BLUES & BEYOND: ‘All female, all fun’
Blue Velvet Atlanta don’t need no stinkin’ guys
The history of women in blues extends from Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, and Etta James to Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, and currently Samantha Fish and Danielle Nicole, plus many others who are just as talented.
Locally, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Francine Reed, Donna Hopkins, Sandra Hall, Lola Gulley, Diane Durrett and, of course, Michelle Malone have kept the female flame burning in Atlanta’s ITP blues scene for decades. More recently, Marietta-born blues rockers Larkin Poe have also helped break open the genre for women. At the same time, The Atlanta Blues Society has done its part, holding the annual Women in Blues event, coordinated by Durrett, for the past few years, pandemic times excluded.
But a new band, Blue Velvet Atlanta, is different.
While nearly all of those aforementioned names lead groups that included male musicians, BVA is comprised entirely of women. They are: Hurricane Red (vocals), Kathie Holmes (keyboards/flute), Johanna Millin (guitar), Dianne DaLee (bass) and Sandra Senn (drums).
It’s a logical, though somewhat unexplored concept for Atlanta or any other major city. All are veteran roots players who are also members of other working Atlanta-based groups. But BVA is starting to pick up steam, helped, in part, by a rousing set at 2022’s Blues Stotts event.
The multi-racial band formed rather inorganically, though. In 2020, Atlanta Blues Society’s co-presidents George Klein and Carlin Smith, along with Blind Willie’s manager Spike, planted the idea of an all-women, blues band concept after the success of the annual Women in Blues shows. Drummer Senn was instrumental in bringing the other members on board, but it took until May, 2022, for the current lineup to coalesce. They describe their sound as “a broad spectrum of blues influenced music” with strong nods to a New Orleans-inspired gumbo of jazz/soul/funk, with even a little rock ’n’ roll. With three part harmonies, a flutist (!), and a smattering of original tunes mixed with crowd pleasing covers, BVA keeps the energetic party vibe flowing. They tacked on the “Atlanta” suffix to distinguish themselves from the many other Blue Velvet-named entities found on the web.
The band hasn’t released an album yet, but those interested can catch some videos on both their website and YouTube page (“all female all fun” is their motto). Still, it’s seeing them perform live where the action is. At press time, they had wrapped up a set at Bill Sheffield’s fund raiser and have one February gig booked, along with a few April dates scheduled. Check the BVA web page for updates on their shows. And, remember to support local, independent blues musicians like those in Blue Velvet Atlanta who love the music and its ability to bring people together.
Blue Velvet Atlanta:
Feb. 8 — Vibes, $Free. Time: TBA. 4469 Glenwood Road, Suite 1, Decatur, 30032. (404) 288-8423. facebook.com/VibesNightClub
Feb. 24 — Napoleon’s, 9:30-11:15 p.m., 2836 Lavista Rd, Decatur, 30033. (404) 321-5000. napoleonsgrill.com
Feb. 25 — $Free. 8:30 p.m. The Olde Courthouse Tavern, 105 Glynn St. South, Fayetteville, GA, 30214. oldcourthousetavern.netwaiter.com/fayetteville/about
You and your valentine will enjoy at least a few, and hopefully more, Blues & Beyond events scheduled for February.
Wed., Feb. 1
Crystal Bowersox, Eddie’s Attic — The tough, rootsy singer never was cut out for the searing American Idol spotlight, even when she landed as runner up on that show in 2009. It all seems like ancient history now, though, as Bowersox has continued writing originals and performing her bluesy rock ’n’ roll, now as somewhat of a veteran with over a decade of touring under her belt. She moved to a more folk/country vibe on 2022’s Hitchhiker, a terrific album that never caught the Americana zeitgeist. She will likely feature it tonight.
