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Blues Music in Atlanta

About the Blues Scene in Atlanta


Atlanta’s blues scene is as storied as the genre itself, rooted in raw emotion, rich traditions, and electrifying performances. From smoky clubs and local legends to national headliners and independent record shops, the blues continues to thrive across the city. Use this guide to catch upcoming shows, discover blues artists from Atlanta and beyond, and dive into “Blues and Beyond,” our long-running column by critic Hal Horowitz, covering the records, concerts, and personalities that keep the genre alive.

Critic’s Picks for Upcoming Blues Shows


See our list of all concert picks or the full list of CL critic's recommendations

Snarky Puppy

04/08/2026 8:00 PM
The Eastern

CRITIC'S PICK:
Wed. April 8
Snarky Puppy, The Nth Power, The Eastern - The don't-call-them-fusion...

Anthony Gomes

04/10/2026 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar

CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., April 10
Anthony Gomes, Smith's Olde Bar - Canadian blues rocker Gomes has...

Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials at Blind Willie's

04/10/2026 9:00 PM
Blind Willie's

CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., April 10
Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Blind Willie's - Ten years for one...

The Blues is Alright

04/11/2026 8:00 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sat., April 11
The Blues is Alright, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center - This 20...

Nick Moss at Blind Willie's

04/11/2026 9:00 PM
Blind Willie's

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sat., April 11
The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling, Blind Willie's - Ten...

Bluesberry and Beer Festival 2026

04/18/2026 3:00 PM
Betty Mauldin Park

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sat., April 18
Bluesberry and Beer Festival, Betty Mauldin Park/Norcross - Someone...

Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam April 2026

04/19/2026 3:00 PM
The Hunt House

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sun., April 19
Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, Hunt House/Marietta - The...

Upcoming Blues Concerts in Atlanta


See the full concert and live music listings on our Blues Music Events Calendar

Thunderbolt Grease Slappers at Blind Willie's

04/02/2026 8:30 PM
Blind Willie's
Live music at Blind Willie’s.

Sweet Melissa's Blues Review at the Hunt House

04/03/2026 7:30 PM
The Hunt House
Sweet Melissa's Blues Review returns for a blues and rock performance.

Frankie's Blues Mission at Blind Willie's

04/03/2026 9:00 PM
Blind Willie's
Live music at Blind Willie’s.

Frankie's Bread n' Butter at Northside Tavern

04/03/2026 9:30 PM
Northside Tavern
No description provided

The Cazanovas at Blind Willie's

04/04/2026 9:00 PM
Blind Willie's
Live music at Blind Willie’s.

Cody Matlock at Northside Tavern

04/04/2026 9:30 PM
Northside Tavern
No description provided

Blues Artists from Atlanta


For the full Atlanta directory, see the band and musician directory.

Michelle Malone

No description provided

Mudcat

A tremendous slide guitarist, and most of all a God-gifted entertainer. I have witnessed him light up packed houses at the Great American Music Hall i...

Albert White

Albert White, an Atlanta native, grew up playing behind his uncle, Piano Red, a legendary Rhythm & Blues powerhouse who had many hits including the so...

Alec James & the Blues Caravan

Alec James is a soulful blues guitarist rooted in the traditions of BB, Albert, and Freddie King, blended with jazz influences from Pat Martino and Ke...

All The Locals

ATL based (est 2012), All The Locals, are shaped and molded out of the very bricks that make up their southern metropolis. Soulful backbone, a rock n ...

Bill Sheffield

Bill Sheffield has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s blues scene for more than 50 years, blending acoustic Piedmont blues, folk, gospel and country into...

Brandon Reeves

Brandon Reeves is a Georgia based acoustic performer who uses original songs, story telling, fingerpicking guitar, foot tapping, and harmonica tooting...

Cash's Juke Joint

Cash’s Juke Joint, led by Angel “Cash” Ocasio Jr., is a dynamic band from Macon, Georgia, known for delivering high-energy performances that blend blu...

Cody Matlock

Cody Matlock is a soul, funk, and R&B singer-songwriter/guitarist based in Atlanta and on the road playing guitar for the legendary Stax Recor...

Mudcat & The Piedmont Playboys

Danny ‘Mudcat’ Dudeck is an internationally known gospel and bluesman continuing the traditions of the early blues pioneers while adding his own Mudca...

Nate Nelson

From the ashes of all the great musicians that have come out of Atlanta, Georgia comes Nathan Nelson. If you were to wander the clubs, bars and honky-...

Hank Bird and the Borderline Band

Hank Bird and The Borderline Band have been part of the Atlanta music scene for more than 20 years, performing a blend of rock, country, blues and R&a...

Halley Gray & The Medicine

Hayley Gray and The Medicine are a rock band based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for blending elements of rock, blues, country, and soul. With three sing...

Jackson & The Nightcaps

Jackson and the Nightcaps are the next big thing when it comes to Chicago and Jump blues.

Jontavious Willis

Jontavious Willis is a Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter dedicated to bringing new vitality to traditional blues. Raised in rural Georgia and s...

Liz Melendez Band

Liz Melendez is a lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter known for her dynamic live performances and wide-ranging style. Her guitar work, often comp...

Venues Known for Blues Music


For our full music venue directory see our list of music venues

Blind Willie's

A local blues, jazz, and roots institution that's been around for more than 25 years. The North Highland Avenue storefront, with its signature guitar-...

Cajun Blues Seafood Restaurant

Cajun Blues is just that! Great Cajun seafood and some of Atlanta's finest blues players all under one roof. Wednesday nights feature an open mic host...

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

Live blues and the love of good barbecue bring people from all over town to the small, boxy barbecue joint. An Atlanta landmark, Fat Matt's turns out ...

Northside Tavern

This legendary dive bar in West Midtown is Atlanta's home for live blues. The weekly lineup includes a Monday night jam and a regular Wednesday night ...

Red Light Cafe

The bohemian living room serves as the city's center of bluegrass and Americana. The venue hosts a variety of other musical performers as well, plus d...

Blues and Beyond by Hal Horowitz

Hal Horowitz's Blues and Beyond

BLUES & BEYOND: Darwin's evolution

02/05/2019 5:24 PM
Suburban blues and roots music fans get served, ABS raises donations

BLUES & BEYOND: Still laid back

09/03/2019 11:22 AM
Tommy Talton reflects on Gregg Allman’s classic album and tour

BLUES & BEYOND: Where do we go from here?

06/03/2020 6:00 PM
Now everyone has the blues

BLUES & BEYOND: Georgia songbird sings sweet Southern soul

06/30/2020 1:34 PM
EG Kight’s ‘Trio Sessions’ keeps her diverse sound lean, never mean

BLUES & BEYOND: 2020, the year everyone got the blues

12/07/2020 6:21 PM
Recapping the last 12 months of uncertainty

BLUES & BEYOND: Born under a good sign

04/06/2021 11:54 AM
Recent National Heritage Fellow William Bell’s well never runs dry

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