BLUES & BEYOND: Play blues, do good

BreezeFest exemplifies Carlos Capote’s generosity

#1 Lead Carlos
Photo credit: Tommy Santos
BREEZIN’: Carlos Capote at work.

Anyone who knew or worked with the late Carlos Capote understood that the local singer, harp player, frontman and founder of the Breeze Kings (“Breeze” was also his nickname) would drop everything to assist and lend his name, and talents, to almost any fundraising or benefit project. He was committed to giving back to the community and especially to other fledgling musicians.

Capote’s official obituary reads “One of the founders and the musical director of the ‘Blues in the Schools‘ program, Carlos was dedicated to educating, enlightening and entertaining students of all ages about the history and tradition of the American blues. Carlos was a guest artist on numerous albums and ... was always willing to take a curious young musician under his wing and give them the opportunity to share their burgeoning talent on stage with him. In 2016, The Atlanta Blues Society awarded Carlos an Honorary Lifetime Membership for his over 20 years of being a vital part of the Atlanta Blues scene.”

Friends remember that he was the first one to say “I’ll be there” when it came to assisting other non-profit causes. So it’s little surprise that his wife, Terri Albert Capote, now continues that generosity after his untimely passing in May, 2021 at just 48 years old.

Two previous celebrations of Carlos’ life, appropriately named BreezeFest, were held at The Northside Tavern in 2022 and 2023, his primary Atlanta hangout, with proceeds going to his family. But BreezeFest 2024, scheduled for Apr. 26 and 27, will have some changes.

Now consolidated to two days, Terri is working with the Atlanta Blues Society and their existing Blue Flame Fund which helps local music folks in the blues scene. BreezeFest 2024 will “benefit local musicians and club employees in need. I believe that’s what Carlos would want us to do, so that’s what we’ll do on his behalf,” she writes. To be clear, this is in addition to, yet separate from, The Carlos Capote Music Scholarship Fund, created in 2020 to send youngsters to music camp. That foundation just announced 11 year old David Lowry, son of respected Atlanta musician Mike, will attend Atlanta’s Rock’ N‘ Blues Camp this summer, courtesy of ABS.

The BreezeFest profits are yet another path for the national award winning Atlanta Blues Society, an organization that proudly promotes community-based giving as part of their doctrine, to assist others. Additional initiatives include their successful “Blues in the Schools,” referenced above, along with various concerts, benefits and events throughout the year.

This year’s BreezeFest features a number of local musicians. At press time the growing list includes:

  • Blue Velvet
  • Cazanovas
  • Chequered Blue
  • Jackson Allen & The Nightcaps with Mark D’Alessio
  • Nathan Nelson
  • Rockaholics
  • Shawn Williams
  • Stoney Brooks
  • Swami
  • Sweet and Salty Blues
  • Stephen Talkovich
  • The Trouble Tones
  • Uncle Albert Band (from St. Louis)
  • Zion Stovall


See great music, support local bands and, as a bonus, donate to a terrific cause. That’s a better win-win for all involved.

I’m sure Carlos’ spirit will be looking down and smiling.

Tues., Apr. 2

 

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GOOD HABITS: Get into the hushed harmonies routine as Tiny Habits play Apr. 2. Photo credit: terminalwestatl.com

Tiny Habits, Beane, Terminal West — Boston based folk/pop harmony trio Tiny Habits has achieved remarkable success, especially considering they have yet to release a full album. Credit viral streaming for their popularity. With voices that ebb and flow like CSN at their most mellifluous, they purvey a hushed sound that needs nothing more than stripped-down guitar strumming and their elegant voices to hypnotize, especially live.
$20-25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318.404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com

 

Wed., Apr. 3

 

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BIRDS OF A FEATHER: The Robinson brothers reunite as the Black Crowes, again. Apr. 3 is the homecoming date. Photo Credit: Ross Halfin

The Black Crowes, Fox Theater — They’re back — again — with “The Happiness Bastards” tour, named after the Crowes’ first album of original material in seven years. Apparently the rocking brothers Robinson have called a truce to their decades of notorious feuding, at least long enough to hit the road behind their hits. In their prime, they were usually great, expect this show to easily sell out from local faithful fans hoping to relive old memories.
$53.50+. 8:00 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org

