introduce new names while bringing in familiar acts like Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde and American Aquarium.
$79-499. 2-3 p.m. Jim R. Miller Park/ North Georgia State Fairgrounds, 2245 Calloway Rd.SW, Marietta, 30008. georgiacountrymusicfest.com
Mon., Sept. 4
WRFG’s 38th Annual Labor Day Blues Barbecue, Park Tavern — Kat Riggins (pictured) and EG Kight headline the longstanding event, making this one of the strongest lineups in years. The food is tasty, the tent keeps things cool and dry, the talent is first class and it’s a benefit for the only radio station in Atlanta that plays blues at least five days a week. What’s not to like?
$20-25. 1 p.m. Park Tavern, 500. 10th St. NE., 30309. 404-249-0001. wrfg.org
Wed., Sept. 6
Ray LaMontagne, Tomberlin, Cobb Energy Center — Raspy voiced singer/songwriter LaMontagne has recorded everything from soul to folk, country and even space rock, sometimes confusing his audience. But on this road trip he’s getting more fan friendly. Head over to LaMontagne’s home page and click on the “song request” button for this “Just Passin’ Through Tour” to join the other nearly six million folks who have already entered their choices to win five whole pairs of tickets. You might have better luck with the lottery, but at least it’s unlikely he will play his extended psychedelic opus, “Ouroboros,” this time. Since his most recent album is already three years old, you’ll get the songs you know.
$124.50-54.50+. 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., 30339. 770-916-2852. cobbenergycentre.com
Kevn Kinney, Eddie’s Attic — Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ frontman Kinney needs no introduction to any music fan who has lived in Atlanta over the past thirty-plus years. Stripped down to just voice and guitar, he will play some of those DNC hits and also feature music from his moving and relatively laid-back solo album Think About It, from 2022. But the best parts of his shows are the between song stories, some of which are pretty strange, that make each gig unique and memorable.
$26.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Aoifie O’Donovan, Sunny War, City Winery — Introspective singer/songwriter O’Donovan arrives supporting last year’s moving, pensive, Joni Mitchell inspired Age of Apathy, one of 2022s highlights. The title of opener War’s recent album, Anarchist Gospel makes the point that she’s a little murkier, and it turns out bluesier, than O’Donovan. But this is a cool double bill of powerful talent.
$30-45. 7:30 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
Thur., Sept. 7
Oliver Wood Project, JP Ruggieri, Terminal West — Either with his Wood Brothers band or his own “project,” as he is tonight, Oliver is a compelling, soulful voice and uniquely gifted songwriter, well known to the city’s old timers from his days fronting the eclectic King Johnson. He will likely stick to tracks from his Tom Waits’ inspired 2022 solo album Always Smilin’, maybe throw in some Wood Brothers’ gems and a few covers too. He contributes vocals to folk/rock opener Ruggieri’s fine new album which ensures the two will share the stage for a while.
$25-30. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
James McMurtry, BettySoo, Eddie’s Attic — Considering that Americana veteran McMurty nearly sold out the Variety Playhouse with a band, getting to see him solo in this intimate venue is a not-to-be-missed experience. His insightful, personality-based tunes, delivered with a magnetic talk/sung bellow, makes every song, including those from 2021s riveting The Horses and the Hounds (which topped many Americana critics’ Best Of lists for that year), reverberate with intensity, especially when stripped down to just voice and guitar. And how can you not love a guy who dressed in drag to protest Tennessee’s state ban?—
$36.50+. 7 and 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
The Wild Feathers, City Winery — It’s billed as a 10 year anniversary tour for the Nashville country pop act whose songs combine Tom Petty’s melodic pop rock with the more countrified sound of old Eagles and The Byrds. It’s never overly slick but the quartet’s approach is smooth like Firefall and they have a firm grasp of writing hooks that soar and kick in on the first listen. In that way they sound like a contemporary Poco, especially on 2021’s Alvarado, their most recent release.
