Tag Archive for: festival

ATLANTA SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/17/24

Saturday, June 22 4pm – 8pm

Historic Forth Ward Skate Park

Tickets here.

Join us again for one of the best beer festivals of the summer, the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Historic 4th Ward Park.

We will have over 150 beers, featuring the local Atlanta Breweries, and great breweries from all over the country.  A full list of beers will be posted the week of the festival. We will also have wine options, mimosas, RTDs and hard seltzers.We will have some fun attractions this year, including live music with Sucker Punch and DJ Qtip on the main stage.  Tickets are $55 advance, $55 after June 13, and $65 the day of the event (if not sold out). Your ticket price includes a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer, wine and other alcohol samples.

SUMMERTIME FUN AT PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/5/24

Featuring an Expansive Artist Market, Music, Children’s Area, Food Trucks and More 

Free to Attend on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024

Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, Ga., the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and held in picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival will feature approximately 250 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Festival enthusiasts are also invited to enjoy all-day DJ sets from Captains of Revelry, a children’s play area, and a variety of festival food and drinks for all tastes. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information on the Piedmont Park Arts Festival (1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309), visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. 

Photo: Ben Dashwood

22ND ANNUAL SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS AUGUST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/24

Free, Family-Friendly Festival in Historic Grant Park Featuring Live Music, an Artist Market, Kids Bouncy House Village, Food Trucks and Much More

Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024

For over two decades, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival has welcomed music, art, and event enthusiasts to close out summer during two fun-filled days celebrating Atlanta’s oldest park. The 22nd annual Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 24, beginning at 10 a.m., and Sunday, August 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Open to all ages and free to attend, this two-day, fun-filled festival will once again feature an impressive lineup of live music throughout the weekend, in addition to an expansive artist market. With two days of family-friendly activities, Kids Bouncy House Village, 5K run, and delicious bites from local food trucks and vendors, there is no better way to end the summer.

On Saturday morning at 8 am, runners, walkers and strollers are invited to kick off the festival at the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the race starts and finishes at the main entrance of Zoo Atlanta. Pre-registration is now open here. The festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park. Additional details about the 2024 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months.  To learn more about the Grant Park Conservancy and to make a donation, visit gpconservancy.org/get-involved/support.

 For the most up to date information on this year’s Summer Shade Festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and Facebook at facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival. 

Photo: Colin Boddy

SUMMER SHADE 2024 MUSIC LINEUP 

Saturday:

Main Stage: 

12:00 p.m. – Yes Ma’am  
12:55 p.m. – The Judies 1:55 p.m. – Front Porch Session Players
2:50 p.m. – Das Kaiser
3:50 p.m. – Rare Birds
4:45 p.m. – Migrant Worker
6:00 p.m. – Khaliko
7:00 p.m. – Higher Choir
8:40 p.m. – Magnapop

Gazebo:

11:30 a.m. – Fresh Press
1:45 p.m. – Rusty Cars
3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light  

Sunday:

Main Stage:
12:00 p.m. – Whatever She Is
1:00 p.m. – Jeremy Ray and the Howdy Men
2:05 p.m. – Solid State Radio
3:10 p.m. – Pre Dawn Pours
4:35 p.m. – Rrest
5:45 p.m. – Jackson County Line 

Gazebo:  

11:30 a.m. – Ray Dunlap
1:45 p.m. – Peet Midnight and the Back Taxes

3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light

26TH ANNUAL NEW SOUTH YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/24

Aspiring writers to sharpen their skills with week of performances, playwrighting workshops and seminars

Inman Park’s Horizon Theatre is set to host a group of promising young playwrights in its 26th Annual New South Young Playwrights Festival, June 2-8. From a wide pool of script submissions from college students across the country, the theatre company selected 23 aspiring writers to attend the free week-long intensive. The chosen students will be able to flex their creative muscles in a packed week of playwrighting workshops and seminars with professional theatre actors, directors and playwrights.

