BLUES & BEYOND: It’s festival time!
Summer heats up live music events
For the blues power that Atlanta boasts — including clubs like Blind Willie’s, the Northside Tavern, and Fat Matt’s; along with four hours every weekday on WRFG-FM, and Friday nights on WABE-FM; not to mention the Atlanta Blues Society, an award winning, world class organization dedicated to keeping the music alive for the next generation — there is a conspicuous absence of a major festival in the city catering to the popular roots genre.
This has been a problem for years, and, for the foreseeable future, at least, it doesn’t seem it will be rectified. There is WRFG’s annual Labor Day Blues Barbecue, but that typically features local acts with maybe one national headliner. And, the Blind Willie McTell Blues Fest, held annually in Thomson, GA, recently rescheduled to the Fall. In terms of a larger event that might attract blues fans from around the country to the city, similar to the one in Tampa Bay (not exactly the blues burg of the South) does, such a festival in this city doesn’t exist.
Fortunately, there are other ways for you to get your mojo workin’ — with some of our outstanding homegrown talent scheduled to perform outdoors as the temperature rises.
First is the Bluesberry Blues & Beer Fest in Norcross, GA, June 24. Between the notable lineup of regional talent like Albert White, who recently featured on the cover of Living Blues (see below), The Cazanovas, and Frankie’s Blues Mission — and the chance to imbibe blueberry … well everything blueberry (shout out to blueberry beer) — this event should be on every roots music lover’s list. Admission is free, details below.
Another outdoor event, Tunes by the Tracks, kicks off its ninth year. While not a festival, this weekly show takes place in the municipal parking lot in Stone Mountain Village, where each week one Atlanta-based act performing their original material, is featured. The concert, which typically attracts upwards of 400 fans, is curated and booked by veteran musician and music biz icon Diane Durrett. “We look for music that brings the community together,” she writes. “…when we see people of all ages and races dancing and laughing together, we’ve hit the mark.” This year, the music starts in June, from 7-9 p.m. The first Friday is with Soulhound (6/2), followed by Heather Luttrell & the Possumden (6/9), Citizen Gold (6/16) and Cody Matlock (6/23). In July and August, the schedule is on hold due to the extreme summer heat, but return in September and October. All shows are free.
As mentioned above, this city’s own blues veteran, Albert White, graces the cover of the recent Living Blues magazine, with the words “Atlanta Legend” stamped under his name. White’s 50 years of professional work began with his playing with his uncle, Piano Red, in Red’s band Dr. Feelgood & the Interns. White hasn’t stopped since. He’s a familiar face at Atlanta’s blues hot spots, and you can usually catch him playing at least one night of the week, in town. One of Atlanta’s true blues troupers, catch him at the Bluesberry Blues & Beer Festival.
Bob Page, R.I.P.
Blues/boogie woogie pianist and one time Atlanta resident Bob Page passed away in April. He worked early on with The Shadows and other local musicians, even touring with the Georgia Satellites for a while. Page released a few cool albums combining soul, blues and his New Orleans styled piano work, singing with a voice similar to that of Mose Allison. Page was 69.
Skip the bad tie. Buy Dad a ticket to one of these recommended June shows — you might even go with him!.
Thur., June 1
Gabe Lee, Eddie’s Attic — Americana singer/songwriter Lee’s visibility got a major boost when he opened dates for Jason Isbell’s tour last year. His three albums display an ability to craft soulful folk with a voice that’s smooth and unaffected with hints of Jackson Browne’s sincerity. He will likely play most of 2022’s terrific The Hometown Kid and some songs from his forthcoming Drink the River both so impressive it’s probable this is the last chance you’ll get to see him in such an intimate space.
$15. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., June 2
Darrell Scott, Eddie’s Attic —This frequent Eddie’s visitor never fails to awe audiences with his instrumental abilities and affable between song patter. Many might know him as a hired hand to dozens of Americana artists, or, remember his work with Robert Plant in the Band of Joy. His 2020 collection of Hank Williams covers is another career highlight. But the fact that he has released two live sets in the past six years shows how potent he is on stage.
