TDawg Presents brings you the finest in music that heals the soul and brings life to your life. You KNOW that a TDawg show will always be a solid show!
TDawg Presents is thrilled to announce the Holiday Hootenanny 15 lineup! There are still a couple of missing pieces to be filled in due time, but we are going to have ourselves one helluva time! I hope you can be there to celebrate this milestone year. For the 13th consecutive edition, we are proud to donate proceeds to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. The concert has donated over $90,000 since 2013. Let’s take it over $100K! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Time: 7 PM Showtime/6 PM Doors
Tickets: General Admission ~ $35 ADV/$50 Door, Reserved $45 ADV/$60 Door. CLICK HERE for online purchase (*fees included in price for online purchases*). To avoid the fees, you can go to the Variety Playhouse box office 2-6 PM M-F and all show nights. Also other Zero Mile venues Terminal West, The Eastern, and Georgia Theater in Athens.
TDawg Presents is excited to bring you the 15th edition of what is a great holiday tradition on the Atlanta music scene, the Holiday Hootenanny! Holiday Hootenanny 15 will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points, its original home beginning in December 2011. The concert moved to Terminal West from 2013-17 before returning to the Variety Playhouse in 2018. For the 13th year, net proceeds from the concert and raffle will directly benefit Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Since 2013, Atlanta Habitat has received over $90,000 from this beautifully organic event. The future is bright to substantially increase that amount! Atlanta Habitat transforms communities by acting as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization through education, innovative development, partnerships and long-term relationships with families. Its vision is an Atlanta where all people have access to quality affordable housing in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with opportunities to thrive. For more information about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, please visit the Atlanta Habitat website, http://www.atlantahabitat.org.
Holiday Hootenanny 15 will be one for the ages. Celebrating 15 editions of the best holiday season concert on the calendar and raising money for one of the most significant non-profits in Atlanta lays the foundation for what will be some non-stop jaw-dropping music for a great cause.
There’s some great shows coming in September & October in Avondale Estates and Smyrna, including some FREE concerts and a show at The Avon Theater. Hope to see you out at some of these performances!
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WEEKEND WIND DOWN CONCERT SERIES ~ FREE Admission! Town Green, 64 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates, GA) – BYOB, food/beverage also available on site.
September 13 ~ The COT Band, 6-8 PM, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
The C.O.T. Band is a latin band based in the Atlanta area. We play a mix of salsa, merengue, funk, bachata, caribbean rhythms, jazz, rumba, trova cubana and brazilian beats with our own twist.
In 2010 Willie Ziavino formed the C.O.T. Band along with Juan Bonini (Panamá) resulting in the fusion of trova, jazz, caribbean / brazilian rhythms and musical influences from each band member. This world music style blends perfectly with the melting pot that is Atlanta.
The band quickly became very well known in Atlanta’s latin music scenary performing weekly for the last 14 years in the best latin venues in the city.
They have also performed for Coca Cola, High Museum of Art, Georgia State, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Hispanic National Bar Association among others. C.O.T. Band has also been invited to several Southeast music festivals.
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Sunday, September 27 ~ Blue Talk, 6-8 PM (rescheduled from June 7)
STEPHANIE HEATH / SMILING EYES MEDIA
Formed on the campus of Mississippi State University in 2016 by Garrett Caver and Ronnie Bullock, Blue Talk originally went by the now retired name Hood Baby and the Barnacles (a name created on a whim by a random band name generator). Over the course of their college careers the pair would eventually add guitarist Wes Toner in 2017, and drummer Vaughan Brenner the following year.
While based in Mississippi the group found moderate success around the state playing at music festivals like MSU’s Bulldog Bash and the 2018 Missihippi Music and Arts Festival. They also played many of the states more notable venues, taking the stage at Jackson’s Duling Hall and Oxford’s The Lyric. Frequently hitting Oxford, Starkville, and Jackson MS, the band rapidly built a solid following around the Magnolia State playing an original brand of Funk and Neo-soul inspired by the greats of the 1970s.
While gearing up for the release of a debut album and a summer full of music, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped Blue Talk, along with the rest of the world, dead in its tracks. The band had to re-evaluate their priorities and life choices, and after over a year of relative inactivity, the band decided to uproot and move to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2021.
Buddy Red is a genre-bending artist with the creative mind of a time traveler, and the effortless twinkle of a star. As a guitarist, songwriter, and an eye catching personality, he delivers raw, cinematic performances that channel the pain, joy, and power of ‘self realization’. Based in Atlanta, Buddy draws from a wide range of influences, inspired by the psychedelic grandeur of Pink Floyd, the relentless ‘all or nothing’ energy of James Brown, the spiritual freedom of Hendrix, and the soul of traditional Delta blues. Buddy’s take on these historical aspects of ‘Rock n Roll’ create an experience that is both deeply rooted and radically current.
