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The Hamilton Hoopla Around the Corner!

8 Dec

“Everything Joe touches turns to music,” says mandolinist David Grisman, with whom Joe played for almost 17 years as a member of the David Grisman Quintet.

We are only one week out from The Hamilton Hoopla (Wed Dec 14, Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Dr., Decatur, GA 30030), an absolutely incredible evening of music in a perfect acoustic environment and featuring a potpourri of musicians representing styles such as jazz, jamgrass, old-time, gypsy jazz, and Joe Craven!  Hosted by and featuring the great Joe Craven (David Grisman Quintet, Garcia Grisman recordings, Alison Brown Quartet), we are excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Frank Hamilton School and its commitment to bring music and music education into the Decatur and Atlanta communities as we enter our second year!  It is an exciting time for us for certain and invite YOU to be a part!

Please get your advance tickets to help the cause and we absolutely can’t wait to see you on Wednesday, December 14 at Oakhurst Baptist Church!  Share this with your family and friends!

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The full lineup is as follows: Joe CravenFrank HamiltonCharles Williams & Dan Coy (The Bonaventure Quartet), Mick KinneyBob BakertMusicians/teachers from The Old Town School of Folk MusicJason KoornickJared Womack

 ABOUT JOE CRAVEN
Joe Craven is not just an entertaining musician with a penchant for the mischievous, he is a teacher and student all at once and he will draw you into his performance by including you as thou gh you’re part of the show itself. His gift of gab is unprecedented and his musical knowledge impressive. Joe’s openness and expression of gratitude for the gifts he’s acquired make it all the more fun for him to share them with his audience.
Creativity educator, former museum curator, visual artist, actor/storyteller, event emcee and recipient of the 2009 Folk Alliance Far-West Performer of the Year, Joe has made music with many folks – notably violinist Stephane Grappelli and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia – to multi-whirled string guy David Lindley, harmonica wizard Howard Levy and seven years recording and touring with banjo fusionist Alison Brown.
Joe is a musical madman with anything that has strings attached; violin, mandolin, tin can, bedpan, cookie tin, tenor guitar/banjo, mouth bow, canjoe, cuatro, CBG, berimbau, balalaika, boot ‘n lace and double-necked whatever.

Upcoming Events Presented by The Frank Hamilton School!

30 Nov
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Advance Tickets $10/$15 Door

Thursday, December 1 will be a very exciting and enjoyable performance by two bands that bring the sounds of the 1920’s ragtime jazz sound, performing classics from the era as well as traditionals and originals!  Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband and The Clams featuring Frank Hamilton, L.A. Tuten & Bill Rutan are a perfect blend of the music, and trust me when I say you won’t go home disappointed!  This show will mark the final 2016 perfomance at the Red Light Cafe as part of the Frank Hamilton School Concert Series, which will pick back up on Saturday, January 7 and feature a strong Americana co-bill with Dusty Roads and C.J. Jones & The Spirit Bones.

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Only eight spaces remain for this one-of-a-kind workshop with the extraordinary Joe Craven!

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Joe Craven teaches musical improvisation more from a theater model rather than the requisite model of jazz. Therefore, this is not an ability-based class. If you’re an advanced player seeking a ‘theory & technique’-oriented foray into improvisation from a jazz architecture, this class is not that, yet may be still an enlightening experience for you. Joe connects improvisation to what you already do and moves you forward from there. We’ll focus on ways to think about sound, embrace fearlessness, and address the connection between spoken-word language and the language of music.

Showing up empty-handed, embracing mistakes and learning the value of losing control are some of what we’ll explore. Lots of exercises, with & without instruments in your hands to engage, and free yourself to play with others in new ways. The class will stretch you and may well change some of your perceptions of what music is. It’s a fun and enlightening romp!

