Tag Archive for: music festival

SWEETWATER 420 FESTIVAL 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/19/22

RETURNS TO ATLANTA’S CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2022
LINEUP ANNOUNCED WITH NEWLY ADDED 420 PRE-PARTY CONCERT

Tickets Available Now at SweetWater420Fest.com

SweetWater Brewing Company, LLC (“SweetWater”) and Happy Ending Productions Present the return of SweetWater 420 Fest from April 29 through May 1 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The festival announced its entire lineup, including headliners Oysterhead, Trey Anastasio Band (2 sets), and The String Cheese Incident (2 sets).

Additional artists include Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets), Snoop Dogg, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets), Goose, Dirty Heads, Snarky Puppy, JJ Grey & Mofro, Lotus, Turkuaz with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew: Remain in Light, Spafford, Big Something, Too Many Zooz, The Movement, Doom Flamingo + Queen is Doomed (2 sets), Badfish, Boombox Feat. Backbeat Brass, Town Mountain, The Nth Power Feat. Jennifer Hartswick, Tropidelic, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Karina Rykman, Kitchen Dwellers, Neighbor, DENM, Little Stranger, Kanika Moore & The Psycodelics, Hedonistas, Butcher Brown, Sexbruise?, Certainly So, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, KrisB’s Midnight Railroad, Bird Dog Jubilee, The 4 Korners, The Stews, Pressing Strings, The Broadcast, and the Taylor Scott Band.

NEW in 2022, SweetWater 420 Fest is thrilled to announce the first kickoff pre-party concert on Thursday, April 28 at noon in Centennial Olympic Park, featuring two sets from headliner The String Cheese Incident supported by moe., Oteil & Friends, and Empire Strikes Brass.

Founded 18 years ago, SweetWater 420 Fest continues to deliver an eclectic musical lineup, singular in its ability to bring some of the most prominent jam band names in the industry alongside cutting-edge acts and some of the most revered artists on our playlists.

Returning experiences include three stages, heady concoctions ​​from SweetWater Brewery featuring handcrafted signature drinks, cocktails, and craft beers, served throughout the festival, and memorable band collabs and panels at the festival favorite ‘SweetWater Experience Tent.’

Additional features include a local craft & artist market, an expanded food court with a variety of food trucks, the Planet 420 eco-village, an ongoing collaboration to help educate and raise awareness to our festival-goers on how to become more eco-friendly, our non-profit village, and the newly added Thursday pre-party concert in the park with general admission (GA) and VIP upgraded experiences for purchase.

Furthermore, this year’s festival will include the renowned 420 Fest 5K on April 30, a USATF Certified race, and Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, which concludes with everyone’s favorite beer at the finish line. 5K race & festival ticket packages available. Participants can register at sweetwater420fest.com/420-fest-5k.

“We are more than excited to celebrate not only the return of live music but the return of SweetWater 420 Fest and our festival community to Centennial Olympic Park in 2022! Furthermore, to add to the excitement, and for the first time in our festival history, we are announcing our full festival lineup in October with tickets on-sale on the 8th!” says President of Happy Ending Productions, Jennifer Bensch. “Plus! We added an extra day of music on Thursday with a kick-off pre-party in the park!”

Tickets are on sale now and selling quickly! Get’em while supplies last, and don’t wait to purchase! Tickets include a range of admission options, including three-day general admission tickets, three-day VIP Tickets, upgraded ticketing options, and an add-on ticket for our new pre-party in the park kickoff concert.

Purchase your 2022 Tickets here.

2022 LINEUP

Oysterhead

Trey Anastasio Band (2 sets)

The String Cheese Incident (2 sets)

Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets)

Snoop Dogg

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets)

Goose, Dirty Heads

Snarky Puppy

JJ Grey & Mofro

Lotus

Turkuaz with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew: Remain in Light

Spafford

Big Something

Too Many Zooz

The Movement

Doom Flamingo + Queen is Doomed (2 sets)

Badfish

Boombox Feat. Backbeat Brass

Town Mountain

The Nth Power Feat. Jennifer Hartswick

Tropidelic

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

Karina Rykman

Kitchen Dwellers

Neighbor

DENM

Little Stranger

Kanika Moore & The Psycodelics

Hedonistas

Butcher Brown

Sexbruise?

