Thursday, March 1, 2012

Love 80s music? The Producers at the Buckhead Theatre next Friday!!!

At the Buckhead Theatre next Friday – popular Atlanta 80s band The Producers are getting back together for a reunion show. They’ll be performing old hits such as “She Sheila” and “What She Does to Me,” plus there will be a jam session after the show with Rick Richards from The Georgia Satellites. The opener is the ultimate Bon Jovi cover band, Slippery When Wet.

Friday March 9, 2012

Buckhead Theatre Presents
The Producers
Slippery When Wet
$21 Lower Level GENERAL ADMISSION / $31 Balcony RESERVED SEATING
Doors 8:00 PM
All Ages

Tickets available at www.thebuckheadtheatre.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Bonnie Raitt Atlanta Tickets on Sale 2/17 (Marc Cohn, too!)

Bonnie Raitt's Landmark 2012 Gains Momentum with Nationwide Tour, Performance on 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® Rolling Stone Premieres "Right Down The Line"

2012 is shaping up to be the year of Bonnie Raitt. On the heels of releasing 'Slipstream,' a bold, soulful effort that marks her first studio release in seven years (April 10, Redwing Records), Raitt embarks on the first leg of her 70-date tour on May 1. Tickets are available for pre-sale starting February 8th at the newly revamped www.bonnieraitt.com. Complete ticketing information for the tour is available now.

Additionally, Raitt, a nine-time GRAMMY® winner, will perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® on Sunday, February 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Raitt and Alicia Keys will remember Etta James.

Raitt's reinvented version of Gerry Rafferty's hit "Right Down The Line," is the first single from 'Slipstream' and has "just the right note of rueful worldly wisdom - and on her guitar solo, she shreds" (Rolling Stone). The single is currently racing up the AAA radio chart, breaking into the Top 20 in less than 2 weeks and becoming the most added track at the format well in advance of its official radio launch date on February 13.

Hear "Right Down the Line" now on RollingStone.com

Full of heated guitar solos and Raitt's trademark slide guitar, 'Slipstream' is available for presale today at iTunes and Amazon. Called a Best Bet for 2012 by Billboard Magazine, the album will hit all major music retailers nationwide on April 10, including 7,500 Starbucks in North America who will also feature the album track "Down To You" as their "Pick of the Week."

On tour, Marc Cohn will join Raitt as the opening act for the first month of shows on the first leg, with Mavis Staples set to open the latter dates. Raitt will be accompanied by her longtime touring band of James "Hutch" Hutchinson (bass), Ricky Fataar (drums), and George Marinelli (guitar), with the new addition of Mike Finnigan (Joe Cocker, CSN, Etta James, Jimi Hendrix) on keyboards.

Said Raitt of her band, "They're all incredibly talented and we fit like a glove...we've got a great thing going and can't wait to get back out on the road."

A lifelong activist, Raitt also provides benefit tickets for charity at every concert, and as well invites local non-profit organizations to share information about their work with concertgoers. For more information on Special Benefit Seating, go to www.guacfund.org.

Bonnie Raitt 2012 Tour:

