Tag Archives: WNCW

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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FHS_Frank

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.

Epic Hootenanny!

6 Apr

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Well we had quite a HUGE time this past weekend – friends gathered that span the entire era of HarvestFest (and before!) and the Back Porch Hootenanny movement, creating for me an emotional and joyous occasion that everyone from loyal Hootenannigans to the musicians, staff, volunteers, and Smokey & Debbie simply couldn’t get enough of!  I know that I shed many a tear over the course of the weekend, as it did mark the end of an era that involved a great investment of heart & soul, not just by me but by everyone who has been along for the journey.  The Hootenanny instills a family energy that will sustain and serve as a springboard for the next chapter at Cherokee Farms involving the Frank Hamilton School.  I ask that you please continue to follow and support FHS, as it will serve as a catalyst for continuing to bring great music to the community through concerts and public events music education.

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Ralph Roddenbery Band

I know I say it every time but the music was REALLY off the charts, knocking the bar way off already high expectations!  Every set was extremely special, and they all featured sit ins by fellow musicans, which made for very spontaneous moments of musical ecstasy.  There were so many highlights it’s hard to single out even a couple of them – Blackberry Possum kicked it off right on Friday night under the stars and the largest Friday night attendance yet.  From the first notes on Saturday with Smokey’s Farmland Band and through the entire day’s performances from the MOMS All-Stars, The Rickety Crickets, The Ain’t Sisters, Ralph Roddenbery Band,

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Donna Hopkins & Friends

Brian Ashley Jones, Caroline Aiken, Donna Hopkins, Rev. Jeff Mosier and finally Strung Like A Horse to close it out, the energy one felt throughout Cherokee Farms was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.  THANK YOU from the bottom and top of my heart for the music, friendship & LOVESTORM that transpired.

I was particularly caught off guard by a little ceremony that occurred prior to introducing Strung Like A Horse and featured the dedicated Hootenanny staff, volunteers & people who have been a part since 1998.  If you have a few minutes, I recommend you watch the video below courtesy of my friend Jessi 😉 :

Two big THANK YOU’s right now  – the first to Beth & Randy Judy, life friends and creators of Suwannee SpringFest and MagnoliaFest down at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.  Without their inspiration in the mid/late 90’s with the inaugural Sunshine Daydream Weekend (became MagnoliaFest), I don’t know if I would have ever meandered down the crazy path that is the music business and festival industry.  Their vision is my vision, as music farmers growing fresh sounds for the ear with amazingly talented musicians.  I love y’all to the moon and back, as do many many others!

The second THANK YOU goes to Roy, Rebecca & Dave, who are the masterminds behind High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, CA and DelFest in Cumberland, MD.  They joined forces with TDawg Presents in 2001, and we were able to continue the magic that was Blue Ridge HarvestFest, taking the festival from a popular regional festival to one of national stature.  Unfortunately the hurricanes from 2001-2005 won the battle, but the magic produced despite the setbacks was unrivaled, and it was a fantastic experience to host Bob Weir & Ratdog and John Prine, among many, many others.  I love what High Sierra has continued to do through the years and hope our paths will cross once again!

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On that note, I hope you can make it out Thursday night for the third installment of the Frank Hamilton School Concert Series featuring Dangermuffin at the Red Light Cafe!  Showtime is 10PM, and trust me when I tell you that these fine fellas from Folly Beach, SC will simply blow your mind with their of level of talent and amazing instrumentation.

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Back Porch Hoot Lineup Addition and Schedule Change!

24 Jun

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TDawg Presents is excited to bring FREDDY’S FINEST into the Hootenanny family mix!   These soulful funk’n’groovers also serve as Jimmy Hall’s (from Wet Willie) band, so you KNOW there’s some southern soul going on inside these fellas!

Please note below the updated schedule.  So much musical goodness here y’all, you aren’t going to want miss any of it!  Get your advance tickets NOW to support one of the finest little festies in the entire Southeast.  A TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny is more like a private showcase with a few hundred of your best buddies – how can you not have an incredible time?!