Donna the Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna the Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since 1989, the roots rockers have played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival.
They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root, and Railroad Earth to name a few. They also toured with Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen to help raise awareness about increased corporate spending in politics.
In 1991, the band started the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. The four-day festival has become an annual destination for over 15,000 music lovers every year and was started as an AIDS benefit. It continues as a benefit for arts and education. To date, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is now one of three Grassroots Festivals; the Bi-annual Shakori Hills fest in North Carolina and Virginia Key festival in Florida. In 2016 GrassRoots Culture Camp was introduced in Trumansburg, New York as four days of music, art, dance and movement workshops, including nightly dinners and dances.
“Fussin’ n’ Fightin’ is an enchanting, double-couple stringband based in Atlanta, Georgia. Emerging from the foot-stompin’, honky-tonk band Sweet Young Twang, the group features Jessie Almand, Erika Pluhar, Trey Palmer and bluegrass veteran Eddie Kesler of the accomplished Georgia Mountain Stringband.
FnF beautifully blends traditional bluegrass instrumentation with radiant 4-part male and female vocal harmonies around a single mic, while rotating all four members as lead singers. Their shows feature finely-crafted originals along with select covers, all with an energetic, yet heartfelt old-time country feel.”
We’re excited to have these folks opening the evening with their high energy. Certainly setting the stage for an incredible evening of music!
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BLANKET CONCERT SERIES – FREE Admission! 3080 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna, GA ~ BYOB
Blair Crimmins began his current music career in Atlanta, Georgia, with a drive to bring Ragtime and 1920’s style Dixieland Jazz to new audiences. While playing small rock clubs around the Southeast he developed a sound that is at once modern while being deeply rooted in the past. He has toured the U.S and Italy playing festivals and has opened for acts such as Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Old Crow Medicine show. A multiinstrumentalist on guitar, banjo and piano, Crimmins writes songs and arrangements for a classic New Orleans style horn section consisting of trumpet, clarinet and trombone. His debut release “The Musical Stylings Of” became a college radio sensation on WRAS Atlanta making him the most requested band on the air. In 2012 Crimmins showed his musical diversity by writing and recording the full score for the independent short film “Old Man Cabbage”. The following year, Crimmins was the critics pick for Best Song Writer of 2013 in Creative Loafing’s Best of ATL issue. His next album entitled Sing-a-longs! earned him a nomination at The Georgia Music Awards for Best Jazz Artist. After years of relentless touring the country and abroad Blair Crimmins released his 4th album of original ragtime music You Gotta Sell Something (2017), as well as a children’s album All Aboard (2019) and a 5th full length record featuring swinging covers of his favorite artists ranging from Louis Armstrong to David Bowie entitled “Okay Boom!” in 2021.
Tickets – CLICK HEREto see your options! Available for individual days, a special 4-day rate, separate weekend packages as well as reserved, GA & VIP options!
David Gans • Frankly Scarlet • The Amazing Mongooses • Token Rhyme • Jon Harris Band (JHB does JGB) • Estimated Prophet • The Len & Pete Show
Sun Aug 2: doors at 2:00pm
Grass Is Dead • David Gans • Jeff Mosier & Friends • Outriders (Bill Fleming’s NRPS) • Magnolia Express • String ‘n’ Bones • Alex Commins with Todd Prusin
Sat Aug 8: doors at 2:00pm
JGBCB • Deep Blue Sun • Saint Owsley • Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue • DeadCetera • Suns Of Jerry
Sun Aug 9: doors at 2pm
Lefty Williams Band • Dark Star Bros • Token Rhyme • Rainmakers • DireWoof • Ray’s The Dead
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The Days Between features music on August 3-6 at the following venues:
August 3 ~ Grateful Dead Open Mic @ Smith’s Olde Bar in the Main Bar Room
Sponsors – We are excited to have the following sponsors supporting the 19th Annual Jerry Day ATL at its new home, the Avon Theater, Without y’all, this event isn’t the same! THANK YOU!!
We’re gearing up for a great summer and early fall. I hope y’all can make it out for these shows. As always, please share and spread the word!
GR8FLDUDE & TDawg Presents are proud to bring you the 19th edition of Jerry Day ATL at its new home, The Avon Theater! After 11 great years at Terminal West, it was time to change course, and we’re super excited to present more musical journeys at the Avon Aug 1, 2, 8, 9 and at various venues around the metro ATL area during the week, filling out the The Days Between.
