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Upcoming TDawg Presents Shows in the Metro-ATL area March-April

13 Mar

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

About David Gans

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.

About Pickled Holler

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!”

Holiday Hootenanny 14 @ Variety Playhouse on 12/21! Schedule Listed Below

15 Dec

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 @ Variety Playhouse

Time: 6 PM Doors / 7 PM Showtime

Tickets: $30 GA ADV/$40 RES ADV CLICK HERE // To avoid large fees, you can purchase at the Variety Playhouse box office M-F 2-6 PM or during shows. Also, you can go to other Zero Mile venue box offices including Terminal WestThe Eastern and The Georgia Theatre.

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Schedule (Subject to change)

Set 1 (7 – 7:50 PM)

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!

Tickets

TDawg Presents June Performances

5 Jun

We’ve got some great shows lined up this month, including the Weekend Wind Down Concert Series, Blanket Concert Series and The Atlanta Botanical Garden! Please see below for more information!

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Cocktails in Wonderland, Atlanta Botanical Garden each Thursday, 5-8:30, music is included in admission and members get in free!

June 5 ~ Grant Green Jr. & Gaurav Malhotra

June 12 ~ Playback Trio

June 19 ~ A Couple Cellos

June 26 ~ Alex Richard Commins & Todd Prusin

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Weekend Wind Down Concert Series in City of Avondale Estates at the Town Green, 49 N. Avondale Rd.

Sunday, June 8 ~ The Jesse Williams Band, 7-9 PM, FREE

Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Williams, is a mountain mama with roots grounded in Blues & Soul. Hailing from North Georgia with the deep belief that it’s best savored when simmered. 


Her melody medicine is an invitation of sultry vocals and earthy lyrics that explore Life’s many winding paths. These serenades are supported with guitar grooves and rhythms that play within the feeling of the Music. Honoring and offering the raw essence of Spirit as it moves listeners within.

Most recently, Jesse won the Eddie’s Attic 55th Bi-Annual Songwriter Shootout in November 2024. Joining the list of winners that include Jennifer Nettles & Cory Jones, John Mayer & Clay Cook, Tyler Childers, and more.

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The Blanket Concert Series, Smyrna, GA

Thursday, June 19 ~ Rita Graham (full band), 8-10 PM @ Village Green (Juneteenth Celebration), FREE

Come celebrate Juneteenth! Former Ray Charles Raelette, Rita Graham and her Trio present an evening of Classic Jazz, Blues and Soul favorites. From Ballads to Barrehouse Blues, Rita’s memorable vocals have thrilled audiences, worldwide, for decades. As she tells the crowd, “Get ready for something old, something new, songs I borrowed and a touch of the Blues.”

Holiday Hootenanny 13 is just 9 days away!

13 Dec

We’re just 9 days out from what promises to be an absolutely smokin’ Holiday Hootenanny 13 raising funds and awareness for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity! I’ve spent the week putting the show together, and let’s just say we’re gonna be very JAM HAPPY! 👽🎶  The musicians are pumped, and there promise to be quite a few collaborations you might not see again. Below are ticket ino and the schedule, expect Brandon “Taz” Niederauer to be all over the map. Please continue to spread the word, please feel free to share this note or the attached poster.

Tickets: GA $35 ADV/$50 Door ~ RES $45 ADV/$60 Door. Variety Playhouse box office open M-F 2-6 PM and on show nights if you want to avoid the fee. 

Online purchase: Holiday Hootenanny 13 tickets in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse on Sun, Dec 22, 2024 – 7:00PM

Schedule:

Doors: 6PM

Set 1: 7-8 PM ~ Jeff Sipe Trio w/ special guests

Set 2: 8:20-9:35 PM ~ Jim Lauderdale (Bluegrass & Electric) w/ special guests

**9:55-10:05 PM** ~ The Count/Rico Drums Tribute

Set 3: 10:10-11:40 PM ~ Grant Green Jr., Jess Goggans, Rev. Jeff Mosier, ZAMBI!

