By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Poetry Night returns to the Schroeder’s Courtyard featuring two published local authors, Melanie Sumner and Susan Gilbert Harvey. Literature lovers come down for a cool night of poetry.

333 on Broad had great success for their Thursday evening dinner performances in the downstairs bar. These shows are open for the whole family and local favorite Scott Thompson will do the honors this Thursday.

Stephen Smith continues his Thursday evening dinner residence at Bella Roma Grill. Smith wails on blues laden guitar and booming vocals.

It’s time for Muletide Perkins to head on up the 400 Block Bar for a good ol’ time filled with friendly folks and raw country blues originals. It’s also service industry night so anyone who works in the restaurant business gets a deal on beverages.

FRIDAY

If you haven’t heard Atomic Boogie yet then it is a must for you to check them out this Friday night at the 400 Block Bar. These guys light it up every time with high energy jump blues and rockabilly swing. This is old school rock & roll.

The Moon Roof Bar presents Jeff Caldwell of the Cornbread Killers. Jeff has extensive guitar skills and an arsenal of original tunes and great covers. He puts on a great show every time.

Cory Tucker is a local favorite in the singer/songwriter scene and has been performing around Rome for years now. He’ll return to 333 on Broad to have a great time and perform acoustic rock music.

SATURDAY

John Lee Hookers will take their three-piece blues explosion to Broad Street Station where they will undoubtedly rock the house. Clay Broome has had many manifestations in the Georgia music scene and the JLH allows him the opportunity to do what he loves the most, which is shred on old time blues.

It’s been a busy summer for Jon Byrd who performs at multiple venues all around Northwest Georgia. Saturday night, he’ll return to 333 on Broad to perform great acoustic originals and solid country and classic rock covers.

In only a short time, My Ninja has become a much talked about band that offers something fresh to the local music scene. Black-eyed Johnny Peyton fronts this trio by wailing on the keys and mixing in loops and samples as well as vocals. Shanghai Slim Jim Maddox keeps time and bangs on the kit, while Philthy Philip Orton adds a super slick guitar riffs for a sound that makes for an almost retro ’80s return. Check them out at the 400 Block Bar on Saturday.

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Jon Byrd returns to the downstairs bar at 333 on Broad for a little Thursday evening dinner music. Byrd is no stranger to the Rome music world, and this is an opportunity to bring out the whole family.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew have been Thursday dinner music staples for years now. They respectfully represent the old time string band music that has been presence in this countryside since Rome’s earliest days. At Harvest Moon tonight.

Stephen Smith is also making some dinner music these days over at Bella Roma Grill. Smith is a natural on the guitar and can wail out some serious vocals to go along with his excellent originals and choice blues and rock covers.

FRIDAY

Red Eye Jedi returns with the force to the 400 Block Bar where they have previously blown folks away with ease. This is actually more of a Red Eye spin-off adding local guitar slinger Jeremy Linville and bass extraordinaire Matt McGinnis. The incarnation is technically called My Friends Band, which has made some great runs in the not so distant past. Bottom line is, they are great.

333 on Broad has yet to slack at all when it comes to providing great local and regional music to downtown Rome. Thomas Tillman is definitely no exception. As a matter of fact, Tillman won the Georgia Country’s 2009 Overall Best Artist. He’ll be at 333 on Broad this Friday.

Precious Lemons are a group of Rome all-stars that puts on a great show every time, mixing a growing list of originals with great Americana and classic rock covers. They’ll be at the Moon Roof Bar, which is a great place to catch these guys in action.

It’s been said that Broad Street Station has the best sound in town when it comes to decibel heavy rock ‘n’ roll. With Black Friday rolling in on Friday night, it will no doubt be tested. These guys are the premiere biker band, blasting heavy metal thunder with a Southern twang.

The Strange returns to the Schroeder’s Courtyard with a special guest. Lee Sebastian from Super Hooligan will join them this time. The Strange will kick off the evening and then will back Sebastian on the second set. Get your fix of The Strange this Friday.

SATURDAY

One of the most exciting events of the year is returning to Heritage Park this Saturday. It’s CRBI’s River Revelry featuring all sorts of fun. There’s the BBQ cookoff, silent auction, the Ducky Derby, the recycled raft race, music by Red Eye Jedi and much more. Check out coosa.org to get all the details. Your ticket covers your food and beverage and supports our local river keepers, who are always looking out for our delicate and cherished Coosa River Basin

After River Revelry, many folks like to wander downtown and enjoy the nightlife. One band you won’t want to miss is Kneckdown, the local country and Southern rock group that has become one of Rome’s favorites over the years. What started out as a couple of guys picking tunes and having fun has turned into a serious band that plays packed out shows all over the Southeast. It’s been a little while since they’ve played in Rome with the full band so expect an enthusiastic crowd at 333 on Broad.