Joe is first and foremost a creative force of nature and, as a workshop leader or motivational speaker for the arts, he is without peer.
— Jim Magill, Director – The Swannanoa Gathering Folk Workshops / Black Mountain, NC

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Get your Advance Tickets for this amazing night of music now!  $10 ADV/$15 Door

Frank Hamilton poster final .pages

Hamilton Hoopla, Joe Craven Workshop, Jugtime Ragband All in December!

8 Nov

fhs_frankchompOn the heels of a fantastic day at Chomp & Stomp where Frank performed “This Land Is Your Land” to several thousand folks supported by Smokey’s Farmland Band and The Georgia Mountain String Band (scroll to bottom for a clip of the performance!), the Frank Hamilton School is thrilled to bring you some wonderfully unique offerings for the month of December!  Beginning with our special holiday 1/2 term commencing at the end of November, followed shortly by our final FHS Concert Series Concert featuring Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband plus a rare appearance by Frank and his ragtime jazz band called The Clams (Bill Rutan, LA Tuten, Matt Phillips & Frank), an improvisation workshop with Joe Craven, and culminating with our first ever Hamilton Hoopla also featuring Joe Craven, we are entering a great period of time as we celebrate our our recently obtained non-profit status and the Grand Opening of the Frank Hamilton School at Oakhurst Baptist Church!

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Please click here for complete information!

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Doors @ 7 PM ~ Advance Tickets only $10/$12 Door!

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Music Improvisation with Joe Craven

 How to be In the Moment & Without a Net
 Tuesday, December 13, 2016
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Limited enrollment!  Click Here for complete information how you can be a part!

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Upcoming Frank Hamilton School Concerts & Community Appearances

1 Nov

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The Frank Hamilton School has an exciting week coming up and hope you can join for either event!  Thursday, November 3 features a Frank Hamilton School Concert featuring a co-bill of The Pussywillows (Hannah Zale & Carly Gibson) and Gibson Wilbanks (Carly Gibson & BJ Wilbanks).  Saturday, November 5, we will be at Chomp & Stomp, so come on by for some chili, music, and fun!  Scroll on down for more info on these events as well as our Holiday Half-Term!

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Special Holiday Half-Term starts November 29th!

Our Sept/Oct/Nov Term is in session, but you can register now for our Special Holiday Half-Term which starts on Tuesday, November 29th.  Register Now!  Click below find out all about our classes and teachers, and most importantly how you can join in on the fun of learning to play music with other folks!

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https://youtu.be/DJO6Ckmo8sQ

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chomp-stomp

Frank Hamilton will be performing twice during this mighty fine annual gathering chili lovers and Americana music!  Come on out for the chili early, and at 2 PM Frank will make a special appearance on the Park Stage (main stage) followed by a JAM in the Ester Peachey Lefevre Park from 3:30-4:15 PM.  Bring an instrument, sing along, or just come enjoy this incredibly family friendly park.  http://chompandstomp.com for complete information!

TDawg Presents Shows & News!

25 Oct

I find myself in a peculiar position right now and feeling blessed simultaneously.  While continuing to dig in as the Director of Concerts & Community Outreach on the Frank Hamilton School front, and there is A LOT of goodness going on there, TDawg Presents is producing just a few concerts presently, which is exactly how I need it to be.  On that note, the select two events coming up courtesy of TDawg Presents include one this Friday night, October 28, a Halloween bash at the Red Light Cafe with Hootenanny favorite Strung Like A Horse featuring Bill Fleming on the pedal steel and The 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny ~ A Benefit for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ~ at Terminal West on Sunday, December 18.  Advance tickets are available now for both events.  Please click on the pictures below to visit the online ticket page for either one!

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Advance Tickets $12 ADV/$15, Doors @ 8PM, Showtime 9 PM, NO OPENER

If you’ve never experienced getting STRUNG before, now’s your chance!  These fellas are so much fun and high energy with their gypsy punk grass you won’t know what hit ya!  Come dressed up or not, just come!

Check out this fun video, “tiny desk” style of their song “Free” ~ Enjoy!