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I know I’ve posted this video before, but it sure was a special set by Col. Bruce Hampton, and also his final full set at the Holiday Hootenanny. From the 5th Annual Holiday Hootenanny at Terminal West. Enjoy!

Celebrate Music at Holiday Hootenanny 13: Lineup, Tickets & Sponsor Annoucements!

4 Dec

We are 2 1/2 weeks out from Holiday Hootenanny 13! If you’ve not made your plans yet, now is your time! This show is a true labor of love by all involved and all about the music community, and the vibe of the show reflects that love. We ALL feel like this show is our own holiday party, celebrating everyone! Get your Tickets now! Info directly below. There will be more information about each set coming out soon. Please see an updated schedule below.

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Schedule (subject to change):

6 PM: Doors open
Set 1: 7-8 PM ~ Jeff Sipe Trio w/ special guests
Set 2: 8:20-9:35 PM ~ Jim Lauderdale (Bluegrass & Electric)
9:55-10:05 PM ~ Count/Rico Drums Tribute
Set 3: 10:10-11:40 PM ~ Zambi Jam, led by Rev. Jeff Mosier w/ Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and special guests

Tickets: General Admission ~ $35 ADV/$50 Door, Reserved $45 ADV/$60 Door Click Here! Tickets can be purchased either online or in person at the Variety Playhouse box office (M-F 2-6 PM, during all show hours) and other Zero Mile venues, including The Eastern, Terminal West & The Georgia Theatre.

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We are thrilled to welcome back longtime sponsors Springer Mountain Farms & Tito’s Vodka to the Holiday Hootenanny 13 family! Their support over the years has been unwavering and an essential part of the success of the Holiday Hootenanny. There will be Tito’s drink specials and Springer Mountain Farms coupons come the night of the Hootenanny!

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Lineup:

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

Jim Lauderdale

Jeff Sipe Trio

Rev. Jeff Mosier

Jess Goggans

Grant Green Jr.

Joe Craven

Rita Graham

Zebulon Bowles

Gaurav Malhotra

Richie Jones

Kathie Holmes

Bryan Lopes

Daniel Wytanis

Paul Garrett

Matt Williams

Jared Womac,

Spencer Pope

Bill Fleming

Wildman Steve

Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer Joins Holiday Hootenanny 13! Sunday, December 22 @ Variety Playhouse

10 Sep

TDawg Presents is proud to bring you Holiday Hootenanny 13 benefitting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity on Sunday, December 22 at the Variety Playhouse in Little 5 Points! Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 12 at 10 AM EDT. Last year’s edition just about blew the roof off the place, and this year will be nothing less as Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer has joined the lineup! John Mayer had this say about Brandon, “”Brandon is playing from pure, real ‘what’ and ‘how’ and intent and he’s going for it and you can hear it like music and get off to it and dance to it. So, yeah…I dig it. I dig it. The fact that he’s young is secondary.” Please see below for the lineup up to this point, more TBA!!

This Holiday Hootenanny has donated an amount closing in on $80,000 over the years, and we look forward to contributing to the cause for years to come! The Holiday Hootenanny is a celebration of the local music scene and fans coming together for what we affectionately regard as our own holiday party, and it feels that way! We hope you’ll decide to join our party, you won’t regret it AND it’s a great cause! 

6 PM Doors/7 PM Showtime

Tickets (On Sale 9/12 @ 10 AM EDT thru the Variety Playhouse Website) – GA: $35 Adv/$50 Door, RES: $45 Adv/$60 Door

Here is the initial lineup, with more to come!

Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer

Jeff Sipe Trio

Rev. Jeff Mosier

Jess Goggans

Grant Green Jr.

Joe Craven

Gaurav Malhotra

Richie Jones

Kathie Holmes

Bryan Lopes

Daniel Wytanis

Jared Womack

More TBA!!

