Local Music News June 29 2005

Bob's Attic? Todd Van Sickle, owner of Eddie's Attic in Decatur for the past three years, sold the club last week to local music scene supporter and former retail executive Bob Ephlin. A loyal Attic customer for years, Ephlin assumes this new role after stints with Ross Stores, Wolf Camera, the American Retail Group, and Deloitte & Touche. Like Van Sickle, who is married to Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles, Ephlin also has a connection to that red-hot country band. He co-owned the Projector Room, a rehearsal space and recording studio, with Kristian Bush, Sugarland's overly effusive mandolin player and singer. Ephlin says he plans to continue the Attic's rep as an acoustic listening room and showcase for the performing songwriter. "We're appreciative of Todd's leadership these past three years, support during this transition, and wish him well in his new endeavors," he says diplomatically. Well-wishers and gig-huntin' musicians can reach the new owner at 404-377-4976, ext. 0, or bob@eddiesattic.com.

Atlanta gives Ellis the bird - the Phoenix, that is! Atlanta blues-rocker Tinsley Ellis received the Phoenix Award from the city of Atlanta during his show at the Variety Playhouse last Saturday. Camille Love, Atlanta's executive director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presented the award - the highest and most prestigious offered by the city - during Tinsley's performance. He recently released a live CD, Live - Highwayman, on Chicago's Alligator Records. Congrats, Tinsley.