 

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MIGHT AS WELL BE THEM: The Brothers Osborne combine slick country with outlaw appeal Apr. 3. Photo credit: brothersosborne.com

Brothers Osborne, Cadillac Three, Coca-Cola Roxy — It’s the Might as Well Be Us tour, a title tweaked from the sibling’s “Might as Well Be Me,” as the duo further blur the lines between outlaw country rocking and a less aggressive radio-ready sound that has made them one of the most successful acts on both scenes. Many credit producer Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Fiona Apple) for helping combine those styles and creating a sonic edge, but live they will likely shift to a rawer, more propulsive attack.
$59.00-109.00+. 8:00p.m. Coca-Cola Roxy, The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Ave. SE #500, 30339. livenation.com/venue/KovZ917ACc7/coca-cola-roxy-events

 

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NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: Sixties’ Brit Invasion hit makers The Zombies are still alive and well Apr. 3. Photo credit: variety-playhouse.com

The Zombies, Variety Playhouse — The band is down to keyboardist Rod Argent and ghostly frontman/singer Colin Blunstone these days, the only holdovers from The Zombies’ ‘60s British Invasion peak. But unlike others from that era, these guys are releasing new music, specifically 2023s impressive Different Game, their third of original music since 2011, which they will surely feature tonight along with the “Time of the Season” hits and maybe some deep tracks for the old folks.
$49.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com

 

Thu., Apr. 4

 

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GETTING CLOSER TO FREE: The BoDeans play hits and new material Apr. 4. Photo credit: citywinery.com/Atlanta

BoDeans, City Winery — Midwestern rockers BoDeans probably won’t have another hit as ubiquitous as 1993s “Closer to Free.” But even with just co-founder/frontman/singer/songwriter Kurt Neumann holding down the fort, the band has been cranking out impressive pop-rock albums over the past three decades. A fine new song “You Wasted Me” was released a few months ago proving there is plenty of creative gas left in the band’s tank.
$40-55. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta

 

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YOU CAN CALL HIM EARL: Banjo legend Tony Trischka tackles the music of another banjo legend, Earl Scruggs, Apr. 4. Photo credit: eddieowenpresents.com

Tony Trischka, Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry — The full name of the show is “Tony Trischka’s Earljam:A Tribute to Earl Scruggs,“ which tells you most of what you need to know. The show is more than a concert though. It traces the history of Scruggs from childhood through his final days with plenty of expert picking from 50 year bluegrass veteran Trischka and his band. It might be the most prestigious bluegrass event of the spring.
$35-50. 8:00 p.m. Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main Street, Duluth, 30096. 404-478-2749. eddieowenpresents.com

 

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CRACKLIN’ ROSALI: Swoon to the mellow, yet dark, indie folk-rock of Rosali Apr. 4. Photo credit: badearl.com

Rosali, Arbor Labor Union, The EARL — Indie singer/songwriter Rosali works a folk/pop sound enhanced by her sweet voice and somewhat darker songs. She has opened for The Weather Station and shares that band’s sense of slightly ominous yet creative song craft and ability to hypnotize audiences. Her melancholy vocals reach out and grab you, albeit softly, singing choruses that get under your skin in the best ways. She features music from an exquisite new album Bite Down.
$15-17. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com

 

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MARDI GRAS RETURNS: Missed the March celebration? Make up for it as Cha Wa brings the party Apr. 4. Photo credit: chawa.com

Cha Wa, Vinyl — The band’s web page describes Cha Wa’s sound as “New Orleans brass band meets Mardi Gras Indians” which nails their joyous, bubbling groove. Funk, jazz and swamp conjoin like the most festive music emerging from the Crescent City, capturing all the color, excitement and history embedded in the finest roots acts from the legendary locale. Dancing isn’t just advised, it’s required.— Hal Horowitz
$20. 8:00 p.m. Vinyl, 1374 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309.404-885-1365. centerstage-atlanta.com

 

Fri., Apr. 5

 

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UK NOIR: England’s Ruen Brothers create the soundtrack to their own film Apr. 5. Photo credit: sobatl.com