Holiday Hootenanny (12/17 @ Variety Playhouse) Update: Benji Shanks, Johnny Mosier, Mark Raudabaugh Added to Lineup

6 Dec

Where: Variety Playhouse

Tickets: GA $35 ADV/$50 Door, RES $45 ADV/$60 Door CLICK HERE to purchase or to avoid a fee visit the box office 2-6 PM M-F and during performances! **NOTE** You can also purchase tix for the show at any of the other Zero Mile/AEG venue box offices including The EasternTerminal West and Georgia Theatre.

Showtime: 6PM Doors/7PM Start

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Happy Holidaze! Things are heating up for this year’s Holiday Hootenanny! Needless to say, we’re packing A LOT into 4 hrs 45 min. Y’all this is truly a one-of-a-kind show featuring a chunk of ATL’s finest musicianship and then some! It’s our own holiday party, with all the right people there. Come and be a part! Below is an update regarding the show.

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I’m excited to announce that guitarist Benji Shanks (Blackberry SmokeKristian Bush) is joining the tribute to the late Dustin Scott Warren at Holiday Hootenanny 12! Along with Benji, Gaurav Malhotra, and Matt Williams, those four stellar musicians were part of the core of the incredible group of the 2000’s Captain Soularcat. Also joining in this special mini set are three keyboardists, Spencer Pope, Ryan Murphy (performed with the band at a couple of TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenannies), & Jamie Kudiats (Brandyhouse days, recorded on first album). This is truly going to be an amazing, emotional musical homage to a wonderful human being.

We will also be featuring a double drum kit/percussion arrangement featuring Darren Stanley, Richie Jones, Mark Raudabaugh, Gaurav Malhotra & Joe Craven throughout the evening, and especially during the tribute to Count M’Butu and Yonrico Scott!

Schedule

7 – 8 PM: The Ain’t Sisters

8:20 – 9:40 PM: Jim Lauderdale (Bluegrass/Electric) > Count M’Butu-Yonrico Scott Drums/Percussion

10:05 – 11:40 PM: Scott Warren Tribute > Rev. Jeff Mosier & Friends

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Enjoy this jam from 2012 that starts out with Count M’Butu (joined by Eric Gant) singing Willie Nelson’s classic “You Are Always On My Mind” into the Mosier Bros performing “Black-headed Woman”, joined by Yonrico Scott, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Sipe, Jimmy Hall, Mark Van Allen, Rurik Nunan, Jeff Mosier, Johnny Mosier, Larry Keel. Wow! You will enjoy this sort of magic on December 17!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

Holiday Hootenanny Updates! Special Mini Sets, New Sponsor!

1 Dec

Where: Variety Playhouse

Tickets: GA $35 ADV/$50 Door, RES $45 ADV/$60 Door CLICK HERE to purchase or to avoid a fee visit the box office 2-6 PM M-F and during performances! **NOTE** You can also purchase tix for the show at any of the other Zero Mile/AEG venue box offices including The EasternTerminal West and Georgia Theatre.

Showtime: 6PM Doors/7PM Start

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We are excited to announce Springer Mountain Farms as a sponsor this year! Their support over the years has really been a huge boost to the event, and we are forever grateful for their continued involvement. They are not only ambassadors of the music but also providers of some of the best chicken on the planet! Owner and founder Gus Arrandale is truly one with the music, supporting songwriters, poets, and are currently in their sixth season supporting Nashville’s The Daily & Vincent Show on RFD-TV.

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TDawg Presents is honored to be able to bring the high level of talent to you that IS the Holiday Hootenanny year after year. Beginning with the first edition in 2011, the show embodied the musical energy of a living Col. Bruce Hampton and since 2017 the spirit of Col. Bruce. As the years have passed (and also prior to Bruce’s untimely departure), quite a few musicians – including drummer Yonrico Scott, jazz pianist Johnny Knapp, Hammond B-3 maestro Ike Stubblefield, wizard of percussion Count M’Butu, Gregg Allman, and the legendary Vassar Clements – have passed along to the great jam in the sky. The Holiday Hootenanny has proven to be an ideal outlet to celebrate these musical giants, and their energy weaves in and out of each show creating a concert you will never see again.

