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Blues Music in Atlanta

• The GA KIND fest
• About the Blues Scene in Atlanta
• Critic’s Picks for Upcoming Blues Shows
• Upcoming Blues Concerts in Atlanta
• Blues Artists from Atlanta
• Venues Known for Blues Music
• Blues and Beyond by Hal Horowitz
• Explore More Atlanta Music Genres

THE CROSSROADS: The legend of Robert Johnson is strongly linked to this Clarksdale, MS intersection. PHOTO CREDIT: kirkikis - stock.adobe.com

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

Mudcat - The GA KIND fest

08/30/2025 8:00 PM

Avon Theater

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., Aug. 30

GA Kind Fest, Avon Theatre — It’s a local star-studded blues and...

—See Recommendation

Upcoming Blues Concerts in Atlanta

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

Barbosa at Fat Matt's

08/23/2025 7:00 PM

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

Best music in Atlanta!

—See Event

Frankie's Blues Mission at Blind Willie's

08/23/2025 9:00 PM

Blind Willie's

No description provided

—See Event

Nathalie Rose at Northside Tavern

08/23/2025 9:30 PM

Northside Tavern

Nathalie Rose began singing in church while in her mothers belly. When she turned three, Nathalie began playing violin and since that time she’s learn...

—See Event

Thunderbolt Grease Slappers at Blind Willie's

08/24/2025 6:30 PM

Blind Willie's

No description provided

—See Event

Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern

08/24/2025 9:30 PM

Northside Tavern

Uncle Sugar: Playing seriously tasty Blues and Americana. Original songs and selections from Johnny Cash to the Three Kings ( BB, Freddie, and Albert)...

—See Event

Northside Tavern Lola’s Jam at Northside Tavern

08/25/2025 9:30 PM

Northside Tavern

The Northside Monday night jam is dedicated to Lola Gully a dynamic blues and R&B singer/keyboard player and Atlanta Blues legend. Come on out...

—See Event

Blues Artists from Atlanta

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

Michelle Malone

No description provided

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

Delta Moon

A voice, a groove and two slide guitars.

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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 ...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

Brandon Reeves

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

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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-...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

Jackson & The Nightcaps

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

—See Band Bio

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...

—See Band Bio

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-...

—See Venue and Events

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...

—See Venue and Events

Darwin's Burgers and Blues

UPDATE: This business has been listed as Permanently Closed. The legendary bar attracts patrons with live music coming from fresh talent in the blues ...

—See Venue and Events

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

This tiny bar in a lovingly renovated old building in Downtown's Castleberry Hill boasts an authentic neighborhood vibe. Downstairs hosts a variety of...

—See Venue and Events

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 ...

—See Venue and Events

Gypsy Rose

No description provided

—See Venue and Events

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 ...

—See Venue and Events

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...

—See Venue and Events

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

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: Still laid back

09/03/2019 11:22 AM

Tommy Talton reflects on Gregg Allman’s classic album and tour

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: Where do we go from here?

06/03/2020 6:00 PM

Now everyone has the blues

—Read Article

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

—Read Article

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

12/07/2020 6:21 PM

Recapping the last 12 months of uncertainty

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: Born under a good sign

04/06/2021 11:54 AM

Recent National Heritage Fellow William Bell’s well never runs dry

—Read Article

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