“The New South Young Playwrights Festival is a treasured tradition for Horizon Theatre,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “We take great pleasure in raising up the next generation of playwrights, and every year we’re blown away by their talent. The future is in good hands with these bright, young minds!”

The lead teaching artists for the Festival this year are professional playwrights and educators Chisa Hutchinson ad Crystal Skillman. ​ Chisa Hutchinson is a playwright and screenwriter who also teaches creative writing at the University of Delaware. ​ Her plays have been produced in NYC and at regional theatres across the country, and she is currently developing a TV Series for Starz. ​ Crystal Skillman, a professor at The New School (NYC) and Pace University, is an internationally acclaimed playwright whose Rain and Zoe Save the World premiered in the UK in 2022 and whose award-winning musical Mary and Max had its sold-out, critically acclaimed premiere at the largest theatre in Austria, Theatre Linz. The Festival is also led by four associate teaching artists who are playwrights currently pursuing their MFAs in playwriting: Peter Chansky (Temple University), Katie Kirk (Carnegie Mellon University), Cameron Noel (University of Illinois at Carbondale) and Julissa Mishay Norment (Temple University).

The 23 winners of the New South Young Playwrights Festival come from colleges nationwide, including: Emerson College (Boston), Wake Forest University (NC), University of Texas-Arlington, Wellesley College, Columbia College Chicago, Bennington College (VT), Dartmouth College, Marymount Manhattan College, Hunter College, Ball State University (IN), University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Point Park University (PA), North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Virginia, Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL) and the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School (GA).

As a part of the festival, the students will also be tasked with drafting a new short play to be featured in the 26th Annual New South Young Playwrights Short Play Festival. During the intensive, the plays will be workshopped and rehearsed with professional Atlanta actors taking on the roles. The week will culminate in the New South Young Playwrights Short Play Festival, a public reading and showcase of the students’ work on Saturday, June 8 at 2pm at Horizon Theatre. This NSPF Short Play Festival is free and open to the public. ​ No reservation is required.

For many years, NSYPF has made a positive impact in the lives of high school and undergraduate playwriting students. “This program gave me more playwriting knowledge than a year of playwriting at my school,” reads a comment from a participant from NSYPF 2023. “Being able to form relationships with other people my age and then professionals in the field was incredible. I felt such a sense of community and support and got so much advice that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.”

The Festival is made possible this year by the Molly Blank Fund and by Horizon’s season sponsors: City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation. Local restaurant partners providing meals for participants as in-kind support include Barcelona Wine Bar, The Wrecking Bar, Bar Taco, Donnie’s Donuts, Emerald City Bagels and The Albert.

LEAD TEACHING ARTISTS (see bios below):

Chisa Hutchinson (University of Delaware)

Crystal Skillman (The New School and Pace University)

MFA TEACHING ARTISTS:

Peter Chansky (Temple University)

Katie Kirk (Carnegie Mellon University)

Cameron Noel (Southern Illinois University in Carbondale)

Julissa Mishay Norment (Temple University)

PARTICIPANTS:

Ashadé Altine (Wellesley College)

Jess Anoruigwe (University of Texas at Arlington)

Bridget Blanchard (University of Georgia)

Miriam Campbell (Bennington College)

Toni Colbert (University of Texas at Arlington)

Spencer Daniels (Emerson College)

Tomi Fawehinmi (School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School)

Ian Gadapee (Palm Beach Atlantic University)

Mando Gonzalvez (Point Park University)

Loey Jones-Perpich (Emerson College)

Myles Keys (Ball State University)

Anna Kraffmiller (Wellesley College)

Eloise Langan (Dartmouth College)

Amari Lewis (Kennesaw State University)

Angel Lin (University of Virginia)

Hamad Naroze (Hunter College)

Hannah Reynolds (Wake Forest University)

Jhonn Rusic (Columbia College Chicago)

Bella Smith (University of Georgia)

Sam Lee Victor (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)

Lain Walls (Marymount Manhattan College)

Emma Winiarski (Emerson College)

Isaac Woon (Hunter College)

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH CAKE AT HISTORIC FOURTH WARD SKATEPARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/13/24