This year is no different as we have two very special mini-sets. The first is a drum/percussion jam honoring Count & Yonrico that will follow Jim Lauderdale’s set, which is now a permanent addition to the evening. The second is a tribute to our late friend and brilliant songwriter/musician Scott Warren, founding member of the band Captain Soularcat, a band that also included Holiday Hootenanny house musicians, percussionist Gaurav Malhotra and guitarist Matt Williams, as well as highly acclaimed Blackberry Smoke/Christian Bush guitarist, Benji Shanks. Gaurav & Matt will lead a three-song set that will segue way into the final set led by Rev. Jeff Mosier featuring a plethora of musicians! Expect some surprise guests to participate not only in these two unique sets but also quite a few sit-ins throughout the show. Please scroll to the bottom of this update to see a video of Captain Soularcat performing their song, Higher Mounds.

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Below is the schedule for Holiday Hootenanny 12. **Please note that the schedule is subject to change**

7 – 8 PM: The Ain’t Sisters

8:20 – 9:40 PM: Jim Lauderdale (Bluegrass/Electric) > Count M’Butu-Yonrico Scott Drums/Percussion Jam

10:05 – 11:35 PM: Scott Warren Tribute > Rev. Jeff Mosier & Friends 

Tickets

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PLEASE SHARE AND SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Holiday Hootenanny 12 Schedule Announced for 12/17 show at Variety Playhouse

20 Nov

Where: Variety Playhouse

Tickets: GA $35 ADV/$50 Door, RES $45 ADV/$60 Door CLICK HERE to purchase or to avoid a fee visit the box office 2-6 PM M-F and during performances! **NOTE** You can also purchase tix for the show at any of the other Zero Mile/AEG venue box offices including The EasternTerminal West and Georgia Theatre.

Showtime: 6PM Doors/7PM Start

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Below is the schedule for Holiday Hootenanny 12. **Please note that the schedule is subject to change**

7 – 8 PM: The Ain’t Sisters

8:20 – 9:25 PM: Jim Lauderdale (Bluegrass/Electric)

9:40 – 11:30 PM: Count M’Butu-Yonrico Scott Drums/Percussion Jam > Scott Warren Tribute > Rev. Jeff Mosier & Friends 

Holiday Hootenanny Heating Up – December 17 @ Variety Playhouse!

15 Nov

Where: Variety Playhouse

Tickets: GA $35 ADV/$50 Door, RES $45 ADV/$60 Door CLICK HERE to purchase or to avoid a fee visit the box office 2-6 PM M-F and during performances! **NOTE** You can also purchase tix for the show at any of the other Zero Mile/AEG venue box offices including The Eastern, Terminal West and Georgia Theatre.

Showtime: 6PM Doors/7PM Start

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There is some great energy building up around Holiday Hootenanny 12! I have a permanent addition to the show to announce. This will be the third year in a row that we’ve done a drums/percussion session dedicated to our late drumming maestros, Count M’Butu & Yonrico Scott. This will be a fixture from here on out. You WILL feel their presence.

Another addition to Holiday Hootenanny unique to this year will be a segment dedicated to the memory of our good friend musician/songwriter/vocalist Scott Warren, who passed away in early October after battling cancer. He and his band, Captain Soularcat, rocked the Southeast and the country for a few years. The lineup featured annual Holiday Hootenanny participants Gaurav Malhotra & Matt Williams, as well as Benji Shanks (Blackberry Smoke, Christian Bush) We miss him dearly and feel his presence. Please see below for a video of Higher Mound, a defining song by the band, produced by Jeff Mosier. Great stuff!

Y’all Holiday Hootenanny 12 is going to be off the chains. PLEASE share the poster and encourage your friends and folks who’ve never attended to come on!