The Ruen Brothers, Smith’s Olde Bar — Two Brit siblings (Rupert and Henry Stansall) run country influences though a film noir sensibility for something that sounds like it’s from another, dreamier dimension. Henry’s four octave tenor is reminiscent of Roy Orbison singing over windswept music perfect for the soundtrack of an as yet unmade Spaghetti Western. They will feature tunes from last year’s Ten Paces. Edgy and unique.
$12-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com

 

 

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SCARRED, SMARTER, STILL ROCKIN’: Legendary local rockers Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ return Apr. 5. Photo credit: drivinncryin.com

Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Buckhead Theatre —At this stage, little can be said about the iconic Atlanta band led by the irrepressible Kevn Kinney that is news to any local music fan. Now pushing nearly 40 years playing their crunchy country/folk/rock amalgamation, they still sound tough, tight and tensile. Live, with a catalog full of “Straight to Hell” classics and numerous cool obscurities, you never know what you’ll hear.
$40.-65.+ 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theater, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com

 

Sat., Apr. 6

 

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BUFFALO SOLDIER: Grant Lee Phillips may even play some tunes from his Grant Lee Buffalo days Apr. 6. Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

Grant-Lee Phillips, Eddie’s Attic — Phillips’ 90s-era work with Grant Lee Buffalo, let alone Shiva Burlesque, his band previous to that, is so far in the rearview mirror that most fans probably don’t even know about them. Rather Phillips has a thick, dozen album solo catalog featuring dusky, often wistful (his newest is titled All That You Can Dream) indie folk-pop sung with a smoke tinged vulnerability that has attracted its own Americana audience. He’s the epitome of an indie troubadour, unspooling emotional songs with class and subtlety.
$26.70+. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030.404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

 

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NO WORDS: Instrumental trio LA LOM flies in from LA Apr. 6. Photo credit: badearl.com

LA LOM, The EARL — Short for Los Angeles League of Musicians, LA LOM is an instrumental trio that plays traditional Latino music mixing the more roots influences of Los Lobos with an atmospheric, reverbed percussive surf noir that’s entrancing and often mesmerizing. Something between Hermanos Gutierrez and Ry Cooder is also a reasonable comparison. Exotic, edgy and surely worth a look.
$18-22. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com

 

Sun. Apr. 7

 

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CASHING IN: Johnny’s daughter Roseanne, a legendary Americana musician of her own, plays a rare Atlanta date Apr. 7. Photo credit: rosannecash.com

Rosanne Cash, Buckhead Theatre —Johnny’s daughter (from his first wife) has an illustrious career that can proudly stand with her famous dad’s. Cash recorded Americana albums starting in 1979, before the genre was even a thing, and has used her distinctive voice in service of alternatively catchy and enigmatic songs all sung with beguiling honesty. She has at least one classic in 1993s The Wheel, just reissued for its 30 anniversary. Expect to hear plenty from that, plus highlights — and plenty of under-the-radar gems — from a stunning 45 year career with few missteps.
$80.-277.+ 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theater, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com

 

 

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ALRIGHT NOW: The popular blues-tinged package The Blues is Alright returns Apr. 7. Photo credit: cobbenergycentre.com

The Blues is Alright Tour, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre — Ask any serous blues lover who Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, J-Wonn, West Love, or Lebrado is and you’ll likely get a blank stare in return. That’s because they are closer to ultra-slick, old-school styled soul than anything out of Stax‘s Memphis or Chicago’s Chess labels. There is apparently an audience for this genre based on its yearly appearance at this large venue — and the ticket prices — but to call it blues is at best generous and ultimately a misnomer. Regardless, the music is expertly played, the acts have sumptuous voices and the performers are professional. So if this is your thing, it’ll be an enjoyable evening.
$59-250+. 6:00 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2100 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, 30339. 770-916-2852. cobbenergycentre.com

 

Tues., Apr. 9

 

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TEXAS TORNADO: Blues rocking guitarist Ally Venable plays up a storm Apr. 9. Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