Certainly So

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

KrisB’s Midnight Railroad

Bird Dog Jubilee

The 4 Korners

The Stews

Pressing Strings

The Broadcast

Taylor Scott Band.

To purchase tickets or for more information, including lineups, event news, and the latest updates, go to sweetwater420fest.com and facebook.com/420fest and follow Instagram and Twitter at @420Fest.

The SweetWater 420 Festival is produced by Happy Ending Productions, offering promotion, production, event operations, and logistics management. Happy Ending Productions’ client list includes Festivals: Camp Bisco, Counterpoint, Bonnaroo, Hookahville, along with tour support services for Phish, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and more.

THUNDER BEATS MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR INAUGURAL EVENT, APRIL 22-24, 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/19/22

Deadmau5, Marshmello, Kaskade, RL Grime, Deorro, Dillon Francis, Ganja White Night, Zomboy, Steve Aoki, and More to Head to the Golf Coast this Spring
 
Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, January, 26th at 12 p.m. EST

 

 Filling a void in the Gulf Coast, organizers of the inaugural Thunder Beats Music Festival have announced that the biggest EDM festival in the region will be taking place April 22-24, at Pensacola Interstate Fair Grounds in Florida. Presented by Thunder Ranch Entertainment Holdings, the lineup for the festival contains a veritable who’s who in the industry, including Marshmello; Kaskade; Deadmau5; Adventure Club; Dillon Francis; Ganja White Night; RL Grime; Zomboy; Baauer; Bonnie x Clyde; Cheat Codes; Deorro; Dr. Fresch; Habstrakt; Joyryde; Leah Culver, and special guest, Steve Aoki. 
 
Regional talent also announced includes Autokorekt b2b Weird Waifu; Airglo; Bobby Duque; Celo; Dannytime; Dirtysnatcha b2b Rico Act; Diskull; Drinkurwater; Eddie Gold; Freaky Kendoll; Kleøpatras; Mantis; Otica; Sam Wolfe; Silentknight; Teminite; Azella; Btwubz; Charlie B; Chozen; Deer Wolf; Diced-Up; Doc Roc; Drone; Grisly; Hydcvt; JD Farrell; Kvbm; Kaventg; Loaded Gunn; Neon Tiger; Noxious; Onnoitsdopug; Rest In Pieces; Reydex; Rippa; Rudashi; Saylindz; Unicorn Fukr; Wermzer, and Yokai. A second phase of the lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Thunder Beats will host over 100 artists across three stages throughout the weekend. There will also be a limited ticketed pre-party on Thursday, April 21, and nightly onsite afterparties, limited to 3500 attendees.
Three-Day General Admission weekend passes for Thunder Beats Music Festival go on sale Wednesday, January 26, at 12 p.m. EST starting at $300, plus fees. Three-Day VIP weekend passes will be available starting at $400, plus fees, and includes VIP access to the festival, VIP Entry, VIP-only restrooms, VIP viewing areas, VIP bar,s exclusive merch, VIP concierge, VIP lounge, snack sessions on top of all GA areas of the festival. Parking is complimentary for all VIP attendees and includes separate VIP parking lots with a special entrance to the festival grounds. Single-day passes, group packages, pre-party, afterparties, add-ons, and more options are available online at www.thunderbeatsmusicfestival.com. Thunder Beats Music Festival is an all-ages event on Friday and 18+ on Saturday and Sunday.
Thunder Beats Music Festival is produced by Thunder Ranch Entertainment Holdings. Visit www.thunderbeatsmusicfestival.com for the most up-to-date information.

IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTIST-BY-DAY FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL EVENT, SEPTEMBER 17 – 19, 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/22/21

Pool Parties, An Unprecedented B2B Lineup, Local and Regional Acts, and More Await Fans
 
Single Day Tickets On Sale Now

 

As excitement continues to build for Imagine Music Festival, organizers are pleased to release additional details for the festival’s return September 17 – 19, 2021. After the Poseidon level announcement of the seventh annual festival’s move to Bouckaert Farm in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, and an equally monumental lineup, Imagine is ready to welcome fans to the Aquatic Fairytale. To help fans plan their experience at the farm, the artists-by-day, including local and regional artist additions, are as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