May 1 - Newkirk, OK - First Council Casino (on sale 02/11)
May 3 - Durant, OK - Choctaw Casino (on sale now)
May 4 - Vinton, LA - Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino (on sale 02/27)
May 6 - New Orleans, LA - Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 8 - Meridian, MS - MSU Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts* (on sale 02/20)
May 9 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre* (on sale 02/17)
May 12 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium* (on sale 02/17)
May 13 - Louisville, KY - Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center* (on sale 02/10)
May 14 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre* (on sale 02/10)
May 16 - Indianapolis, IN - Clowes Memorial Hall* (on sale TBD)
May 18 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant* (on sale 02/17)
May 19 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theatre* (on sale 02/11)
May 22 - Midland, MI - Midland Center for the Arts* (on sale 04/02)
May 23 - Akron, OH - Akron Civic Theatre* (on sale 02/17)
May 25 - Ann Arbor, MI - Hill Auditorium* (on sale 04/09)
May 26 - Toronto, ONT - Massey Hall* (on sale 02/11)
May 27 - Rochester, NY - Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre* SOLD OUT
May 30 - Hampton Beach, NH - Casino Ballroom (on sale 02/10)
May 31 - Portland, ME - Merrill Auditorium* (on sale 02/10)
June 2 - Albany, NY - Palace Theatre* (on sale 02/10)
June 3 - Burlington, VT - Burlington Discover Jazz Festival* (on sale 03/19)
June 8 - Holyoke, MA - Mountain Park+ (on sale 2/17)
June 9 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena+ (on sale 03/09)
June 12 - Charlottesville, VA - nTelos Wireless Pavilion+ (on sale 04/06)
June 13 - Portsmouth, VA - nTelos Harbor Center Pavilion+ (on sale 02/10)
June 14 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap+ (on sale 03/24)
June 16 - Philadelphia, PA - Academy of Music+ (on sale TBD)
June 17 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Pavilion+ (on sale 02/10)
June 20 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre+ (on sale 02/17)
June 23 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion+ (on sale 2/27)
June 24 - Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody Tent+ (on sale 03/03)

*with Marc Cohn
+with Mavis Staples 

Pre-sale tickets available at www.bonnieraitt.com.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Stars of Tomorrow Finalists Take the Stage at the Fox Theatre on March 11

Variety of Georgia Stages Talent Competition to Crown First Champion at Celebrated City Landmark

This fall, Variety of Georgia announced its inaugural talent competition, Stars of Tomorrow, and eligible hopefuls across the state submitted videos of their best performances. After much deliberation and two rounds of preliminary judging, the top 10 finalists will take the stage this spring.

Stars of Tomorrow hosts its final competition at The Fox Theatre on March 11. The showcase raises the curtain on the top 10 vocalists as they perform highly anticipated acts for an eager audience. Friends and family join show-business veterans and community influencers for an evening of fun, philanthropy and dream-chasing as Stars of Tomorrow crowns its champion.

The top 10 Stars of Tomorrow finalists include:

Jenna Bass, age 17, Lilburn resident
Kirstyn Burkhalter, age 15, Snellville resident
Lydia Flock, age 15, Atlanta resident
Nariah Francis, age 17, Atlanta resident
Lauren Hill, age 13, Flowery Branch resident
Lindsey Marcus, age 15, Dunwoody resident
Daniel Mata, age 15, Marietta resident
Krysta Nick, age 14, Peachtree City resident
Destini Shelton, age 16, Douglasville resident
Marguerite Yearns, age 13, Sandy Springs resident

The winner of the Stars of Tomorrow singing competition will enjoy a trip for four to Universal Studios Hollywood, including accommodations, park access and transportation. The talented teen also receives an audition for the Theater of the Stars series in Atlanta, a professional photo shoot, a custom-made demo CD and tickets to an upcoming performance at The Fox Theatre.

The first and second runners-up each receive an audition for the Theater of the Stars series in Atlanta, a professional photo shoot, a custom-made demo CD and tickets to an upcoming performance at The Fox Theatre.

Stars of Tomorrow benefits Variety of Georgia initiatives across the state and aims to shine a light on Georgia’s promising young talent. Event co-chairs Carolyn Lee Wills and Former Chief Barker Mike Dangerfield help further the organization’s commitment to enhancing the lives of area youth. Through this competition, teens not only showcase their chops for industry leaders but develop skills they will use for years to come.

Ticket sales for the final Stars of Tomorrow competition benefit Variety of Georgia. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about the top 10 finalists, visit www.varietystarsoftomorrow.com.

For more information, contact Chase Evangeline Andrews at 678.994.4210 or chase@varietyofgeorgia.org.

About Variety of Georgia, Tent 21

Tent 21 was established in Atlanta in 1939 as the 21st chapter of Variety International, commonly known as the World's Greatest Children's Charity. Variety of Georgia is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

The charity’s mission is to aid and enhance the lives of children in need who may be challenged by physical and/or mental disabilities, poverty, abuse or neglect. Echoing the first Variety fundraising event, a circus-themed affair held under a big-top, clubs are often called "Tents" and members "Barkers.”