Ally Venable, Eddie’s Attic — This young Texas blues-rocking guitarist has the imprimatur of fan Kenny Wayne Shepherd who brought her along to open some tours. That and three solid albums, including Real Gone (2023) has put her on the roots radar as a promising player somewhat in the Samantha Fish mold. Venable sings well and writes solid songs, but when she lets loose on a blistering solo you’ll see why Shepherd was so impressed.
$20+. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030.404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

 

 

Fri., Apr. 12

 

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DOUBLE TROUBLE: Nick Moss and Dennis Gruenling bring the Chicago blues here Apr. 12 Photo credit: nickmoss.com

Nick Moss and Dennis Gruenling — Guitarist Moss has been flying the flag for pure, house-rocking Chicago blues on a series of scorching albums over the past quarter century. In 2018 he joined forces with harmonica ace/singer Gruenling and the duo has forged a fiery path through raw blues, unconcerned with commercial airplay or watering down their sound to attract a larger audience. Last year found them collaborating on Get Your Back Into It, an intense disc that will only be more exciting when played live.
$15. 9 p.m. Blind Willie’s, 828 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306. 404-873-2583. blindwilliesblues.com

 

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TULL TIME: Ex-Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre plays the band’s hits Apr. 12 Photo credit: martinbarre.com

Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre, City Winery — He was Ian Anderson’s secret weapon in Tull for decades, so Barre has every right to cash in on that resume entry. He’s a rugged guitarist who has also released a clutch of pretty good blues-rock albums under his own name. But based on the billing, this’ll be geared to the Tull songs he stamped with his ingenious six-string work. And seeing him in a small venue is a treat.
$55-75. 7:30 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta

 

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KISS MY BRASS: Two sizzling New Orleans horn bands bring the good times Apr. 12. Photo credit: sobatl.com

Rebirth Brass Band, Wasted Potential Brass Band, Smith’s Olde Bar — It’s all horns all the time as these two New Orleans based brass ensembles bring the funk, hip-hop and jazz to the cozy environs of Smith’s. It’s sure to be a wild throw-down and the best way to get some genuine Crescent City flavor without traveling there. Bring your Mardi Gras beads.
$30-37.50. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com

 

Sat., Apr. 13

 

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ECLECTIC AMPLIFICATION: The diverse Amplify Decatur festival, this year with headliner Melissa Etheridge, returns Apr. 13. Photo credit: melissaetheridge.com

Amplify Decatur Music Fest, Downtown Decatur — Melissa Etheridge, Dawes, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Run Katie, Run take the downtown Decatur stage for this annual outdoor event. As usual it’s an eclectic lineup with three major headliners all playing rootsy, yet diverse music, with the always powerful Etheridge pounding out her heartfelt, soulful, Americana rocking topping a particularly strong bill.
$65-275. 2 p.m. Downtown Decatur, 101 East Court Square., Decatur,30030. amplifydecatur.org

 

 

Sun., Apr. 14

 

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NO COWPOKES HERE: Saddle up for the return of the Cowboy Junkies Apr. 14. Photo credit: variety-playhouse.com

Cowboy Junkies, Variety Playhouse — They may not be topping college radio playlists like they did in the early ‘80s, but Canada’s Cowboy Junkies have never stopped releasing tough ’n’ tender ambitious albums. Frontperson Margo Timmins’ voice is a thing of beauty, and her brother, guitarist Michael, easily shifts from raging psychedelic roller coaster rides to gentle, emotional strumming. With two dozen albums to choose from, you’re likely to get some obscurities along with the older, more familiar material, and a good chunk of music from 2023s striking Such Ferocious Beauty an under-the-radar gem.
$39.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307.404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com

 

Wed., Apr. 17

 

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HIGH FLYIN’ BIRD: Singer/songwriter Jade Bird lands in town Apr. 21 Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

Jade Bird, Eddie’s Attic — The show is titled “Open Up the Songbook” but the Austin/LA by way of the UK singer/songwriter, with her sweetly refined voice, performs songs from her recent Burn the Hard Drive EP which deals with the breakup of a long-term relationship. She also cherry-picks selections from two previous albums and will surely deliver “Find a Way” featured in the movie Nyad.
$22+. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030.404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

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BATTER UP!: Fastball takes the mound, playing hits hits and new songs Apr. 17. Photo credit: citywinery.com/atlanta