FRI SEPT 19
SHED STAGE
9:30PM – 12:30PM SAM FRENCH & FRIENDS
SAT SEPT 20
SHED STAGE
12:30PM – 2:00PM JASON KENNEY
2:45PM – 4:15PM ROLLING NOWHERE
5:00PM – 6:30PM SECONDHAND SWAGGER
7:15PM – 8:45PM COL. BRUCE & MADRID EXPRESS
9:30 – 11:00PM LINGO
11:30PM – 1:00AM STRUNG LIKE A HORSE w/ LACY JO
GRATEFUL FRED STAGE
2:00PM – 2:45PM MOMS JAM!!!!
4:15PM – 5:00PM THE JUGTIME RAGBAND
6:30PM – 7:15PM FREDDY’S FINEST
8:45PM – 9:30PM DONNA HOPKINS

TDawg Presents THE DUHKS – Thu May 1, 2014

9 Apr

Check out the event page folks!

When: Thursday, May 1

Where: Red Light Cafe

Time: Doors @ 7pm, showtime 8pm, special guest TBA

Tickets: $17 Adv/$20 door, Click Here to get yours!

 

Fun version of “Down to the River” from String Break last spring!  Enjoy 😉

Please spread the good word y’all!

4 days and counting til TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny!

31 Mar

Spring Hoot 2014 Schedule

Well folks, it appears as if the rites of spring are unfolding right in front of us – opening day of the baseball season is here, college football spring practice is here, and TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny #16 is this weekend!  I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a music explosion and that fresh crisp mountain air that reminds you that spring has indeed arrived!

Advance tickets are still on sale through Thursday, April 3, at 11:45pm.  After that, you’ll need to purchase at the gate upon arrival at Cherokee Farms.  There will be a couple of food vendors there, although you are welcome to bring your own food in.  Also, please note this event is BYOB.

FRI-SAT (incl camping) ~ $50 ADV/$65 GATE

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SAT ONLY (incl camping) ~ $45 ADV/$55 GATE

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SAT DAY PASS (NO camping) ~ $40 GATE.  Kids 12 & under are admitted FREE!  Kids ages 13-16 $20 at gate.  NO DOGS PLEASE!

Y’all this Hootenanny is overflowing with talent, most of it being relatively unknown outside of the region but absolutely as good as it gets.  Like all the other Hootenannies, TDawg Presents prides itself on the ability to harvest the up and coming talent to produce an event that is as fresh as it gets, and you come to expect the unexpected.

We are thrilled to have Music On Main Street as the sponsor for the Grateful Fred Stage, and Tree Sound Studios will be once again manning the Shed Stage, as they have for every Hoot!  Light Show Design will be running the lights for the third consecutive Hootenanny.

Please encourage your friends and family to come on out, come on up, come on over, and get yourself ready for quite a ride that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear by the end!

HOOOOOOOOOOOTENANNY!!!

Less Than 6 Weeks ’til Hootenanny #16!

24 Feb
Tell and bring your friends!

Tell and bring your friends!

The first TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny happened in May of 2006, about eight months after Blue Ridge HarvestFest was laid to rest following an incredible run from1998-2005, battling so many weather forces over the years.  Through all of the weather-inflicted turmoil, a dedicated audience was born, and many of those in that audience still remind me how much they wish we could have HarvestFest back.  Hopefully one day there will be a similar event – that festival certainly had an energy all its own 😉

A TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny weekend represents the simple things in life that can make an outdoor music & camping experience so wonderful  – one or two food vendors, a few arts/crafts vendors, BYOB, and focus on the music.  The Hootenannies are a great chance to bring groups of families and friends together in an intimate musical environment, where the musicians truly become one with the audience.  I realized that bringing the shows back to the basics really made a lot of sense for both reviving my love of producing unique outdoor events and affordability for the patron.