Backswing is another local favorite fronted by Lee Sheely and Alan Smith. These guys are pros and effortlessly play an arsenal of great classic hits. They will perform Saturday at the 400 Block Bar.

Mr. Synester is taking it to Broad Street Station to crank out some high energy rock ‘n’ roll from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. These guys are still pretty fresh on the scene but really know what they’re doing and the enthusiasm is raw and genuine.

-More Mullins: Check his website, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT
Stephen Smith will return to Bella Roma Grill for an evening of great eats and great blues driven Southern rock. Stephen is the man when it comes to blues guitar and he has a blast playing there.

I’m glad that Russell McClanahan & the moon Crew continue to play old time string band music for the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon on Thursdays. They have really become a treasured staple of the downtown music experience. Go check it out if you’ve never been.

FRIDAY

The Cornbread Killers will be taking their alternative and classic rock mix to Broad Street Station on Friday where they will undoubtedly put on a great show. They’ve got a great mix of originals and classic rock favorites.

Clay Broome will bring the John Lee Hookers back to the Moon Roof Bar on Friday. These guys really bring the heat when it comes to classic jump blues and early rockabilly swing. Broome makes it look way too easy.

Punk rock house party at 7 Myrtle Street featuring The Pox, The Mackeys, and Muletide Perkins. This will be a costume party so come on down in your most bizarre rags.

SATURDAY

It’s time for another Classic Car Cruise In, which is put on by the Downtown Development Association. This is a great chance to show of your classic car. This month motorcycles are also welcome so bring out your classic bike for a ride. Music will be provided by a collection of Roman talent called the RomeAntics and great classic rock tunes from The Back Street Boogie Band.

Red Ruckus is a young fiery foursome picking old time string band music including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and upright bass. They will be paying homage to the legends of this genre Saturday in the Schroeder’s Courtyard.

Ridiculousness is abound this Saturday at the 400 Block Bar with the Muletide Perkins Trio. These guys love playing original music, hanging out with friends, and having an absolute blast while doing it.

333 on Broad offers up a special treat this Saturday evening with Scott Thompson & Peachtree Station. Scott puts on a great show every time whether he’s got the full band or not, but when he does have the full band along with him it is a guaranteed great performance and a lot of fun.

The Jazz Merchants are a great two-piece act from Alabama that performs classic jazz ballads from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, etc. This combination makes for an excellent show that is rather rare around here. I’m glad that they will be performing at Johnny’s Pizza this Saturday.

Self Serve has been rocking Rome for years now and they’ll be back at Broad Street Station Saturday for another round of high energy rock & roll. Broad Street Station is proud of their excellent sound system and music space and Self Serve will definitely take advantage of it.

-More Mullins: Check his website, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM weekdays, 7-9 a.m.

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

Tonight

Feel like treating yourself and your loved one to something special? Tonight at LaScala, there will be the perfect opportunity to do just that with a jazz dinner featuring the Pollard Greens Jazz Quartet. Make sure you call first for reservations.

For the last couple of weeks, Jon Byrd has been playing a dinner show at 333 on Broad that has been a big hit. Byrd plays in the back bar in the downstairs area and the show is family friendly and everyone is invited.

Ray & Eric are upstairs at 333 on Broad tonight. These guys really have a great time getting together with their friends and playing their favorite tunes. If you don’t know Ray & Eric are, just stop by and check them out.

I’m very glad that Bella Roma Grill has been featuring Stephen Smith on Thursdays. Smith picks blues oriented rock tunes and has a blast every time.

Friday

Women of W.O.R.T.H. is a non-profit organization dedicated to women’s health in Georgia. They will host a fundraiser dinner at their location on Dean Avenue between 5 and 7 p.m.. It’s a great way to support a local non-profit and get some good grub! I recommend picking up a plate and taking it to First Friday.

Roger Miller is a punk rock icon and pioneer of the indie rock movement that is so popular today amongst college radio. He has worked in many projects including Mission of Burma, Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, Binary System, and the Alloy Orchestra who performed here at the City Auditorium in 2007 as part of the Rome International Film Festival. Barry Norman, who founded the film festival, is bringing Roger to Rome once again to film a solo performance at Schroeder’s this Friday. Admission is free and open to anyone who wants to come be a part of this great experience. Muletide Perkins Trio will open the show.

