Tag Archives: Atlanta Live Music

The Journey Begins: FHFS Concert Series Kick-off 2/18

6 Jan

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$12 Adv/$15 Door – ADVANCE TICKETS, Showtime 8PM

The Frank Hamilton Folk School (FHFS) is excited to kick-off its inaugural concert series with a journey back to 1920s old-time and country music with The Georgia Crackers and a performance by one of the more eclectic, genuine musicians Atlanta has to offer in Jeff Mosier! A portion of the proceeds will benefit FHFS and its continuing development & community involvement!  Other dates on the calendar include March 3, April 7, May 12, June 16, July 7, August 4, Sept 1, October 6, November 3,  & December 1.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA CRACKERS
Take a trip back in time to the early era of Country Music. Before Hank Williams or Bill Monroe & his Bluegrass Boys, Georgia musicians such as Fiddlin’ John Carson, Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers, and many others pioneered the golden age of “Hillbilly Stringbands”. The Georgia Crackers faithfully re-create the vintage sound of the 1920s, while keeping alive the spirit of spontaneity and improvisation. Their irreverent stage banter is always a crowd pleaser. Along with old time singer, Kenneth Johnson (Pea Ridge Ramblers) on guitar and Chip Corbitt on clawhammer banjo, this rhythm section holds it down for Fiddlin’ Mick Kinney. Kinney has a unique but authentic fiddle style. When asked for his secret, Mick says, “steal licks from the best” and “keep it hot and greasy, but take it easy”. The Georgia Crackers reach back for that old time feel and surge forward in a rush so entertaining it’s mesmerizing.

ABOUT REV. JEFF MOSIER
Jeff Mosier is the conceiver and leader of the psychedelic hick-hop sound that is Blueground Undergrass. Before forming BGUG in 1998, he primarily played banjo alongside brother Johnny Mosier in their band Good Medicine for nearly 23 years. Also with Johnny, Jeff co-hosted the popular bluegrass radio show “Born in a Barn” for 14 years on 89.3 FM WRFG in Atlanta. In the late 1980’s, Jeff got his first experience playing rock n’ roll when he joined Col. Bruce Hampton’s Aquarium Rescue Unit. Mosier continues today with song-driven rock / bluegrass ensemble, The Jeff Mosier Band, that also includes guitarist extraordinaire Matthew Williams.

Jeff’s special ability to combine bluegrass with trance, jazz and rock have made him an icon in the jam band world. The Reverend has shared the stage with Leftover Salmon, Widepsread Panic, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, and many more. In 1994, he toured with Phish while teaching the band all about the world of bluegrass.

To add to an already eclectic musical career, Jeff also performs for senior citizens and Alzheimers patients, as well as children. He is active in public service, combining his musicianship with speaking engagements.

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Jam at the Frank Hamilton Folk School following a group lesson in each instrument. We had about 35 folks participating last night!

This truly is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I’m excited to have y’all on board with me for it!  The second full six-week session of classes (guitar I, guitar II, banjo, fiddle, vocal, and ukelele) at FHFS began last night at Epworth United Methodist Church and the energy was great!  All levels of skill were represented, and by the end of the first session, they were playing chords & taking home some instruction to practice until next Tuesday (Jan 12).  If you would like to come observe or participate in a session please feel free!  They start at 7pm EST each Tuesday evening, lasting a total of about 1 hr 40 min.  The first hour is a group lesson followed by a group jam with everyone.  I can testify that a good buddy of mine came by last night who had won the lessons in the silent auction at the Holiday Hootenanny.  He had a blast and can’t wait to continue on the banjo next week!  For more information on participating in the classes or finding out how you can volunteer, or if you would like to make a donation to support the cause, please visit the Frank Hamilton website for information!

 

 

Awesome Holiday Hootenanny!

30 Dec
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Col. Bruce Hampton, johnny Knapp & Joe Gransden with the Anywhere But Here Horns!

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Jim Lauderdale, Tim Carbone, Rev. Jeff Mosier with one of the finest bands around!