** All shows are now on sale with Early “Bird Song” discounts for a limited number of tickets! Options for all 4-shows (*VIP-balcony and General Admission – floor) and Weekend floor Passes, along with single show floor General Admission tickets. *VIP is not ADA-compliant as there is no elevator service to the Avon balcony.
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Tickets: $20 GA/Reserved Tables (min 4) $96 – CLICK HERE to purchase
Doors: 6 PM, Showtime: 7 PM
TDawg Presents is excited to bring you the return of The Wilder Flower to the Atlanta area! This extremely talented, young trio of women will wow you with their musical skills & knowledge well beyond their years combined with a modern take on the sound. Steeped in the North Carolina tradition of old-time string music and bluegrass, their harmonies and individual skills are amazing.
The Wilder Flower blends Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, and Old-time influence into something new and fluid. They thrive vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody, and instrumentally feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there is something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.
Donna the Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna the Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since 1989, the roots rockers have played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival. Original members Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins anchor this iconic band with their revolving door of loyal musicians who can jump in any time. Now in their 35th year as a band, Donna the Buffalo continues to keep that herd rolling along!
They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root, and Railroad Earth to name a few. They also toured with Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen to help raise awareness about increased corporate spending in politics.
“Fussin’ n’ Fightin” is an enchanting, double-couple stringband based in Atlanta, Georgia. Emerging from the foot-stompin’, honky-tonk band Sweet Young Twang, the group features Jessie Almand, Erika Pluhar, Trey Palmer and bluegrass veteran Eddie Kesler of the accomplished Georgia Mountain Stringband.
FnF beautifully blends traditional bluegrass instrumentation with radiant 4-part male and female vocal harmonies around a single mic, while rotating all four members as lead singers. Their shows feature finely-crafted originals along with select covers, all with an energetic, yet heartfelt old-time country feel.”
TDawg Presents is excited to present some fine offerings for the months of March and April in the metro Atlanta area, including two shows from the The Blanket Concert Series in Smyrna, one show from The Weekend Wind Down Concert Series in City of Avondale Estates, and two shows at the Red Light Cafe! We hope to see you out at any of these fine shows!
Saturday, March 14 ~ Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue, Blanket Concert Series, 6:30-8:30 PM @ The Reed House, 3080 Atlanta Rd SE, FREE/BYOB
Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue is a blues-based band from Atlanta driven by the powerful and soulful vocals of Melissa Goehner.
Providing the fuel for Melissa’s vocals are : Eddie Cortes on Bass/backing vocals, Justin Beals on lead/rhythm guitar/backing vocals, Johanna Millin on lead/rhythm guitar/backing vocals, Adrian Ash on drums/backing vocals, Christine Strain on backing vocals
Imagine Aretha Franklin, Koko Taylor, Susan Tedeschi all on the same stage with Melissa Goehner. Then imagine the energetic sounds of dynamic drumming, steady bass colored with expressive guitar leads and rhythm. That’s what you’ll experience when you come to a Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue show.
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Tuesday, March 24 ~ David Gans w/ special guests Pickled Holler, feat. Gaurav Malhotra ~ Red Light Cafe, 553 Amsterdam Ave. ~ Doors 6:30 PM, Showtime 7:30 PM, $18 adv TICKETS
Grateful Dead Hour Host & Scholar David Gans delivers literate, improvisational folk-rock with looping in a “solo electric” setting. A solo Gans show is likely to consist of several elements: country-blues-style fingerpicking; loop-based improvisations created live in the moment; sweetly-sung ballads, original or borrowed; Grateful Dead songs reinterpreted to suit his voice and guitar; wry observations of the music-festival subculture and the larger world; soulful and passionate political commentary; favorites from the folk-rock canon of the last 50 years. Mix and match – it’s never the same show twice, but it’s always worth a listen.
Pickled Holler, founded by husband and wife Matthew and Jessica Williams, is a family band that blends traditional sounds with jam nuances. Their music showcases rich harmonies, intricate dynamics, and heartfelt, life-affirming compositions.
Deeply rooted in a tradition of fellowship, they often expand their lineup to include high-caliber musician friends and family. Every Pickled Holler performance is a unique, emotionally charged experience that celebrates the joy of playing together.
Matt and J are blessed to have performed with so many musical heroes on the live stage throughout the years including Wynonna Judd, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Kevn Kinney, Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Mosier, David Blackmon, John Mailander, Leftover Salmon, Jason Carter, Larry and Jenny Keel, Jimmy Herring, Oteil Burbridge and countless others.