Fastball, City Winery — Austin pop rockers Fastball had a moment in the public consciousness when “The Way” (1998) was a rock radio staple. But after that passed, few realized they continued to make solid albums later on. The Help Machine(2019), produced by Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin, is a prime example that their songwriting talents remain polished and professional. They will likely feature music from that along with tunes from the even lesser heard follow-up, the slightly more organic The Deep End (2022).
$25-55. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta

 

Thu., Apr. 18

 

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BLUEGRASS SHREDDER: Molly Tuttle and her band display their acoustic dexterity Apr. 18. Photo credit: centrestage-atlanta.com

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Center Stage — Billy Strings might be the young face of contemporary bluegrass, but guitarist Molly Tuttle is just as talented and should be playing similarly sized arenas. City of Gold (2023) is her finest release yet. Along with the equally gifted Golden Highway band, she crafts exceptional bluegrass songs that occasionally shift into country, sings them with a compelling voice, and shreds those acoustic strings with passion and excitement. Hopefully she’ll include her imaginative cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” in this night’s set. Not to be missed.— Hal Horowitz
$20-37. 8:00 p.m. Center Stage, 1374 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309.404-885-1365. centerstage-atlanta.com

 

Fri., Apr. 19

 

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TRIP TO MARS: Singer/songwriter Charlie Mars plays heartfelt and honest folk pop Apr. 18. Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

Charlie Mars, Eddie’s Attic — Times Have Changed is the title of recurrent visitor Mars’ new album, but he’s still doing what he has been for the past 30 years; writing honest folk-pop tunes and singing them in a voice that comes straight from his heart to yours. “Don’t You Want to Know Me” he asks on a recent track, yet anyone who listens to his music already knows him well. That’s the goal of most Americana singer/songwriters of which he is one of our most resilient.— Hal Horowitz
$32.26+. 9:15 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

 

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SHE’S A FINE GIRL: Brandy Clark takes the spotlight Apr. 19. Photo Credit: variety-playhouse.com

Brandy Clark, Variety Playhouse — Dulcet-voiced Clark followed the lead of other Nashville songwriters who longed to be in front of the curtain rather than behind it. Her 2013 debut, 12 Stories, was an immediate hit — she’s only increased in popularity since, resulting in last year’s self-titled third release. Produced by Brandi Carlile, it slants towards a more intimate, personal and melancholy sound than most of the country hits she has penned. It was universally acclaimed as one of the finest Americana releases of the year led by the searing, string enhanced ballad “Dear Insecurity.”
$27.50-190.00. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307.404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com

 

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GETTING HORNY: Athens’ favorite multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Randall Bramblett adds horns to his sound Apr. 19. Photo Credit: Ian McFarlane

Randall Bramblett Band, Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry — “With the Mega Blaster Horn Section!” touts the listing, which adds even more sizzle to Bramblett’s already diverse mix of swampy, atmospheric rock with oblique but vibrant lyrics and trademarked dusky vocals. Soul/blues veteran Bettye LaVette recently recorded an entire album of his compositions; expect to hear at least some of those from the source.
$25-29. 8:00 p.m. Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main Street, Duluth, 30096. 404-478-2749. eddieowenpresents.com

 

Sat., Apr. 20

 

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ANACHRONICITY TOUR 2024: It’s the great return of the spectacular fusionists Dixie Dregs Apr. 20. Photo credit: dixie dregs

Dixie Dregs, The Steve Morse Band, Variety Playhouse — Shredding guitarist Morse does double duty tonight as he opens fronting his own band, then joins his original outfit, country/jazz/fusionists Dixie Dregs, for one of their infrequent reunion tours. They can still play, and their compositionally complex prog-roots songs from 40 years ago remain edgy, energetic and intense.
$59.50+-. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307.404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com

 

 

Sat., Apr. 20-Sun., Apr. 21

 

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SMOKIN’: Another year, another Sweetwater 420 Fest, this one featuring longtime Atlanta favorites Gov’t Mule on, when else?, Apr. 20. Photo credit: govtmule.com