$23-35. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
Fri. Sept. 8
Sam Evian, The EARL — Some may recognize Evian as Sam Owens who led indie rockers Celestial Shore. But as Evian he works a lightly funky pop mode with dreamy songs and similarly styed half-lidded vocals. This trek supports a recent third album titled Time to Melt. His wispy voice and generally woozy tunes are hypnotic and strangely alluring in a blue eyed soul way, even when he shifts into horn driven mode.
$18-20. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Sat. Sept. 9
Rose City Band, Rosali, The EARL — Like Athens’ Pink Stones who played here last week, the Rose City Band starts with Gram Parsons’ cosmic American music blueprint, then adds Grateful Dead and New Riders of the Purple Sage psychedelic qualities. The result is part Americana, part Luna and the rest a twinkling version of a more laid-back Flying Burrito Brothers. It all works especially on the band’s newest Garden Party which seems overly sleepy until you get mesmerized by its spacey, entrancing groove.
$18-20. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Sun., Sept. 10
Sugarcane Jane, Eddie’s Attic — Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee are Sugarcane Jane and, like the succulent grass in their name, their music is a sweet, tart, and tasty combination of folk, country and even some blues that goes down easy, but with a kick. The duo’s newest album is now six years old, so hopefully they’ll have some new material to introduce. But even if not, their rugged harmonies and Johnny and June appeal is contagious. Highly recommended.
$26.70. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Mon., Sept. 11
John Oates, Eddie’s Attic — Partner Daryl Hall has crafted a substantial solo career generally mirroring his commercial work with Oates, but the latter hasn’t quite cracked that code yet. It’s not for lack of trying. On his most recent set, 2018s rustic Arkansas, Oates tackles traditional blues from John Hurt and Blind Blake, sounding like he has been an acoustic folk/bluesman his entire career. He’ll toss in some stripped down “Maneater” hits just to placate H&O fans, but the authentic rural music of his new album is just as enticing, arguably more so.
$56.18. 7 and 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thurs., Sept. 14
Boy Named Banjo, Brother Elsey, Terminal West — This Nashville-based string quintet has gradually been shifting away from their traditional roots over the course of their decade long career. They now combine folk, county, and elements of roots pop into a sound far more diverse than when they started. TheirCircles 2021 EP even adds some indie rock to the vibe, expanding their audience without selling out.
$16-18. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Beth Orton, Pneumatic Tubes, Variety Playhouse — Back in 1996, UK singer/songwriter Orton captured the ears of modern rockers on her debut with an imaginative combination of folk and trip-hop. But since then, she has bubbled under the radar, even though she has been releasing quality albums steadily over the decades. Her most recent, 2022s Weather Alive brings a more atmospheric, pensive sound with jazz tinges. Orton’s resigned voice and deliberate music remains absorbing if chilly, but it’s likely her audience will be those captivated by her early work.
$25. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
The Ladies Of…, The Star Community Bar — Rocker James Hall returns with another new band, this one veering into some psychedelic, spacey rock with funky glam overtones. He’s a great frontman with a storied local career, a solid new album, and a show always worth checking out.
$TBA. 8:00 p.m. Star (Community) Bar, 437 N. Moorland Ave., 30307. 404-390-3062. starbaratl.bar
Fri., Sept. 15
Old 97’s, John Hollier, Variety Playhouse — Give Texas’ Old 97’s credit for keeping their pop/twang/insurgent country not just alive but vital for nearly thirty years with the same four members. But they have more than longevity going for them as 2020s release (blandly titled Twelfth) shows. They still rock out and sound as energized as on their jittery first album, circa 1994. And live, they never disappoint.
$25. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Sat., Sept. 16
BabyJake, Hotel Fiction, Smith’s Olde Bar — This LA by way of Florida rocker describes his music as “urban pop” but there is also a strong glam element too. His music is sexy, melodic and danceable, with a humorous edge evident in “Drain My Sewage Pipe (Got Sex on My Mind).” He’ll play songs from a new album titled Aren’t We Ever Going to Be More Than Friends which includes a credible cover of the Stones’ “Beast of Burden.”