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Jim Lauderdale & Jeff Mosier 2015, photo by Laura Simon

Returning artists Rev. Jeff Mosier, Papa Mali, Americana music icon Jim Lauderdale (pictured from 2015 Hoot w/ Jeff Mosier), and Yonrico Scott compliment nicely the addition of Drivin’n’Cryin’s own Kevn Kinney to the bill.  Backed by a group of stellar A-List musicians, the ensuing four unique sets of music will leave you with a huge smile at the end of the night and grateful you were witness to a one of a kind lineup at the 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny!  Mark your calendars now and hope to see you there!  More to come on the silent auction benefiting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity later in November.  Meanwhile, get your Advance Tickets ($25 ADV/$30 Door) and know you’re supportingh a great cause and a great holiday tradition!

PLEASE spread the good word as always!

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Jim Lauderdale, Rev. Jeff Mosier added to Holiday Hootenanny!

30 Sep
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Photo by Laura Simon

Well folks, the announced lineup is complete now for the 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny, and I have to say it’s a good’un!  TDawg Presents is once again thrilled to bring Grammy winner and recent Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Jim Lauderdale to the Holiday Hootenanny stage as well as the revered Rev. Jeff Mosier and 2014 Rockygrass Dobro Competition Winner Jared Womack!  Needless to say, we’re in for a treat!

Here is a list of the absolutely amazing performers who will be taking the stage at Terminal West on Sunday, December 18.  We are truly blessed with amazing talent in the ATL, something not taken for granted but greatly appreciated and loved!

Kevn KinneyJim LauderdalePapa Mali, Rev. Jeff MosierThe Pussywillows feat. Carly Gibson & ZaleYonrico Scott (drums), Benji Shanks (guitarist for Kristian Bush), Kevin Scott (bass), Gaurav Malhotra (percussion), Richie Jones (percussion), Kevin Thomas (Hammond B-3), Bill Fleming (pedal steel), Bobby Miller (mandolin), Jared Womack (2014 Rockygrass dobro competition winner), groove funk trio Dyn-O-Mite!

Stay tuned for more exciting news to come regarding this year’s edition of Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny.  Meanwhile, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!

HOOOOOOOOOOOOTENANNY!

 

 

6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny ~ Dec 18 @ Terminal West

23 Sep
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5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny finale feat. Col. Bruce Hampton & Friends

Sunday, December 18, 2016 ~ Showtime 6:30 PM/Doors & Silent Auction 5:30 PM

$25 Adv/$30 Door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!  

TDawg Presents is thrilled to bring you the 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny – A Benefit for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity – at Terminal West on Sunday, December 18!  It has been both a privilege and honor to be able to present such a high level of talent each holiday season for such a wonderful community cause over the last five years, and this year will be no different!

Once again, the concert will break down into four unique one-hour sets beginning at 6:30 PM and ending at midnight.  There will be a silent auction occurring simultaneously, with proceeds going to Atlanta Habitat as well as a portion of the ticket sales.  The lineup is not complete yet, but here it is at this juncture!

KEVN KINNEY, PAPA MALIThe Pussywillows feat. Carly Gibson & Zale, Benji Shanks (guitarist for Kristian Bush), Kevin Scott (bass), Grammy winner Yonrico Scott (drums), Gaurav Malhotra (percussion), Richie Jones (percussion), Kevin Thomas (Hammond B-3), Bill Fleming (pedal steel), Bobby Miller (mandolin), Jared Womack (2014 Rockygrass dobro competition winner), Dynamite, more TBA!  

Emcee: Wildman Steve

PLEASE mark your calendars NOW for one helluva night for a great community cause and featuring many of Atlanta’s finest musicians coming together for four unique sets of music!  Stay tuned for much more to come!

Meanwhile, enjoy this up close & personal clip of Papa Mali from 2014 edition performing the Meters classic “Walk on Guilded Splinters” 😉

Exciting Frank Hamilton School Events Next Week!