3LAU; Abelation; Adventure Club B2B Riot Ten; Blackgummy; Blunts & Blondes; CharlestheFirst; Dabin; Deeper Purpose; Dillon Nathaniel; Excision; Fisher; GRiZ; Kasbo; Lee Foss; Lick; Madeon; Moore Kismet; No Mana; Peekaboo; Protohype; Tsu Name, and Westend. Local and regional talent to include Bandikook; Bloodcrest; Chozen; Curra; Daniels Jack; DJ Red; Drinkurwater; Finderz Keeperz; Flozone; Julian Gray; Ian Live; Mikes Revenge; NOA | AON; Otica; Pryzms; Reginald Simpson; Rudashi; Skyhye, and Stephanie Laine.
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Carnage B2B Borgore; Champagne Drip B2B Luzcid; Devault; Dieselboy w/ Mc Armanni Reign; Eddie Gold; Esseks; G-Rex; Kaivon; Kaskade; Kaskade (Pool Party); Kayzo B2B Subtronics; Kyle Walker; Liquid Stranger; Lucii; Malaa; Reaper; Shiba San; Shlump; Sidepiece; Sully; Virtual Riot B2B Barely Alive, and Wakaan Takeover Family Set. Local and regional talent to include Alber-K; ALTI2D; Chris Robert; Cut Rugs; Cyrus; Daddydough; Devious; Foreign Suspects; Johnny Goodtime; Infexzion; JA Farrell; James Kennedy (Pool Party); Kirby Bright; Mantis; Mettapattern; Niko the Kid; Organik; Subrinse; Svble; Thomas B; Torch Block; Vivid; White Rhino; Xtals; Yuki-San; Zeplinn, and Zubah.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Black Carl!; Black Tiger Sex Machine; Brondo; Clozee; Corrupt UK; Dion Timmer; Dirtysnatcha B2B Rico Act; Elah; Ghost Rydr (Ghastly B2B Joyryde); Gryffin (DJ set); Illenium; Jinx; Joyce Muniz; Leah Culver; Lizzy Jane; Meduza (Pool Party); Mersiv; Noizu; Of the Trees; Sphongle Droid (Simon Posford Live feat. Android Jones); SNBRN; Subtronics: Wooked on Tronics (Sunset Set); VNSSA, and Walker & Royce. Local and regional talent to include Avion; Deadman; Diskull; DJ Aladdin; Domii; Frisbae; Juju Beats; Malik HD; Midnite Panda; Nctrnal; Nhexis; Ployd; Pretty Hippie; Sam Wolfe; Scales; Sparkbox; Teriyaki Noize (Pool Party); United; Vitillaz, and VLCN.
 
Imagine has a few other additions this year, with the Thursday Night Pre-Party*, and the campground stage which hosts the Silent Disco throughout.
 
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Ganja White Night; ATLiens; Freaky, and PLSMA
*Guests must have a separate Pre-Party pass to attend.
CAMPGROUND STAGE / SILENT DISCO
3Nterline; Akuarium; AshleyMadison; Black AMigo; Comisar; Cozm & Naught; Deep Technicians; Don Genesis; Dose; exit 9; Krrushendo; Kymera; Laser; Assassins; Masked Beatz; MC Word; Odiggs; Sidd Kel; Tape B; Traitell, and Zoe Gray.
With the safety of the fans, artists, and staff as Imagine’s number one priority, organizers have also released their COVID-19 Health Policy & Entry Requirements. The festival developed new entry requirements by working closely with the City of Chattahoochee Hills, leading public safety experts, and following all recommended CDC and WHO guidelines. Everyone entering Bouckaert Farm will be asked to take a Health Pledge, including health verification- negative COVID-19 result within 72 hours of entering or full vaccination verification, festival wristband, health check wristband, and mask. Organizers will continue to update patrons with important information, including any changes to policies and procedures needed to know before entering the festival. Full details, including helpful resources, can be found at www.imaginemusicfestival.com/covid19policy.
 
Limited weekend passes for Imagine Music Festival are still available including, Car Camping Passes which are sold on a per car basis rather than per person. As an extension, Imagine Music Festival now offers a Companion Camping Pass which allows attendees to join and share a campsite with friends. Tent-Only Camping Passes are now available, which comes with two GA Camping Wristbands and one 10×15 campsite. VIP Car Camping, Single-day passes, Thursday Early Arrival Passes, and more parking options are available. Find tickets online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.

Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Fans can stay connected on Instagram www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes, and Facebook www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.

CANDLER PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL BOUNCES BACK IN A BIG WAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AND 11, 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/21

The Genre Diverse Lineup features: Galactic, Ripe, The Infamous Stringdusters, Spafford, and more
The Two-Day Festival Benefits City of Atlanta Parks, Atlanta ContactPoint, and Candler Park Neighborhood
 
After a year of bouncing around the room and off the walls, Rival Entertainment is pleased to invite fans back to Candler Park for two days of music, food, and art, September 10 and 11, 2021. A homecoming of sorts, this will mark the thirteenth edition of this neighborhood festival which will play host to a diverse collection of genres. The lineup includes Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph; Ripe; The Infamous Stringdusters; Spafford; The Vegabonds; Voodoo Visionary; The Dirty Guv’Nahs; Marco Benevento; Hedonista; Webster; Airwolf, and Moneyshot. Accompanying the live performances will be a hand-picked selection of some of the City’s best food trucks and vendors, as well as an artist market showcasing a wide range of makers.
Candler Park Music Festival has recently announced that it would be featuring Scofflaw Brewing Co.  Four years young, the West Atlanta-based purveyors of tasty beverages will be the official beverage provider for those 21 and older. In addition to the widely enjoyed brews from Scofflaw Brewing Co., their hard seltzers, Flippin Bird Spirits, and ‘ready-to-drink canned cocktails, and All Nations Spirits will be on hand for purchase.
 
Advanced General Admission Weekend Passes with complimentary bicycle valet, festival entry, and access to beverage and food concessions, artist market, sponsor activations, and ten live performances are on sale now for $40, before fees. Advanced VIP Weekend passes includes everything that the General Admission pass has, plus: VIP security check and entry, exclusive VIP area with stage front access, Rival Skydeck access- 30’ above the festival for optimum viewing, private VIP cash bar, and VIP restroom trailer area, are on sale for $100, before fees. Advanced Single Day Passes are available now for $30 and $75, plus fees for General Admission and VIP receptively. Pricing for all advanced tickets increased on September 1. All ticket types are available online at www.CandlerParkMusicFestival.com. Candler Park Music Festival is an all-ages event.
 
Candler Park Music Festival proudly benefits City of Atlanta Parks, Atlanta ContactPoint, and Candler Park neighborhood 501c(3) organizations. Visit www.CandlerParkMusicFestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CandlerParkFestival, on Instagram at @CandlerParkMusicFestival, and on Twitter at @CandlerParkFest.

GAYDM TO HOST “LEZZURE HEAT” GIRLS’ EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/21

DJ Citizen Jane and DJ Dimples to Headline Female Launch Party

Believe Music Hall

Friday, July 16th

After an incredibly successful, sold out, male launch party in June, GAYDM “One Love” returns with “LEZZURE HEAT” – a girls’ event headlined by none other than international superstar and Madison Square Garden headliner DJ Citizen Jane, who has been topping the charts on Spotify for years. Opening for DJ Citizen Jane will be Miami superstar promoter, DJ Dimples – also the proud owner of Miami-based clothing brand “Sweet Heat” who has been named SEA’s Female DJ of the Year for three consecutive years. To keep the party going outside, Georgia native DJ SHAAA will also provide beats on the patio all night long.

“We’re so excited to continue our kick-off series for GAYDM “One Love” Festival with an all-female talent-driven event,” said festival organizer Chris Coleman. “We have an amazing lineup of talented DJs who will make this an epic night to remember, and we’re counting down the days until we can bring everyone together for the world’s first LGBTQ+ EDM festival in the fall.”

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased for $15 (+ fees) at discounted Early Bird Rate for the first 100 people. General Admission Advanced tickets are $25 (+ fees) and Day of Show Tickets are $30 (+ fees). Tickets can be purchased online here.

GAYDM “One Love,” the world’s first LGBTQ+ EDM festival will be held on Sept. 11 at the Cellairis Amphitheatre in Atlanta, uniting the LGBTQ+ community for an 11-hour party with a purpose. More information can be found on the event’s website and tickets can be purchased online through Live Nation.

