Tag Archive for: music festival

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 2: MESS AROUND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/21/25

Photo: Roger Ho, Shaky Knees

With day 2 in the Shaky Knees book, yesterday was a whirl wind of bands and music. We call it the mess around, a nod to my favorite Cage the Elephant Song. We saw as many bands as we could from Radio City Alice to kick it off to Public Enemy to end the night. Here are some of our thoughts on them.

Starting with Radio Free Alice, they had a solid sound and vocals and were impressed with them for such young men. Next, we joined our friends to watch Johnny Marr. I should know who he is as he is the guitarist from the Smiths, but I had no idea until my writer and photographer friend, Reece told me, so I had to go. They didn’t disappoint playing greats like my favorite of theirs, How is Soon Now? and The Charming Man. Morrisey who?

We walked over to Highly Suspect but it was more a chat fest for our group. We agreed they were like a folky Cage the Elephant. Returning back to the Peachtree stage, we caught TV On the Radio. I have always wanted to see Wolf Like Me live since falling in love with the cover by Local H. They turned me on to the song.

Now on to Cage the Elephant, the best show of the day. I have so many stories about their music, like my niece, Katherine, was a huge fan in her teens and I took her to their concert as her birthday present and really enjoyed it. Shultz is so animated and seems to really enjoy his own music. When we covered Shaky back in 2016 at Centennial Park, the group was in the media room doing interviews, so we listened in and caught the show there and were impressed. This one was just as good, maybe better. We were on the hill, and the light show and pyrotechnics were fun, the energy high. They played all of their hits from my favorite Mess Around to Trouble, their first hit Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, and ending with Cigarette Dreams.

We ended our night seeing a few songs from The Black Keys and heard the iconic Lonely Boy to open. But we really wanted to catch Public Enemy because we love old school rap. They are so engaging, really talk to the crowd, and want the crowd to be in it. They actually have new music that was good!! It was a nice reprieve from all the rock we’d heard all day and a great way to end the night.

I know, we didn’t stay for My Chemical Romance. I liked their first album but was disappointed in a concert I saw before the pandemic. To be honest, I was just so tired by then, I hit a wall.

Pro tip: bring a flashlight!

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 1: MONKEYS GONE TO HEAVEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/25

Photo: Ismael Quintanilla III, Shaky Knees

John and I boarded Marta and took the train down to Piedmont Park for day one of Shaky Knees 2025. For us, today was about getting acquainted with the new venue, perusing all the fun activations, deciding on what merch to purchase, and of course catching all the great bands performing on my birthday! I thank them for making my birthday an epic one.

First, my favorite thing all day, was what I call “large Ozzy.” A larger-than-life Ozzy costume with a huge bat with whom I had some fun interactions. He was walking around near the media tent and food row and tried to “bite my head off.” It was hilarious. It is a great tribute to the late rocker. The coolest activation we found is the two-story Patron Tequila bar. It looks like a real bar and restaurant with lounge seating upstairs and DJ’s spinning every hour. They even have their own DJ line-up you can enjoy. I’m definitely going to spend some time there today upstairs during the day. We also ran into our friend, Steve Craig, DJ at 99x and had a great chat about Inhaler that they were going to interview that day. I didn’t know Elijah Hewson; the lead singer is Bono’s son. Yes, that Bono. I wish we had made it to their show now.

We made our way to the Piedmont stage to check out Idles first. I was really impressed with their sound; it really is a throwback to punk of old with a mix of grunge, rock elements, and a strong bold voice. I don’t know if this is what they were going for, but it was like Rage Against the Machine with a mix of Dead Kennedys, Henry Rollins, and then a grunge influence. I am not a huge Rage fan but love Dead Kennedys and grunge, so I enjoyed the performance. But what I really like is his voice. It is bold, deep, and commanding.

What who we really went to see were Pixies and Deftones. Starting with Pixies, I first discovered them in 1999 from the Fight Club soundtrack. Where is My Mind was an anthem to the times and still rings true today, so immediately I was hooked. This performance was just as good as all the ones I’ve seen before, with Doolittle and crew singing everything from poppy, surfer rock, Here Comes Your Man to grungy Gouge Away to one of my favorites, Monkeys Gone to Heaven. Fitting that the T-shirt they were selling for this tour is a monkey with a halo in clouds. I had to have it.