26 Aug

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Next week at the Red Light Cafe, the Frank Hamilton School is proud to bring two stellar concerts to you featuring some of the finest, most soulful songwriters and musicians you’ll come across.  Expect the real deal blues – raw, genuine passion combined with amazing guitar play and a special guest or two is just the right formula!

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Bill Fleming_RLC8/30 – Geoff Achison w/ Bill Fleming, ADVANCE TICKETS $17/$20 Door

Showtime 8PM, Doors 7PM

On August 30, Australian blues guitar virtuoso and gifted songwriter Geoff Achison will be joined on stage by pedal steel guru Bill Fleming (pictured here at TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny in April 2015) for an incredible evening of interplay with perhaps a sit-in.  This will be Geoff’s final performance in the Atlanta area until next spring, so come see for yourself why he is one our adopted “hometown” gems.

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9/1 – Donna Hopkins & Daniel Hutchens, ADVANCE TICKETS $12/$15 DoorFHS_DonnaHopkinsDanielHutchens(2) 

Showtime 8PM, Doors 7PM

The beginning of September starts up with a concert featuring two of the most gifted southern songwriters in Donna Hopkins and Daniel Hutchens.  Donna digs deep into her Alabama/Georgia roots for an incredibly soulful performance.  While being the frontman for critically acclaimed Athens, GA-based Bloodkin, Hutchens also has penned many songs for Widespread Panic over the years and has co-written with the likes of Jerry Joseph.  His latest release (Feb 2016) titled “The Beautiful Vicious Cycle of Life” was produced by Widepsread Panic bassist Dave Schools and features all originals.  It is his first solo-release in 10 years.  This show truly combines two amazing musicians in a wonderfully intimate environment.  Nights like this don’t happen too often!

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DecaturBookFestSunday, September 4 ~ The Frank Hamilton School will perform a special set on the Community Bandstand Stage at the Decatur Book Festival from Noon-12:45 PM.  The Book Festival is a Labor Day tradition here in Decatur and is one of the largest of its kind in the nation.  Spread the word, come on out, and bring your instrument, too!

Summer Concerts Presented by Frank Hamilton School!

28 Jun

July and August bring some great shows your way courtesy of the Frank Hamilton School!  Please plan on coming out for FHS_JulyRegisany or all of these shows, as you really can’t go wrong.  Please remember that a portion of the proceeds from each of these concerts go towards the continuing development of FHS.  We continue moving forward as we settle into the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, and Frank Hamilton & Friends will be out performing at a few public engagements beginning in August and continuing into the fall.  Stay tuned for those details as they become confirmed.

Also, online registration is open for the next term of classes that begins Tuesday, July 26!  Please visit the website for complete information and sign up for guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, ukulele and vocals!

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 Thursday, July 7 ~ $10 Adv/$13 Door ~ Advance Tickets

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Formed in early 2014, The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project is a fiery string band blending bluegrass, soul, reggae and rock n’ roll into a style uniquely their own. Respecting their Appalachian roots, these passionate multi-instrumentalists have a way of blending their harmonies and intricate string work in to something that appeals to a wide variety of listeners.   “A little of everything finds its way into their sound.” – Jim Lauderdale

In February, the band was asked to celebrate the grand opening of The Earl Scruggs Museum in Shelby, NC, playing alongside Sam Bush and The Steep Canyon Rangers. By Spring, the band had made even more notable appearances, invited to the stage by Al Schnier of moe. to play a few songs as well as a surprise appearance at Merlefest where they brought the crowd to their feet with a tribute to Doc Watson.  

We are thrilled to have the mastery of Atlanta’s own Jeff Mosier opening the evening for what promises to be a night full of fireworks on stage!  Click Here to watch videos by both acts performing.  If you’re a fan of progressive acoustic music and bluegrass of the Sam Bush vein, you’ll love this show!

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Wednesday, July 13 ~ $12 Adv/$16 Door ~ Advance Tickets

~ Featuring Casey Cook, Michael Smith & Keith Morris from The Dappled Grays and two-time Georgia State Champion Fiddler Andy Carlson.

