Tag Archives: Old Town School of Folk Music

A Tribute to David Grisman, July 12 @ Eddie’s Attic!

11 Jul

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Advance Tickets (Reserve a table for front and center viewing!)

Core Musicians include (counter clockwise from top left)Casey Cook – guitar, Keith Morris – bass, Michael Smith – mandolin, Andy Carlson – fiddle

The Frank Hamilton School Presents an outstanding night of music that pays tribute to legendary mandolinist/composer/producer/collaborator David Grisman.  Join us as members of Atlanta’s top bluegrass band, The Dappled Grays, and a multi-state fiddle champion perform music from the different styles of the David Grisman Quintet as well as various projects over the years.  These sessions include (among many) his legendary Garcia/Grisman recordings, Tone Poems – a duet between Grisman and Tony Rice, the jazz and Latin infused acoustic music known by many as Dawg Music, and the bluegrass side of David Grisman, highlighted famously by his collaboration with both Doc Watson and Del McCoury and his participation in the legendary bluegrass group Old & In the Way that also included Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements & John Kahn.

Our goal at the Frank Hamilton School is to create a sense of community around music, and this show is no different.  We are thrilled to be a part of the Decatur and Atlanta communities, contributing to the teaching of playing music together in addition to exposing you to the finest in real music, music that touches the soul and inspires.  Please visit http://frankhamiltonschool.org for complete information about how you can become a part of the new folk movement, which is as diverse as ever!  Come play with us!

Get your Advanced Tickets now – reserve a table or do general admission!  This is truly going to be a memorable night featuring some top notch Atlanta area musicians and some special guests.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Frank Hamilton School.

 

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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$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 Moves to Decatur

18 Apr

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This week marks a big step towards our commitment to the development of The Frank Hamilton School in the greater Atlanta community as we hold court for the unforeseeable future at our new location, Oakhurst Baptist Church, in Decatur!  The next six-week term commences tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19th. Our new address will be:

Oakhurst Baptist Church
222 E. Lake Drive
Decatur, GA
30030

Register for classes at FrankHamiltonSchool.org – or join us Tuesday night for our first class.  Classes are available in Guitar Levels 1-3, Banjo, Fiddle, Ukulele, Mandolin, Vocal Harmony.

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Check out this wonderful interview with Frank Hamilton conducted by Boyd Baker of the Good Gracious Show on his podcast.  We had a great time talking at the Kavarna Coffeehouse in Oakhurst just about three weeks ago – Boyd is a true patron for the arts and we appreciate his taking the time to sit down with Frank and me!  He’s always on the lookout for unique contributors to the greater Atlanta community.

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May is filling up with activities for the Frank Hamilton School!  Please see below for festival, concert series, and house concert dates!

May 12 ~ Frank Hamilton Concert Series Presents Grant Green Jr., Red Light Cafe, 8 PM, $12 ADV/$15 Door

May 14 ~ Kirkwood Springfling, 3 X 20 minute sets at Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, FREE

May 14 ~ Tucker Day, 3:30 PM, FREE

May 15 ~ TDawg Presents Martha Scanlan (Reeltime Travelers), Backyard Concert, 5PM, $15 ADV/$20 DOOR.  Email me for address.

May 21 ~ Fire in the 4th Festival, Old Fourth Ward, Time TBA, FREE

May 28 ~ Decatur Arts Festival, Acoustic Palette Tent, 11:00 AM, FREE

Frank Hamilton School Relocation & Other Happenings!

15 Mar

The Frank Hamilton School is relocating to the Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Dr., Decatur, GA 30030, beginning with the next term that starts on Tuesday, April 19!  We are thrilled to find a new home for the next several years that will allow FHS to grow into an organization that actively contributes to the community.  Expect some fun events to sprout up from our new location as we move along – come play with us, and Click Here for more information about how you can become part of the movement!

We’re gearing up for what promises to be a fantastic spring season for the Frank Hamilton School as we continue to move forward!  Tune in next Thursday, March 24, at 8 PM on WRFG 89.3 FM as Frank Hamilton visits with Dave Chamberlain on the long-running show Sagebrush Boogie.  Expect a little live music in the studio as well as discussion about the school, the history of Frank Hamilton, and the ongoing Frank Hamilton School Concert Series.   Please scroll down for some opportunities to get involved, attend one of our concerts, or to see one of the initial performances of the Frank Hamilton School Band that features some of our instructors, led by Frank Hamilton of course!  Also please visit the Website for complete information.

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Sunday, March 20, 4PM @ Red Light Cafe, 100% of proceeds to benefit FHS!

A special performance with Four Shillings Short, a husband/wife duo from Ireland & California, respectively, that travels the world promoting world folk music through a plethora of instruments on stage that weave a story untold of different cultures coming together.  Advance tickets and more information click here.  

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Thursday, April 7, 10 PM at Red Light Cafe, Frank Hamilton School Concert Series

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This night will be the only 10 PM start of the concert series, but folks it’s well worth it to get on out to watch this incredibly dynamic trio take the stage and wow you with their incredible songwriting and instrumentation.  You can explore more about Dangermuffin on their website.  Advance tickets and more information click here.