$25. 7:30 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thu., Feb. 2
Parker Gispert, Eddie’s Attic (early show) — The Whigs haven’t officially disbanded, but frontman and co-founder Gispert has now released two fine solo albums, perhaps in anticipation of the band calling it quits; the band hasn’t released anything new since 2014. Regardless, both of Gispert’s discs have him crafting melodic Americana with pop hooks, lots of memorable, sometimes dreamy, strummy melodies and even some raw guitar solos, somewhat similar to Luna but distinct from harder rocking approach of The Whigs.
$15. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Feb. 3
John McCutcheon, Eddie’s Attic (early show) — With a catalog of 41 (!) albums — including a clutch of popular children’s discs — six of which have garnered Grammy nominations, Georgia based folkie/multi-instrumentalist McCutcheon has no shortage of tunes to dip into during his frequent visits to this venue. This time around, he’s certain to feature material from 2022’s superb Leap!, an album filled with wonderful examples of his mellifluous voice and sensitive, often introspective, and occasionally dryly humorous tunes (“Song When You Are Dead”).
$28. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thee Sacred Souls, Variety Playhouse — There aren’t many things you can depend on these days, but if an album is on the Daptone label, it’ll be retro gold. West Coast vocal outfit Thee Sacred Souls have only released one album, 2022’s self-titled debut, but it’s a keeper, mixing sumptuous Impressions/Temptations styled harmonies with sweet and sure, sacred soul that’ll melt your heart. Classy and cool.
$22-39.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, State Farm Arena — Sure, the tix are crazy expensive — and those astronomical prices may have tarnished The Boss’ “man of the people” vibe —but hey, he’s now a living legend. His first tour with the E Street Band in six years, who knows, it just may be his last. Unlike others in his age group still touring — although not of the same iconic status — Springsteen never phones it in. In other words, it may be worth the money. It will definitely be an event.
$235-???. 7:30 p.m. State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr. Atlanta, 30303. 404-878-3000. statefarmarena.com
Sat., Feb. 4
Randall Bramblett Band, Eddie’s Attic — He plays Atlanta often, but this intimate venue will be rocking when the evocative singer/songwriter brings along a horn section to augment his already taut band. You will likely hear songs he doesn’t play often. He always delivers live; this looks to be a particularly special evening.
$18. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, Symphony Hall — Billed as the ‘Trouble Is…25th Anniversary Tour’, Shepherd promises to play his now classic 1997 album in its entirety, plus another batch of hits. Regardless of what you think of his blues bona fides, he is a scorching roots rocker, tears it up live, and a closing jam with longtime friend Fish is awfully enticing, even if you just saw him at Center Stage a few months ago.
$43-100. 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30309. 404-733-4900. aso.org
Sun., Feb. 5
The Wailin’ Jennys, City Winery — The Canadian vocal trio has been at it for 20 years, singing stripped down folk, amiable gospel, and languid pop — with sugary harmonies that will melt the coldest of hearts. Oddly, despite their name, country is not a major aspect in their mix. It has been six years since their last album. Hopefully, there is new material to introduce during these two sold out shows.
$ Sold out. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE., Atlanta, 30308.404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Mon., Feb. 6
Squirrel Nut Zippers, City Winery — The irrepressible Jimbo Mathus reconvenes his sprawling Zippers for one of their occasional reunion shows. The horn infused mix of New Orleans jazz, big band and pre-War swing was an anomaly when it first appeared in the mid-‘90s, nothing has changed since. It’s a frisky, often frantic sound whose appeal hasn’t waned due to the talents of the Zippers’ musicians and Mathus’ clear enjoyment at finally making a few bucks in his bumpy career. It’s well deserved.
$32-45. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE., Atlanta, 30308.404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Eric Johanson, Smith’s Olde Bar — Louisiana born and bred guitarist Johanson got a major lift when Tab Benoit signed him to his label and produced 2017’s Burn It Down. He shifts from heavy, riff-based hard rock to a more swampy and edgy feel steeped in his home state’s sound, sings with a youthful vigor, and writes killer hooks. Catch him on the way up.