Following the tradition of the founders of the first Tent in Pittsburgh, Pa., 80 percent of the members of Tent 21 hail from the motion picture industry, though membership is open to all who care about children.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Daughtry Announces First Leg of its "Break the Spell 2012 Tour" -- Atlanta, March 27th

Daughtry joins the fight against malaria, donating $1 of every ticket sold to "Malaria No More"

Special Guest Pop Rock Group SafetySuit and Opening the Show is Singer Songwriter Mike Sanchez

DAUGHTRY has announced the first leg of its upcoming tour in support of the multi-platinum selling rock band’s third album, Break The Spell (19 Recordings/RCA Records). Tickets for the Cobb Energy Centre date go on sale Friday January 27th.

Daughtry’s “Break The Spell Tour” will begin its first leg on March 20 in Buffalo, NY and continue through April 30 when it concludes in New York, NY. Singer Chris Daughtry, guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock, bassist Josh Paul and drummer Robin Diaz are excited to bring their bigger than life show into theaters across the country to provide an intimate experience for fans.

Daughtry is pleased to welcome special guest Nashville-based pop rock group SafetySuit whose new album These Times. debuted No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Opening the show is singer-songwriter Mike Sanchez.

Daughtry is also dedicated to using its position to raise awareness about a number of charitable causes. For the "Break The Spell 2012 Tour," the band will help combat Africa's battle against malaria by donating $1 from every ticket sold to Malaria No More, a leading humanitarian organization determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015.

The upcoming first leg of the tour will give fans a chance to experience a number of new tracks from Break The Spell, like the chart-climbing hits “Crawling Back To You” and “Renegade.” Singer Chris Daughtry says: “We recorded a hard-hitting rock album that is primed to blow the doors off these great theaters. Fans who come out are going to get an incredible show every night.”

Daughtry has scored four No. 1 hits, garnered four Grammy nominations, sold over seven million albums and played sold out concerts around the world in less than four years. Daughtry’s self-titled debut was the fastest selling rock debut in Soundscan history and its follow up Leave This Town marked the quintet’s second consecutive No. 1 album. Daughtry’s latest album Break The Spell, which was certified gold in 4 weeks, builds on the band’s reputation for melodic hooks and anthemic choruses while providing a powerful showcase for Chris Daughtry’s emotionally resonant voice.

BREAK THE SPELL TOUR

March

20 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center
21 Reading, PA Reading Eagle Theater at the Sovereign Center
24 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
25 Cleveland, OH Palace Theatre
27 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
28 Little Rock, AR Robinson Center Music Hall
30 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
31 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace Theater

April

2 Columbus, OH Veteran's Memorial
3 Cincinnati, OH Music Hall
4 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center
7 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
9 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
11 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
14 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park Amphitheater
15 Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre at the Times Union Center
17 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
18 Richmond, VA Landmark Theater
20 W. Long Branch, NJ The MAC at Monmouth University
21 Syracuse, NY Landmark Theater
23 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial
24 Newark, NJ NJ PAC
27 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods
28 Albany, NY Palace Theater
30 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom

For a complete list of on-sales for the first leg of the tour, please visit: http://www.aeglive.com

Stay in touch with the latest on Daughtry:
http://www.daughtryofficial.com
http://www.twitter.com/chris_daughtry
http://www.myspace.com/daughtry
http://www.facebook.com/daughtry
http://www.last.fm/music/Daughtry

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Wynton Marsalis And Eric Clapton Play The Blues Erupts onto the Big Screen Featuring Sold-Out Performance From Jazz at Lincoln Center

One-Night Concert In-Theater Event Presented by NCM Fathom and Reprise Records in Nearly 550 Select Theaters Nationwide on September 7

Grammy Award® winning artists Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton will offer fans a spellbinding evening of blues and jazz in Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton Play the Blues, a one-night in-theater concert event broadcast to nearly 550 movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday, September 7, at 7:30 p.m. local time. The concert also includes a special appearance by blues musician Taj Mahal, who joins the duo for two songs, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage. This intimate performance from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City brings together an unrivaled cross-generational, cross-cultural collaboration as the pair of musical virtuosos brought to life a repertoire of songs selected by Clapton and arranged by Marsalis. Captured this past spring from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s renowned annual gala, the iconic duo, performed to a sell-out crowd.