$30. 7 & 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Nickel Creek, Gaby Moreno, The Eastern — Considering that Nickel Creek used to play the Tabernacle before their extended hiatus, this show at the Eastern will likely sell out. The unexpected regrouping of the acoustic trio, some call them a supergroup, after nearly a decade apart was preceded with a new album, the 18 trackCelebrants. It pushes their music into inventive, almost prog territory at times and shows they are not simply rehashing their bluegrass-based hits to cash a check. It’s unclear how long they will remain together, it’s advisable to catch them before they return to their successful individual careers.
$49.50-79.50 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
Grand Funk Railroad, Wet Willie, Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre — They’re an American band, they’re coming to your town, and, as you know, and they’ll help you party down … but considering the popularity of Grand Funk Railroad in the ‘70s, the band never got much respect for a group that once sold out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles. You’re guaranteed to get the hits, plus some rocking album tracks, from the Mark Farner-less current aggregation. But the real treat here is the reformation of Wet Willie, the Capricorn act fronted by Jimmy Hall, who is sure to get keep the crowd smilin’.
$55 + 7:30 p.m. Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater., 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, 30269. 770-631-0630. amphitheater.org
Sat., June 3 - Sun., June 4
Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris, Eddie’s Attic — As the title of her eleventh album, Dark Enough to See the Stars, implies, singer/songwriter Gauthier’s lyrics generally portray the gloomier side of the Americana genre. The self-described ex-junkie and restaurant owner has racked up voluminous accolades for her unflinchingly honest songs about those on the fringes of society. The New Orleans born and bred musician has lived a colorful, often intense, life with much of it revealed in her moving songs.
$26. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., June 4
Pat Travers Band, City Winery — Although he never troubled the charts after his hit “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights),” Canadian boogie blues rocker kept cranking out credible if somewhat similar albums at a reliable pace for the some thirty-plus years. His most recent, last year’s The Art of Time Travel, keeps the faith with howling guitar solos and amps cranked to 11. It may not be cool or hip, but Travers delivers the no nonsense, sweaty, get-down, geetar slinging goods, and that’s just what his audience wants.
$40-25. 7:30 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
The Ladies Of…featuring James Hall, Smith’s Olde Bar — This relatively recent project continues the career of the irrepressible James Hall. Ex-Mary My Hope and The Pleasure Club, Hall has been active in the Atlanta rock scene, on and off, for decades, pounding out his trashy rock and roll like the trouper he is. This outfit has a new album, Coming Out of Our Tenderness, which features Hall doing some hip hop chanting backed by funky guitars. Hall is known for his live intensity making this definitely worth a look.
$12-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Chris Knight, Chance Stanley, Eddie’s Attic — Rough and tumble Kentucky troubadour Knight returns for a two night stand, bringing with him his Mellencamp/Springsteen/Earle/McMurtry-styled rugged tunes about those on the edges of society trying to make it through the week. He’s not as prolific as he used to be — his last album is now four years old — but these gutsy, heart-felt songs from the heartland and his gruff vocals are timeless — and always convincing.
$35-40. 8:15 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Mon., June 5
Chris Knight, Kevin Abernathy, Eddie’s Attic — Missed him last night — or want to go back for another dose? Rough and tumble Kentucky troubadour Knight closes out this two night stand, delivering his Mellencamp/Springsteen/Earle/McMurtry styled rugged tunes about those on the edges of society trying to make it through the week. He’s not as prolific as he used to be — his last album is now four years old — but these gutsy, heartland songs and his gruff vocals are timeless and always convincing.
$35-40. 7:30 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Valerie June, City Winery — Memphis born and bred, now Brooklyn based, June has a creaky voice, idiosyncratic folk roots songs, and enough wild, Medusa-styled braids to attract attention, which she has effectively done in the Americana genre. Her dreamy, atmospheric folk/soul/gospel style and girlish vocals connect by floating and hovering rather than going for the kill. This is a rare local appearance for the singer and the prefect venue for absorbing her subtle, laconic approach.