What an AMAZING experience we all had at the 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday  Hootenanny!  Terminal West is the PERFECT venue for a large stage with an intimate vibe flowing through the entire place!  And to top it all off, I delivered a $2,000 check to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity yesterday!  Treating people with kindness and love and a sense of community should be a priority in our lives, and it sure felt good to do my part.  My part wouldn’t have been possible without  y’all, Atlanta Habitat, THE INSANELY TALENTED MUSICIANS, my wife Stephanie for her patience and support, Linda, Ben & Jessie helping with the merch and silent auction, Terminal West, and the Big House Museum, represented by John Griffin & Brenda Stepp.  I also want to take this moment to thank our sponsors – Delta Airlines, Sweetwater Brewing Co., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tree Leaf Music & Tree Sound Studios, and Wildman Steve Radio!  THANK YOU!

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Ralph Roddenbery, Samantha Jones, Jim Lauderdale, Tim Carbone with Donna Hopkins, Kevin Thomas, Richie Jones, Kevin Scott

We have a very special gathering that has become a premier event in the month of December here in Atlanta, and it’s only going to become more prominent for all the right reasons!  I could tell during the sound check that this was going to be a phenomenal night of music – it certainly set the tone for the rest of the night – and Ralph Roddenbery & Donna Hopkins did nothing to disprove that thought!  The opening set was on fire from the get go, and both Jim Lauderdale and Tim Carbone jumped up on stage to help set the tone for the evening.

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Michael Tolcher with Brian Ashley Jones & Critter on guitar, Brad Bauman on harmonica.

Michael Tolcher was next, and he was absolutely captivating, starting acoustic and bringing out “the band” as his set progressed.  We had some friends pop in for this set, namely Nashville multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Brian Ashley Jones and Critter, guitarist for Copious Jones, to add their own little spice to the music.  I’m still singing “What’s Going On” in my head!   Tolcher had everyone joining in the chorus numerous times throughout his set, and it was great to have him as part of this musical journey.  He is a true gem of a songwriter (as are so many of our friends who participated this year!) and I’m thankful he could bring his mojo to the Holiday Hootenanny stage.

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Jim Lauderdale, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Kevin Scott, Michael Smith, Tim Carbone

The night rounded out with two of the hottest sets, as if we could get any hotter, I’ve seen in a long, long time.  Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale showed why he is in such high demand, leading a no-rehearsal set of some of his new material along with some full band staples to a frenetic climax that had me shaking!  Last year, Papa Mali did that to me, this year Jim Lauderdale 😉 It was certainly one for the books, and I can’t wait to hear the set through again.  Featuring Railroad Earth’s Tim Carbone on fiddle, Rev. Jeff Mosier on banjo, Mark van Allen on pedal steel, Matt Williams on electric guitar, Kevin Thomas on the Hammond, The Whiskey Gentry’s Michael Smith on mandolin, and the rhythm section of Mark Raudabaugh (drums), Richie Jones (percussion) & Kevin Scott (bass), that set was so on fire from the get go!  The finale brought out Donna Hopkins & Brad Bauman, and well, the rest is history!

Col. Bruce Hampton brought the night to a close as only he can, one that we all hated to see the end in sight, but all good things come to an end, right?  It was a one-time only set featuring the Anywhere But Here Horns, Joe Gransden, Johnny Knapp, and Bruce’s regular band to anchor it down.  All in all, 18 people were on stage, I believe, for the finale “I’m So Glad”.  I think we all were so glad to have been a part of such a masterpiece.  I really am excited about the future of the Holiday Hootenanny, and stay tuned as we move through 2016 for details about the 6th annual edition next December!

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 Meanwhile, I am going to shift my focus to growing the Frank Hamilton Folk School, and the kick-off to the concert series will happen on Thursday, February 18, at the Red Light Cafe, featuring popular old-time group The Georgia Crackers and good friend Rev. Jeff Mosier.  Frank Hamilton will also perform a couple of songs.  I am excited about this new opportunity and a bit melancholy about the end of TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny.  The last camping Hoot, the end of an era, is going to be April 1-2  at beautiful Cherokee Farms in LaFayette, GA.  I will have more details about both FHFS and the final Back Porch Hoot coming soon!  Have a wonderful, safe & Happy New Year y’all!

