Tag Archives: Jim Lauderdale

7th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny Initial Lineup!

22 Sep
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Jeff Mosier

Today is the last full day of summer, a beautiful fall season lies ahead, and that means the the creation of yet another unforgettable Holiday Hootenanny experience begins! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 20, 2017 for the 7th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny at Terminal West! The night is dedicated to the memory of good friend Col. Bruce Hampton, and we will pay tribute to the legacy and impact of Greg Allman and Butch Trucks, too. I still find it remarkable that we lost these three musical giants in the span of just a few months. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity will receive proceeds from the concert and associated silent auction. I am grateful for that continued relationship, and it’s such an essential part of our community.

©2016 ShowLove Media || All Rights Reserved || Photo by Jim Dimitroff

Larry Keel

The initial lineup for this year’s edition of the Holiday Hoot has us on the right footing for what promises to be a special occasion. There will be more TBA within the next six weeks or so.

The lineup so far is as follows: Larry Keel, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Count M’Butu, Ralph Roddenbery, Kevin Scott (bass), Matthew WilliamsNick DiSebastian, Bill Fleming (pedal steel), Kevin Thomas (keyboards), Richie Jones (drums & percussion), Bobby Miller (mandolin), and Rockygrass dobro competition winner Jared Womack kick off the announcement. Each set of music will be unique to that night only, so plan on being there for every note! The silent auction will feature many wonderful items up for bid from festival experiences to dining opportunities to incredible framed photography, artwork, jewelry, crafts, and sports memorabilia.

Stay tuned for more announcements including lineup additions and ticket information. Needless to say, this year’s edition will be an extra special one as we feel Bruce’s incredible energy permeate the venue from stage to audience and all points in between while also paying homage to Southern music legends Greg Allman & Butch Trucks.

Can’t wait to see ya there, if not sooner! Please share and spread the word!

 

 

Holiday Hootenanny Around the Corner on 12/18!

16 Dec

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Advance Tickets Only $25!  $30 Door

The 6th Annual Atlanta Holiday Hootenanny is truly going to be an epic experience!  Expect some first time collaborations, some sing-alongs, many fantastic jams, soooooo much talent on that stage you are unable to contain yourself! PLEASE spread the word, encourage your friends, and don’t miss out!

PURCHASE YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS NOW (or at the door) and know that you have committed yourself to a wonderful night of music, friendship, and the jams all for an incredible cause!

 

SCHEDULE

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Drivin’ N Cryin’s Kevn Kinney 

5:30 PM: Doors open, Silent Auction begins

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: The Pussywillows

8 PM – 9 PM: Jim Lauderdale & Jeff Mosier

9:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Kevn Kinney

11 PM – Midnight: Papa Mali

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Silent Auction

We have some fantastic items on the auction table this year! Several festivals have been kind enough to donate passes this year including String Cheese Incident’s festival Hulaween, Suwannee Roots Revival, and DelFest!  We also have some wonderful concert photographs, a guitar to be autographed by Kevn Kinney, Jim Lauderdale, Papa Mali & Jeff Mosier, an autographed tambourine,  gift certificates, a donation by United Distributors, a night at the Renaissance Hotel Midtown, and more!

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Here’s a video from the 2014 edition featuring Papa Mali. We are thrilled to have him back!

Holiday Hootenanny Schedule Posted/Lineup Change

9 Dec

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Advance Tickets Only $25!  $30 Door

Well folks, we’re on the homestretch to the 6th Annual Atlanta Holiday Hootenanny and we’re looking at one helluva time! There are going to be some special moments for certain, and with the group of musicians gathering for this fine concert how can there not be? On that note, the schedule is out!

Schedule

5:30 PM: Doors open, Silent Auction begins

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: The Pussywillows

8 PM – 9 PM: Jim Lauderdale & Jeff Mosier

9:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Kevn Kinney

11 PM – Midnight: Papa Mali

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matt-williamsLineup Change

Folks, Benji Shanks got called in for guitar duties in a last minute booking for Kristian Bush and will be unable to make the show.  In his absence, I have called on good buddy and fellow Holiday Hootenanny alum Matt Williams (Blueground Undergrass, Capt. Soularcat, Pickled Holler) to step on in!  Matt killed it last year with Jim Lauderdale, and his presence will be felt throughout the evening.  His new band, Pickled Holler, rings loud and true in sound and tone,

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!

 

 

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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 FHS_GraysonCapps_Banner

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.

Frank Hamilton School Concert Series Off & Running!

22 Feb

FHS_Hair of the Dog

We had a great week last week at the Frank Hamilton School!  Check out this great article that James Kelly wrote in the Atlanta Creative Loafing edition out now!  Many thanks for the push as we move forward in our journey to become an integral part of the musical DNA of the greater Atlanta area.

Please consider coming out Tuesday evening to Epworth United Methodist Church (across from Candler Park) for the start of our next term (6 sessions for $100) – you’ll be glad you did!  We will be featuring Guitar I & II, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele, Fiddle & Vocals…there’s something for everyone!  It really doesn’t matter what level you are, and if you’re shy about playing with others then this is your ticket.  Please visit http://frankhamiltonschool.org for more information, and we hope to see you on Tuesday, February 23!