$52-40. 8 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791.citywinery.com/Atlanta
Tues., June 6
Fenne Lily & Christian Lee Hudson, Why Bonnie, Terminal West — More than one review of UK folkie Fenne Lily (now residing stateside) has compared her lush, billowy vocals to those of Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval. The assessment is apt, as Lily’s melancholy jazzy folk creates a similar pensive atmosphere that’s hypnotic and touching. Pop/folkie Hudson approaches his intimate tunes in a related fashion, but strips them down even further to just hushed vocals and spare guitar. It’s a cool, low-key, bill.
$18-20. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwest.com
Fri., June 9
The Revivalists, Rayland Baxter, Fox Theater — It took a while for these New Orleans-based pop/soul rockers to connect, but once they did, it was on to headlining larger venues like the Fox and Red Rocks. Their choruses ring out with lighter-waving abandon and lead singer David Shaw’s powerfully grainy vocals split the difference between Ray LaMontagne and Nathanial Rateliff, artists who also play to the back rows. If that’s your thing, these guys deliver on their just-released fifth album, Pour It Out Into the Night.
$84-28.50. 8 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org
Indigo Girls, Larkin Poe, Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park — It’s always a love-fest when the Indigo Girls play a major gig in their hometown. Their ringing folk rock, sumptuous harmonies, and sheer longevity make them near universally respected icons — at home and wherever they play — now with a full-length documentary to tell their 35 year story. It doesn’t matter that they don’t have a new album to promote, their existing catalog is deep, durable, and dependable. Arrive early for Nashville by way of Atlanta blues rockers Larkin Poe, who, hopefully, will join the headliners for a few rollicking tunes.
$21-78+. 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., 30327. 404-233-2227. livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEkAaA/cadence-bank-amphitheatre-at-chastain-park-events
Peter Karp Band, Eddie’s Attic — Blues rocker Karp seems to play Atlanta every other month. That’s fine. His exuberant roots music and terrific band, featuring ex-Delta Moon co-founder Mark Johnson, always delivers. Witty lyrics like the sing-along “I’m out on a limb and my baby’s got a chain saw” and Karp’s talents on acoustic and electric guitar push his blues-based music into almost, but not quite, pop territory, a place where Karp seems comfortable. He’s been at it a long time. The veteran status is clear as he owns the stage and explodes live. Highly recommended.
$15. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., June 10
Boz Scaggs, Keb’ Mo’, Fox Theater — This sympathetic ??double bill features two established artists, both blues-based, who have shifted to a smoother pop approach over the decades. To Scaggs’ credit, he sneaks the blues into every set — and his Out of the Blues from 2018 removes him from the slicker music that made him a suave ’70s star to a more subtle, roots style. Mo’ with his charming voice and unruffled soul, remains a consistent crowd pleaser.
$99.50-69.50. 8 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org
Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Jerry Harrison/Adrian Belew play “Remain In Light,” The Eastern — This impressive double bill finds the always unpredictable Les Claypool, with his twisted, psychedelic punk funk, reportedly playing Pink Floyd’s Animals in its entirety. Ex-Talking Head Harrison and augmenting Head Belew reignite the live excitement of Talking Head’s game-changing album, Remain in Light, with an incredible band. On their own, they are headliners in their own right; Atlanta gets a double dose with them joining Claypool’s madness. It promises to be quite a remarkable night.
$87.50-49.50 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
The Connells, Chessa Rich, Variety Playhouse — “Jangle pop” is a common, and accurate, description of The Connells’ North Carolina’s-based music. Their mid-‘80s to mid-’90s albums never connected on a scale larger than topping college radioplaylists, yet hardcore fans know they released a credible,exemplary, album in 2021 that played to their guitar-strumming melodic strengths. They have always been area favorites, which speaks to their ability to headline this venue without having many, or really any, hits. Regardless, they have a new live album, Set the Stage available. Opener Rich works a sweet, subtle, roots/pop groove.
$119-30. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Rebecca Loebe, Eddie’s Attic — It’s impossible to leave a Rebecca Loebe show without smiling. Her easygoing folk/pop/soul is fun and frothy, her voice is sweetly powerful, and she exudes an amiable, effervescent personality that’s irresistible. She used to live here. Expect plenty of her fans, friends and family members in the audience to welcome Loebe back to the stage where it all started.
