Bulletin Board

This 4th of July weekend marks a very exciting time for music and festival lovers in Rome. The Southern Social Experiment will be at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds offering 30 bandfs over the course on three days. (July 3rd, 4th, and 5th).  Check the links on The Rumpus section to check out these bands if you haven’t heard them.

Anyway, right now the promoters of the festival are offering the full three-day passes for only $50 for a special price. To take advantage of this great deal call Chip and/or Christy at (678) 280-0507

Kennesaw, GA—Rome author Raymond L. Atkins has been named 2009 Georgia Author of the Year for his first novel, The Front Porch Prophet.  Atkins, a longtime resident of Rome, is a columnist and writer whose articles have appeared in numerous publications, including The Rome News Tribune, Memphis Downtowner Magazine, Savannah Magazine, and Maintenance Technology Magazine.  His short stories have appeared in Christmas Stories from Georgia, Christmas from a Child’s Eyes, The Lavender Mountain Review, The Old Red Kimono, and The Blood and Fire Review.

The Front Porch Prophet was published by Medallion Press in August, 2008, to critical acclaim.  Midwest Book Review called it “an intriguing and clever tale, highly commended for community library fiction collections.”  Literarily noted that “Atkins’ writing is impeccable and he is clearly in his element with this wonderful piece of Southern fiction.”  Previous accolades for The Front Porch Prophet include the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Award Gold Medal for Best Southeastern Fiction, a Nomination for the 2009 Southeastern Booksellers Award and a Nomination for the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Popular Fiction. The book is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine booksellers.

The 45th annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards ceremony and banquet was held June 13th at the KSU Center in Kennesaw.  The awards are presented by the Georgia Writers Association in several categories, including First Novel, Poetry, Fiction, and Lifetime Achievement.  This prestigious award is considered to be the oldest literary award in the Southeast and has been awarded to such notables as Terry Kay, Steve Berry, and Judith Ortiz Cofer. For more information, visit the Georgia Writer’s Association website at http://www.georgiawriters.org.

Atkins’ second novel, Sorrow Wood, will be released on August 1, 2009, by Medallion
Press.  It is available for pre-order at Amazon.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…. 

 TONIGHT 

The Rome Area Songwriters Association is a collaborative of original songwriters. They will hold their monthly showcase at the Rome Area Council for the Arts‘ gallery on Broad Street. They will feature three of the areas most respected songwriters, Jule Medders, David Elliott and Gary Greene.

Harvest Moon has become a distinct location in Northwest Georgia andRussell McClanahan has no doubt helped them reach that mark. His performances with the legendary Kasper “Stranger” Malone are special to those who saw them. His latest ensemble of talented string musicians has been nothing less than the talk of the town.

El Willie has held Thursday nights at the Old Havana for some time now. His renditions of classic soul, jazz, and r&b have helped shape Old Havana itself.

Kylie Devaron is a local hip-hop songwriter with an arsenal of songs and a battalion of beats. His thoughtful lyrics mesh well with his jazzy approach to his keyboard playing and catalog delivery. At McCrobie’s tonight.

FRIDAY 

McCrobie’s prepares to unleash the ultimate summer kick off party withShop Boyz, the Grammy-nominated rap group from Atlanta. They shot quickly into stardom with their club hit, “Party Like A Rockstar” and have kept the momentum going with fun high energy rap tracks.

Sam Thacker is a critically acclaimed Atlanta based pop rock artist with some great songs and some great tones. He’s shared the stage with many top radio artists and the quality and aura of studio his recordings are top notch. Sam will play at

333 on Broad, the latest addition to the Broad Street music scene.

The Cornbread Killers are the latest reincarnation of Jeff and Jeff (Caldwell and Bridges), the guitar/drum combo behind Jump the Shark and El Jefe. They’ll return to the Moon Roof Bar this Friday.

SATURDAY 

Another huge Saturday for Rome. The Rome Symphony Orchestra will be performing film and Hollywood favorites at the Huffman Center at Darlington School.