Tickets for Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton Play the Blues are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom and Reprise Records, Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton Play the Blues will be broadcast nationwide through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

“We’re playing music we know and love,” says Marsalis.

Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, music educator and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. He has been awarded nine Grammy awards and “Blood on the Fields” was the first jazz piece to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist and separately as a member of the bands The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton, a 17-time Grammy award winner, has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time.

“Jazz at Lincoln Center is truly one of the most distinguished producers of jazz music in the country,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. “Both jazz and blues enthusiasts alike will be left speechless by the eclectic mix of music and heartfelt performances of this power-duo.”

About National CineMedia (NCM)

NCM
operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation’s largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM’s theater advertising network covers 175 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 18,100 screens (16,800 digital). During 2010, over 690 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events broadcast network is comprised of nearly 700 locations in 165 Designated Market Areas® (all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.7% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.nationalcinemedia.com or www.ncm.com.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Kansas Carries On, Continues with 2011 Collegiate Symphony Tour to Raise Funds for College Music Programs

After the groundbreaking and universally successful 2010 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour, legendary rock band KANSAS is not only continuing, but expanding the tour for the fall of 2011. The 2011 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour will again help raise funds and awareness for college and university music programs.

Original member and drummer, Phil Ehart had this to say about last year’s concerts. “KANSAS and all the school symphonies just hit it off big time! The only people having more fun than us were all the students playing on stage with us! And considering all the money that was raised to help the music departments, everyone considered it a real success! We know this year will be bigger and better!”

The 2010 tour, which was inspired by their DVD “There’s Know Place Like Home,” saw KANSAS joined by conductor Larry Baird, and performing concerts with symphonies from the University of Alabama; University of Texas, San Antonio; Wichita State University; Oklahoma State University; Hardin-Simmons University; and Truman State University. Eugene Dowdy, Music Director and Conductor at University of Texas, San Antonio raved, “This was the biggest show my students have ever played – there were people everywhere! This is a visionary collaboration that resonates on every level…it is fantastic!” Presenting sponsor D’Addario & Company will once again be joining KANSAS in their effort to raise funds and awareness for college and university music programs. D’Addario, the world’s largest musical products accessory manufacturer, brings products to market under the brand names D’Addario; Planet Waves; Rico Reeds; and Evans/PureSound/HQ percussion products. Jay Bulen, Chair of the Truman State University Music Department explains, “The support from D’Addario is tremendous. In the fall of 2011, we will have two new scholarships for incoming string players because of this. It will help us build our music program.”

“D’Addario & Company is excited, once again, to be the presenting sponsor for the 2011 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour,” commented D’Addario Vice President of Sales & Marketing, David Via. “Last year’s concerts were exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, events for the participating institutions and their students. Our scholarship and product donation is but a small way we can assist, along with KANSAS, in providing some much needed funding assistance to schools who are faced with departmental cut-backs,” Via stated.

With their self-titled first album released in 1974, KANSAS went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts – issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s ‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s ‘Point of Know Return,’ along with the hit singles “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.” The band – which in addition to Ehart, is comprised of singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, bassist Billy Greer, and violinist David Ragsdale – continue to tour in front of large and enthusiastic audiences and to this day remain a fixture on classic rock radio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.kansasband.com
www.facebook.com/kansasband
www.daddarioinc.com

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Jo Dee Messina & Jimmy Wayne in Concert June 18 at ‘The Fred’ in Peachtree City

Say “Bye, Bye Love” and head to ‘The Fred’ as Country music takes center stage in the 2011 BMW of South Atlanta Summer Concert Series with Jo Dee Messina and special guest Jimmy Wayne on Saturday, June 18. Reserved seating is available for the show through ‘The Fred’ Box Office in Peachtree City, and on-line with TicketAlternative.com.