All proceeds of the launch parties and the GAYDM “One Love” Festival will benefit GAYDM partners GAGA (Gay Georgia) and Lost-n-Found Youth, two organizations whose efforts are dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia. GAGA’s mission is to maintain safe locations for the LGBTQ+ community free from persecution, while Lost-n-Found Youth assists homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

LOST ART MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/21

Metro Atlanta’s First Music Festival of 2021 Kicks Off This Weekend

Lost Art Music Festival on June 11-12 at Foxhall Resort in Douglasville

Nationally-touring artists include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Shovels & Rope,
 The War And Treaty, Ben Nichols of Lucero, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Pink Stones, The Sundogs

Music festivals are back for Atlanta with Lost Art Music Festival Presented by Cathead Distillery on June 11-12, 2021. As we emerge from the pandemic, the area’s first music festival of 2021 with nationally-touring artists takes place at the spacious Foxhall Resort in Douglasville, just 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta.

Lost Art celebrates the Americana fan community through high energy performances and immersive experiences in a spacious, outdoor setting.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Shovels & Rope, The War And Treaty, Ben Nichols of Lucero, and The Pink Stones round out the eclectic and diverse lineup of Americana acts, which blend elements of Southern soul, folk, alt-country, cosmic country, and more.

Aaron Lee Tasjan performs a Friday night kickoff show on June 11. Late night Saturday, The Sundogs Present The Tom Petty Show. Tasjan and The Sundogs shows are available as separate, standalone tickets.

Inner Circle Experiences, which connect artist and fans through shared, handpicked outings include a BBQ cookout and bocce ball/horseshoes tournament with St. Paul and The Broken Bones, ATV tour and short performance with The War and Treaty, and more. More info on the Lost Art website.

“Music festivals are back for Atlanta! It’s been almost two years for fans, and people can’t wait to enjoy great music outdoors in Georgia again,” said Lost Art Music Festival Founder Jim Ethridge.  

“Seeing this bright light at the end of the tunnel is an incredible feeling, and Lost Art is so happy to provide an opportunity for fans to experience music again.”

Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are priced at $69.25 (tax included), and VIP tickets are sold out. Both Aaron Lee Tasjan and The Sundogs shows are available as separate, standalone tickets.

Tickets are available at www.LostArtMusicFest.com.

IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL LINEUP FOR 2021 EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/21

Lineup to Feature: Excision, GRiZ, Illenium, Kaskade + 2nd Pool Party Set, Gryffin, Madeon, Fisher + Catch and Release Takeover, Liquid Stranger + Wakaan Takeover, Adventure Club B2B Riot Ten, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Champagne Drip B2B Luzcid, Ghastly B2B Joyryde, Kayzo B2B Subtronics, Peekaboo, Shpongle Droid (Simon Posford Live, featuring Android Jones), Subtronics (“Wooked on Tronics” Set), and over 40 more artists.
 
Seventh Annual Event to Take Place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, September 17 – 19, 2021
After a challenging 2020 that derailed festivals globally, the world is finally ready to dance again. Imagine Festival organizers are excited for the festival’s comeback September 17 – 19, 2021, and today are releasing the official 2021 lineup.  Tickets go on sale March 23rd at 1.00 pm EST. Earlier this year, the festival also revealed the big news that it would be moving locations to the breathtaking Bouckaert Farm in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. This new chapter for Imagine allows endless potential for a more immersive experience. Guests will now feel the embrace of Mother Nature while bathing in the forest and enjoying the magic of Imagine Festival.
Loaded with massive B2B sets and record label takeovers, the lineup for 2021 includes Excision; Illenium; Kaskade; Gryffin; Madeon; 3LAU; Adventure Club B2B Riot Ten; Black Tiger Sex Machine, Blunts & Blondes, Carnage B2B Borgore; CharlestheFirst; Clozee; Dabin; Dion Timmer; Ghost Rydr (Ghastly B2B Joyryde); Kasbo; Kayzo B2B Subtronics; Liquid Stranger; Peekaboo; Subtronics (“Wooked on Tronics” set); Shpongle Droid (Simon Posford Live, featuring Android Jones); Virtual Riot B2B Barely Alive. The Disco Inferno stage will feature Fisher with the Catch & Release Takeover and including Lee Foss; Malaa; Shiba San; Walker & Royce; John Summit; Noizu; Sidepiece; SNBRN; VNSSA; Dillon Nathaniel; Deeper Purpose; LP Giobbi; Subrinse, and Westend. The Wakaan Takeover will feature Liquid Stranger; Champagne Drip B2B Luzcid; Shlump; G-Rex; Esseks; Sully; Mize, and a Wakaan Family B2B set. Other artists joining the Imagine lineup: Abelation; Alber-K; Blackgummy; Brondo; Corrupt UK; Devault; Dieselboy; Eddie Gold; Joyce Muniz; Kaivon; Laser Assassins; Leah Culver; Lick, Mersiv; Moore Kismet; No Mana; Of the Trees, and Reaper. Local and regional support, along with much more detail of activities and surprises, will be released along our journey to the gates opening to Imagine. Stay tuned.
Also returning in 2021 is an even bigger Imagine Festival Daytime Pool Party where Kaskade will heat up the decks for fans as part of his second set of the festival.
“The diversity and special B2Bs make this one of the most exciting lineups to date. We are putting together an experience we hope will help relieve some of the pain we have felt over this past year- nature is now our ultimate special guest. I get chills thinking about the moments we will share again,” says Imagine Festival co-founder, Glenn Goodhand.
3-day General Admission passes are available starting at on $35 down. GA passes start at $269 and VIP passes with express entry into the festival, commemorative VIP wristband, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars, and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $399 for a 3-day pass, before fees. 2-pack bundles and camping options are also available. Payment plans are now available all tickets types. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.