FHS_Grisman Tribute
The Frank Hamilton School is excited to present an amazing lineup of musicians paying tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the last several generations and the creator of his own style called Dawg Music, David Grisman. For nearly half a century, mandolinist/composer/producer Grisman has been at the forefront of the always evolving world of acoustic music, weaving in and out of many genres, tradition and styles. He is a true pioneer and living legend who has paved the way for countless numbers of musicians who have become musical pioneers in their own right, including Tony Rice, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and Joe Craven.

Bluegrass, Jazz & Latin are just a few of the styles that will be represented throughout this performance, so sit back, relax, and take in the musical notes of Grisman as seen through this A-list of musicians who will be bringing you the music this evening.

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Thursday, August 4 ~ $10 Adv/$13 Door ~ Advance Tickets

FHS_Smokey's Farmland Band_Banner

Smokey’s Farmland Band blends musical influences ranging from bluegrass to gypsy jazz to Cajun, creating a progressive sound they like to call “Goodtime Eclectic Bluegrass”. While they enjoy venturing outside the realm of the traditional, they still respect the roots of bluegrass, and retain the energy and twang of mountain music. A typical set features original tunes, good ol’ pickin numbers, and some unexpected covers too. It all comes together in an exciting genre-bending style that keeps listeners on their toes, and on the dance floor!

Among many accomplishments, SFB has opened for Willie Nelson at a sold out House Of Blues New Orleans, Sam Bush at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, and shared the bill for Del Yeah! with The Del McCoury Band and others. They have also opened for the Emmitt-Nershi Band and The Freight Hoppers, and shared the stage with numerous Atlanta and touring bluegrass bands. The band has traveled to Colorado, DC, NYC, and even St. Croix for performances, winning new fans at stops along the way.

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Tuesday, August 30, 8 PM ~ $17 Adv/$20 Door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!

geoff_RLCThe Frank Hamilton School is excited to present Australian blues guitar virtuoso Geoff Achison in an acoustic performance accompanied by pedal steel guru Bill Fleming. A highly regarded instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, Geoff treats his guitar like an orchestra laying down a mix of earthy blues, heartfelt soul and irresistibly funky grooves. As a self taught musician, Geoff has created his own sound while winning a number of awards along the way. Whether he is with his Souldiggers group or simply solo with an acoustic guitar, Geoff’s infectious and inventive style has earned him fans around the world. Geoff’s roots in the South are firmly established, having lived in Decatur for a two-year period while taking the not only the Southeast but the country by storm. He has collaborated with the likes of Randall Bramblett, Delbert McClinton, Jorma Kaukonen, legendary bassist George Porter Jr., the Allman Brothers Band, and the late great Les Paul. While he resides in Australia, we are fortunate that Geoff returns stateside once or twice a year and shares his gift with us!

This concert features a unique pairing of musicians that will make your experience extra special.

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Frank Hamilton doing what he does best!

Please share this posting!  We at the Frank Hamilton School are thrilled about what lies ahead for us as we further develop both the school and our footprint in the community!  There are many like-minded groups and individuals that believe in the mission of FHS, founded on the principles of the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and featuring the energy of our fearless leader and co-founder of the OTS in 1957.

Frank Hamilton School Summer Concerts!

7 Jun
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New Term Starts THIS EVENING, 7pm @ Oakhurst Baptist Church!

This past weekend the Frank Hamilton School Band kicked off the main stage at the Virginia Highland SummerFest at Noon with a rousing set that was followed by FHS Concert Series paticipant Donna Hopkins (Sept 1 @ Red Light Cafe with Daniel Hutchens).  Later that evening, the Frank Hamilton and the band performed an outstanding set at the Hungry Ear Coffee House.

We are thrilled about the upcoming concerts that are part of the Frank Hamilton School Concert Series!  This summer between now and the end of August, expect some FHS_Frankoutstanding performances from some homegrown talent, high octane North Carolina acoustic energy, the celebration of the music of one of the most important visionaries of the past 50 years, and a critically acclaimed Southern songwriter with a theatrical flare.  Scroll on down for more details!