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Holiday Hootenanny Schedule

22 Dec

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ADVANCE TICKETS ($25 Adv/$35 Door) – Remember you’ll receive a FREE DVD of the incredible reunion performance of one of the more enjoyable bands to come out of Atlanta in a long time, BLUEGROUND UNDERGRASS, from last year’s 4th Annual edition!

SCHEDULE

5:30PM > Doors open, Silent Auction begins

6:30PM – 7:30PM > Set 1 featuring Ralph Roddenbery & Donna Hopkins

8PM – 9PM > Set 2 featuring Michael Tolcher

9:30PM – 10:30PM > Set 3 featuring Jim Lauderdale & Tim Carbone

11PM – Midnight > Set 4 featuring Johnny Knapp, Joe Gransden & Col. Bruce Hampton

FREE DVD Performance by Blueground Undergrass with Holiday Hoot Advance Ticket Purchase!

19 Dec

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That’s right, y’all!  Purchase ADVANCE TICKETS ($25 Adv/$35 Door) and receive a FREE DVD of the incredible reunion performance of one of the more enjoyable bands to come out of Atlanta in a long time, BLUEGROUND UNDERGRASS, from IMG_7169last year’s 4th Annual edition!  The lineup featured members throughout their history plus a few special guests.  The energy was  fantastic.  I hope you enjoy this performance as much as I did.  To your right is the lineup from that performance.  It was wonderful to corral these friends in one place to make music one more time together, and I’m thankful we have it preserved.

Personally, I hope that you (and I mean YOU) can make it out on Sunday, December 27, to support such a great cause as Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, and witness a concert with a lineup you will not see again.   The assembled musicians represent a landscape across the greater Atlanta area with a few twists thrown in.  There are options for that night for certain, but rest assured you will see those options again, this edition of Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny you won’t.  Come on y’all!  Click Here if you FEEL THE HOOT!!
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Holiday Hootenanny 25 Days Away!

2 Dec

Advance Tickets $25/Door $35, doors & silent auction @ 5:30pm – showtime 6:30pm at Terminal West

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Excitement is building as we get closer to showtime!  News about the sets coming soon, and you can expect some mighty fine combinations of musicians along the way and possibly some surprises, too!   The Holiday Hootenanny is going to be a show you won’t forget, I can guarantee that, so PLEASE share this post, invite your friends on the event page at Facebook if you’re so inclined, and feel free to copy the poster and send along to your co-workers, friends & family!  Get your advance tickets NOW – it truly helps the cause, which is one I along with many others believe in strongly, and that is supporting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity!

Warren Haynes_guitarThe silent auction is gaining some steam as well!  A very special item we have for you to bid on this year is a Warren Haynes autographed Takamine guitar!  As you well know, Warren has been and will forever be associated with Habitat for Humanity, having produced the annual Christmas Jam in Asheville, NC for the Asheville chapter of Habitat for Humanity for what will be 27 years in December!  THANK YOU to both Warren and The Big House Museum Executive Director, Rob Schneck, for their efforts in securing this wonderful item for bid.

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About Jim LauderdaleJim'n'TDawg

Jim Lauderdale (pictured right with yours truly in a deep conversation) is a multiple Grammy® (2002 collaboration with Dr. Ralph Stanley and in 2007 for Bluegrass Diaries) and Americana Music Association Award-winning musician and one of the most respected artists working the Americana, Bluegrass and Country music communities today.

Jim Lauderdale has always stayed true to his North Carolina roots but is influenced from the experience of his travels.  He first immersed himself in the early country music scenes of both New York City and Los Angeles before breaking through in Nashville as a songwriter.  He has helped pave the way of the current Americana movement recording records and writing songs that cross genres from country, pop, roots, rock, soul and bluegrass.