$18. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Dave Hause, Eddie’s Attic — Philly-based Hause, once frontman to punk’s The Loved Ones, has worked the mid-Western rugged singer/songwriter genre since 2011’s solo debut. He supports a new album Drive It Like It’s Stolen, his sixth, which features more production, harder rocking, and a darker edge to songs with tough, ringing choruses like the should-be hit single “Hazard Lights.”
$20. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., June 11
Atlanta Blues Society Gathering & Jam, Bundo’s Music Shack — It’s Albert White, now a blues magazine cover star (see article), and Friends band hosting this month’s ABS meeting. That’s reason enough to meet ’n’ greet other friendly blues fans, some who may even participate in the closing jam.
$free. 3:00 p.m. Bundo’s Music Shack, 1291 Silver Hill Rd. Savoy Dr., Stone Mountain, 30087. atlantabluessociety.org
Wed., June 14
Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters, Madlife Stage & Studios — Let’s face it, movie star Thornton wouldn’t be able to charge this much for his music without folks wanting to see a full-fledged celebrity up close and personal in an intimate venue. That’s not to demean the cool, edgy, moody Americana he creates with Boxmasters, a band whose most recent release was over 15 years ago. And, you have to admire a guy who featured Col. Bruce Hampton in his breakout movie, Slingblade.
$49.50-89.50. 7:30 p.m. Madlife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St., Woodstock, 30188. 678-384-2363. madlifestageandstudios.com
Thur., June 15
Michelle Malone’s Canyonland, Madlife Stage & Studios — The non-stop powerhouse Michelle Malone returns for another evening of covers from the ‘70s Laurel Canyon scene. Sing along to the hits of Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, and plenty of others. Bonus! Be first to pick up her new live Canyonland CD, not streaming anywhere.
$29.50-24.50. 7:30 p.m. Madlife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St., Woodstock, 30188. 678-384-2363. madlifestageandstudios.com
Damon Fowler, Blind Willie’s — He’s back! Fowler is a frequent BW’s visitor and for good reason. He brings the swampy, Southern blues rock that the venue is best known for — and blows the place down. He’s touring behind a sizzling, new live album which will surely available at the merch stand.
$10. 9:00 p.m. Blind Willie’s, 828 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306. 404-873-2583. blindwilliesblues.com
Fri., June 16
Anderson East, Slow Parade, City Green Live — Alabama born East has been perfecting his blue-eyed soul since 2009 when he released music using his birth name Mike Anderson. Noted producer Dave Cobb took him under his wing and he has gradually advanced to a headliner of mid-level venues with a winning combination of smooth Philly International-styled R&B with a roots approach, some Bee Gees dance influences, and the ability to deliver knockout live shows. Outdoors, under the stars, this should be a great night. And the price is right.
$free. 7:30 p.m. City Green, 1 Golambos Way., Sandy Springs, 30328. 770-206-2022. citysprings.com/city-green/experience-city-green
James Taylor and His All-Star Band, State Farm Arena — Who doesn’t like James Taylor? Even though he hasn’t released any popular albums in decades, the 75 year old — who virtually defined the folk/pop singer/songwriter genre in the early ‘70s — still fills sports arenas with his cushy, Lazy-Boy® vocals and enough great catalog tunes that began with “Fire & Rain” for an audience of his generation to sing along with. His last album of originals was in 2015, 13 years after the previous one. That doesn’t matter when you have a songbook as thick and impressive as Taylor’s. With an amazing band supporting him, which includes a horn section propelled by drummer Steve Gadd, you’ll get your money’s worth.
$55-185. 8:00 p.m. State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr. Atlanta, GA. 30303. 404-878-3000. statefarmarena.com
Fri., June 16-Sat., June 17
Eddie 9V, Eddie’s Attic — While Atlanta’s soulful guitar slinger hasn’t quite tipped the scales in the way his early career indicated he might, Eddie 9V is undoubtedly on the right path. A touring machine, his latest album, Capricorn, recorded at Macon’s famed studio of the same name, makes it clear that he is in it for the long haul. He’s got a two night stand here, which speaks to his popularity. Let’s support our troops.