Multi-platinum and award-winning country singer/songwriter Jo Dee Messina has sold over five million albums, has 9 #1 singles, two Grammy nominations in addition to awards by the CMA and ACM, Jo Dee Messina is one of country’s most loved and enduring hit makers. Jo Dee is best known for hits like “Heads Carolina, Tales California”, “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore”, “Bye Bye”, “Bring on the Rain”, and more. The evening will also feature special guest Jimmy Wayne who has been on the country charts with hits like “Do You Believe Me Now”, “Stay Gone”, and a remake of the Hall & Oates classic “Sara Smile”.

Enjoy an evening under the stars with Jo Dee Messina and special guest Jimmy Wayne at ‘The Fred’ in Peachtree City, Saturday, June 18. Gates open at 7 p.m., Jimmy Wayne kicks off the night at 8 p.m., with Jo Dee Messina taking the stage at 9 p.m. For more information about the artists check them out on-line at www.jodeemessina.com, and www.thevalorymusicco.com/jimmywayne. A limited number of reserved seats priced at $45-65 are still available and can be purchased on-line at www.amphitheater.org or the venue box office. For more information call (770) 631-0630.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2,500 seat state-of-the art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. ‘The Fred’ box office, located at 201 McIntosh Trail, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on concert day. On-line ticketing for events is through Ticket Alternative, and a link to their site is available through the amphitheater website www.amphitheater.org. For further information regarding the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater or the concert events, please call 770-631-0630.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Have to admit...

I'm a rather wishy-washy American Idol watcher. I listen late in the season, if at all. If I like someone I'll keep the tube on while working on the computer, go in and turn it up when whoever it is sings. Last night with all the bad weather I was glued to the TV, had my computers unplugged due to the massive amount of lightening. I can lose a TV and not care, can't survive without my computers!

This season there are a few I like, but I think James Durbin tops the list. I like raspy voiced musicians so Haley Reinhart is one I like, too. But I'm from Georgia so it won't hurt my feelings if Lauren Alaina wins. Those are the only ones I can think of at the moment (OK, I admit, I had to go to the website and look for their names...).

I missed Durbin's song last night due to the weather alerts so when someone posted his song on Facebook I had to give it a listen. I loved it. Oh, I liked that country guy's song, too. Crud, now I have to go back to the website and look up another name. Hang on a sec. Scotty McCreery.

Here's Durbin's song, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Kris Kristofferson In Concert

Kris Kristofferson In Concert
May 21st, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Tickets on Sale April 22nd

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is proud to present three-time Grammy winner, member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame and Best Actor Golden Globe Winner Kris Kristofferson as he plays at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee Georgia on May 21st, 201 at 7 PM.

Kristofferson's path to musical success is far from standard. Born in Texas and raised in a military family, he followed in the tradition by serving in the army as an Airbone Ranger helicopter pilot and achieved the rank of captain. After turning down an assignment to teach at West Point, Kristofferson chose to pursue his dream to create music after becoming inspired by songwriters like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, two close friends. Kristofferson broke out into the national music scene as a country songwriter, including such hits as "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make it Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," and "For the Good Times," all chart topping hits that helped the re-defined sound of country music.

Don't miss Kris Kristofferson as he takes the stage in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains in Hiawassee at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 2900 seat, air conditioned Music Hall. Tickets go on sale April 22nd and are $40 + $2 Handling Fee.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS: Tickets are available at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Office, Online, Or by phone (706) 896-4191.

