BLUES & BEYOND: When Christmas blows into town
Local venues warm up with seasonal cheer
No need to peek at a calendar, or see temperatures dropping, to know we are in holiday season mode. Just peruse the listings of nearly every stage in Atlanta for a reminder that regardless of the musical genre, seasonal Christmas cheer, or some versions of it, is everywhere.
From Michelle Malone’s renowned annual Hot Toddies gigs (now with a new album you can pull out early every December while dusting off that artificial tree), to TDAWG’s rollicking, Col. Bruce-inspired Holiday Hootenanny (#12!) roots/jam (this year adding flautist/keyboardist Kathy Holmes from Blue Velvet Atlanta, bassist extraordinaire Kevin Scott and The Ain’t Sisters [Dec. 17]), the organic vibe will heat up any chilly venue.
Add The Masquerade’s Jungle Bells’ 25th anniversary of drum and bass (“The Largest Drum and Bass Event in America” boasts the ad copy), and the Atlanta Blues Society’s recurring holiday shindig featuring The David Pippin Group on Dec. 10 (the winners of the Atlanta Blues Challenge), and the choices are more plentiful than those unavoidable nuggets in a fruit cake. Even if you are adamantly apathetic about anything concerning reindeer, shopping, Santa Claus or the myriad of recurrent songs manifest in malls and shopping areas, there are plenty of alternatives.
Like this: The sometimes staid Atlanta Symphony Hall — A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage [12/13], Sarah Brightman [12/6] and Celtic Women:Christmas Symphony Tour [12/21-22] — brings in the very adult drag queen performance of The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show (12/4)
Still, it’s Americana and world music that remain well represented in the live Christmas mix. Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry has evenings devoted to Celtic (A Celtic Christmas with Emmet Cayhill,12/15), big band jazz (Joe Gransden’s Holiday Special, 12/21), and folk/bluegrass (A Banks and Shane Christmas-12/22). Hang onto your sled as Jared Petteys and the Headliners pound out hard-edged rockabilly holiday fare at The Star Bar (12/14-15). And we can’t leave Jeffrey Butzer and TT Mahony’s popular take on A Charlie Brown Christmas out in the cold. It’s a consistent sellout on its three day run at The Earl (12/14-16).
But the site with the most good cheer is Eddie’s Attic. From Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland’s annual Winter Wonder Bash gigs (12/4-5), to The Burchfield Family Christmas Show (12/9), A Holiday Spectacular with folk-rocker Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters (12/14), a Christmas Extravaganza with a handful of singer/songwriters (two shows a night, 12/15-16), the jazz-infused Suzy Jones Christmas Show (12/19), another round with Joe Gransden, this one with husky jazz/soul chanteuse Robin Latimore (12/22-12/23, two shows per night) and, finally, a post 12/25 thing appropriately titled Holiday Hangover with Mike Clay and Connor (12/27). Phew!
There might be more last minute additions, but this gets you started reveling the close of another year in non-traditional, often rootsy celebrations.
Jingle all the way, y’all….
Two area roots acts have been nominated for 2023s Grammy Awards. Marietta born and raised Larkin Poe (once known as The Lovell Sisters) have notched a second nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category for this year’s appropriately titled Blood Harmony. And while Athens’ Randall Bramblett didn’t get a nomination, Bettye LaVette’s album of his songs Lavette! did, this one also’’ under the “Contemporary Blues Album” listing. You probably won’t see either on the slick television broadcast that sticks to the more pop side of things, but we’ll be rooting for both.
Skip the shlocky holiday music and celebrate with these roots and blues highlights.
Fri., Dec. 1
Buffalo Nichols, The EARL — All Carl “Buffalo” Nichols needs is a battered acoustic guitar and his bellowing baritone voice to deliver stark Delta blues with the authenticity of the folk-blues legends who defined the genre. But on his new album, he adds moderate electronics — synths and beats — to help shift the music to a more contemporary palette. It sounds like a crass move, but in reality those touches are subtle and work well. How far he will continue in this direction is unclear, but for the deep blues to survive, this might be a path worth following.
$15-18. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Neal Francis, The Psycodelics, Variety Playhouse — “Francis comes alive, 11 piece band show” touts the advance publicity for this tour stop. Blue-eyed soul dude Francis goes the Frampton route capturing a cool ‘70s light funk/R&B sound somewhere between Earth, Wind and Fire and the Average White Band. Kudos for a recent cover of the Brothers Johnson/Shuggie Otis’ hit “Strawberry Letter #23” which shows Francis at his low-key best along with an unusually heartfelt version of the James Gang’s “Collage,” not a song many soul guys would gravitate to. Let’s hope he doesn’t attempt 15 minutes of “Do You Feel Like We Do” though.