This leads me to the headliner of the night, Deftones. We literally just saw them about 4 months or so ago at State Farm Arena where they filled an entire arena with fans. They have seemed to have a resurgence in popularity lately and we are here for it! What strikes me every time with Deftones is their use of light and video in tandem with the Chino’s melonic voice. Their performance is always spot on and they know how to keep a crowd engaged sticking mostly with the hits. Deftones performed several of my favorites including Quiet and Drive (Far Away) to start then proceeding with My Own Summer that launched their career, Knife Party, then slowing it down a little with Diamond Eyes and Digital Bath. The hits kept coming with some of their new album, that is absolutely amazing, but nothing is better live than Change (In the House of Flies). The sun rising behind Chino is just chilling and beautiful. Deftones stock has risen! Now, how do I get them to play my favorite of their songs, Passenger from White Pony.

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS BIG NIGHT OUT FEAT. LAKE STREET DIVE & MARVELOUS 3

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Hosted at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, the Event is Part of a Series of Concerts Under the Stars in Public Spaces

Call off your dogs and grab your freak of the week because Big Night Out is back as a two-part story featuring Lake Street Dive and Marvelous 3, October 03 and 04 at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Presented by Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment, Big Night Out is a series of concerts under the stars in public places, which has included last year’s An Evening with CAKE, Big Boi, Futurebirds, Marcus King Trio, Moon Taxi, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and others. 

Lake Street Dive, the genre-blending band with a sound described as “if the Beatles and Motown had a party,” will get the party started- headling night one. Hometown heroes Marvelous 3, who have recently enjoyed a resurgence and have recently played three sold-out nights at The Tabernacle to celebrate their 25th anniversary, will close out the festivities on night two. Additional details, including special guests, will be released soon.

Located at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, which hosted last year’s near-capacity crowd, organizers are 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.

General Admission and VIP ticket options for Big Night Out will go on sale Friday, May 16, through Rival Entertainment at Big Night Out. Lake Street Dive has partnered with PLUS1, donating $1 per ticket to First Peoples Fund and their work supporting artists and culture bearers helping Native communities heal and thrive, and the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund, providing critical relief and long-term recovery support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the devastating LA wildfires.  Big Night Out is an all-ages event. Free admission for children under seven with a ticketed adult.

Big Night Out is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.BigNightOutATL.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.

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, BLINK-182, DEFTONES TO HEADLINE SHAKY KNEES 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/15/25

LINEUP INCLUDES VAMPIRE WEEKEND, LENNY KRAVITZ,
CAGE THE ELEPHANT, ALABAMA SHAKES, THE BLACK KEYS,
SUBLIME, “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC, THE MARIAS, PUBLIC ENEMY,
LUCY DACUS, DEVO AND MANY MORE

SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2025

PIEDMONT PARK

ATLANTA, GA

PRESALE BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT 10AM ET

 My Chemical Romance, Blink-182 and Deftones will headline the 12th edition of Shaky Knees Music Festival, taking place September 19-21 at its new home in downtown Atlanta’s crown jewel, Piedmont Park. The massive lineup includes Vampire Weekend, Lenny Kravitz, returning for his first performance in Atlanta in nearly seven years, Cage The Elephant, Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys, Sublime, “Weird Al” Yankovic, The Marias, Public Enemy, Lucy Dacus, Devo, Pixies, The Backseat Lovers, TV On The Radio, The All-American Rejects, Idles and many more for over 50 performances across four stages. Fans can sign up now at ShakyKneesFestival.com to receive an SMS access code for the presale on Thursday, February 27 at 10am ET with access to the lowest-priced tickets. 1-Day and 3-Day GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets will be available.

VIP Tickets include access to prime viewing areas at Peachtree, Piedmont and Ponce de Leon Stages, unlimited access to the VIP Lounge between Peachtree and Piedmont Stages with shade, relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, private bar with drinks for purchase or complimentary beer and water, dedicated food vendors, lockers and mobile charging units available for rent, dedicated hospitality staff and more. Platinum Tickets provide all VIP amenities, plus exclusive on-stage viewing opportunities at Peachtree Stage, front-of-stage viewing areas at Peachtree, Piedmont and Ponce de Leon Stages, unlimited entry into the air-conditioned Platinum Lounge inside the Park Tavern restaurant with relaxed seating and TVs with live sports, complimentary full-service bar, coffee service and fest-curated lunch, dinner and snacks, daily acoustic performance by a Shaky Knees artist inside the Platinum Lounge, dedicated entry lane and concierge staff, and more. The Ultimate Ticket Package is an exclusive experience that will bring fans into the inner workings of the festival from a unique vantage point, including on-stage viewing and access to viewing at front-of-house sound board at Peachtree and Piedmont Stages, golf cart transportation, entry into the Artist Village with complimentary beverages, plus one ticket per person to an Official Shaky Knees Late-Night Show of your choice. For the full list of amenities and all ticket types, visit ShakyKneesFestival.com/Tickets. Layaway plans are available starting at $25 down for a limited time.