The opening concert of the Frank Hamilton Concert Series on Thursday night with Jeff IMG_0461Mosier starting the festivities followed by The Georgia Crackers was an amazing experience that was fitting for a kick-off celebration, and we had a great crowd for the festivities!  Below are some videos that highlight how wonderful the evening really was.  The first video features Jeff Mosier performing the classic John Hartford tune made famous by Glenn Campbell, “Gentle On My Mind”.  The next song is performed by The Georgia Crackers, and the last couple of videos feature Jeff joining on stage with the spoons.  Great stuff!  Hope you enjoy!

We hope to see y’all out on March 3 for our next concert at the Red Light Cafe, featuring Atlanta’s own Hair of the Dog!  Great Cajun music with a twist of pedal steel thrown in for good measure.  You’re sure to leave a fan!  Advance tickets are available for purchase, $10 Adv/$12 door.  Please let your friends know, show starts at 8pm!

Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series Announcements!

22 Jan

frank-hamilton-folk-school-concert-series-kick-off-party-the-georgia-crackers-rev-jeff-mosier-at-red-light-cafe-atlanta-ga-feb-18-2016-squareThe Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series at the Red Light Cafe is heating up, and we’ve got some great shows coming your way – it would be incredible to see you at any & all of the shows!  Stay tuned for more announcements coming soon to the FHFS Concert Series ~ we are moving forward y’all, and the ride is going to be a fun one, full of music opportunities along the way, so stay tuned.  If you would like to learn more about the classes at the Frank Hamilton Folk School, please visit the website for complete information.

On February 18, we are thrilled to have to bring you two Georgia originals in The Georgia Crackers and Rev. Jeff Mosier for the Kick-off celebration!   Come early, get your seat, do some pickin’ and then sit back for an incredible journey through American music!  Expect a bit of history behind the music, as the Georgia Crackers’ Mick Kinney (fiddle) is a scholar on old-time country music.

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March 3 ~ To keep the momentum building for the series, FHFS is excited to present one of the longest-standing bands in Atlanta, Cajun band Hair of the Dog!  These folks bring a Hair of the Dog_FHFShigh energy mix of Cajun, blues, and honky tonk to get folks into a fine boogie groove.  With fiery fiddling (Barbara Panter-Connah), soulful blues harp and accordion (Whit Connah), driving guitar (John Ferguson), bass (Chris Tinsley) and drums (Doug Landsburg), pedal steel (Bill Fleming), and traditional Cajun triangle – or ‘tit fer – and rubboard (Audrey Ferguson).  They have played at festivals and venues around the southeast and beyond, including tours of Europe and the British Isles.

Hair of the Dog are strong supporters of the local music scene and bringing music to the community, and I hope y’all can make it out to this one – it’s gonna be high energy! More info to come…

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April 7 ~ The Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series is excited to welcome the dynamic trio and national touring act Dangermuffin to the Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series! Their Friday night showcase performance at last April’s TDawg’s

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April 7 @ Red Light Cafe, 8PM

Back Porch Hootenanny was off the charts musically, a defining two-set gem that displayed true respect to the traditional roots music while creating a progressive acoustic folk-rock sound all their own. They have developed quite a nice grass-roots following in the Atlanta area, so you can expect a very enthusiastic crowd that appreciates fine musicianship. This incredibly dynamic trio brings out a sound that captures you in their groove almost instantly, and we couldn’t be happier to bring them to you via the FHFS! From Folly Beach, SC just outside of Charleston, their melodic sound represents three musicians bringing you something unique. Expect an acoustic set and an electric set and perhaps some special sit-ins.

Dangermuffin is: Dan Lotti (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar), Mike Sivilli (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals), Steven Sandifer (percussion, drums, upright bass, vocals)

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May 12 ~ The Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series brings jazz guitarist Grant Green Jr. to the Red Light Cafe stage!  Grant Green Jr. is a member of the legendary group Masters

Grant Green_Holiday Hoot

May 12 @ Red Light Cafe, 8PM

of Groove, along with drummer Bernard Purdie and B3 Organ player Reuben Wilson.  Son of the great jazz guitarist Grant Green, Green Jr. has continued the family tradition just fine.  Growing up in Detroit, his neighbors included Stevie Wonder’s parents, Marvin Gaye lived a few blocks away, and many more Motown artists were in the area.  Needless to say, Grant certainly had the influences growing up, most notably his father and Stevie Wonder. 

Grant’s performances are extremely soulful and uplifting, his skills on the guitar are second to none.  Expect an incredible evening of music by a music gem we are fortunate chose to make Atlanta his home (by way of New York).
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Coming soon: Lineup announcements for the FINAL EDITION (#19) of TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny, April 1-2 at beautiful Cherokee Farms!  Tickets on sale next week for what promises to be quite a celebration.    

 

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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