The First Friday Concert Series continues this Friday at Bridgepoint Plaza. This month will feature the Infinity Show Band, a funky and Soulful act with a massive arsenal of tunes from multiple decades.

The Precious Lemons are back at the 400 Block Bar. The Lemons consist of an all star lineup and are overflowing with talent. They perform great originals and covers that bridge the gap between rock, alternative and Americana music.

Francisco Vidal is an Atlanta based singer-songwriter who is highly involved in the Atlanta songwriter scene. He has enjoyed performing in incorporating Rome into the mix and will be performing at 333 on Broad this Friday.

Backswing is back at the Moon Roof Bar to play all your favorite classics with the greatest ease and skill.

Saturday

The guys in Curiosity Shoppe are no rookies when it comes to rocking a crowd. They have been blowing up stages since the mid-90’s and they will be back to do it again this Saturday at 333 on Broad.

Haven was one of Rome’s most popular bands with many high energy rock shows under their belt. They are back again under the name 53 to Nowhere and will be letting loose at Broad Street Station, a place with all the right equipment for these guys to get loud and deliver.

-More Mullins: Check his website, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM weekdays, 7-9 a.m.

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: 333 on Broad is doing another Thursday double feature when it comes to live music. First, they’ll have local favorite Jon Byrd downstairs in the back bar. This performance is family friendly so you can bring the kids out for some dinner music. Marietta-based rocker Todd Wells will follow in the upstairs tavern.

Stephen Smith has been enjoying his stint at Bella Roma Grill on Thursdays. He performs blues and Southern rock classics with great guitar skills and a booming voice.

Muletide Perkins will be back at the 400 Block Bar to bang on his guitar and howl out some fashionable country blues tunes. It’s also service industry night so restaurant workers can come take a load off after work.

FRIDAY: Jerry on the Moon at Schroeder’s; Matt Chambers at DJ’s

Schroeder’s Courtyard hosts a much-anticipated evening with Jerry on the Moon, winners of the Roman Roast on the River and 95.7 The Ridge’s Battle of the Bands. These guys proved that they were the real deal and now we get the opportunity to see a full show of their original music. Excitement is in the air amongst the Jerry on the Moon fans.

Acoustic country and Southern rocker Matt Chambers will return to DJ’s Tavern on John Davenport. DJ’s celebrated their grand opening last weekend and had a blast doing it. Anytime Matt plays is going to be a good time as well.

Ray & Eric, two sly individuals that like to get together every now and then and do what they love to do, which is pick their favorite songs and visit with their favorite folks. These guys will be doing it again Friday night at 333 on Broad.

Watch out now! The Velcro Pygmies are back on the scene and will be blowing the roof off of Broad Street Station, figuratively of course. These guys are the ultimate glam rock party band and they have the best time doing it. It’s always fun when the Pygmies come rolling through.
SATURDAY: Atomic Boogie at 400 Block; Midnight Rounders at 333

Freeman Owle is a Cherokee historian and storyteller who will be present at Chieftains Museum on Riverside Parkway this Saturday. He is also a stone and wood carver. He will be doing a soapstone carving demonstration at 1 o’clock and will begin his Cherokee storytelling at 3pm. I was fortunate to have a conversation with Mr. Owle earlier this week and I am sure that this will be a very educational and entertaining afternoon at Chieftains. Bring the whole family.

The 400 Block is always bumping and thumping when Atomic Boogie stops by and they’ll be there Saturday night to deliver some good jump blues and rockabilly swing that will keep you hopping all night long. If you love the old school rock ‘n’ roll this is a must.

Black Friday blends Southern rock with that heavy metal thunder which makes for the ultimate biker band. These guys always put on a great high-energy show and on Saturday they’ll be at Kilroy’s Bar which is located at VFW post 4911 on Cedartown Highway.

The Midnight Rounders are coming to 333 on Broad by way of DeKalb County, Ala., and they are ready to play some good ol’ honest country music with a little Southern rock peppered in.

-More Mullins: Check his website, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

Serving up ‘double’s in downtown Rome: Double duty for

The John Lee Hookers; double the music at 333 on Broad

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Jon Byrd, Matt Chambers at 333; mOOn Crew @ Harvest

333 on Broad will host a double feature of entertainment this Thursday afternoon. For dinner, you can catch Jon Byrd in the dining room. Following that all you have to do is head upstairs and catch Matt Chambers. Both are great local Southern rock and country artists.

Stephen Smith is back at it at Bella Roma Grill, shredding blues driven tunes and belting out soulful vocals with ease. He’s always ready to make it a good time.