$20-30. 8:30 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Squeeze, Psychedelic Furs, Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park — Both these UK bands were popular in the ‘80s as modern rockers but took very different musical approaches. Squeeze’s energized, lyrically crafty pop rode an Elvis Costello wave as opposed to the Furs’ more artsy, Bowie-ish approach. Regardless, they appeal to a similar late 40/50-something audience. Even if only a few core members still remain from their heyday, it’s always fun to sing along with songs you know by heart.
$22-121+. 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., 30327. 404-233-2227. livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEkAaA/cadence-bank-amphitheatre-at-chastain-park-events
Sun., Sept. 17
Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, The Green Room — It’s that time again. Meet and greet and trade favorite artists with other area blues fans, this month along to the music of The Blues Generation. Musicians bring your instruments for the closing jam.
$Free. 1:00 p.m. The Green Room, 1391 Veterans Memorial HWY. Ste 114., Mableton, 30126. 678-741-8898. atlantabluessociety.org
Ruthie Foster, Eddie’s Attic — It’s impossible to understand why, at this stage of a career that started in 1999, Ruthie Foster is still playing the same stages she played decades ago. Her bluesy soul and gospel-influenced albums are consistently nominated for roots awards, she tours steadily delivering dynamic shows that result in standing ovations, and she writes terrific songs with ringing choruses like last year’s “Soul Searching.” Foster always seems one album away from breaking through, but don’t let that stop you from catching her in the cozy confines of Eddie’s where you’ll get uplifted by the energy radiating from onstage.
$45.06. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Tues., Sept. 19
Ondara, Vinyl — It’s dubbed “The Rebirth Tour” which makes sense because Kenya-born folk singer Ondara, who made an immediate impression with his 2018 debut, couldn’t follow up that initial success with two subsequent albums. His tenor voice is cool and often eerie, with echoes of Tracy Chapman in song construction and dramatic tone. He tours supporting a third album, 2022s Spanish Villager No.3 which, with his emotional vocals, soulful folk delivery and bluesy undertones should have attracted more attention than it did.
$25. 8:00 p.m. Vinyl, 1374 West Peachtree St., Marietta, 30309.404-885-1365.centerstage-atlanta.com
Wed., Sept. 20
The Nude Party, Lady Apple Tree, Terminal West — Three albums in, South Carolina’s favorite garage rockers The Nude Party (once rumored to perform naked), has staked their sound loosely in the same area as the old Stones, Kinks and any other act on the Nuggets collection. They have expanded musically to include country and even reggae influences on this year’s Rides Onbut this is a band whose ramshackle energy has to be seen live to be fully appreciated.
$20-25. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Erin Rae, Bryan Cates, The EARL — The “Lighten Up and Try Tour” brings Nashville’s Erin Rae back on the road to promote last year’s Lighten Up release, her third and a new live album based on those songs. She once organized and hosted a show focused on ‘70s soft rock of the Carpenters/Carole King/Bread variety, heavy on the Laurel Canyon vibe, and those strains are evident in her somewhat retro music. Rae’s hushed, dulcet voice, and intimate vibe creates honeyed songs that are mellow, moving and melodic.
$15-18. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Thurs., Sept. 21-Sun. Sept 24
GABBAFEST, Grand Opera House, Macon — It’s all Allman Brothers all the time for this first GABBAFEST (Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association) since 2017. The events are scattered around Macon where the band was formed, but larger shows take place at the Grand Opera House. Fans will likely travel from around the country to pay tribute to the legendary music of the Allmans and their offshoots.
$70-175. Various start times. Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St., Macon, 31201. 478-765-2822. gabbafest.org
Thurs., Sept. 21
John Fullbright, Eddie’s Attic — Oklahoma born and raised singer/songwriter Fullbright was rightly lauded for 2014’s Songs an understated gem that promised great things in the tradition of noted songsmiths like John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III and Guy Clark. But it took eight long years to follow up that milestone, effectively pumping the brakes on his career. He returned with 2022’s The Liar, another solid if downbeat collection with tunes that sound like stripped-down Jason Isbell songs. His detailed character sketches are entrancing — his is the perfect venue to best appreciate them.