The September 28th Event is Part of Big Night Out- a Series of Concerts Under the Stars in Public Spaces

Pre-Sale Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, May 15 

Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment has announced an Evening with CAKE September 28 at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Self-described as Hank Williams Sr. and Sly Stone having a party and playing  AC/DC records backward, CAKE is better known as the antithesis of grunge behind the half-singing/half-speaking lyrics of lead John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist San McCurdy, bassist Daniel McCallum, and drummer Todd Roper. Hits such as “Rock’ n’ Roll Lifestyle,” “The Distance,” the Gloria Gaynor disco classic “I Will Survive,” “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” and others have fueled the platinum-selling rock outfit past the grunge era to a new wave of fans.

The evening is being presented under Rival Entertainment’s Big Night Out brand- a series of concerts under the stars in public places, which hints at similar events in the future from the acclaimed live event producer. Located at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, Big Night Out – An Evening with CAKE is encouraging fans to take advantage of the proximity of the venue to several landmarks such as Inman Park (.3 miles), Ponce City Market (.5 miles), Krog Market (.6 miles), and Piedmont Park (1.2 miles). While the event will be walkable for many, there will also be a complimentary bicycle valet, ride-share drop-off locations, and nearby parking.

Pre-Sale General Admission and VIP ticket options for an Evening with CAKE will go on sale Wednesday, May 15, through the band website, www.cakemusic.com. VIP includes front-of-stage pit viewing, a lounge, and comfort amenities. Fans can purchase pre-sale tickets through Rival Entertainment on Thursday, May 16, at Big Night Out. General on sale will be available on Friday, May 17. This is an all-ages event. Free admission for children under seven with a ticketed adult.

Big Night Out – An Evening with CAKE is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.BigNightOut.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @RivalEntertainmentATL and Instagram at @RivalEntertainment. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is located at 830 Willoughby Way, Atlanta, Georgia.

12TH ANNUAL ATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/7/24

The 12th Annual Atlanta Fringe Festival Returns for Live Performances Across Atlanta, June 3-9

Week-long performing arts festival brings together 28 remarkable artist groups and street performers, offers free family-friendly entertainment

The Atlanta Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce its biggest, most ambitious outing yet with 28 performance groups from seven different states and Thailand — presenting live theater, dance, puppetry, comedy, storytelling and more. This year’s festival, which takes place June 3-9, 2024 across seven local venues, will also feature a free performance venue for family-friendly shows and activities; a free outdoor festival featuring Atlanta street performers; a variety benefit featuring local Atlanta talent; and audio artists whose work will be available exclusively on the Atlanta Fringe podcasting network. The festival includes performances to suit every taste, with entertainment taking over venues around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village and Old Fourth Ward. This year’s traditional and converted performing spaces include 7 Stages, The Marianna at Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Limelight Theater, Metropolitan Studios and Dynamic El Dorado.

“We can honestly say this is one of the most dynamic line-ups we’ve ever hosted,” said Atlanta Fringe Festival Executive Director Diana Brown. “We have put together a group of exceptional artists from across the globe ready to engage audiences for days of eccentric, inspiring performances. It’s overwhelming… but in the best way!”

Per festival tradition, the 28 companies in this year’s lineup were primarily chosen through an unjuried lottery of approximately 100 global submissions. As in years past, the 12th Annual Atlanta Fringe Festival will boast live performances across the theatrical spectrum, from burlesque-based monster cabarets to ensemble comedies, modern dance, puppetry and magicians. Festival artists will be eligible for cash prizes for excellence in various categories as selected by the audience, staff and a panel of judges from the Atlanta arts community.