BIG NIGHT OUT ATLANTA

Posted by Liz Attaway, 11/4/20

There is a buzz that lifts through the air as the lights dim on stage, you hear several voices raise in excitement, several clap with enthusiasm, while others stand quietly in anticipation. A small group shuffles through the dark to their instruments as the lights go up and blaze into a prism of blues, greens, and reds. The crowd cannot contain itself and erupts in applause, singing, and joy. The future of live music hangs in the balance on this weekend of performances, because if done right, this could be the norm until we “get back to normal.” And Big Night Out is the path forward. With acts like Moon Taxi, Big Boi and his friends, as well as Futurebirds, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, we can proudly announce that live music is back AND SAFE.

Everything was done to ensure the best concert experience, while keeping the attendees safe. Starting with the mask requirement for public spaces and to maintain a 6-foot distance was key. You can say that they’re required all day long, but without constant reinforcement, some people will have a few drinks and forget. We literally saw a group of people employed to tell people to put their masks back on in public spaces. Second key is the way they handle the crowd. With pods that separated the crowd into 2, 3, 4, and 6 into groups that were socially distanced 6 feet, this is how you keep people safe, yet can enjoy a great show. We wouldn’t be surprised if these “rage cages” caught on and started a trend. Yes, rage cage, write it down, it’s the future of enjoying music safely! Every time I heard this term, Smashing Pumpkins Bullet With Butterfly Wings lyrics pop into my head, “Despite all my rage, I’m still just a rat in a cage.” Insert rage in front of cage! Genius. But, back to pods themselves, this was a great experience in tandem with the mask requirements! We were VERY pleased with the whole experience. Good job, Big Night Out!

On Friday, we saw two fun bands perform, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Moon Taxi. Here’s a little bit about them and some photos!

Reminiscent of semi-local greats like Here Come the Mummies, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong kicked-off Big Night Out Atlanta. From the funky beats, to 70s grooves, to big band tunes, they’re a high-energy band that loves what they do! Maybe it’s the lack of live shows they get to do, but the enthusiasm permeates all their music and gets the audience excited. It culminates in long guitar solos, jams to island sounds, and fun sing-alongs like the Lion King Cover.

What struck us about Moon Taxi is that this is the product of all those years of rock-n-roll rolled up into one good band! The sounds of the 80s, electronica, indie rock, fast/slow rock of the early aughts, 90s reverb all permeate each song. This well-produced, smooth sounding, indie/alt rock group, has a great guitarist, fantastic singer, and a ton of energy. They mentioned that they hadn’t toured in 240+ days and you could feel every minute of the happiness of both the crowd and the band. Turn it up to 11!

Saturday night was delayed due to a huge rainstorm that dumped a boatload of water on the audience. Here’s some photos from that night, courtesy of Drew Dinwiddie.

Futurebirds are touted as an indie rock band with country rock elements, Wiki calls it, ‘Psychedelic Country.” Also according to Wiki, they have toured with Drivin’ & Cryin’, Grace Potter, and performed at big music festivals, like Bonoroo.