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Sunday, April 10, 10:15 AM @ 80th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, International Stage

This performance is the first in public by the Frank Hamilton School Band, so come out early to enjoy your coffee and hear some wonderful music to start your day.  You might do a little shopping while you’re at it 😉  We had a fun time on Sunday getting together for a band rehearsal and some gumbo at TDawg’s house!  The band managed to assemble a list of 13 songs from which to choose.  Below is a little snippet of “You Are My Sunshine.”  Also heard while cooking up the gumbo was the classic “City Of New Orleans” so expect some great songs you can sing along to, and even play along to if you bring your instrument!

Frank Hamilton School Concert Series Off & Running!

22 Feb

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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!

Learn More About Frank Hamilton School and the Living Music Icon!

16 Feb

 

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Frank Hamilton is living music history – he is an educator, musician, leader & visionary all wrapped into one.  I am fortunate to be involved in continuing his vision in the new millennium.  While the world is a much different place than it was in 1957, one particular constant that remains is the importance of music and the arts in the community.  That is the ultimate goal of the Frank Hamilton School, bringing together community through love of music.  The classes are group sessions that finish up with a jam led by Frank and involving all instruments.

There have been a some wonderful interviews with Frank Hamilton since September, where he talks about his history, the Old Town School in Chicago, and bringing the OTS model to the Atlanta area.  When you have a moment, I highly recommend you listen to them.  None of them are more than 15 minutes long and are incredibly informative.

~ City Lights on WABE 90.1 FM, 9/10/15

~ On Second Thought, GPB 88.5, 10/22/15

~ Interview by Noel Morris, 9/14/15

I hope y’all can make it out to celebrate the start to the Frank Hamilton Concert Series on Thursday evening at the Red Light Cafe!  Music will begin at 8pm, so it will be an early night!  Rev. Jeff Mosier kicks it off to be followed by The Georgia Crackers!  Click Here for advance tickets.

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Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series Schedule!

2 Feb

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 schedule is now complete for the inaugural Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series, held at the Red Light Cafe through the end of the year one Thursday each month!  Stay tuned for a few more concerts and workshops TBA.  Please read below for the complete schedule and spread the word!  A portion of the proceeds from each concert benefits FHFS!

 

 

Feb 18 ~ Kick-off Party feat. The Georgia Crackers w/ special guest Rev. Jeff MosierShowtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $12/$15 Door

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March 3 ~ Hair of the Dog, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

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April 7 ~ Dangermuffin, Showtime 10PM/Doors 9:30PM, Adv Tix $12/$15 Door

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May 12 ~ Grant Green Jr., Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $12/$15 Door

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June 16 ~ Grayson Capps w/ Corky Hughes, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $12/$15 Door

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July 7 ~ The Josh Daniel-Mark Schimick Project, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

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August 4 ~ Smokey’s Farmland Band, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

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September 1 ~ Donna Hopkins & Danny Hutchens (Bloodkin) Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

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Oct 6 ~ Caroline Aiken, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $12/$15 Door

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November 3 ~ The Pussywillows & Gibson Wilbanks Band, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

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December 1 ~ Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband, Showtime 8PM/Doors 7PM, Adv Tix $10/$12 Door

 

 

 

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

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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.    

 

Press Release – Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series Kick-Off 2/18!

13 Jan

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2016

Inaugural Frank Hamilton Folk School Concert Series Kicks Off Thursday, February 18

~ A Celebration of Community Through Music! ~

 

Doors 7PM, Showtime 8PM

$12 Adv/$15 Door 

Advance Tickets Available Online http://tinyurl.com/hcleyzz

 Press Contact: Thomas Helland, email: thelland7@gmail.com, cell: (678) 637-7377

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The Frank Hamilton Folk School (FHFS) is excited to debut its inaugural concert series at the Red Light Café featuring two unique acts, The Georgia Crackers & Rev. Jeff Mosier, that embody the principles of community and music coming together to create a social and learning environment.

Said namesake and founder Frank Hamilton (also co-founder of the world-renown Old Time School of Folk Music in Chicago in 1957) about band member Mick Kinney and The Georgia Crackers ~ “Mick is a talented traditional fiddler and early jazz piano player. This is the real incarnation of North Georgia Folk Music. The re-emergence of the Georgia Firecrackers. Very few musicians carry on the tradition as did the New Lost City Ramblers, Jack Elliott, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Lovers of Old Time Music are gonna love this show.”

The Frank Hamilton Folk School is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and promoting folk music and arts in the greater Atlanta and Southeast regions.  FHFS officially opened its doors on October 6, 2015 at Epworth United Methodist Church directly across the street from Candler Park and is presently offering classes in Guitar I (taught by Frank Hamilton), Guitar II, Fiddle, Banjo, Ukulele & Vocals.  Mandolin will be offered beginning starting with the six-week session that begins February 23.  Modeled after the Old Town School of Folk Music (OTSFM), Hamilton describes OTSFM method of teaching applied, “We wanted to make music accessible to everyone, we wanted to bypass the formal educative type of note-reading you’d get in a music academy and emphasize the social aspects of music. We wanted to see involvement by people who wouldn’t normally think they had musical talent, and bring out whatever they had.”

Complete information including classes, scheduled events, and making a tax-deductible donation is available at http://frankhamiltonfolkschool.org.  Additionally, FHFS is currently seeking a permanent home as concerts, classes, and workshops continue.  Stay tuned for other community events as spring approaches.

http://www.frankhamiltonfolkschool.org

https://www.reverbnation.com/georgiacrackers

http://www.themosierbrothers.com

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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