$29.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Gabe Lee, Eddie’s Attic — Nashville based, folk/Americana singer/songwriter Lee continues his tour to support this year’s Drink the River album. That disc’s largely acoustic sound, its intimate character sketches of people we all might recognize, along with a voice that’s personable and intimate, are perfect for the cozy Eddie’s atmosphere. He’s on his way up but has enough great songs to prove he just needs a few Jason Isbell-type breaks to reach the next level.
$23.87. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., Dec. 2
Kansas, Fox Theater — It’s 50th anniversary time for these classic/prog/art rockers (with fiddle!) who title this tour “Another Fork In the Road.” While only two original members remain — they took a 16 year hiatus from the studio (2000-2016) — the band’s debut arrived in 1974, and this promises to a professional production as Kansas reprises their hits and deeper album tracks recorded over five decades and nearly 20 albums. Most will attend for the 70s “…Wayward Son” tunes that made a dent in the hit parade, despite not hearing the band’s solid return in 2020 with the impressive arena rocking Absence of Presence.
$49.50-125.00. 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org
Pony Bradshaw, Rachel Baiman, The EARL — Georgia-based Bradshaw released his first album of soulful, folksy country in 2019, but it was this year’s terrific North Georgia Rounder that put him firmly on the Americana map. His strong, yearning voice, powerful lyrics and sharp melodies combined to yield one of the finest releases of 2023 in his genre. Don’t miss opener Baiman whose impressive Common Nation of Sorrow is an under-the-radar singer/songwriter highlight of 2023 mixing brainy folk with sprightly, springy pop.
$17-20. 7:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Randall Bramblett, Eddie’s Attic — Multi-instrumentalist (reeds, guitar, keyboards) Bramblett is no stranger to Eddie’s or the Atlanta roots scene. His distinctive combination of pensive, artsy, yet unpretentious roots rock with blues/jazz influences and grainy everyman voice sounds like nothing else. And with a bulging solo catalog of a dozen albums, he can alter sets nightly without compromising the quality of his always engaging shows. He will likely play a few songs from Bettye LaVette’s Grammy nominated album of his covers.
$18. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Tues., Dec. 5
Joan Osborne, Center Stage — As a seven time Grammy nominee who has worked in pop, soul, country, blues-rock, folk, and singer/songwriter genres, along with providing backing vocals as a member of the Grateful Dead’s road band for a stretch, Joan Osborne has the catalog, chops and stage presence gained through over a quarter century of performing to deliver a powerful show. She tours behind a recent personal and politically-charged album Trouble and Strife.
$35-60+. 8:00 p.m. Center Stage, 1374 West Peachtree St., Marietta, 30309.404-885-1365.centerstage-atlanta.com
Wed., Dec. 6
Mike & the Moonpies, The Loft — Despite the jokey name, smooth voiced Mike Harmeier and his Austin based buddies play sweet, chiming country pop, heavy on the former with a serious dose of honky-tonk. Check out their latest concert release Live from Devil’s Backbone for a 90 minute example of what to expect. With eight albums of material, there will be plenty of songs to choose from. And you’re sure to hear 2019’s rousing hit You Look Good in Neon to sing along with.
$20-26+. 8:00 p.m. The Loft, 1374 West Peachtree St., Marietta, 30309.404-885-1365. centerstage-atlanta.com
Thurs., Dec. 7
49 Winchester, Carter Faith, Variety Playhouse — These Virginia based country rockers keep their sound bluesy enough to not overly push far into hard rock while remaining organic and tough. They had toured for a decade before finally finding a larger audience with last year’s Fortune Favors the Bold where their tuneful melodies meshed with just enough twang for country playlists.
$25.00. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Dom Flemons, Eddie’s Attic — The ex-Carolina Chocolate Drop member is an American Songster (his words) multi-instrumentalist, dipping into the dusty archives of long forgotten folk music and reviving it with spirited energy for a new generation. He typically plays arcane musical devices for that purpose but once he picks up the banjo, it’s lights out as he attacks that instrument with eye-bugging proficiency and speed. It’s a terrific show, educational, entertaining and enthusiastic.
$26.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Dec. 8
The Hi-Jivers, Skyler Saufley, Smith’s Olde Bar — Fronted by the searing vocals of tattooed singer Dawna Zahn and her husband/guitarist Austin John, this Nashville based quartet mixes greasy rockabilly with retro country and gutbucket blues for a show that’s explosive and fun. If the Star Bar were still booking ‘90s edgy twang, they’d be a natural. It’s upbeat, frantic stuff (gotta love that doghouse bass) featuring originals as cool as the covers.
