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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

Atlanta Blues Society Gathering & Jam at Will Henry’s Tavern Rockbridge

07/19/2026 3:00 PM

Will Henry's Tavern

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sun., July 19
Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, Will Henry's Tavern, Stone...

—See Recommendation

Bob Dylan with Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughan at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park

07/31/2026 7:00 PM

Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park

CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., July 31
Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Jimmie Vaughan, Synovus Park...

—See Recommendation

Upcoming Blues Concerts in Atlanta

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

Scott Ellison at Fat Matt's

07/16/2026 7:00 PM

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

No description provided

—See Event

The Garret Collins Project at Blind Willie's

07/16/2026 8:30 PM

Blind Willie's

Live blues performance at Blind Willie's. 21+. Cash cover at the door. Kitchen currently closed; outside food is welcome.

—See Event

The Venus Kings at Northside Tavern

07/16/2026 10:00 PM

Northside Tavern

The Venus Kings are an Atlanta-based blues and soul group formed in 2023. The band features Brandon Bolton on guitar, Neal Wauchope on keys and bass, ...

—See Event

Scott Ellison at Fat Matt's

07/17/2026 7:00 PM

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

No description provided

—See Event

The Cazanovas at Blind Willie's

07/17/2026 9:00 PM

Blind Willie's

Live blues performance at Blind Willie's. 21+. Cash cover at the door. Kitchen currently closed; outside food is welcome.

—See Event

Stoney Brooks at Northside Tavern

07/17/2026 9:30 PM

Northside Tavern

No description provided

—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

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

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...

—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

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

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: Critic’s Picks for May, 2026

05/01/2026 4:00 AM

Hal Horowitz, covering the records, concerts, and personalities that keep the Blues alive.

—Read Article

CRITIC'S PICKS: Hal Horowitz recommends for December, 2025

12/01/2025 3:34 PM

Horowitz's passion for Americana, roots, and blues music has won him many prestigious awards for his insightful coverage of the genres in Atlanta and ...

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: How blue can you get?

06/01/2024 12:00 PM

Some of Atlanta’s finest new roots acts take the Norcross stage for this year’s Bluesberry & Beer Festival

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Blues & Beyond

06/01/2024 12:00 AM

Hal Horowitz offers an overview of blues, Americana, folk, and even some rock ’n’ roll coming to Atlanta bars and clubs.

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: Georgia on their minds

05/01/2024 6:24 PM

William Bell, Jontavious Willis, and Blackberry Smoke gain international respect with their Georgia-based soul, blues, and Southern

—Read Article

BLUES & BEYOND: Play blues, do good

04/01/2024 1:40 PM

BreezeFest exemplifies Carlos Capote’s generosity

—Read Article

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