Sign up for official Shaky Knees SMS and email lists to be the first to receive new information and follow along on social media to stay in the loop for all festival announcements and updates.

Connect with Shaky Knees Music Festival:

Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter 

ROSWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/6/25

Roswell Music Festival Returns to Canton Street, April 26, 2025, with Headliner Drivin N Cryin

The highly anticipated Roswell Music Festival is set to return for its third year on Saturday, April 26, 2025, bringing an unforgettable day of live music, community spirit, and celebration to Historic Downtown Roswell. This year’s festival promises an incredible lineup, an expanded VIP experience, and continued philanthropic support for Shepherd’s Men, Hop On A Cure, and Rock for Rescues.

Leading this year’s festival is the legendary Southern rock band Drivin N Cryin, known for their timeless hits and high-energy performances. Joining them on stage will be an eclectic mix of talented artists, including Frankly Scarlet, Canyonland ft. Michelle Malone, Cousin Curtiss, Dock Rock Radio, and Penelope Road. With multiple acts throughout the day, festival goers can expect a dynamic blend of rock, Americana, and jam band sounds that create the perfect festival atmosphere.

Beyond the music, Roswell Music Festival remains committed to giving back to the community. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit Shepherd’s Men, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans recovering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, Hop On A Cure supporting research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS, and Rock for Rescues, which provides aid to local animal welfare organizations. By attending, festival guests will not only enjoy an incredible day of music but also contribute to three meaningful causes.

Tickets for the 2025 Roswell Music Festival are now available for purchase via Freshtix (https://www.freshtix.com/events/roswellmusicfestival-2025). Early bird pricing is available through February 23rd, offering General Admission tickets for $35. After this date, General Admission increases to $40, and tickets will be available for $45 at the gate on the day of the festival.

For those looking to enhance their festival experience, a limited number of Variant Brewing VIP tickets are on sale for $150, offering exclusive access to a private tent with premium spirits, comfortable seating, clean, air-conditioned bathroom trailer, catered food by Bask Steakhouse, and the best views of the stage.

Festival Details & FAQs

  • Location: The festival will take place at 37 Magnolia Street, Roswell, GA 30075, in a convenient and vibrant setting adjacent to Rock ‘N’ Taco.
  • Parking: There is ample parking available across Atlanta Street at Roswell City Hall. There are also many church parking lots and street parking spaces available on Mimosa Boulevard between Magnolia Street and Marietta Highway. 
  • Festival Hours: Gates open at 12:00 PM, and the music continues until 10:00 PM.
  • Rain or Shine: The festival will take place regardless of weather conditions. 
  • Family-Friendly Event: Children under 10 can attend for free with a ticketed adult.
  • Accessibility: The festival is ADA-compliant, with accessible entry and restrooms available.
  • Food & Drinks: Craft beer and wine will be available for purchase, and food will be provided by From the Earth Brewing.

Interested vendors and sponsors are invited to join the Roswell Music Festival in bringing this incredible event to life. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please contact info@roswellmusicfestival.com.

Don’t miss out on an incredible day of live music, local flavor, and community spirit. Grab your tickets now, spread the word, and get ready to experience Roswell Music Festival 2025!

FOO FIGHTERS, NOAH KAHAN, WEEZER TO HEADLINE SHAKY KNEES 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/12/24

LINEUP INCLUDES QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, ARCADE FIRE, GIRL IN RED, BILLY IDOL, THE OFFSPRING, PORTUGAL. THE MAN AND MANY MORE

PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS THURSDAY AT 10AM ET

 Foo Fighters, Noah Kahan, and Weezer will headline the 2024 edition of Shaky Knees taking place May 3-5 at Central Park in downtown Atlanta. The stacked lineup, known for its impeccable rock curation, features over 60 artists across four stages including Queens of the Stone Age, Arcade Fire, Girl in Red, Billy Idol, The Offspring, Portugal. The Man, Young the Giant, Interpol and many more. Presale tickets are available starting Thursday, November 30th at 10am ET and fans can sign up now for the Presale passcode for the first and best chance to secure 3-Day and 1-Day tickets at the lowest possible price. A general on sale will follow if tickets remain.