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Highway 76, West of Hiawassee, GA 30546
Email: gamtfair@windstream.net
(706) 896-4191
www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Randy Rogers Band Performs Mar 25 at Buckhead Theatre

Doors open at 8 p.m. $16 in advance; $21 at the door; Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta; www.TicketMaster.com or www.thebuckheadtheatre.com

Since their debut album, Live at Cheatham Street Warehouse, in 2000, The Randy Rogers Band has built its audience by combining the forces of a dynamic live act centered around songs that fit the rowdy, party vibe of the concert circuit, with songs that also say something. Touring more than 200 days a year, they have opened for the likes of Willie Nelson and The Eagles, and landed spots on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and “Late Show With David Letterman.” The band’s fifth album, Burning The Day, was released in August 2010 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard country albums chart, the band’s highest-ever charting position.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The 18th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival

Earlier this week the Activities Council of Thomson, Inc. announced the lineup for the 18th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival, to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The annual one day fest, voted by Southeastern Tourism writers as one of the top small cultural events in the Southeast, will be held at the regular festival site, on Stagecoach Road, 300 yards off Washington Highway, north of Thomson, Georgia.

The event is held each year to bring great music and musicians to the rural South, as well as pay tribute to country blues legend McTell, a Thomson native son, born and buried in the Happy Valley area of McDuffie County. The small town feel and exceptional quality of the music presented year in and year out, makes the McTell Festival a special event indeed. Annually, the organizers strive to feature artists who offer the best in American music, focusing on the styles of Americana, folk, gospel, rock, blues and all its variations….players that our smaller market can support; music played by folks at the top of their game. Again, that’s what will be presented in Thomson on 2011

This year’s stellar roster features headliner and closing act Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, and includes Marcia Ball, Sonny Landreth, Jimmy Hall & the Prisoners of Love featuring Jack Pearson, the Georgia Horns featuring Chris Crenshaw and Marcus Printup, Jack Pearson, Atlanta's Mark Miller & Travelin Shoes, and Crosstie Walkers.

The jazzy, funk side of blues will be represented at the festival in the form of none other than Trombone Shorty, along with his combo Orleans Avenue. This act is one of the hottest touring bands today and they’ll come through Thomson after working the Main Stage at New Orleans Jazzfest in April, 2011. His latest disc “Backatown”, released in 2010, was nominated for a GRAMMY and currently sits in the top 10 on Billboard’s jazz charts. Says New Orleans native Troy Andrews or ‘Shorty’, “What we do is just another word for 'gumbo . . . we make different music fit in one mixture that has a funky and huge rock edge to it.” The McTell Fest has never really featured great horn players and what an act to get it started.

Four time GRAMMY Nominee Marcia Ball knows how to get after it onstage with her infectious and emotional brand of rollicking, roadhouse blues and ballads. Over the course of her three-decade career, Ball and her crackerjack combo have earned a huge and intensely loyal following all over the world. Her piano playing and passionate, playful vocals fuse New Orleans and Gulf Coast R&B with Austin's deep songwriting tradition into a sound all her own. Ms Ball has been to Thomson before as our headliner and after a ton of requests from our patrons, we are glad she is coming back to east Georgia. She’s the winner of eight Blues Music Awards - four wins in the last five years for Best Piano Player, plus recent wins for Best Contemporary Blues - Female Artist (twice), and once each for Contemporary Blues Album for So Many Rivers and Blues Album of the Year for Presumed Innocent. Her latest release, titled Peace, Love & BBQ debuted at #1 in the Billboard Blues Charts.

The rest of the artists in this year’s lineup are equally as impressive as our headliners. Jimmy Hall & the Prisoners of Love featuring Jack Pearson are the very essence of a harmonica based, soul-shouting, blues combo. Pick up a copy of Hall’s “Rendezvous with the Blues” prior to the festival if you need any more proof. With Jack Pearson, one of Nashville’s premier players holding down guitar, this band will be something to see. Hall led 70’s southern rockers, Wet Willie, and sings, plays harp and sax, is a favorite of Georgia audiences.

Along with Jack Pearson (who’ll play a mini-set on his own), we’ll also feature another absolute guitar giant, Sonny Landreth. Landreth also comes from Louisiana and his style of playing the slide guitar is nothing short of phenomenal. He’s been leading a trio for awhile, but check the collaborations that he keeps and you can tell that he’s a guitar player’s player. His latest disc, From the Reach, features guitar duets on Landreth originals with the likes of Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, and Vince Gill, to name a few. He’s working on a new disc, to be released this spring, and he’ll make it into town on the heels of an appearance on the Main stage of the N.O. Jazz Fest as well.

