IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL LINEUP FOR 2021 EVENT
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/21
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/21
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:
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/4/20
SUPPORTING THE METRO ATLANTA HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Online Event Will Bring Together Atlanta Food, Music, & Art Communities to Help Feed, Nourish, & Support Hospitality Workers in Need
ATLFAMILYMEAL, the nonprofit supporting Atlanta’s hospitality community, announces Feed the Fam – a virtual experience celebrating the Atlanta food, music, and art communities and benefitting metro Atlanta hospitality workers – on Sunday, October 18 beginning at 7pm.
Held entirely online, the fundraiser will present a lineup of programming live-streamed on the Feed the Fam website. Comprised of some of the city’s most beloved creatives and culinary talent, Feed the Fam will feature standout musical performances from local artists like Omni, Lunar Vacation, Mattiel, and more, plus dynamic cooking demos from acclaimed Atlanta chefs and bartenders featuring dishes included in the once-in-a-lifetime seven-course dinner, available for pre-order on Feed the Fam’s website and delivered on the night of the event. The menu will showcase unique dishes prepared by participating chefs like Kevin Gillespie, Virginia Willis, and Todd Richards to celebrate the Atlanta dining experience.
ATLFAMILYMEAL will kick off the online festival by pre-selling tickets to a raffle that will include one-of-a-kind items, entertainment, and experiences with all proceeds going directly to ATLFAMILYMEAL. Guests will have the opportunity to live-stream the raffle throughout the virtual festival on Feed the Fam’s website as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. With San Pellegrino as the marquee sponsor, additional sponsors include Creature Comforts, Scana Energy, and Scofflaw Brewing.
Since launching in March, ATLFAMILYMEAL has delivered more than 100,000 chef-prepared meals to hospitality workers in need from over 200 metro Atlanta restaurants, breweries, and hospitality businesses facing joblessness due to the COVID-19 crisis. Founded by Michael Lennox, CEO and Founder of Electric Hospitality (Ladybird, Golden Eagle, Muchacho), the nonprofit has created a network of chefs, restaurant owners, hospitality workers, and business/nonprofit leaders since inception to prepare and deliver meals to hospitality workers across metro Atlanta.
ATLFAMILYMEAL is actively seeking donated items and experiences for the fundraising auction, as well as corporate sponsors, artists, and businesses. If interested, please email info@atlfamilymeal.org with any inquiries or visit www.atlfamilymeal.org to donate and learn more. Stay tuned for a full list of event programming, scheduling, and select auction items.
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/24/20
Raul Malo (The Mavericks), Ken Ford, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, and more slated to perform at the intimate, yet socially-spaced room
Fans can now experience concerts at home thanks to new cameras for
HD livestreams with premium audio
City Winery announces exciting updates with enhanced safety protocols. Live music is back at City Winery with limited seating concerts featuring an incredible lineup including performers such as Raul Malo (the incomparable frontman of genre-defying band, The Mavericks), who headlines the reopening night on October 10 with two shows. Other concerts on sale include Ken Ford, who returns for four shows, including two brunch concerts, on October 17-18. Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, who continue the legacy of Ralph Stanley with their GRAMMY-winning band, perform two shows on November 1. The reconfigured seating layout includes widely-spaced tables with the same intimate feel Atlanta has come to expect of City Winery. The globally-influenced, wine-focused, and locally sourced menu will be available to enjoy for concert dining.
City Winery’s commitment to provide a space for guests and artists to safely and comfortably indulge their senses has never wavered, but their approach to doing so has certainly evolved.
Safety measures include, but are not limited to:
Tickets for the full lineup (listed further down the release) of new shows are available Friday, September 25, at 12 p.m. ET. and can be purchased here. City Winery’s VinoFile members can purchase tickets 24 hours in advance on Thursday, September 24.
Another exciting update to the City Winery concert hall is the installation of cameras to livestream shows. In partnership with the new livestream platform, Mandolin, City Winery offers concert-quality audio, full HD video, and an unparalleled fan experience. These include public and private chat, watch parties, custom emoji reactions, meet & greet experiences and fan upgrades.