$22.25. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Darlingside, Louisa Stancioff, Aisle 5 — The strummy folk created by Darlingside exists in its own time and space. There are echoes of ‘60s, pre-psychedelic Jefferson Airplane and maybe some Simon & Garfunkel, but this quartet with its attention to sumptuous harmonies and oblique song structures sounds like no one else. They dub their music “string rock” yet using the word rock in relation to their dreamy approach is a stretch. It’s all quite exquisite in a hushed, wistful way and live their combined voices are stunning.
$20. 8 p.m. Aisle 5, 1123 Euclid Ave. NE.,Atlanta 30307. 404-549-2778. aisle5atl.com
Fri., Sept. 22
Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Keller & the Keels, The Eastern — This impressive bill combines two mid-sized venue headliners in Yonder Mountain and Railroad Earth, both heavy in bluegrass — sometimes called newgrass — influences and ready to jam. Opener Keller Williams, with the Keels, specializes in covering rock and pop tunes with a string band — which isn’t as schlocky as it sounds.
$38-43. 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
Damien Jurado, Lily Miller, Eddie’s Attic — Indie singer/songwriter Jurado is a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them. He has released nearly 20 albums after his 1997 debut (seven since 2016), touching on a variety of genres and relying on inscrutable lyrics about life’s outsiders. Not surprisingly, he currently tours behind a new EP with the typically twisted title of Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You Hate. With a rich catalog of hushed anti-folk non-hits, it’s hard to say what he’ll pull out of his bag. Regardless, it’ll be interesting, dark and likely intense.
$32.26. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., Sept. 23
Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, Thomson, GA — Year 29 of this long running blues/roots/Americana extravaganza (“A small festival with a big personality” is their motto) is set to be one of its finest. Headlined by New Orleans based pianist Jon Cleary and soul/blues/indie rock singer/songwriter Shemekia Copeland, this year’s lineup is as strong as any in recent memory.
$40-50. 12 Noon. Thomson, GA, 955 Stagecoach Rd. NE., Thomson, 30824. www.blindwillie.com
Sam Grow, Jeremy McComb, Smith’s Olde Bar — This Nashville good ol’ boy grinds out a respectable combination of rocking bro-country, heavy on the rock, and small town values (Jason Aldean, holler!) in songs from his current release with titles like “Cheap Whiskey,” “Bar Like This,” and “Truck in the Yard.” Sure they sound like they could be on any of a dozen contemporary country albums, but Grow seems committed enough, he writes better than expected lyrics, his band kicks and in a small club on a Saturday night, they’ll go down as easy as cold beers.
$20-40. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Damien Jurado, Lily Miller, Eddie’s Attic — Indie singer/songwriter Jurado is a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them. He has released nearly 20 albums after his 1997 debut (seven since 2016), touching on a variety of genres and relying on inscrutable lyrics about life’s outsiders. Not surprisingly he tours behind a new EP with the typically twisted title of Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You Hate. With a rich catalog of hushed anti-folk non-hits, it’s hard to say what he’ll pull out of his bag. Regardless, it’ll be interesting, dark and likely intense.
$32.26. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., Sept. 24
Dianne Durrett & Soul Suga’, City Winery — It’s a “Blues Brunch,” y’all, albeit one without food (at least included in the ticket price). Led by local trouper/soulstress Diane Durrett it likely will not be an easygoing Sunday afternoon affair as she never does anything nice and easy, to paraphrase Tina Turner. Rather, prepare to kick off your Sunday in a rollicking way. Note the early start time.
$25-35. 12:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
Dale Watson, Eddie’s Attic — Watson’s the classic honky tonker, the purveyor of a sound he dubs Ameripolitan, and he’s stuck to his guns for the better part of a quarter century releasing over two dozen albums along the way. There have been a few change-ups for this Texas troubadour — an instrumental set, a Christmas release and his latest, Starvation Box, which is acoustic, but his boomy baritone and staunch country swagger never wavers. In other words, he as real as the deal gets.