The Marcus King Band is a southern rock band out of South Carolina that mixes its sound with blues and big band.

Sunday night was all-in for the local former-Outkast great, Big Boi and boy, did he bring the crew to play!

Mixing in DJs, rock-rap of Kneel’n Rey, Killer Mike, Goodie Mob with CeeLo Green, Sleepy Brown, it was an all-out bass fest.  You could feel it right in the chest, and it was GLORIOUS. Performing OutKast favorites like Rosa Parks, Bombs over Baghdad, to Goodie Mob’s Cell Therapy, there wasn’t a lack of grooving and singing along. Big Boi and his pose always bring so much energy to their performances and this one was the same! I am a little partial to OutKast as they were popular when I was in college back in the day, and I love how much they mix sounds of the late 90s and early aughts with up tempo samples and maybe even a little hint of cotton-eyed Joe mixed in for fun. It was a fun time dancing, singing, and feeling the energy from each performance.

Did we mention we love the term rage cage? That’s really want the pods are and we hope to see more concerts and big festivals go this way. Getting live music back will help our souls and if it’s done this way, we’ll all feel safer for it. Welcome, back live music!

Photo Gallery:

IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PHASE 1 LINEUP FOR 2021 EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/30/20

Lineup to Feature: Illenium, Kaskade, Gryffin, Fisher, Adventure Club B2B (TBA), Black Tiger Sex Machine, Champagne Drip, Ghastly, Joyride, Malaa, Shpongle Droid (Simon Posford Live, featuring Android Jones), Subtronics, and over 40 more artists.
 
Seventh Annual Event to Take Place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, September 17 – 19, 2021
Following the difficult decision to postpone the seventh edition of Imagine Music Festival for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers are excited to share the first phase of the lineup for the festival’s return September 17 – 19, 2021. Earlier this year, the festival also revealed the big news that it would be moving locations to the scenic woodlands of the Bouckaert Farm in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. A move that carried Imagine into a new chapter and creates endless potential for a more immersive experience shaped by nature. Given the current climate of the world, organizers are keeping positive and using the extended timeline to expand the production and create an even more spectacular show with some epic sets that will have fans buzzing all year long.
Loaded with massive B2B sets and record label takeovers, the phase 1 lineup for 2021 includes Illenium; Kaskade; Gryffin; 3LAU; Adventure Club B2B (TBA); Black Tiger Sex Machine, Blunts & Blondes, Carnage B2B Borgore; CharlestheFirst; Clozee; Dabin; Ghost Rydr (Ghastly B2B Joyride); Kayzo B2B Subtronics; Liquid Stranger; Peekaboo; Shpongle Droid (Simon Posford Live, featuring Android Jones); Virtual Riot B2B Barely Alive. The Disco Inferno stage will feature Fisher with the Catch & Release Takeover and including Lee Foss; Malaa; Shiba San; Walker & Royce; Noizu; Sidepierce; SNBRN; VNSSA; Dillon Nathaniel; Deeper Purpose; LP Giobbi, and Westend. The Wakaan Takeover will feature Liquid Stranger; Champagne Drip B2B Luzcid; Shlump; G-Rex; Sully, and a Wakaan Family B2B set. Other artists joining the Imagine lineup: Abelation; Blackgummy; Brondo; Corrupt UK; Default; Dieselboy; Dion Timmer; Eddie Gold; Joyce Muniz; Kaivon; Laser Assassins; Leah Culver; Lick, No Mana; Of the Trees, Reaper, and TSHA. More artists will be announced in the coming months.
Also returning in 2021 is an even bigger Imagine Festival Daytime Pool Party where Kaskade will heat up the decks for fans as part of his second set of the festival.
“The diversity and special B2Bs make this one of the most exciting lineups to date. Although we are all saddened we have to wait until 2021 for the experience, this announcement brings chills of excitement for the moment we are back together again. Stay tuned, there is so much more to come,” says Imagine Festival co-founder, Glenn Goodhand.
3-day General Admission passes are available starting at $189, before fees. VIP passes with express entry into the festival, commemorative VIP wristband, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars, and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $289 for a 3-day pass, before fees. 4-pack bundles and camping options are also available. Payment plans are back on sale and extended to 4 low monthly payments starting at $29.99 down. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.