$12-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Ariel Posen, Brittany Kennell, Eddie’s Attic — Americana artist Posen is equally accomplished as a solo instrumental guitar stylist as he is a singer/songwriter with a warm inviting voice and has released albums in both genres. He will likely feature the latter on this evening since his newest release, Reason’s Why showcases that side of his talents. But even in that guise, his six-string work shines. Ex-The Voice contestant Kennell opens with her powerful, soulful vocals and roots-oriented music. — Hal Horowitz
$20. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., Dec. 10
Atlanta Blues Society Holiday Party, Dorothy C. Benson Senior Center — The ABS’ annual holiday party is always a highlight of their monthly meetings, with music provided by the winners of the Atlanta Blues Challenge. This year’s top honors in the “band” category go to The David Pippen Group. Celebrate the season with other blues lovers, lots of food and great music.
$free to members/$15 non-members. 3:00 p.m. Dorothy C. Benson Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Dr., Sandy Springs, 30328. 404-693-4900. atlantabluessociety.org
Mon., Dec. 11
Jon Spencer, Token Hearts, The EARL — The irrepressible Spencer has been cranking out his noisy, often experimental combination of psychedelic blues, garage and hard rock since forming Pussy Galore in 1985. From then on it has fronted a dizzying array of bands like his Blues Explosion and Boss Hog, most of them hewing to some version of his oblique, generally dark vision. Who is on this current tour is unclear, his recent outfit was dubbed The Hitmakers, but be assured it’ll be loud, tough and uncompromising.
$20. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Tues., Dec. 12
Raul Malo, City Winery — It’s the “Raul Malo Holiday Tour” as Mr. Mavericks unleashes his sumptuous Orbison/Elvis baritone croon on Christmas classics and obscurities. He is solo tonight which means he can choose freely from his vast catalog and knowledge of Latino, country, Americana and rockabilly fare, most if not all, in the Yuletide spirit.
$43-58. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
Tues., Dec. 12 — Wed. Dec. 13
Mike Cooley, Eddie’s Attic — Solo gigs from either of Drive-By Truckers’ frontmen/singer/songwriters are enlightening and entertaining affairs. Co-founder Mike Cooley gets to lower the volume and excavate obscurities from DBT’s thick catalog, as he goes the “stories and songs” route, providing context to the material which isn’t possible in the noisier arena shows in which you usually find his full-time band. He might even throw in some Christmas material, although laced with typically dark Southern twists.
$39.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thurs., Dec. 14
Wyatt Flores, Kaitlyn Killian, Terminal West — Young (22 year old) country singer Flores’ move from Stillwater, Oklahoma to Nashville proved to be a smart one. He has already opened for 49 Winchester and his organic songs follow in a heartfelt Jason Isbell-style. Considering he hasn’t released a full album yet, this seems to be a large venue, but his music has racked up millions of streams, so maybe his local fans will fill the space. He’s certainly on the way up and has plenty to prove, which is always the right time to catch newcomers.
$20-25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Thurs., Dec. 14 — Sat. Dec. 16
A Charlie Brown Christmas with Jeffrey Butzer & TT Mahony, The Frigidaires, The EARL — Everyone’s favorite eclectic, artsy, and offbeat holiday show returns as the unpredictable Jeffrey Butzer and pianist TT Mahony jingle and jangle their jazzy way through this titular seasonal classic with visuals and props. Guests typically enhance the joyous mood! The Frigidaires, the surf/garage openers, deliver songs from The Ventures’ Christmas Album and other guitar centric holiday favorites, to ensure a terrific time while contributing to one of Atlanta’s most enjoyable mid-December traditions.
$23-25. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Fri., Dec. 15
The Vegabonds, Kobanova, Terminal West — After years of struggling and touring without much acclaim, Nashville by way of Alabama’s country rocking The Vegabonds finally made inroads to success with their hard edged twanging on their fourth release, 2021’s Sinners and Saints. The quintet’s songs ring out with tough authority and arena ready sing-along choruses. They will surely play “Georgia Fire,” about the Georgia Theater in Athens burning down in 2009 .
$20-25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
The Hot Toddies, Canyonland, Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry — Get a double dose of Michelle Malone for the price of one. Malone opens the night with Canyonland, her band that takes listeners down the retro road of ‘70s West Coast hits from the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, Fleetwood Mac, and others. She then fronts her Hot Toddies for a set of swinging, jazz and torch Christmas fare. It makes a cool combination — and you’re guaranteed a great night of songs which you already know and probably love.
$30-39. 8:00 p.m. Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main Street, Duluth, 30096. 404-478-2749. eddieowenpresents.com
Sat., Dec. 16
Tab Benoit, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Variety Playhouse — Louisiana guitar hotshot Benoit pummels out sizzling, bluesy (and loud) licks on his trusty Telecaster with machine gun velocity. He hasn’t released many albums recently, although he’s seldom off the road. His chops, and volume are room-shaking. The legendary openers bring some New Orleans horn funk to the evening. When the two combine for a closing jam, it’s time to strap in.