Crosstie Walkers from Thomson usually represent east Georgia at the festival and they’ll be opening up again this year. But along with this Thomson band, we’re proud to present another act this year with local roots. In a combo put together especially for the festival, we’ll present the Georgia Horns, featuring Thomson’s Chris Crenshaw on trombone and Conyers native, Marcus Printup on trumpet.

Both Chris and Marcus have regular jobs playing and touring in New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis. Crenshaw has been itching to play here in his hometown for awhile, and we were finally able to squeeze his booking into his busy schedule. The set will be called Swinging the Blues with the Georgia Horns. Along with Crenshaw and Printup, local sax player, Stantawn Kendrick will be in the sextet as well.

Newcomers, Mark Miller and Travelin Shoes, a gospel and blues based string band from Atlanta, will be featured this year. These guys just released a set of Willie McTell gospel tunes called Ain’t it Grand…the Gospel Songs of Willie McTell and if you like McTell’s music, you’ll love these interpretations.

Mentioned earlier, Thomson’s Crosstie Walkers will also open up the day at the 2011 event. They will be showcasing music from over twenty years of playing together, both originals and covers that they make their own.

As in years gone by, there will be an array of vendors serving traditional Southern food and beverages…..ribs, chicken, fish, Cajun, great dishes that go hand in hand with the music that will be on tap that day. Carry in food and drink will not be allowed. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Advance tickets for the Saturday afternoon show will be $25. Tickets will go on sale in mid-March, and will be available locally at the Chamber office, as well as, on line at www.blindwillie.com. For info, visit www.blindwillie.com or the Blind Willie McTell Facebook page.
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA

Buckhead Theatre Presents: Robert Earl Keen in March, Brooke Fraser in June

Tickets On Sale Saturday, February 26, 2011

Robert Earl Keen
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Doors open at 8 p.m.

Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

TICKETS: $26 adv
On sale Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 10am
www.ticketmaster.com
Show is general admission and open to all ages.

ABOUT ROBERT EARL KEEN

Robert Earl Keen, one of Texas’s best-known alt-country/folk artists, returns to the Buckhead Theatre March 31, following up a sold-out concert in November. Recording since the early 1980’s, Keen has been wowing country fans for years with over 15 albums of well-loved country music. Known for his extensive touring and incredible live shows, Robert Earl Keen grew in popularity in the 1990’s with a touring schedule that often included 200 tour dates per year. A dedicated and talented musician, fans should grab tickets now as this show is sure to sell out again.

Brooke Fraser
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Doors open at 7 p.m.

 Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

TICKETS: $20 adv - On sale Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 10am
www.ticketmaster.com
Show is general admission and open to all ages.

ABOUT BROOKE FRASER

New Zealand’s Brooke Fraser is known for heart-wrenching, confessional lyrics layered over haunting folk-pop melodies. Fraser has toured Australia and New Zealand with artists including John Mayer and David Bowie, and her last headlining Atlanta show sold out. Trained in piano as a child and self-taught on guitar, Fraser has been a staple of the Contemporary Christian and folk scenes since her 2003 debut What To Do With Daylight. She followed that album up with 2006’s Albertine, inspired by her time with disadvantaged children in Africa. Now touring in support of her third album, Flags, Fraser will play the Buckhead Theatre for one night only June 7.

Buckhead Theatre Shows On Sale Now:

Friday, February 25: Old 97’s, Those Darlins | $20 adv
Saturday, March 19: Cloris! A One Woman Show | $30, $50, $75
Friday, March 25: Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue | $16 adv, $21 at the door
Friday, May 20: Of Montreal, Modern Skirts, Painted Palms | $23 adv

Buckhead Theatre has received recent accolades for its diversity of programming as well as the many sold out, critically acclaimed artists that have come through the six month old venue. Recent sold out shows have included: Scissor Sisters, Drive-By Truckers, Indigo Girls, Mumford & Sons, Robert Earl Keen, Dresden Dolls and Pat Green.