$18 Adv – $25 Door, Doors @ 6:30 PM
Advance ticket sales end one hour prior to door time. All ticket sales are final. No refunds.
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Friday, April 10 ~ An Evening w/ The Jon Stickley Trio ~ Red Light Cafe, 553 Amsterdam Ave ~ Doors 7 PM, Showtime 8 PM, $20 adv TICKETS
BIO
Jon Stickley Trio is a genre-defying and cinematic instrumental trio who’s deep grooves, innovative flatpicking and sultry-spacy violin moves the listener’s head, heart, and feet. “It’s not your father’s acoustic-guitar music, Instead Stickley’s Martin churns out a mixture of bluegrass, Chuck Berry, metal, prog, grunge, and assorted other genres—all thoroughly integrated into a personal style,” -Guitar Player Magazine. Premier Guitar says, “Stickley’s trio… is not a traditional bluegrass group by any means… they are just nimble and ambitious enough to navigate EDM-style breakbeats as effortlessly as the old timey standard ‘Blackberry Blossom. With inspiration ranging from Green Day to Duran Duran, Tony Rice, Nirvana, The Dead, Grisman and beyond, the Trio is making waves with their unique sound. “In a time when a lot of instrumental music feels more like math than art, Jon Stickley Trio reminds us of the pure joy that can be created and shared through music,” -Anders Beck (Greensky BG)
Enjoy this clip from Holiday Hootenanny 11 back in 2022 at the Variety Playhouse, featuring Jason Carter on the fiddle beside Lyndsay Pruett. What a gem! Thanks to (truly) Unknown Vincent for the video.
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Saturday, April 11 ~ The Squirrelheads, Blanket Concert Series, 6:30-8:30 PM @ The Reed House, 3080 Atlanta Rd SE, FREE/BYOB
Since 2001, The Squirrelheads have been Atlanta and North Georgia’s go-to band for authentic New Orleans funk, boogie-woogie, and Mardi Gras music. What started as a passion for the sounds of the Crescent City has evolved into over two decades of bringing that Big Easy energy to clubs, festivals, and private events across the Southeast.
Drawing from the deep wells of New Orleans musical tradition, The Squirrelheads channel the funk of The Meters, the groove of Professor Longhair, the soul of Dr. John, and the infectious energy of second-line street parades. Mix in touches of zydeco (think Buckwheat Zydeco) and danceable classics from the late 70s, and you get a sound that’s both authentic and accessible — music that gets people on their feet whether they’re New Orleans natives or hearing the style for the first time.
Our signature is that second-line beat and undeniable groove, delivered by a full band featuring piano, drums, bass, guitar, horns, and washboard/percussion. It’s the sound of Mardi Gras parades, Uptown grooves, and those sweaty nights in French Quarter clubs—all transplanted to Georgia.
The Squirrelheads specialize in turning any event into a New Orleans house party. We play a carefully curated mix of classic covers and original music that fits the genre, adjusting our setlist to match the energy of each venue and crowd. Whether it’s a festival stage, an intimate club, or a private celebration, we bring the same authentic New Orleans experience every time.
We’ve built a reputation as one of the most requested party bands in the region, playing everywhere from beloved local venues to major festivals. But what matters most isn’t our history — it’s the unforgettable nights we create for audiences who want to dance and feel that Big Easy vibe.
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Sunday, April 12 ~ Trina Meade & Co., Weekend Wind Down Concert Series, 6-8 PM @ Town Green Amphitheater, 64 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates, FREE/BYOB
Today Trina Meade is one of Atlanta’s own live musical performers. Her passion for music began early watching her father sing on the living room floor and from the pulpit of their church!
Once Trina moved to Atlanta, she joined one of most prominent bands on the local R&B circuit, later moving into the alternative rock music scene with her band Stereo Popsicle which morphed into Three5Human. Trina has toured and recorded with artist such as TLC, Indigo Girls, Michael Franti, OutKast, Stevie Wonder, Fishbone, Michelle Malone, and Blind Boys of Alabama through Kevn Kenny to name a few and is currently writing her first solo album entitled “Ashes”, set to release in the second quarter of 2026!
“I’m crazy excited and can’t wait to offer what I have to give to the world!”