The Schroeder’s Courtyard will host Karla’s Birthday Blowout featuring all her favorite musicians. The line up is quality and quantity featuring many of Rome’s finest.

CADDLE is one of the finest bands to come out of Birmingham of late with their cranked up Southern rock in the vein of some of Alabama’s finest. They’ll return to McCrobie’s on Saturday for some boot stomping rock.

Many opportunities to see acoustic performances with Cory Tucker at 333 on Broad,

Also: Francisco Vidal at the Peach Palace, and Donnie Hammonds at Opi’s Waterfront. All of the above are consistent crowd pleasers.

ON THE RADIO 

Listen for Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning just after the 8 a.m. news on Friday. Or catch him just before the news, at 7:50 a.m., with Elizabeth Davis on Talk Radio WLAQ 1410 AM.

And for more, check Bryan’s own site, www.mullinmania.com.

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…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…  

THURSDAY 

Local world fusion band Devidasa is performing their diverse music at Silwan Restaurant & Lounge in Central Plaza. They will be accompanied by the Sundari bellydance troupe.
 

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew are back on schedule in the Harvest Moon dining room performing roots based string band music.
 

El Willie continues to dazzle fans at Old Havana where he puts on a one-man show of classic r&b, jazz, and soul.

FRIDAY 

Lynyrd Skynyrd fans will no doubt want to flock to McCrobie’s where they will host The Fuze, a popular Skynyrd tribute band.
 

Old Burnt Turn Slick, alter ego of BadLand Bad Boy, is playing with Muletide Perkins & Associates at the Moon Roof Bar for a night of fresh original songs.
 

Mog Rocket brings a fresh sound based in the ever-morphing world of prog rock to the 400 Block. Mog Rocket is an Atlanta based band that consists of local artist and songwriter Levi Boz White.
 

Babe’s Bayou is a popular country/Southern rock band that will be sure to light up the stage at The Peach Palace.

SATURDAY 

It’s straight to Cedartown for me to see the Del McCoury Band. Currently celebrating 50 years in music, Del McCoury Band is the top bluegrass act to see when it comes to authenticity and longevity. It’s neat to look at a band’s schedule and see one listing at Madison Square Garden, and the next listing at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center in Cedartown, GA. This is the real deal folks.

Capt. Soularcat has mastered the art of Southern rock and blues jam band music over the last decade or so. On Friday The 400 Block Bar brings them back for a more intimate setting.
 

Curiosity Shoppe has been entertaining crowds for quite a while now and has built a loyal fanbase over the years. They will be in town to liven up the Saturday night crowd at McCrobie’s.

OTHER 

Don’t forget to check out Ian Schumacher at McCrobie’s on Monday nights and David Bell at The Moon Roof on Wednesday night. Sometimes the best tunes are being played in the middle of the week.

Listen for Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning just after the 8 a.m. news on Friday. Or catch him just before the news, at 7:50 a.m., with Elizabeth Davis on Talk Radio WLAQ 1410 AM.

Coosa High School Choirs do a show in the spring featuring dance, solos and ensemble numbers celebrating a particular theme.  This year it is Cinemania - music from the movies.  We are staging Disney (Under the Sea, Belle, Colors of the Wind, etc.), The Ballade of Sweeney Todd, The Worst Pies in

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com 

TONIGHT 

The report from the Harvest Moon is that Thursday night dinner is booming with the help from Russell McClanahan and the mOOn Crew. Extra excitement revolves around the addition of Timothy Reynolds, Model High School’s violin/fiddle prodigy.

Scott Warren & Friends are always up for a great night of acoustic Southern rock jams at the 400 Block Bar.

El Willie holds down his spot at Old Havana with his one man band performing jazz/, r&b, and soul classics and originals.

Plies is scheduled to pack out The Forum with his popular rap radio hits.

Last but definitely not least is the legendary Kingston Trio coming to the Cedartown Performing Arts Center.
They released the hit “Tom Dooley” in 1957 and have been touring the world ever since. I’m telling you, this place gets some phenomenal acts.

SATURDAY NIGHT 

There are lots of opportunity to enjoy this Saturday all day long.