Russell McClanahan and the mOOn Crew will entertain the Harvest Moon dining room with their dedication to old time string band music that has been played on these streets since Rome’s earliest days.

FRIDAY: Huge night with Hookers, Groundhawgs, Pollard Greens

Clay Broome’s homage to early blues and rock ‘n’ roll makes for a refreshing and high powered evening. The John Lee Hookers always put on a smokin’ show and will perform this Friday evening at 333 on Broad.

The Groundhawgs will return to the 400 Block Bar. These guys really bring it when it comes to old time string band, bluegrass, and outlaw country originals and classics. I can’t remember once where their show was not a good time.

The Pollard Greens Jazz Quartet is on fire, even though it’s the coolest jazz around. These guys recreate and interpret classic jazz standards and perform originals with the greatest ease. They’ll be laying it down at Johnny’s Pizza on Friday.

SATURDAY: Scott Thompson at 333; Groveshakers at Schroeder’s

John Lee Hookers will be working overtime this weekend. On Saturday they’ll take the energy to Kilroy’s Bar at the VFW Post 4911 on Cedartown Highway. This is a great place to see a group like this.

Scott Thompson is not only one of the nicest guys you’ll come across. He’s also one of Rome’s favorite performers, blending originals with classic country and rock hits. He’ll be at 333 on Broad this Saturday.

The Grooveshakers are a funky jam based blues band from Rydal that were putting on great shows in the area a couple of years ago. They will be back in town this Saturday to light up the stage in the Schroeder’s Courtyard.

Dangerous New Machine is an up and coming Atlanta based grunge and alternative rock band featuring members of Stereomud, Fuzzy and Stuck Mojo. They’ve been going strong for the last few years touring all over the Southeast and getting great response. They’ll be at Broad Street Station on Saturday.

I still haven’t heard My Ninja yet but I have heard nothing but great things about them. They are a new band from Acworth that dabbles in the 80’s alternative guitar sound. With a description like that, I will be checking it out soon. They’ll be at the 400 Block Bar on Saturday.

-More Mullins: Check his website, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Stephen Smith plays at Bella Roma Grill

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will perform old time string band music for the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon. Music lovers have enjoyed this for years, ever since McClanahan played there with the legendary Kasper “Stranger” Malone.

It’s always a treat to have a new venue in town. Stephen Smith will be wailing on his guitar and filling up Bella Roma Grill with his booming vocals tonight.

Muletide Perkins will be plowing through original country blues tunes at the 400 Block Bar. Thursday’s theme will be snake songs. It’s also service industry night which means drink specials for people in the restaurant business.

FRIDAY: Scott Thompson at Johnny’s pizza; Backswing at 333

There’s a very special event going on at the City Club, which is the very nice venue above Old Havana. Studio 712 presents jazz performances periodically and this Friday will feature the Pollard Greens Jazz Quartet featuring Ashley Duke. This is a great opportunity to listen to quality jazz in a nice environment, which unfortunately is not always an option around here.

The John Lee Hookers can liven up any room with their upbeat blend of old school blues and rockabilly heat. These guys play hard and put on a great show every time. On Friday they will be doing their thing at the 400 Block Bar.

Local favorite Jon Byrd returns to the Moon Roof Bar, one of his favorite spots to play around town. He’ll be performing acoustic rock and country.

I’m glad to see that yet another venue is offering up live music options, and what better way to start off than with Scott Thompson, one of Rome’s favorite performers. I’m talking about Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, which will present Scott playing classic hits and originals.

Backswing is another heavy hitter when it comes to local talent. Lee Shealy and Alan Smith front this band that performs your favorites with almost too much ease. They’ll be at 333 on Broad looking for a good time.

SATURDAY: Skatelife brings hip hop for all ages; Sam Thacker at 333

Skatelife will host a live all-ages concert on Saturday evening, featuring local hip hop artist Killakool with DJ Chad. This is a great opportunity for folks who love live music but are too young to get into most shows. That used to really frustrate me. Plus, hip hop shows are rare downtown, unfortunately. And, it’s free.

Scott Thompson is working double time this weekend and will make it over to the 400 Block Bar on Saturday.

Sam Thacker is seriously on the up-and-up and we’re always glad to have him in Rome, as he’s been busy touring all over the Southeast. He’ll return to 333 on Broad where he has put on super performances in the past.

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza is lining up great acts for their entertainment schedule. Another local favorite, Cory Tucker, will perform there Saturday night.