– Yes Ma’am Family Band feat. Caroline Aiken, Diane Durrett, Donna Hopkins & Liz Melendez
Set 2 (8 – 9:20 PM)
Part I (8 – 8:15) – Jason Carter & Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Fiddle Duo
Part II (8:15 – 8:45) – Jim Lauderdale Bluegrass (Steve Poltz joins)
Part III (8:45 – 9:20) Jim Lauderdale Electric
Live Auction (9:20 – 9:25 PM) – Seth Weiner, our Live Auctioneer
Drums for Count & Rico(9:30-9:40 PM)
Set III (9:50 – 11:30 PM)
Part I (9:50-10:10) – Steve Poltz
Part II (10:10 – 11:30) – Poltz > Oliver Wood > Wood/Rev. Jeff Mosier & Friends
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Folks we are right on the cusp of quite a memorable night of music and collaborations that will leave you wanting more! The silent auction, brought to you by the amazing team at Positive Legacy, will be up and running by no later than Wednesday. There are some great items to bid on! There will also be a link to donate directly to Atlanta Habitat on behalf of the Holiday Hootenanny. This is a wonderful annual event, and I sure hope you can make it! Happy Holidays everyone!
TDawg Presents is excited to announce a partnership with the wonderful non-profit organization Positive Legacy to bring back the silent auction for the Holiday Hootenanny! A staple of the show for many years, it will be nice to have the silent auction back in the mix, as there were always some great items!
Positive Legacy integrates music and service to benefit people and the planet. They provide grants for environmental and humanitarian service projects fueled by the power of music, and they transcend cultural boundaries by attending to the needs and aspirations of the communities where music happens. They create sustainable support through action from musicians and fans. They have worked directly with Cloud 9 on events such as Jam Cruise, String & Sol & Panic En La Playa as well as the kind folks from Mempho, among many other events. We are extremely honored to have them on board with the Holiday Hootenanny!
In addition to Positive Legacy, we welcome back the talents of Seth Weiner, better known these days as “Your Rocktioneer“, calling the live auction for an autographed guitar, signed by everyone participating in Holiday Hootenanny 14!
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TDawg Presents is extremely excited to present its first show of the year on January 10 at the Red Light Cafe! Featuring up and coming band The Wilder Flower, which is fronted by recent Davidson College graduate and fiddlin’ Rhodes Scholar Madeline Dierauf and banjoist Molly Johnson, the night kicks off with a set of music by well-seasoned ATL bluegrass musicians Leah Calvert on fiddle, Michael Smith on mandolin, and Ian Newberry on guitar. Fireworks are going to happen by the end of the night! We hope that you can make it out for this incredible evening and the first TDawg Presents show of 2026!
Tickets CLICK HERE ~ ADV: $30 Gen Adm – $40 Res // Day of Show: $45 Gen Adm – $55 Res.
We are thrilled to announce that Bronwyn Keith-Hynesis joining the Holiday Hootenanny lineup! Sparks
are sure to fly in the musical vortex that is the Holiday Hootenanny, as Bronwyn teams up with her husband, fiddler Jason Carter throughout the evening! The complete lineup is below:
Here’s a fun clip from 2018 featuring an on-fire Orange Blossom Special featuring Larry Keel, Jason Carter, Lyndsay Pruett, John Mailander & Jeff Mosier!
Tickets: Click Here!(You can purchase tix at Zero Mile venues including The Variety Playhouse, Terminal West and The Eastern with no service fee added!)
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Celebrating the life and music of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead – “the music NEVER stops” with 9 bands performing on 2 indoor stages, with some of Georgia’s finest bands and players. No songs are repeated throughout this event, so you will most likely get to hear all of your favorites!
Tickets are now on sale for just $45 – must be a flashback!
Featuring: Frankly Scarlet • Lefty Williams • String ‘n Bones • GR8FLDUDE’s Token Rhyme • Old Matt Donald’s Band • The Amazing Mongooses • Jon Harris Band (JHB does JGB) • Dark Star Bros • Stranger Company
It’s a buck dancer’s choice for food at 2022 Jerry Day ATL – there will be meals, snacks, soft drinks and adult beverages served at Stationside and we expect some food truck vendors may be Truckin’ into the parking lot.
3:00 PM – Old Matt Donald’s Farm 4:00 PM – The Amazing Mongooses 5:00 PM – GR8FLDUDE’s Token Rhyme 6:00 PM – Jon Harris Band plays JGB 7:00 PM – Lefty Williams Band 8:00 PM – String ‘n Bones 9:00 PM – Frankly Scarlet 10:00 PM – Stranger Company 11:00 PM – Dark Star Brothers
A portion of proceeds will benefit Grace Note Foundation For Music Education, an all volunteer not-for-profit organization funded through partnerships with the music industry, community organizations, and private donations.
Produced by GR8FLDUDE and T-Dawg Presents. Poster art by Andy Estes.
TDawg Presents 