$10-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sob.com
Wed., Feb. 8
Dave Mason, City Winery — Wait, wasn’t he just here last month? Yep, now he’s back, giving you a second chance if you missed him the first time. Mason was only a member of Traffic for a short while, but the songs he contributed to that ‘60s folk/jazz/pop outfit, like the evergreen “Feelin’ Alright,” keep his name alive when slicker, solo hits such as “We Disagree” no longer resonate. He’s a powerful singer and an underrated lead guitarist. If he produced nothing other than his work with Traffic — or his still fresh solo 1970 debut Alone Together (which he recently rerecorded) — his legacy in classic rock would be cemented.
$70-85. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE., Atlanta, 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Fri., Feb. 10
John Mellencamp, Fox Theatre — It has been a while since anyone could name a new Mellencamp album, and even longer since he has released a song that might be considered a hit. That doesn’t bother the mid-Western born Americana rocker whose voice has deteriorated to a rasp that makes Tom Waits sound like Michael Bublé. He’ll probably throw in some older ditties, like the ones that first garnered him success, but also expect music from 2022’s rough, yet well reviewed Strictly a One-Eyed Jack. It’s his finest and rawest work in some time and includes three duets with the philosophically and musically-aligned Bruce Springsteen, who won’t be there.
$49.50-139.50. 8:00 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., Atlanta, 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheatre.org
Sat., Feb. 11
G. Love & Special Sauce, Donovan Frankenreiter, Nat Myers, Variety Playhouse — This enticing bill combines two eclectic musicians who shift genres effortlessly but appeal to a similar audience. G. Love has been ladling out his combination of Philly soul, hip hop, and blues for a quarter century and no one still sounds anything like him. Frankenreiter’s bluesy funk, folk and soulful rock is similarly diverse. The combination makes for some tantalizing jamming possibilities.—Hal Horowitz
$33.50-48. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Ray Bonneville, Red Clay Theater — Journeyman singer/songwriter Bonneville has been around. Born in Quebec, the Vietnam War vet lived in Boston, Colorado, Alaska, and Paris, picking up many musical influences along the way. But it was a six year stay in New Orleans that most impacted his darker, swamp-infused songs and approach. Not surprisingly, he has plenty of stories to tell since turning professional in 1992, and the combination of those tales with his often laconic, groove-laced music will make for an enthralling evening.
$25. 8:00 p.m. Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. eddieowenpresents.com
Sarah Potenza, Eddie’s Attic — They better not shut the doors at Eddie’s tonight because the bellowing voice of The Voice contestant Potenza will blow them off their hinges. Her husky pipes wrap themselves around covers and some originals with bear hug intensity and when she lays into gospel inflected soul, you better hang onto your seat. Powerful and compelling stuff.
$25. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
George Shingleton, Smith’s Olde Bar — Shingleton’s taking a “Greyhound to Georgia,” as the title of his hit song promises, and that’s not far from the Nashville neighborhood the gritty voiced country singer calls home. He rides in promoting 2019’s outlawish debut and a similarly-styled 2021 E.P., both of which have multiple songs about drinking, specifically whisky, which he clearly has an affinity to.
$10-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sob.com
Mavis Staples, Lamont Landers Band, Rialto Center for the Arts — Living legends don’t come any more iconic than gospel/soul veteran Staples. She has been active since the late ‘50s but now, at 83, her voice remains as powerful as her oversized personality and sheer joy of performing. Better yet, she’s still releasing new music — see 2019’s Ben Harper produced We Get By — that’s rooted in her spiritually and socio-politically motivated past.
$50.15-120. 8:00 p.m. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St.. NW, 30303. 404-413-9849. rialto.gsu.edu
Tue., Feb. 14
Jesse Dayton, Smith’s Olde Bar — Texas native Dayton’s career has taken him all over the stylistic roots map. From country, swing, and rockabilly to garage and even punk rock (he was a temporary guitarist for X), Dayton has flown the flag for tough, non-commercial American music — yet he doesn’t have a lot to show for it. A collaboration with blues rocker Samantha Fish is on the horizon, but he’ll be solo this Valentine’s Day, slinging out a smorgasbord of ragged, rugged twang, and maybe even a love song for all the roots loving couples.