Lauderdale, a master songwriter, has had his work recorded by artists such as Patty Loveless, George Jones, Shelby Lynne, Solomon Burke, The Dixie Chicks, Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, and George Strait, who has had numerous hits with Jim’s songs.  Lauderdale’s music has been featured regularly on the ABC hit show Nashville, and he appeared in the successful film Country Strong.

Jim is often called upon as a player and has toured with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rhonda Vincent, Hot Tuna & Charlie Musselwhite and Elvis Costello. He also co-hosts a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Buddy Miller called “The Buddy & Jim Show,” which NPR’s Fresh Air described as “…highly entertaining…”  Lauderdale is also the host of the popular Music City Roots each week in Nashville and Scenic City Roots monthly in Chattanooga, TN.

He has collaborated with legends like Ralph Stanley, Elvis Costello and Robert Hunter and is also a critically acclaimed solo artist with dozens of studio releases, including his latest effort, and arguably his finest, I’m A Song…  

Click here to read more about Jim Lauderdale and explore his website.  You’ll be glad you did!  Such a soulful and gifted singer/songwriter!  You never know what you will get, and with the all-star group of musicians gathering for the Holiday Hootenanny, you KNOW you will get one helluva set from Jim!

 

Holiday Hootenanny News – Delta Airlines, Sweetwater, Tito’s Handmade Vodka as Sponsors!

10 Nov

2015 Holiday Hoot2We’re getting VERY excited in Hootenanny land for the 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny, where once again proceeds will benefit Atlanta Habitat for Humanity!  We’ve added Michael Smith (Whiskey Gentry, Dappled Grays) on the mandolin, so expect some fireworks on stage!

Advance Tickets $25/Door $35, doors @ 5:30pm – showtime 6:30pm at Terminal West

TDawg Presents is proud to announce our sponsors for this year: Delta Airlines, Sweetwater Brewing Co., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tree Leaf Music, and Wildman Steve Radio!  We are so thankful to be garnering the support of more and more with both a national and local brand as we move forward with this concert.  It’s going to be a special night for certain, and being associated with these fine entities can’t hurt!  Expect some drink specials from both on the night of the Holiday Hootenanny, and a portion of Tito’s drink sales from the evening will be donated to the proceeds from the evening!  Thanks again for being a part!

The final lineup of listed musicians is as follows:

Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale, Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), jazz legend Johnny Knapp, Col. Bruce Hampton, trumpeter Joe Gransden, Michael Tolcher, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Mark Raudabaugh (Donna the Buffalo), Ralph Roddenbery, Donna Hopkins, Joe GrandsdenMark Van Allen, Kevin Scott, Michael Smith (The Whiskey Gentry, Dappled Grays), Richie Jones, Kevin Thomas (Dynomite, Donna Hopkins Band)

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The video below is from the 3rd Annual Holiday Hootenanny featuring Donna Hopkins and a host of friends!  Expect a soulful journey this year from Donna, Ralph Roddenbery and another fine group of musicians to kick off the Holiday Hootenanny – the full schedule will be released soon so stay tuned in!  Meanwhile PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD, SHARE SHARE SHARE, and we’ll see you there!

Final lineup additions to Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny lineup! 12/27 @ Terminal West!

19 Oct

Joe Grandsden  IMG_2368

Advance Tickets $25/Door $35, doors @ 5:30pm – showtime 6:30pm at Terminal West

Well folks, the lineup as we know it for the 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny is complete, and TDawg Presents is excited to add jazz favorite Joe Gransden, singer-songwriter extraordinaire Michael Tolcher, and Hammond maestro Kevin Thomas to the bill! Quite a lineup y’all – an amazing amount of talent!

PLEASE spread the good word, share this post, share the event on your social networking sites of choice – the concert is not only a great cause for a great organization in Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, but it’s also going to be pretty much over the top musically.  YOU WILL NOT SEE ANOTHER CONCERT LIKE THIS ONE ALL YEAR!