$20. 9:30 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sat., June 17
Noah Kahan, Ruston Kelly, Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park — Dubbed The Stick Season Tour, after Kahan’s latest release, the roots pop singer/songwriter has become remarkably successful based on just three albums of material and a few songs that went viral. The affable Kahan writes jaunty, innocuous material and sings it with a heartfelt twang sounding like sort of like a low-rent Lumineer. Opener Kelly, who shares Kahan’s roots/pop approach is a strong attraction too, so much so that this show sold out months ago.
$530-150. 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., 30327. 404-233-2227. livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEkAaA/cadence-bank-amphitheatre-at-chastain-park-events
Sugarcane Jane, Eddie’s Attic — This Alabamabased married couple, Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee, has been charming audiences for over a decade with their lively, upbeat roots music and country folk. Their harmonies capture the heart of Americana in an offhand, casual manner exuding a “Southern State of Mind,” as one of their songs proclaims. Their albums are worthy, but this is a band that thrives on stage, one you have to see live to thoroughly enjoy.
$20. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
“Athens in Atlanta,” Terminal West — Heffner, The Pink Stones, and Jameson Tank headline an evening introducing bands from just up the road, on the “old Atlanta highway.”. The Pink Stones’ sweet, unembellished country might be the most familiar, but this is a great way to sample indie acts that don’t often play Atlanta, and, for a reasonable ticket price. Who knows, one of these acts may be the next R.E.M. or even The B-52’s!
$20. 7 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwest.com
Sun., June 18
Bruce Cockburn, Dar Williams, Variety Playhouse — Often described as “Canada’s best kept secret,” folk/pop singer Cockburn has been consistently releasing albums for fifty years, an achievement highlighted by his recent collection Greatest Hits 1970-2020. He also has out a new album, O Sun O Moon (his 35th!), so this won’t just be a hits retrospective. His often politically potent work has rightfully made thew 78 year-old an icon in his home country. Opener Williams is a headliner on her own, making this an enticing double bill.
$139-39. 7:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Tues., June 20
Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ondara, Atlanta Symphony Hall —Most instrumental acoustic guitar outfits wouldn’t even consider covering Mozart, Metallica and Pink Floyd, but there aren’t many other guitar duos that approach the dizzying talents of Rodrigo y Gabriela. This Mexican twosome has been pushing boundaries since 2004’s debut, but have become even more aggressive and progressive on their new album In Between Thoughts … A New World, their first studio release in four years. A full orchestra and electronics are incorporated into the couple’s furious strumming on their stunning new effort — the prospect of hearing it performed live is even more alluring. Folk singer Ondara’s warm vocals and socio-political songs complete this terrific bill.
$145-45. 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., 30309. 404-733-4900. aso.org
Tues., June 20 and Wed. June 21
Secret Sisters, Eddie’s Attic — When all four of your albums are produced by either T-Bone Burnett or Brandi Carlile, you’re doing something right. Such is the career of Alabama sisters Lydia and Laura Rogers who, over the course of 13 years, have shifted from frisky, twinkly, girl-group pop to darker, more dramatic sounds. It has been a while since they have released new music, making it likely we’ll hear some fresh tunes at this rare, two night stand.
$20. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thur., June 22
Joe Pug, Anna Tivel, Eddie’s Attic — Folkie Pug’s smooth, full voice and earnest songs go down easy, but are played and sung with serious emotion. He has been compared to John Prine for his creative way with words which highlight his stripped-down songs. Tivel’s similarly sober, sombering folk makes for a melancholy, thought provoking evening.
$25. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
The Watson Twins, The EARL — It has been a while, five years actually, since we’ve heard from identical twins Chandra and Leigh, but their sumptuous harmonies and rootsy pop songs are in full flight on their newly-released Holler. Combine the vocal sounds of the Everly Brothers, add some Secret Sisters to the mix, and you’ve got a charming approach that should sound great in this intimate venue.
$15. 7:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Fri., June 23
Jim Lauderdale, Eddie’s Attic — Prolific Nashville mainstay Lauderdale has released so many albums (approximately three dozen) over a 35 year career, touching on such a diverse cross section of genres (country, honky tonk, folk, rockabilly, bluegrass, soul, pop), that it’s impossible to predict what songs or styles his set list will contain. Regardless, anything he plays is infused with energy. After thousands of shows, he still delivers a crowd-pleasing performance that’s never phoned in.