We also have plans to participate in some free outdoor summer activities so please stay tuned as we continue to move forward.  There are many wonderful things ahead involving FHS both on the class side and the community outreach side, and now is a special time to become involved as a volunteer, a student, a patron of the concerts or attendee at a free public event.  There is a great energy out there, and we at the Frank Hamilton School are ready to bring it to all of you!

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Admission: $12 Adv/$15 Door ~ Advance Tickets Doors 7 PM, Showtime 8 PM

The Frank Hamilton School Concert Series brings the captivating Southern minstrel from LA (Lower Alabama) and former New Orleanian Grayson Capps for an evening of songs that simply suck you in they’re so good. To witness Grayson in action is a beautiful thing and I’m sure you’ll think so, too. Currently touring with his guitarist Corky Hughes or with the superstar Americana outfit Willie Sugarcapps, you will be blown away by Grayson’s stage presence – he certainly applies his theater degree from Tulane into his performance – and his ability to tell a story.  More…

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$10 Adv/$15 Door ~ Advance TicketsDoors @ 7PM, Showtime 8PM

Frank Hamilton School is excited to bring you some high energy sounds from North Carolina with the The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project and special guest Rev. Jeff Mosier!

Formed in early 2014, The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project is a fiery string band blending bluegrass, soul, reggae and rock n’ roll into a style uniquely their own. Respecting their Appalachian roots, these passionate multi-instrumentalists have a way of blending their harmonies and intricate string work in to something that appeals to a wide variety of listeners.

“A little of everything finds its way into their sound.” – Jim Lauderdale

Jeff Mosier will open the evening with a rousing solo set that will leave you captivated and wanting more.  I’m certain there will be some jamming going this evening!  More…

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The Frank Hamilton School Concert Series Presents ~

A Tribute to David Grisman ~

~ Featuring Casey Cook, Michael Smith & Keith Morris from The Dappled Grays and two-time Georgia State Champion Fiddler Andy Carlson.

Wed July 13, 2016 @ Eddie’s Attic, Showtime 8 PM, $12 Adv/$15 door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!

The Frank Hamilton School is excited to present an amazing lineup of musicians paying tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the last several generations and the creator of his own style called Dawg Music, David Grisman. For nearly half a century, Grisman_mando mandolinist/composer/producer Grisman has been at the forefront of the always evolving world of acoustic music, weaving in and out of many genres, tradition and styles.

Bluegrass, Jazz & Latin are just a few of the styles that will be represented throughout this performance, so sit back, relax, and take in the musical notes of Grisman as seen through this A-list of musicians who will be bringing you the music this evening.  it is an honor to pay homage to such a musician as David Grisman, who has influenced so many musicians either through being a member of the David Grisman Quintet (or Sextet) or through any number of his collaborations with a who’s who of American string music or simply as a fan being turned onto something so incredible.  Don’t miss this one!

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FHS_Smokey's Farmland Band_Banner

$10 ADV/$13 Door – Advance Tickets
http://farmlandband.com/

Smokey’s Farmland Band blends musical influences ranging from bluegrass to gypsy jazz to Cajun, creating a progressive sound they like to call “Goodtime Eclectic Bluegrass”. While they enjoy venturing outside the realm of the traditional, they still respect the roots of bluegrass, and retain the energy and twang of mountain music. A typical set features original tunes, good ol’ pickin numbers, and some unexpected covers too. It all comes together in an exciting genre-bending style that keeps listeners on their toes, and on the dance floor!

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Come on out to any and all of these shows, as they are going to be REALLY GOOD!  On a personal note, I can say that I am truly happy to be doing this job, as it allows me to continue bringing you some great music, and as the School grows, so will the concerts!  Please consider participating as a donor, a patron, a volunteer, a student!  Please spread the good word about what we’re doing.