The final lineup of listed musicians is as follows:

Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale

Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth)

jazz legend Johnny Knapp

Col. Bruce Hampton

Joe Gransden

Michael Tolcher

Rev. Jeff Mosier

Mark Raudabaugh (Donna the Buffalo)

Ralph Roddenbery

Donna Hopkins

Mark Van Allen

Kevin Scott

Richie Jones

Kevin Thomas

We will have four sets of music beginning at 6:30pm and ending at midnight, and the silent auction begins at 5:30pm when doors open!  Stay tuned for additions to the silent auction!

IMG_0803 Col Bruce Holiday Hoot 2014

ADV TICKETS on sale NOW for 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny!

9 Oct

Jim'n'TDawg

(Jim Lauderdale & TDawg at TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny, April 2013)

ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW ($25 ADV/$35 DOOR) at the Terminal West Box Office (Tue-Fri 11-5, and any night there’s another show).  Stay tuned for a few more additions to the lineup!

887 West Marietta St NW, Studio C, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-876-5566

LINEUP

Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale

Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth)

jazz legend Johnny Knapp

Col. Bruce Hampton

Rev. Jeff Mosier

Mark Raudabaugh (Donna the Buffalo)

Ralph Roddenbery

Donna Hopkins

Mark Van Allen

Kevin Scott

Richie Jones  

Here’s a great clip from the Holiday Hootenanny in 2013 at Terminal West, featuring Donna Hopkins as part of the Women of Rock lineup also featuring Caroline Aiken and Diane Durrett.  Band included Tony Giordano on keys, Richie Jones & Jeff Sipe on drums, Count M’Butu on percussion, Ted Pecchio on bass, and Mark Van Allen on the pedal steel.  Raw and beautiful are the two words that come to mind.  HOOT HOOT!!!

5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Holiday Hootenanny Lineup Announcement!

7 Oct

Col Bruce Holiday Hoot 2014

Spread the word far and wide for the 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny, happening on Sunday December 27, at Terminal West for the third consecutive year!  This one is gonna be one helluva jam, broken down into four sets beginning at 6:30PM and ending at Midnight!  It is exciting to be working again alongside Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and raising some money and awareness for this crucial organization.  A silent auction will begin at 5:30PM, once the doors are open.  Please note there is a great restaurant attached to the venue (Stationside) that has a full menu of locally sourced delicious bites.

Advance tickets are only $25 ($35 at the door) will be on sale by the end of this week at the Terminal West box office (no service charge) and online through the Terminal West website.  The lineup at this point is as follows, with just a few more spots to fill:

Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale, Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), jazz legend Johnny Knapp, Col. Bruce Hampton, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Ralph Roddenbery, Donna Hopkins, Mark Van Allen, Kevin Scott, Mark Raudabaugh, Richie Jones.  Stay tuned for the final additions PLUS a few surprises at showtime.

I know the holiday season is a busy time for many of us, but I can’t imagine a better way to spend an evening than with friends supporting a great cause AND jamming out to easily one of the most UNIQUE lineups you will see all year.  Mark down the date, get your advance tickets, and we can’t wait to see you then!  HOOT HOOT!!!

Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny date change!

26 Aug

That’s right folks, we’re moving the date for the 5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny ~ A Benefit for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, to Sunday, December 27 at Terminal West!  There will be more information coming soon regarding the lineup, tickets, and other relevant information.  Meanwhile, enjoy this gem from last year’s edition by Blueground Undergrass, who reunited especially for this night!

Usually at this time of year, we’re rounding the corner for a fall Hoot in mid-late September, but not this time.  While I will miss the fall celebration, and for the first time since 2002 there will be no TDawg festie at Cherokee Farms, it was the right move.  I don’t know if we’ll bring back the Fall Hoot, but I do know that the Holiday Hootenanny will benefit from the extra attention, and it WILL be very much worth your while to mark the date down now if you’re in town, as it’s going to be a doozy!

Stay tuned for a show or two to be added to the fall season but for the most part I’ll be focusing on the Holiday Hoot, and hopefully I’ll see you out at a show in the meanwhile!

On that note, here are a couple of gems happening this week:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 – GRAYSON CAPPS @ Eddie’s Attic, 8pm start time

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 – GEOFF ACHISON & THE SOULDIGGERS @ Eddie’s Attic, 9:30pm