The ensuing Back Porch Hootenannies certainly embodied those qualities, and through the years they have maintained quite an incredible energy and evolved into a small festival that leaves you so satisfied at the end.  After a long winter, the spring Hoot always offers you a chance to stretch your legs in the great outdoors, breathe in that fresh mountain air, feel the musical vibes, and kick off your spring in grand fashion .  Hootenannies are about the music and community – each and every time there is a lineup that has the patrons expecting the unexpected musically, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who attended a Hoot and had a miserable time because of the event itself.

Here is one of my favorite musical moments from last September’s Hoot featuring David Via & Curtis Burch with Larry Keel and wife Jenny sitting in.  A true crowd pleaser 😉

Make your plans now for the weekend of April 4-5 and help the event by purchasing your tickets now!  Please share with your friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to come on board for a great time!

FRI-SAT (incl camping) ~ $50 ADV/$65 GATE

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SAT ONLY (incl camping) ~ $45 ADV/$55 GATE

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SAT DAY PASS (NO camping) ~ $40 GATE.  Kids 12 & under are admitted FREE!  Kids ages 13-16 $20 at gate.  NO DOGS PLEASE!

Meet Seven Handle Circus & Moontower!

27 Jan
Tell and bring your friends!

Tell and bring your friends!

I am very excited to welcome to the Hootenanny family the band Seven Handle Circus (performing 9:30pm on Shed Stage, April 5) from Atlanta!  This sextet brings it every time and has been paving nice roads around the Southeast since they formed in 2010, and their music has been described as “bad-ass bluegrass” with the “drive and energy of a rock band.”  Chandler May from Atlanta Music Guide sums it up nicely following a performance where they performed as a trio (Seven Handle Sideshow), opening for Justin Townes Earle in December of 2012 ~

“Their songs have the pop sensibility of Mumford and Sons and the joie de vivre of Yonder Mountain String Band. Folky three part harmonies filled the air as the Sideshow plucked their way through many original numbers, my favorite being “I’ve Been Around The World“. The opening guitar riff immediately grabs you, and the hook most definitely ‘brings you back’.”

Here’s a clip from their most recent performance at Terminal West last year.  Needless to say, they have that “it” factor going on!

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Moontower returns for a second appearance (performing 11:30pm on Shed Stage, April 5) at TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny, and folks are pumped!  These fellas have built quite the loyal following and for good reason.  Mixing a strong dose of original material with the perfect covers, their music propels your groove as well as any fine jam ever has.  The video below is from their previous Hootenanny appearance in September of 2012 performing an epic 27 minute jam with the help of Benji Shanks on slide guitar that is one of the more unlikely medleys you’ve heard in a while.  Enjoy!

 

TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny Schedule!

24 Jan

Spring Hoot 2014 (Final)

Here is the initial schedule for the 16th Edition of TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny on April 4-5 at Cherokee Farms in LaFayette, GA!  Please note that the schedule is subject to change – HOOOOOOOOOOOOTENANNY y’all!

FRI APRIL 4
SHED STAGE
9:30PM – 12:30PM BIG DADDY LOVE & FRIENDS
SAT APRIL 5
SHED STAGE
12:30PM – 2:00PM HIGH STRUNG STRING BAND
2:45PM – 4:15PM TDAWG PRESENTS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE
5:00PM – 6:30PM STRUNG LIKE A HORSE
7:15PM – 8:45PM COPIOUS JONES
9:30 – 11:00PM SEVEN HANDLE CIRCUS
11:30PM – 1:00AM MOONTOWER
GRATEFUL FRED STAGE
2:00PM – 2:45PM HOOTENANNY JAM!!!
4:15PM – 5:00PM VINYL GYPSIES
6:30PM – 7:15PM DONNA HOPKINS
8:45PM – 9:30PM RALPH RODDENBERY TRIO