$34.49. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
The Howdies, Eddie’s Attic — There is a resurgence of classic country coming from down the road in Athens lately. Between The Pink Stones and these guys, it’s the early ‘ 70s all over again with The Howdies’ combination of New Riders of the Purple Sage melodicism, the Burrito Brothers’ dedication to keeping it real and the lonesome, ornery and mean style of Waylon Jennings. Plus they have the support from the high profile likes of the Drive-By Truckers and producer Dave Barbe. In other words, they’re on their way.
$14.46. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Sept. 29
Tanya Tucker, Alex Hall, Atlanta Symphony Hall — Before Brandi Carlile became Joni Mitchell’s biggest cheerleader, she helped country pop star Tanya Tucker craft her 2019 album that became one of the most successful comeback stories in country music. She’s followed it up with a new album and the “Sweet Western Sound Tour,” named after the latest release. The album is another keeper — with more original material penned by Carlile and her Hanseroth twins band. It’s one of the best, most deserving returns and live, the 64 year old Tucker’s throaty voice and no-nonsense attitude remains powerful and moving.
$55-91+. 8:00 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., 30309. 404-733-4900. aso.org
Sat., Sept. 30
Southern Surf StompFest, Avondale Estates Towne Green — Break out your loudest Hawaiian shirt and fire up the Woody (does anyone still drive one?) for this annual celebration of everything surf. Now at a new location, prepare for nine bands from around the country to produce 10 hours of non-stop reverb heavy guitars, cheesy keyboards, and roaring instrumentals. Florida’s The Intoxicators headline this blowout that should satisfy the most surf starved listeners, at least for another year. Food trucks, an artist market, and DJs add to the family friendly fun.
$Free. 12 noon. Avondale Estates Town Green, 64 Avondale Rd. Avondale Estates, 300002. facebook.com/events/1001446301214048
Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Rebirth Brass Band, Variety Playhouse — Award winning bassist Wooten returns with his gifted brothers to ladle out more simmering funk, soul, jazz, rock, world music, and even bluegrass. The talent level is off the charts with these guys, ensuring every budding musician in the city will be in attendance as they bob and weave through genres. Arrive early for the brass band/hip hop festivities of the veteran openers.
$35. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Beaucoup Jazz + Blues Festival and Pop-Up Art Village, Holcomb Bridge Crossing — Spend a late summer/early fall day with some nationally recognized local acts (including Eddie 9V and Joe Alterman) along with esteemed headliner Jason Marsalis for this annual multi-artist showcase. The music, especially from Alterman, combines jazz with blues and should have a broad appeal for both hardcore fans and others just looking for a fun day out.
$25-30. 2:00 p.m. Holcomb Bridge Crossing, 1003 Holcomb Woods Pkwy. Roswell, 30076. roswellartsfund.org/festival
Third Annual Lynne Couch Benefit Concert, The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain — Another Saturday in September, another blues festival. We could get used to this. A smattering of strong local talent led by Bill Sheffield, Hughes Taylor, and Blue Velvet Atlanta take the stage for a good cause. The money goes to various charities supported by the Atlanta Blues Society, the price is right and hearing blues outside is always a treat.
$10-15. 4:30 p.m. The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain, 1127 White Circle NW. Marietta, 30060. lynnecouchbenefit.com/home
The Arcadian Wild, Buckhead Theatre — The acoustic vibe of this Nashville based trio is rooted in the approach of their titular region but shifts from folk to Irish traditional, bluegrass, country and even some pop. It’s a lovely, often lively sound that’s organic, rootsy, played and especially sung, with genuine affection for whatever genre they choose. They will highlight songs from a fine recently released new album, Welcome.
$20-28+. 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theater, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAJAllA/buckhead-theatre-events
Please send upcoming blues events to consider for CL’s Blues & Beyond concert calendar to hal.horowitz@creativeloafing.com.