$10-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sob.com
Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Symphony Hall — What better way to spend Valentine’s Day evening than with another loving couple, this one talented enough to fill a large, stately venue. Both are well known solo acts; Ellie as a popular Christian artist and Drew, the longtime frontman for the pop rocking Neighbors. It should be an inspirational show with lots of amorous vibes onstage and off.
$35-159. 8:00 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., 30309. 404-733-4900. aso.org
Wed., Feb. 15
Selwyn Birchwood, City Winery — You can depend on any Alligator label blues artist to have the chops, songs and stage presence to deliver a rollicking, fiery set. Birchwood is no exception. Fluent on lap steel as well as guitar, his band also includes a baritone saxist who provides cool counterpoint horn lines. A frequent Blind Willie’s visitor, the Florida bred Birchwood has established himself as a local favorite, delivering sweat soaked blues rocking with dollops of tough funk.
$20-30. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Fri., Feb. 17
The Mavericks, Variety Playhouse — When The Mavericks first appeared in the early ‘90s their mix of country with Latin and pop influences seemed unlikely to connect. Thirty years later they are bigger and better than ever, with a dozen great albums to their name, and a reputation for delivering energetic shows somewhere between parties and celebrations of a multi-cultural Americana sound they popularized. And in Raul Malo they have one of the finest, most emotional and booming vocalists since Roy Orbison.
$39.50-59.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Fri., Feb. 17
Scott Mulvahill, Ben Solee, Eddie’s Attic — There aren’t many frontmen stand-up bassists (Mulvahill) and even less seated cello players (Solee), but that’s only part of the reason to catch these two Americana singer/songwriters. Both blur the lines between jazz, folk, and even pop, while writing terrific originals that highlight their instrumental diversity and vocal prowess. It’s guaranteed to be a unique and mesmerizing show, especially if they share the stage.
$25. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., Feb. 18
Drivin N Cryin, The Bad Ends, Variety Playhouse — The Kevn Kinney-led collective, intermittently active since 1986, has found renewed energy and respect lately. The band’s most recent 2019 set, Live the Love Beautiful, and frontman Kinney’s new solo album, Think About It, show both the band’s — and Kinney’s — spirit in fine form, sounding like the journeymen they are. Arrive early to catch the Athens-based openers featuring Five Eight’s longtime frontman Mike Mantione and REM’s Bill Berry as they introduce tunes from their new debut.
$25.00-39.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Eddie’s Attic — Veteran dobro player Ickes has recorded as a solo artist since the late ‘90s. But after his collaboration with guitarist Trey Hensley, starting in 2015, he found a partner equal to his amazing proficiency on the instrument, both technically and musically. The duo has released a handful of albums, all impressive, but live is when these guys will blow you away. And their Grateful Dead covers are amazing.
$15. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., Feb. 19
Atlanta Blues Society Monthly Meet, Blind Willie‘s — Catch The Sweet and Salty Blues Band, hob nob with other blues lovers and meet new friends at ABS’ monthly get together, back at their home base.
$free. 3:00 p.m. Blind Willie’s, 828 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306. 404-873-2583. blindwilliesblues.com
Tue., Feb. 21
Matt Anderson, Mariel Buckley, Eddie’s Attic — Strap in and hold on as Anderson’s husky, compelling, soulful pipes fill the intimate confines of Eddie’s. The Canadian singer/songwriter is blues based but has shifted to a more singer/songwriter and church based approach on 2022’s acoustic House to House. Be sure to request his brilliant version of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready.” Critically acclaimed opener Buckley’s country tinged songs, especially on her most recent album, have made her an up and coming artist to watch. An exciting double bill.