In addition to the live performance core of the festival, additional programming will include:

  • FREE family-friendly performances at East Atlanta Kids Club starting Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m.Featuring puppetry, storytelling, games, crafts and more, these performances are appropriate for children ages 0-18.
  • FREE preview performance at 7 Stages on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. All 28 shows will get three minutes each to wow the audience at 7 Stages, allowing them to get to know the artists. This is usually a standing-room-only event, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
  • FREE Atlanta Street Fringe taking placeJune 7-9 around Little 5 Points Village. Street Fringe is a platform dedicated to busking and street performers of all kinds! Activations around Little 5 will allow performers to engage with pedestrians ​ in one of the coolest, quirkiest and most beloved neighborhoods in Atlanta.
  • Benefit Show – Five/5ths of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure will kick offthe festival Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at 7 Stages. By splitting this classic film into five parts and giving the parts to five very different performance groups, we get the most unique (and triumphant) re-telling of all time.

In addition to live performances, the Atlanta Fringe Festival will once again host an audio component: Fringe Audio. The only podcasting network of its kind on the fringe circuit, Fringe Audio will feature pieces of storytelling and radio theater – most of them world premieres – by local and national artists. Streaming at AtlantaFringe.org on May 20, the shows are free, and a $200 cash prize will be offered to the winner of the Critics’ Choice Award, recognizing excellence in podcast production.

Atlanta Fringe Festival 2024 Lineup:

TOURING ARTISTS

Imaginary Podcast Network, Let Me Say This About That – Minneapolis, MN (comedy, improv, cabaret/variety)

Mother Flockers, Flock the Vote – Portland, OR & Los Angeles, CA & Austin, Texas & New York, NY (comedy, performance art)

Botticelli Babes, Botticelli Babes – Johnson City, TN (storytelling)

Rya, The Evolution of Consciousness – Clearwater, FL (dance, musical, performance art)

Bobby Wesley, Liquid Courage – Orlando, FL (comedy, storytelling)

Spotlight Exchange, Dance With Dementia – Taiwan & Hong Kong (drama, performance art, storytelling)

Speakeasy Sirens, IT’S ALIVE! A Monster Burlesque Comedy – Orlando, FL (burlesque, comedy)

Linnea Bond, Heart Ripped Out Twice And So Can You! – Philadelphia, PA (comedy, theater)

Sloan Brettholz, Officer Scott: Too Much Isn’t Enough – New York City, NY (comedy)

Time Machine Blueprints, Time Machine Blueprints: The Show – New York City, NY (comedy, performance art, storytelling)

Hunter Dance Project, Agnes & Agatha – Tallahassee, FL (dance, performance art, theater)

The Winding Sheet Outfit, All We Are Left With Is Hope – Minneapolis, MN (storytelling, theater)

GEORGIA ARTISTS

Forever Standing Productions, Rhythm of Love The Musical – Decatur, GA (drama, musical theater)

Michael Williams, Get Home Safe! – Atlanta, GA (cabaret/variety, drama, comedy, theater)

MerryCat Productions, The Wallpaper – Decatur, GA (drama, theater)

Augustus Graves, Augustus Graves: MINDREADER – Douglasville, GA (magic/mentalism)

Lily Kerrigan, The Lily Show – Atlanta, GA (comedy, standup)

Kate Morales, Água Loves A Monster – Decatur, GA (puppetry, performance art, dance)

Michael Butler, Look At Me! Look At Me! Look At Me!!! – Atlanta, GA (circus, cabaret/variety, burlesque)

The Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company, This Silly Little Game – Atlanta, GA (dance)

Flay’s Anatomy, Flay’s Anatomy – Atlanta, GA (theater, cabaret/variety)

The AU Guys, Get Psyched – Atlanta, GA (improv, comedy)

Sarah Michelson, Dybbrooke – Decatur, GA (drama, theater)

The Assembly of Phantasms, The Masque of the Red Death – Savannah, GA (burlesque, cabaret/variety, theater)

BFG Images, The Game of Chess – Atlanta, GA (comedy, theater)

SobSax, The Elements of Euclid – Atlanta, GA (theater)

Renee Marchol, Well, I Ate – Atlanta, GA (storytelling)

Oldest and Dearest, Mr. Cardboard – Atlanta, GA (comedy, theater, clown)

Follow ATL Fringe on Facebook and Instagram for new announcements, volunteer opportunities and information on upcoming exclusive performances.