$34.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Sun., Dec. 17
Holiday Hootenanny, Variety Playhouse — This is HH number 12 and each year TDAWG’s rootsy jam attracts more guests for what is a rehearsal free evening where, like the shows of its spiritual godfather, Col. Bruce Hampton, anything can happen. Longtime participant Jim Lauderdale will be on hand, along with veteran bassist Kevin Scott and the energized folk-rocking Ain’t Sisters. No one leaves these annual shindigs without promising to return.
$35-45. 7:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Steve Miller Band, Samantha Fish Band, Fox Theater — As classic rocker Miller has stated, he needs to play the same dozen hits every night, but then intersperses them with deep tracks, covers and blues classics from his 55 year (!) career. His band is always amazing, and, at 80 years of age, Miller remains in great voice and still gives fans what they want! Blues rocker Fish makes a terrific opener for a solid show of guitar-heavy, melodic rocking.
$49.00-125.00+. 7 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org
Rebecca Loebe, Crys Matthews, Flamy Grant, Eddie’s Attic — This eclectic lineup features three exceptional singer/songwriters led by Rebecca Loebe, a former Atlanta resident who now calls Austin home. Matthews’ material is heavy on socio-political issues, and Grant’s drag queen persona mixes comedy with serious music. Each will play separate sets then likely join for some songs, some of which may skewer Christmas,but in a humorous way.
$26.50. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Dec. 22
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, The Eastern — Skaggs is a bluegrass legend and has been since his teens (he’s pushing 70 now), so you know you’re getting some of the top playing in the genre when he hits the stage. The crossover success of Billy Strings has focused attention on some of the veterans of this field and Skaggs, with dozens of albums over the course of his five decade career, is definitely one of them. Pay respects to the master and be ready for some of the fastest picking of Christmas songs you’ll ever experience.
$37.50. 6:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
The Spinners, The Eastern — It took a few decades, but The Spinners have finally been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, prompting this tour, though with none of the original members aboard (most have passed away). The vocal group created such memorable ‘70s Philly Soul gems as “I’ll Be Around,” “One of a Kind Love Affair” and other soulful classics, too many to mention here. Essentially, you’ll be seeing a quality, officially-sponsored, cover band singing the hits.
$45.00. 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
Thurs., Dec. 28
Sonny Landreth, Eddie’s Attic — This solo performance from veteran Louisiana slide guitarist Landreth provides a rare chance to check out his tunings, fingering, and overall style that remains riveting and distinctive. He has plenty of great songs in his catalog, but will likely play a few penned by John Hiatt (Landreth remains a longtime if lately occasional sideman) too. He’s a wonderful raconteur and totally class act which makes this a uniquely intimate experience.
$35. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
King Johnson, Alanna Royale, Capitol Theater, Macon — As if Oliver Wood wasn’t busy enough touring the country with The Wood Brothers, he takes time out to re-form his legendary ‘90s outfit, King Johnson. Well, at least for one date. The horn propelled blues/world/funk unit’s music never goes out of style and its likely at least a few carloads of fans from the band’s Northside Tavern days will make the trip for this rare performance. Soul diva Alanna Royale opens with songs from her funky new Trouble Is release.
$25-55. 8 p.m. Capitol Theater Macon, 382 Second St., Macon, 31201. 478-257-6391. capitoltheatremacon.com
Sat., Dec. 30
Mother’s Finest, Eddie’s Attic — The Atlanta based, soul/funk/hard rockers have been banging around, albeit intermittently, since 1970. Unlike many of their peers from that era, the current lineup features three original members, including searing vocalist Joyce “Baby Jean” Kennedy, without whom it really wouldn’t be the same. They have been playing consistently recently and their chops remain tough and fine-tuned. And Kennedy can still belt ‘em out, just like in the old days. Too bad there is limited dancing at Eddie’s, it’s impossible to stay seated for one of their high energy gigs.
$46.17. Two shows, 7 and 9:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve
Michelle Malone, Eddie’s Attic — It’s a New Year’s Eve tradition for Atlanta’s soulful Malone to ring out the old and ring in the new at the Attic. This evening’s shows feature her in a duo lineup for the early gig then joined by a full band, with opener Sarah Peacock (alone worth the price of admission) for the later (ie, watch the clock tick down) performance (separate admissions unless you buy a combo ticket). In either format, it’s a great way to spend a special night.
$56.18-89.56. 8 and 10 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Please send upcoming blues events to consider for CL’s Blues & Beyond concert calendar to hal.horowitz@creativeloafing.com.