Sweetwater 420 Fest, Pullman Yards — It’s back, bigger and pricier than ever. Of course, now it’s free — with a $10 donation to WaterKeeper. Gov’t Mule (pictured) headline Saturday with Big Gigantic topping Sunday’s bill. Local gals Larkin Poe bring the blues rocking (Sat.). Lots of music, lots of beer, lots of people and a good bit of that 420 action too if it doesn’t rain.
$free with $10 donation. 12:00 p.m. Pullman Yards, 225 Rogers St. NE, 30317. sweetwater420fest.com

 

Sun., Apr. 21

 

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INTO THE WAY BACK MACHINE: The Way Back Band provides the blues for this month’s Atlanta Blues Society meet Apr. 21. Photo credit: Way Back Band

Atlanta Blues Society Monthly Meet-up — The Way Back Band takes the stage this afternoon for Apr.’s meet and greet convention of blues fans and those blues-curious. Bring your instruments and talents for the closing jam with ABS members, or better still, become a member if you’re not already.
$free. 3 p.m. Magnolia Lounge, 3920 Jonesboro Rd., Forest Park, 30297. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083728471244

 

 

 

Mon., Apr. 22

 

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SOLO SWAMPER: Riley Downing takes time away from the Deslondes, Apr. 22. Photo credit: sobatl.com

Riley Downing, Smith’s Olde Bar — Missouri born and raised Downing takes time out from his frontman duties in the Deslondes to tour alone. He released a solo album,Start It Over (2021), featuring his shadowy baritone voice in service of some cool and skewed swamp rock, so he’ll likely play most of that and throw in some Deslondes’ tunes. It promises to be as raw, earthy, and organic as his music. —Hal Horowitz
$15-20. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com

 

Tues., Apr. 23

 

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HE AIN’T HEAVY…: The Bros. Landreth revisit an old favorite album Apr. 23. Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

The Bros. Landreth, Eddie’s Attic — Canadian singer/songwriters The Bros. Landreth (not “Brothers” by the way), got a major career boost when Bonnie Raitt covered deep cut “Made Up Mind” as the first single to her most recent album. For this tour they pay tribute to Let It Lie, the disc that song was on, playing the songs acoustically. But there’s more where that came from, in the same general roots pop vibe, specifically in the gorgeous Come Morning (2020) album, which they will hopefully include in tonight’s show.— Hal Horowitz
$25+. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030.404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

 

 

Wed., Apr. 24

 

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THE WHITE TIME: Expect the unexpected when surrealist singer/songwriter Jim White takes the stage Apr. 24. Photo credit: eddiesattic.com

Jim White, Eddie’s Attic — Misfit’s Jubilee, the title of singer/songwriter White’s2020 release, sums up his wildly idiosyncratic career. He’s that way in concert too, telling fascinating, often bizarre stories, before playing songs that may or may not have anything to do with them. His music shifts from anti-folk to wooly and psychedelic, often propelled by outrageous lyrics, telescoped by the surreal “Highway of Lost Hats.” He’s worth seeing just to get a dose of a strange, wonderful, artsy, Americana eccentric.
$20+. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030.404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com

 

Thu., Apr. 25

 

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FISHING EXPEDITION: Strap in as blues rocker Samantha Fish torches the stage Apr. 25 Photo Credit: variety-playhouse.com

Samantha Fish, Variety Playhouse — Kansas City’s favorite roots rocking daughter has come a long way since she broke out as a blues shredder in 2011. She’s since moved into both soul (Chills and Fever, 2017) and more strident garage rock with country and blues tinges, the latter highlighted by last year’s Grammy nominated collaboration with Jesse Dayton. She’s back with her own band, still slinging that cigar box guitar and promoting songs from the forceful Faster (2021).
$29.50-35.00. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com

 

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DEXTER DREAMING:Join Jeffrey Butzer and friends as they pay tribute to the late Dexter Romweber Apr. 25. Photo Credit: Courtesy of dexterromweber.com

Dreams Don’t Cost a Thing: A Tribute to Dexter Romweber, The EARL — Super-fan and local creative iconoclast Jeffrey Butzer organizes this tribute to late roots rebel Romweber who died unexpectedly in February. An early sampling of contributors includes Gentlemen Jesse, Georgie Harris with Compartmentalizationalists, Rod Hamdallah, W8ing4ufos and Don Chambers. Like Romweber’s always unpredictable concerts, this one ought to be passionate, unique and, above all, memorable. Proceeds will be donated to
Glioblastoma Foundation and UNC Hospice. (charities chosen by the Romwebers).
$17-20. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com