-More Mullins: Check his Web site, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

By Bryan Mullins/MullinsMania.com

TONIGHT: Tommy Wildcat at Chieftains; Muletide at 400

Chieftains Museum is offering up a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the excellent Native American storytelling and songwriting of Tommy Wildcat and Gary Greene. Wildcat is a favorite to those who have seen him. This may be his only visit this year, and Gary Greene is always a treat.

Muletide Perkins will be picking country blues and whatnot at the 400 Block Bar as he does every other Thursday.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will pick old time string band music for the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon. The quality of the musicianship on those evenings is wonderful.

FRIDAY: Delta Moon headlines First Friday; Cory Tucker at 333.

Delta Moon is a great band and I’m super glad that they are playing First Friday in Rome. I first saw them at the Harvest Fests that were held in Lafayette. Those were great festivals and Delta Moon was on. Mark Johnson and Tom Gray have fronted the band since the mid 90’s. The band name comes from a pilgrimage they made to the home of the late Muddy Waters. That should give you an idea about what’s in store. This will be a good one.

Backswing will return to Harvest Moon for a great night of classic tunes and exceptional musicianship.

333 on Broad welcomes back Cory Tucker, one of Rome’s favorite acoustic songwriters and performers.

The Rome Little Theatre presents their final weekend of Broadway Spectacular III, a variety show featuring performances from some of the finest productions in theatre. This show will run Friday evening, an afternoon and evening show on Saturday, and an afternoon show on Sunday.

SATURDAY: Cornbread Killers/Moon Roof; Nick Carver in Chattooga

Laughter is the best medicine and if you’re feeling down then you should head over to MB’s Comedy & Event House Saturday night. Mark Evans and Tony Gaud will provide a double dose of hilarious entertainment. MB’s is one of my favorite places in town. Plus, they’ve got the most comfortable seats in town.

Jeff Caldwell of the Cornbread Killers will be performing solo at the Moon Roof Bar. Jeff plays great original music and some choice covers and the Moon Roof is a great place to be on a nice summer evening.

From the middle Tennessee area comes the Nick Carver Band. They’ll be performing at the Summerville Recreation Center for Summerville’s Celebrate Independence event. The whole family is invited for a great time.

The Rome Little Theatre presents their final weekend of Broadway Spectacular III.

SUNDAY: Kneckdown, Soylent Red, Young Guns at fireworks show

The Annual Salute to Honor America Fireworks Celebration will be at Ridge Ferry Park. Kneckdown has a following all over Georgia and Alabama and they will be performing again this year. I’m very pleased that the opening acts are all fantastic bands that participated in the 95.7 The Ridge’s Battle of the Bands in conjunction with the Roman Roast on the River. Everyone was so pleased with the music that they wanted to have these guys back for the 4th. If you missed Jerry on the Moon, Soylent Red, and Young Guns at the Roast, then you are in for an absolute treat.

There’s a great opportunity to take a beautiful drive up to Mentone for some great scenery, music, and grub. The Pollard Greens Jazz Quartet will be performing at a Low Country Boil at the Mentone Springs Hotel. That just sounds like a great time all around.

The Rome Little Theatre presents their final weekend of Broadway Spectacular III.

-More Mullins: Check his Web site, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

He was also a selfless individual and enrolled into the Marines and became a Sergent in just four years. We all missed him when he was away in Afghanistan for those four years. It was great to see him when he came back. He played at the kickball games, hung out like the good ol’ days, traded cd’s and had lots of laughs and fun times. On that level it was hard to see that Ryan was struggling on the inside. For those who knew him closer than that, I guess it was more apparent. Anyway, when he decided to move to New Orleans I hoped that he would find whatever it was he was looking for and return a happy and complete fella, or that he would love it there and I’d have someone to go visit. I wish I would have tried to visit earlier because I know we would have had a great time.

It hurt all of our hearts to find that Ryan took his life at the end of May. I am typing this in a room that used to be his room before my lady friend bought this house about 5 years ago. I hope you don’t mind me sharing all this, Ryan. He was a great friend to have and I know he is now at peace and is looking over his friends and family.

So this Saturday a group of friends have organized a get together called Remembering Ryan. It’s an unofficial memorial in which friends of Ryan are invited to come congregate in his memory and share stories and basically just celebrate Ryan’s life. Muletide Perkins Trio and Seth Turner will add music. Everyone is welcome as long as you remember why we’re there. Admission is free but donations will be accepted for a memorial fund that will go directly to his precious daughter, Bella.

Jeremy Hulsey, digital image wizard, worked up this great poster for the event. I think it’s a great representation of Ryan’s great spirit and unforgettable smile.