“Reopening is a process, but one thing remains constant – your safety, and ours, is of paramount importance. We are careful to err on the side of caution,” said Michael Dorf, Founder and CEO of City Winery.
He continued, “When you’re ready to return, we’re here for you. And if you’ve been to a concert, you know: the second set is the best set. We’ll make the most of ours. We can’t wait to welcome you home!”
Concert Tickets On Sale Friday, September 25
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/30/20
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/19/20
Late-Night Gourmet Taqueria Celebrates with Weekend of Live Music, Food and Drinks
WHAT:
Rock ‘N’ Taco, Roswell’s favorite late-night gourmet taqueria, live music venue and incubator of local musical talent, celebrates Independence Day with a live music festival over the Fourth of July weekend. The lineup boasts favorites such as Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute), The Purple Madness (Prince tribute) and Departure (Journey tribute).
Rock ‘N’ Taco gives the Roswell community one of the only places to celebrate the July 4th holiday this year. The July 3-5 festival takes place in Rock ‘N’ Taco’s parking lot, allowing guests plenty of space to spread out and listen to live music in front of the restaurant and inside while grabbing dinner. Tickets will be $5 at the door and $10 after 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy pre-rolled tacos from outdoor taco booths as well as beer/liquor tents while listening to music.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 3
5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Francisco Vidal Band (party covers)
8 p.m.-9 p.m. Running Down A Dream (Tom Petty Tribute)
9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Rumours (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Saturday, July 4
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Carter Horne Band (party covers)
4 p.m.-6 p.m. Alchemy (party covers)
6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Band X (party covers)
9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. The Purple Madness (Prince Tribute)
Sunday, July 5
12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. The Dial Up (party band)
3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Justin (party covers)
6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Departure (Journey Tribute)
WHEN:
Friday, July 3, 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, 12-11 p.m.
Sunday, July 5, 12-8 p.m.
WHERE:
Rock ‘N’ Taco
928 Canton Street
Roswell, GA 30075
678-878-3414
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/19/20
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/1/19
The Home Depot Backyard Hosts Artisan Vendors, Live Music, and Top
Culinary Talent in November 7 Installment of Monthly Market
Picture yourself strolling under twinkling lights, sipping on a custom cocktail from top Atlanta mixologist, Tiffanie Barriere and you notice the smell of dishes from some of the city’s most celebrated chefs wafting through the air. At Night Market at The Home Depot Backyard, guests can experience just that – a vibrant, open-air neighborhood gathering. The market is designed with inspiration from the famous street fairs and bazaars of Europe and Asia and once guests step inside, they will feel instantly transported into a kaleidoscope of delicious flavors, colors and sounds.
Having launched in October in the heart of downtown Atlanta, just outside of bustling Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Night Market offers expansive greenspace, enticing guests to come shop, drink, eat, and stay a while. Here visitors have the chance to engage and converse with incredible culinary talent including chefs from The Federal, The Spotted Trotter, Sweet Auburn BBQ, Shake Shack, American Cut, Honeysuckle Gelato, Wheelies Tiny Donuts and Hattie B’s to name a few. Guests will also be able to shop an impressive selection of goods at the artisan market, curated by Atlanta favorite, Indie Craft Experience, to a soundtrack of live music provided by the Sundogs.
“At Night Market, we want our guests to feel as if they’re attending a backyard party with close family and friends,” says Latonda Henderson, Director of Community Activation for Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “Our goal was to create this personal experience where you can walk up to renowned chefs and beverage experts and swap recipes, pick their brains and just chat as if you were at a friend’s house. The culinary talent we have selected for each Night Market are all part of the movement to elevate Atlanta’s reputation as a top foodie destination, and to be able to have this interactive experience with them is really special.”
Food and beverage advanced tickets in advance are $25 or $40 at the door.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thehomedepotbackyard.com/night-market.