VIP Tickets include up-close, prime viewing areas at three stages, plus a viewing platform with elevated sightlines of the main stage.  VIP also includes two VIP Lounges that feature shady seating, premium air-conditioned restrooms, full-service cash bars, along with complimentary beer and water.

Platinum Tickets include exclusive viewing areas at three stages, a Platinum viewing deck with elevated sightlines of the main stage, and access to the air-conditioned Platinum Lounge featuring a full-service open bar, complimentary bites and catered dinner, relaxed seating, premium air-conditioned restrooms, concierge services and more.  To purchase 3-Day or 1-Day Tickets and for the full list of amenities, visit www.shakykneesfestival.com/tickets.   

Head to www.shakykneesfestival.com to sign up to be the first to receive Shaky Knees updates and information and follow Shaky Knees on social media to stay in the loop on all festival announcements. Facebook | Instagram | X

SWEETWATER 420 FEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP FEATURING 25+ ARTISTS, APRIL 20 & 21, 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/12/24

Lineup Includes Beck, Slightly Stoopid, Big Gigantic, Black Pumas, Gov’t Mule, and More

Two-Day GA and VIP Tickets On Sale

Presented by SweetWater Brewing and Pullman Yards, one of Atlanta’s anticipated festivals, SweetWater 420 Fest has announced its lineup for its return April 20 and 21 at Pullman Yards. Known for its eclectic lineup, as well as its charitable and environmental activations, food trucks, artist market, and, of course, beer from the largest craft brewer in the Southeast- this year’s lineup showcases artists of varying genres, from alternative to rock and pop to singer-songwriter, jam, soul, and an indie. 

Featured artists include headliners Beck and Slightly Stoopid, with support from Big Gigantic; Black Pumas; Gov’t Mule; Trombone Shorty; Cory Wong; Grace Potter; Moe.; St. Paul & The Broken Bones; Larkin Poe; Houndmouth; Ripe; Andy Frasco & The UN; Hayes & The Heathens; Little Stranger; Papadosio; Lespecial; Couch; Fireside Collective; The Psycodelics; Emily Wolfe; Bombargo; Hedonistas, and Connor Clark & Blue Rhythm Revival. Pop chanteuse Kanika Moore and 17-year-old guitar phenom Grace Bowers will also add their talents throughout the festival, sitting in with select artists.

Held on the weekend closest to Earth Day, this year’s event will be a true 420 Fest, beginning on April 20th throughout the Pullman Yards grounds. In addition to the indoor and outdoor stages, the event will feature local vendors, workshops, food trucks, an artist market, and more. Last fall, the venue hosted the Highball festival experience, which USAToday rated as one of the Top 10 Best New music festivals in the country. Additional details, including food and artist market offerings and activations, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Two-day GA and VIP tickets and extras are available online at www.SweetWater420Fest.com. SweetWater 420 Fest is produced by SweetWater Brewing and Pullman Yards. Visit www.SweetWater420Fest.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @420Fest. Pullman Yards is located at 225 Rogers Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia.

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT INTRODUCES HIGHBALL – A FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE CURATED BY FUTUREBIRDS, OCTOBER 21 & 22

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/26/23

Featuring Band of Horses, The Head and the Heart, Two Performances by Futurebirds, a Special Reunion by The Whigs, and more

The Two-Day Event Will Take Place at Pullman Yards and is Presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Georgia Hemp Company, Código 1530 Tequila, and Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

After teasing that a new festival was on the horizon, Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment and Athens, Georgia rock juggernaut Futurebirds have announced full details on Highball – a festival experience at the historic Pullman Yards, October 21 and 22, 2023. Curated by Futurebirds, the inaugural two-day festival experience will feature notable artist performances, locally renowned food purveyors, and a distinctive live experience alongside the railroad tracks of Pullman Yards. Handpicked by the indie rock mainstays, the lineup will feature headliners Band of Horses and The Head and the Heart, preceded by daily sets by Futurebirds. Additional support will include performances by Wednesday; a special reunion by The Whigs; Seratones; S.G. Goodman; T. Hardy Morris, and Hotel Fiction. Highball represents a culmination of collaborative efforts two years in the making by Rival Entertainment and Futurebirds, which were drawn to the beauty of Pullman Yards’ historic setting.”It’s a wild wild dream to have the chance to help curate a festival bill, full of some of our favorite bands and best friends, in our home state, not far from where a handful of us grew up and experienced live music for the first time,” says Futurebirds’ guitarist and singer Carter King. “It’s a full-circle experience, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity. The lineup is insane; the venue is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see y’all out there in October.”