$25. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., June 23 and Sat., June 24
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Vincent Neil Emerson, Fox Theater —Releasing four thematically-connected albums in the space of a year (I Am the Moon,-parts 1-4) is a TTB career highlight. For the sprawling nine piece band (three horns/three backing singers/two drummers) fronted by ex-Allman Brothers Band guitarist Trucks and his husky voiced wife, it allows more material for them to feature in their jam heavy, blues/jazz/soul/roots-fused rock shows. This two night stand has become an annual event since before the pandemic, with both nights always selling out. Get tickets early.
$354-29. 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St.NE., 30308. 404-321-5000. foxtheater.org
Sat., June 24
The Deslondes, Riverside Park (Roswell) — Named after a street in their adopted hometown of New Orleans, The Deslondes’ generally laconic, raggedy but right mix of folk, country, blues and soul is perfect for a summer night under the stars which, if the weather holds, is what you’ll get tonight. They’ll be featuring music from last year’s congenial Ways & Means, arguably the best of their three fine, low-key releases.
$Free. 7 p.m. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell, 30075. 770-641-3705. roswellgov.com/government/departments/recreation-parks-historic-cultural-affairs/news-events/roswell-riverside-sounds
Bluesberry Beer & Music Festival, Betty Maudlin Park (Norcross) — Cazanovas, Skyler Saufley, Divided by 5, Albert White, and Frankie’s Blues Mission provide a bluesy soundtrack to downing as many blueberry-enhanced foods as you’ll find in one space. This is a top-notch bunch of regional blues acts — and you can’t beat the price.
$free. 3 p.m. Betty Maudlin Park, 29 Jones St. SW., Norcross, 30071. 770-641-3705. bluesberrybeerfestival.com
Tues., June 27
Peter Frampton, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre — It’s the “Never Say Never Tour,” likely titled because the last time Frampton toured, the iconic pop rocker Frampton implied that that would be his last tour. He’s back, presumably because the inclusion-body myositis that deteriorates his muscles has slowed enough for him to perform. Frampton tore it up last time through and — there is no reason to think hewon’t be as energized this go-round. He’s a class act. Hopefully this isn’t his final set of shows, but, you never know.
$39-284. 7:00 p.m. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, GA. 30009. 404-733-5010. www.encoreparkamphitheatre.com
Thur., June 29
David Wilcox, Eddie’s Attic — The affably-voiced Wilcox has been plying his folk pop, often correctly compared to James Taylor, since the late ‘80s, releasing well over a dozen albums along the way. One of them was recorded live at this venue, which shows the love he has for the Attic. He’s as likely to toss out a dark, acoustic version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” as sing about socio-political issues in “Killings Caught on Camera” or drop a moving and dramatic cover of Springsteen’s “Thunder Road.” Wilcox is an established pro who delivers a great, often emotional show.
$30. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., June 30
Lauren Morrow, Joshua Hedley, Eddie’s Attic — This solid double bill features ex-Whiskey Gentry front person Morrow, who has just released her full-length solo debut, People Talk. It’s a splendid pop/roots collection that highlights her upbeat, charming songs and sweet, sassy vocals. Opener Hedley, who dubs himself the “professor of country and western,” and is usually a headliner on his own, brings his pure, uncut honky-tonk that has created a strong Americana buzz.
$26.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Eels, Variety Playhouse — This long delayed show, initially scheduled pre-pandemic, provides a rare chance to see Mark Oliver Everett (aka E) crank out his thoughtful if quirky pop rocking from an extensive catalog that extends back to 1996’s MTV hit “Novocaine for the Soul.” He’s logged over a dozen albums (a few of them doubles) for him to choose from, but it’s likely he will feature music from the terrific Extreme Witchcraft, released last year. It includes the rollicking “Better Living Through Desperation,” a tune that summarizes E’s twisty career.
$58-35. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Please send upcoming blues events to consider for CL’s Blues & Beyond concert calendar to hal.horowitz@creativeloafing.com.