The CRBI Waterfest will continue with the Canoe-a-thon paddle and race, the Environmental Fair, the Environmental Quiz Bowl and more Canoe and Kayak Tug of War.

The Chieftains Museum Herb & Plant Sale moved to the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds a few years back. This is a great opportunity to stock up on all kinds of goodies for your garden or flowerbed.

The North Georgia Blues Brothers started out as a one time show for fun. They had no idea how much of a hit they would be. Since then they have been requested to perform all over the place and have been going strong for a few years now, adding the Backstreet Boogie Band for live backup. Saturday night they will be doing their hilarious show at the DeSoto Theater. The benefits go toward the DeSoto Theater restoration fund.

The River is a country rock band out of Valdosta that has been entertaining crowds in the Southeast since ’94.
They have shared the stage with the biggest names in country. They will be at McCrobie’s Saturday night.

Redundant Starfish Therapy is a fusion jam band out of Cartersville who will be making their debut in Rome at
Opi’s Waterfront. It’s great to see all these new acts coming to town. Let’s hope this energy continues.

SUNDAY

David Bell will perform at McCrobie’s Sunday which is a great way to close out a great weekend.

Don’t forget that you can hear most of these bands from their links on MullinsMania.com. Even if you can’t make the show you can get a taste of the diverse music that is available in your beautiful Downtown.

ON THE RADIO 

Listen for Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning just after the 8 a.m. news on Friday. Or catch him just before the news, at 7:50 a.m., with Elizabeth Davis on Talk Radio WLAQ 1410 AM.

A few weeks back I was playing a show at McCrobie’s when I was introduced by some friends to a couple named Steve and Faye. Steve had been playing music for years now in multiple bands and had formed his own line of guitars named Von Mir Guitars. They have lived in Rome for a few years now and he’s been crafting these guitars the whole time. It’s always nice to meet new talent in the area and his music is cool too. He is in the early process of putting some music together. You can check out more detail of the guitars and some samples of his music at this link.

http://vonmirguitars.blogspot.com/

Thanks for coming to the show Steve and I’ll be looking forward to hearing more from you in the future.

MINT Gallery

Let’s Exchange the Experience

an exhibition by Jess Hinshaw

Opening Reception:

Saturday, May 2^nd 8-11pm

On display by appointment from May 2^nd through May 16th

“A line of escape at one moment, fashion is recaptured in the network of images the next; frozen in the mirror of the mediascape, we gaze forever at our suspended moment of flight.”=Gail Faurschou             Mediated images and exaggerated realities surround us and constantly work towards fabricated personalities.  Sex becomes cynical in advertising=no longer an act of affection it becomes divided not into gender but into a more general dialogue of torturer and victim.  Taking cues from Jean Baudrillard and Marshall McLuhan, the works in this exhibition show this forced relationship we have with media and illustrates these false mirrors.  The prints contained in the exhibit are manipulated to show a more accurate relationship with media than the one presented to us.  

            Let’s Exchange the Experience deals with branded identities, our role as consumers, the hyper-real, and most importantly, the simulacra.

Images from the upcoming show can be viewed here:

Flickr.com/photos/jesshinshaw   under the Let’s Exchange the Experience folder.

MINT Gallery

Unit B

Atlanta, GA

mintgallery.org

ejamison@gmail.com

Del McCoury is Nashville. He is bluegrass and he is class. Del McCoury and his band show us all how it’s meant to be done. With old school sensibilities that find them dressed every night in their Sunday finest, Del and the boys crowd around their mics and remind us of a bygone day when musicians without talent would have been laughed off of the stage. There is no faking it with the Del McCoury Band. They play without nets, without crutches and without excuses. There is no distortion to hide behind, no drummer to tempo to, and the result is probably one of the most perfect bands on the road today.

On Saturday, May 9th, they will bring their set to the Cedartown Performing Arts Center in Cedartown, GA. for one performance, only.

Tickets are $25 to $35 and available by calling the Box Office at 770-748-4168 or online at www.CedartownShows.com. Showtime is 7:30pm