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT CHASTAIN PARK SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/24

The Award-Winning Festival Features Over 185 Artists, Local Bites, Live Acoustic Music and More

Open to All Ages and Free to Attend on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, 2024

Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival will return to beautiful Chastain Park on Park Drive in Buckhead on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An ideal destination to bring the family and pups, the award-winning, two-day festival is free to attend and features more than 185 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft artisans, glass blowers, jewelers and more. Eventgoers are also invited to view artist demonstrations, enjoy live acoustic music, DJs, an expansive children’s area, and food trucks and beverages for all tastes. Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival (4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327) takes place rain or shine and is open to all ages. For more information, please visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com and www.affps.com. 

SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 3 – THE DOWNPOUR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/24

If you have never seen a rock show in the rain, you’re missing out. Today was all about one of John’s favorite bands, Dinosaur Jr.  

First off, we caught a newer band we had not heard of until the festival, Arcy Drive. They are out of New York with a mash-up of varieties of sounds like indie, 90s fast slow, two-step, and singsong talking and singing mix. Not all at the same time, for example one song would be songs that are softer almost ballad-like that erupt into heavy guitar for the chorus. Then, the next song would be a rock song with more of a southern twang and have some two-step influence. I enjoyed lead singer Nick Mateyunas’ voice, it is smooth yet gritty. The one we really like is called Wicked Styley, which is the one they started with. It is a fun upbeat rock song with lots of 90’s influence and reverb. 

The Downpour. About 5 minutes before Dinosaur Jr. went on the Ponce De Leon stage, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour started and lasted for almost the entire set. People were caught in the rain, and it was so much that even us with ponchos got pretty soaked. Especially our feet in ankle deep water near the front of the stage flowing into the crowd. No one seemed to mind too much and it actually electrified the audience. John quipped at one point, “it’s like we’re back in the 90’s.” And he was right, the energy from the crowd was noticeably high! They even broke out into mosh pits and a sea of crowd surfers dotted the front. It was a sight to behold! Plus, the music had a lot to do with the mood! If you don’t know Dinosaur Jr, they are what I call hard skate rock. Something I imagine skaters on their boards would listen to in their ear buds. Songs like Feel the Pain and Over It are melodious with heavy guitar and just plain fun. Plus, the covered The Cure, “Just Like Heaven.” It was a great show. 

After our Dinosaur Jr. experience, we headed back over to see Billy Idol and found the main stage to be a mud bog. People without shoes dancing in the sprinkles, drenched friends with smiles on their faces. We saw him back in 2015 during Music Midtown and his show has always been top notch! Billy Idol is always a good time singing greats like White Wedding, Rebel Yell, and Cradle of Love that anyone will sing and dance with. Visually, he had some fun LED graphics and seems to have not aged a bit and still sounds really good live! He even took his Billy Idol shirt off and threw it in the crowd.  

I’m just going to come right out and say it, we left before Foo Fighters. We’d seen them before, and the weather had made the main stage too muddy. Plus, we had stood in ankle high water for an hour, so our feet were wet, and we had a long weekend. We will catch them next time.  

Did you have a favorite Shaky moment? 

SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 2

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/5/24

Photo Dusana Risovic

With bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Offspring, Queens of the Stone Age, and one of my favorites of all time Weezer. Day 2 had it all. Here’s a short recap. 

Starting with the newer bands, we heard both Microwave and Dead Poets Society. Microwave is out of Atlanta, which I didn’t know, and has a variety of sounds from loud, hard rock to 90’s fast slow, and then some punk. The other was Dead Poet’s Society out of Boston that had hard riffs that reminded me of Rob/White Zombie up front, thrash, but then the vocals come in softer and higher for a fun mix of sounds. I like that Jack Underkofler, the lead singer, fell into the crowd and crowd surfed while singing one of the first songs.  