Highball has partnered with Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Georgia Hemp Company, Código 1530 Tequila, and Bulleit Frontier Whiskey as the event’s presenting sponsors, which are activating along with other local vendors across the Pullman Yards grounds. “We are thrilled to welcome Highball to Pullman Yards. We have anxiously anticipated this event and look forward to working with Rival Entertainment and Futurebirds on the first festival. Come experience two great days of live music on the Pullman Yards grounds,” says Atomic Entertainment’s Maureen Meulen, owner and operator of the Pratt-Pullman Entertainment District.

Tickets for the inaugural Highball are on sale Thursday, June 29 at 12p EST at www.highball.live. Fans can purchase single-day and weekend advanced tickets at general admission and VIP levels. VIP includes private lounge access, pit viewing, and comfort amenities.

Highball Festival is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.highball.live for the most up-to-date information. 

Updated information:

–HIGHBALL OFFICIAL PRE-PARTY

Hosted by Futurebirds, the pre-party will feature two sets by Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band featuring Futurebirds and Bobby’s Shorts members. Two-day Highball VIP ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary ticket to this pre-party, along with an exclusive cocktail hour with members of Futurebirds prior to the show. Inaugural Highball screen printed posters signed by Futurebirds will be available for pick up during the cocktail hour.

–HIGHBALL FOOD LINEUP

We’ve handpicked some ATL favorites to provide delicious grub, including Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Mothers Best, and Roti Rolls- perfectly washed down with Creature Comforts Tropicalia or Bigger Dream IPAs—more food and beverages to be announced.

–HIGHBALL EXPERIENCE

Highball will be debuting two new event areas of Pullman Yards- previously not experienced, with the stage set on the rail yard’s original transfer table. Guests will enjoy access to General Admission & VIP lounges within the newly renovated “Building 6,” a historic machine shop for The Pullman Company circa 1927. Also, The Georgia Hemp Company will be hosting a daily “High There, Highball” media meet-up featuring select items from their fantastic line, libations, and gift bags. Additional activations will be announced in the coming weeks.

–HIGHBALL STORYLINES

Do a deep dive into Futurebirds’ curated lineup (all chosen because they inspired or have been inspired by the band), and there are a lot of angles to work with. Be it Charity Rose Thielen of The Head and The Heart given a behind-the-scenes look into the early days of the band in Seattle, Band of Horses’ Ben Bridwell talking mental health on the road, or the constant tour grind of Hotel Fiction– there’s a lot to talk about. It will be a treat to experience them all in one place. 

Imagine Music Festival: Show Me What You Got

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/1/22

There is something magical about Imagine Festival. Maybe it’s the perpetual thumping bass that beacons, like a pied piper drawing them in. Maybe it’s the lush pool to float and keep cool in. Maybe it’s the crowds of people all swaying I unison as the lights and lasers dance overhead. One thing is for sure, once you catch the feeling, you’re hooked.

This year, moved to Kingston Down, Imagine Fest was a sprawling display of light and sound. The stage decor was better than ever with octopus’ arms and tree forts. The pool area was reminiscent of a Miami South Beach Hotel with swanky cabanas and palm trees. The music was just as mesmerizing with tunes from Kaskade, Evaluation, Leah Culver, and more! They even had a lazy River to drift down in a tube if you so desire. So much to do and see and experience, while watching the crowds in their festival best. Let’s take a pictorial journey of our time there. 

SOUTHERN WILDS FESTIVAL: THE SEQUEL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/31/22

Saturday, September 24

Slow Pour Brewing

https://www.southernwildsfest.com/

Southern Wilds will be hosting their second-ever festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at one of
Lawrenceville, Georgia’s favorite gathering spots, Slow Pour Brewing Co. Attendees can expect two stages
of live music, craft beer, food trucks, a market of local artists, and a whole lot of fun.

Anderson East (@andersoneast), most notable for his single, “Satisfy Me,” and Kidd G (@the.kiddg), who
went viral on TikTok with his single, “Dirt Road,” will headline the show on Saturday evening, and they will
be joined throughout the day by A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses), Tiera Kennedy (@tieramusic),
Cam Christian (@camchristian.mp3), Grace Asbury (@graceasburymusic), Brendan Abernathy
(@brendanabernathy), and more.

Starting as low as $35, three ticket options will be available to purchase: General Admission, VIP, and
Platinum Wilds. The official lineup and all tickets are available to the public starting Friday, July 8, 2022.