$16. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thu., Feb.23
Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, The EARL — Portland’s best retro country/rockabilly band has been touring their crunchy swing for over a decade. Jenny’s vocals sound like Debbie Harry with a twangy twist and the band packs a Blasters meets Jason and the Scorchers punch… with added reverb. Get gone kids.
$15. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Tommy Prine, Eddie’s Attic — Look no further than the last name to know that this artist has been mentored by one of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation. John Prine’s son doesn’t have an album ye; this is a good way to hear his own music and, of course, covers of his famous dad’s tunes.
$15. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Brit Taylor, Eddie’s Attic — This Kentucky-bred country singer will feature tracks from her recently released second album, appropriately titled Kentucky Blue. It’s a rowdy mix of traditional sounds with a harder delivery, not quite rock yet slanted towards a tougher twang. She has toured with Dwight Yoakam and opened for Blackberry Smoke, but with her sweet voice (check out her cover of Del Shannon’s “I Go to Pieces”) and swaggering originals, she’s ready for the big time.
$15. 9:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Feb. 24
Warren Zeiders, Variety Playhouse — This young Pennsylvania country artist hit it big when his “Ride the Lightning” became a surprise viral internet hit. His cool, committed, gruff voice makes him seem older and wiser than his years would suggest. Still, with just one album of originals, it seems awfully early in his still nascent career to play a hall this spacious.
$22-45. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Blue Velvet Atlanta, Napoleon’s — See article above.
9:30-11:15 p.m., Napoleon’s, 2836 Lavista Rd, Decatur, 30033. (404) 321-5000. napoleonsgrill.com
49 Winchester, Colby Acuff, The EARL — Isaac Gibson, frontman/singer/songwriter for 49 Winchester, has been crafting subtle, often glistening country with slight rock and pop accents since the band’s 2014 debut. The sextet finally got picked up by respected indie New West for 2022’s fourth album, Fortune Favors the Bold, turning in their finest, and edgiest, set yet. Opening honky tonker Acuff makes for a great double bill.
$18-22. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Ron Sexsmith, Eddie’s Attic — The Canadian folk/pop legend has written songs covered by a wide variety of Americana artists such as k.d.lang and Emmylou Harris, has received kudos from Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney, and, amassed a thick catalog bursting with wonderfully idiosyncratic tunes that float on melodies which his boyish voice embraces. To see him in this smaller venue is a rare treat.
$30. 7:00 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., Feb. 25
Amy Ray Band, Kevn Kinney, Variety Playhouse — Indigo Girl Ray has had a thriving solo career separate from her main project for decades. Tonight she features her newest set, 2022’s If It All Goes South, another collection of sweeping, bucolic tunes influenced by red clay tinged soul, gospel and country that wouldn’t necessarily fit with the Indigo’s folk rock. South may be her finest solo release yet — and playing to an adoring audience of friends and supporters ups her game. Maybe opener and peer Kinney will join for a few tunes too.
$26.50-39.50. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Blue Velvet Atlanta, Olde Courthouse Tavern — See article above.
Free. 8:30 p.m. Olde Courthouse Tavern, 105 Glynn St. S. Fayetteville, GA. 30214. 678-489-3888. oldecourthousetavern.com
Mon., Feb. 27
Anders Osborne, Jonathan Sloane, City Winery — Louisiana-based Osborne is known for his raging electric guitar work, but on this solo date he goes acoustic. That means he will feature music from 2021’s similarly unplugged Orpheus and the Mermaids and 2019’s ballad-oriented Buddha and the Blues. With an emphasis on his voice and lyrics this suggests a warm performance displaying a different, more intimate side of Osborne’s songwriting talents.
$33.00-45.00. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, citywinery.com/Atlanta
Please send upcoming blues events to consider for CL’s Blues & Beyond concert calendar to hal.horowitz@creativeloafing.com.