On to the 90’s bands we love, first we actually had to miss Offspring because we had never seen Sunny Day Real Estate and we’re going to spend time with a band that we hadn’t seen. We love Offspring, I saw them back in 1994 and heard they did an incredible show. That brings us to Sunny Day Real Estate. They are one of those 90’s bands that I just got introduced to by a friend a few years ago and we started watching their videos on YouTube. I call them the quintessential fast slow early 90’s band. Melodious verses and vocals erupt into a barrage of heavy guitar and pounding drums, Sunny Day Real Estate satisfies song after song. Tour t-shirt purchased! More to come in our review. 

Have you ever found yourself driving too fast on the interstate? You might have been listening to Queens of the Stone Age. What I call fast driving music, Queens of the Stone Age are very drum forward with deep and heavy beats, beautiful guitar riffs and Josh Homme’s great voice. Plus, they visually never disappoint, this year with roaming light show. Last time we saw them they had a large video board with led visuals that really went well with the music. Did you know Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) also did the drums on “No One Knows?” which you can tell by the drums! But my favorite of their songs after last night is “Go with the flow.” I always liked it but realized it is more diverse musically than some of the others.  

My boyfriend back in 1994 gave me a non-descript bright blue album as a present. Little did I know that that album would be in my top 5 all-time records, and Weezer would cement themselves into rock god status in my life. I’ve seen Weezer over the years from them playing large festivals to arenas to a small stage at the Braves stadium and they always sound perfect. What I call garage or college rock, Weezer has a distinct sound that no one else can create and that sets them apart from some of the other 90’s bands, don’t get me wrong, I love most early 90’s bands! The underlying hum of the guitars, explosions of rock juxtaposing the smoothness or River’s voice, it all comes together completely. What I love about them live is they really play up the guitar and show their musical prowess, plus, visually, they always have their W front and center. If you’ve never seen them live, you must; it is an experience.  

We didn’t make it to liquid death’s activation, it is on our to do list for today. We’re excited about Dinosaur Jr, Billy Idol, and Foo Fighters today. It’s going to be hot, so wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. 

SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 1

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/4/24

Photo by Roger Ho.

With acts like Weezer and Foo Fighters, this year’s Shaky Knees spoke to my Gen X heart. Here’s our day one recap with our favorite new bands, artist moments, and everything in between.

Something we’re highlighting this Shaky Knees beyond the stout 90’s band line-up are the new bands that we catch. The first one is Ax and the Hatchetmen, a young indie 7-piece out of Chicago with tons of energetic big band, funky, rocky, and beachy all rolled into one fun time. A great show! They had a wonderful artist moment, handing out water with a QR code to their newest song, “Flagstaff” that they performed live and came out yesterday! Another band that we hadn’t seen is and enjoyed is Late Night Drive Home out of Texas. The lead singer, Andre Patillo, came out with a red mak on that had frills at the bottom. They’re a blend of punk, rock, 90s with swelling choruses. We loved they sang Blur, “Song No. 2.”

Our favorite of the bands we know is Metric out of Canada. A band that played on 99x back in the day, and that I know probably 5 songs from was thoroughly enjoyable. Emily Haines, the lead singer, came out in a bright red shinny body suit. If you know Metric, they are heavy into electronic and keyboard, yet rock and 80s infused. Reminiscent of Garbage to me, “Help I’m Alive,” was the highlight for me. I hadn’t heard it live and it was my favorite of their music then and now.

We also caught Interpol and Arcade Fire, two bands I had not seen live. Arcade Fire puts on a spectacle of a show with tons of light and movement, and loved the horizon and sunset/sunrise visuals of the performance. Interpol had black and white on the big screens, they’re very controled yet upbeat rock and smooth lyrics all encased in a European rock sound.

It wouldn’t be a large music festival without festival polls, our favorite was the blown up stick of butter. Plus, we were blown away by the Doordash food court with some great Atlanta and regional restaurants like Hattie Bs. Today we are going to explore the most elaborate activation I’ve ever seen, Liquid Death. We will report back.

Who is ready for day 2? John and I are super excited for Sunny Day Real Estate today! We hope the Thunderstorms stay away.

This is just a snapshot of day 1. A full article and review of bands to come.