 

Fri., Apr. 26

 

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FOLK YOU!: Scott H. Biram and Abe Partridge make for an enticing evening of diverse and challenging anti-folk Apr. 26. Photo Credit: centerstage-atlanta.com

Scott H. Biram, Abe Partridge, Vinyl — If one-man band Biram’s description of his music as “the bastard child of punk, blues, country, hillbilly, bluegrass, chain gang, metal, and classic rock,” doesn’t at least intrigue you, then it’s hard to understand what might. He’s as challenging as that implies and even has a new album (his early self-released discs were on the KnuckleSandwich label), the appropriately titled The One and Only Scott H. Biram to get you hooked on his raw, gripping approach. Opener Partridge is just as captivating, albeit in a less aggressive way, making this a near perfect double bill of subversive singer/songwriters.
$20-25. 8:00 p.m. Vinyl, 1374 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309.404-885-1365. centerstage-atlanta.com

 

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DOWN UNDER SOUL: Australia’s Teskey Brothers fly north to deliver their blue-eyed soul Apr. 26. Photo Credit: teskeybrothers.com

The Teskey Brothers, The Dip, Coca-Cola Roxy — Despite playing a retro-infused soulful rock and getting limited press and airplay, Australia’s The Teskey Brothers have translated their down-under popularity to the States. Josh and Sam Teskey have been at it since 2008, culminating in The Winding Way (2023) which captured their Van Morrison-inflected blue-eyed soul in the studio, after a few successful live albums. They don’t make singers any more expressive than the Otis Redding-influenced Josh and, along with his brother, the siblings craft compelling music brimming with emotion, feeling and great melodies.
$60.00-158.00+. 8:00p.m. Coca-Cola Roxy, The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Ave. SE #500, 30339. livenation.com/venue/KovZ917ACc7/coca-cola-roxy-events

 

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THEIR NAME IS MUDD: The Chickasaw Mudd Puppies return to swamp it up Apr. 26. Photo Credit: chickasawmuddpuppies.com

Chickasaw Mudd Puppies, Say Zu Zu, Smith’s Olde Bar — Thirty-two years after their last album, Athens’ most unhinged rocking trio returns to remind us of how nobody quite sounds like their combination of Michael Stipe-approved stomping swamp, raw country and twisted, liquored-up rockabilly. If you missed ‘em then, you’ve got another chance to get on board. Better still, the Puppies are promoting a new album, Fall Line, their third, a logical if somewhat less manic, follow-up to their first two.
$20-31.25. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com

 

Sun., Apr. 28

 

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FOR YOUR BENEFIT: The Indigo Girls headline this benefit for Georgia theaters Apr. 28. Photo Credit: indigogirls.com

Revival, Fox Theater — The Indigo Girls and Charlie Starr with Benji Shanks headline this evening hosted by Kevn Kinney “celebrating Georgia’s historic theatres” as the promotional flyer touts. It’s a benefit supporting the state’s significant venues but, more tantalizingly, the show, with some of the city’s finest and most influential musicians, might have its players joining on stage for a one-off musical collaboration. Even if that doesn’t happen, this promises to be a classy and culturally roots event.
$40.00-210.00+. 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org

 

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CHILLIN’ NOT KILLIN’: Singer/songwriter Ruston Kelly brings his melancholy introspection Apr. 28. Photo credit: terminalwestatl.com

Ruston Kelly, Terminal West — Nashville by way of North Carolina singer/songwriter Kelly is on his “Too Chill To Kill” tour, promoting his stunning, and often intense, personal song cycle The Weakness (2023). One spin of “Mending Song” with its lyrics of “The road that I took was full of ditches and mistakes” and you’ll realize this guy is laying it all out, pulling no punches. A few tracks pick up the generally melancholy pace, but Kelly’s strong suit is unflinching lyrics that dovetail with his similarly intimate melodies. Moving and honest.
$25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com