Bulletin Blog

The lowdown on downtown Rome entertainment

By Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

NEW YEARS EVE 2009

Oh, what an interesting year it has been. We’ve seen the addition of new, promising, and dedicated music venues, the continuation of some Rome staples, and the unfortunate loss of others. However, as 2009 was a tough year for everybody, the music scene in Rome, continues to push on for the people who love it here. I would especially like to thank all of the artists, the venues, and the people for continuing to believe in the strong talent that dwells within these seven hills.

MB’s Comedy & Event House is located at the Village Theaters on Turner-McCall. They’ll be hosting a night of fun and great tunes with the Georgia Blues Brothers. Rome’s own Jake and Elwood always bring lots laughs and crowd participation into their routine which includes the Backstreet Boogie Band backing up the classic hits. Country musician Shawn Ash will open the night at 9pm. This is an opportunity for loads of fun!

Atomic Boogie is one smoking hot band. This trio of sharp shooters is dedicated to the roots of rock and roll, paying homage to the classic blues and county music that spawned around these parts and launched into international status out of Memphis in the 50’s. They’ll be shaking the room at the 400 Block Bar.

Jon Byrd is one of Rome’s favorite singer/songwriters, as well as the Coosa Valley Tech Aviation programs director. He picks out a wide variety of covers and potential sing-a-longs as well as his originals. He’ll be setting up shop at the Moon Roof Bar for a night of good time and celebration.

Sam Hunt is a singer/songwriter that is originally from Cedartown. He graduated from University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2008, where he was the starting quarterback of the football team. Upon graduation he took a different direction and moved to Nashville and has been pursuing a recording career there. He’s been off to a great start, working with some of Nashville’s finest, but will return home to perform at 333 on Broad for New Year’s Eve.

Black Friday is a band that can’t just play anywhere, because not just anywhere can handle them. The blend of Heavy Metal thunder with a Southern rock twang is too much for smaller venues. That’s why they’ll be holding their New Year’s Eve show this year at a place called The Warehouse, which is actually an old warehouse at 2561 Shorter Avenue. Check out their link on MullinsMania.com for more details.

Buck & Duke have made themselves one of Rome’s favorite acts and have been playing all over the Southeast this past year. The latter part of the year they have become the house band at what is fittingly called Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon, originally called Opi’s Waterfront. They will take up the stage and have folks hootin’ and hollerin’ for their original country and Southern rock as well as classic country covers.

Curiosity Shoppe is a regional favorite that has been blowing away enthusiastic crowds since the early 90’s. These seasoned musicians will be ringing in the New Year and another decade of rock & roll at the Peach Palace.

-For a more extensive list, please see Bryan Mullins’ Mullinsmania.com

-Listen for Bryan on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m.

     Just wanted to pay homage to Vic Chesnutt, one of my favorite songwriters that passed away on Christmas day. He not only was a humbling songwriter but one that was deeply rooted to the Georgia music scene, about as much as one can get, as all of you who care to read this probably already know. I especially appreciate the connection that I have made with different friend groups over the last ten years in which his music was celebrated. You know who you are. (‘boro, Rome, Athens) It reminds me once again of how glad I am to have been able to witness, experience, appreciate,  the amazing art and music that comes from this state, since who knows how long.

Here’s some links…

Michael Stipe about Chesnutt on NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121933081

I was gonna post some more, but if you just google Vic Chesnutt (or whatever search you use of course) you’ll find about 400 articles released today, SO I’m leaving that up to you as a lot of them are worth sharing…but the one above is a definite.

I can’t begin to tell you how many crossed paths and connections there are that I can think of right now that coincide with this guy. I mean, I saw Slingblade way before I knew who this guy was.

..as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

The lowdown on downtown Rome entertainment

By Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

One of the best parties of the year occurs annually at the 400 Block Bar with The Groundhawgs Christmas Blowout. They’ll be picking on classic roots music and lively originals. The room is always vibrant when The Groundhawgs are in good spirits.

The Moon Roof Bar will have the flaps down and the heaters on for David Bell, one of the most appreciated artists in the area, performing a wide variety of obscure covers and great originals.

Antoine Mills has enjoyed the Wednesday night spot at 333 on Broad and the crowd has been enjoying his acoustic performances. Tonight will be no exception.

THURSDAY

Christmas Eve. I would imagine that most venues will be closed, but it never hurts to call and make sure.

FRIDAY

Christmas Day. I would imagine the same applies for tonight, however, the bar at 333 on Broad will be open in the evening for customers looking to step out on the town.

SATURDAY

Willie Heath Neal will be playing his outlaw turbo country at the 400 Block Bar. Neal provides a great opportunity to hoot and holler a little bit and blow off some Holiday steam. His band, the Damned Old Opry,features well known local talents Clay Broome and Matt McGinnis.

Todd Wells will be bringing his soulful acoustic rock show to 333 on Broad.

Local country singer Ben Bagley will set up at the Moon Roof Bar for a night of good times and quality folks.

NEXT WEEK

Make sure to check out the schedule for next week as New Year’s Eve will bring an explosive evening of fine entertainment to Downtown Rome, and as always, don’t let me leave your event out. If you are a venue owner, or artist in Rome, Northwest Georgia or Northeast Alabama, I’ll be glad to add your event to the list. (E-mail) Thanks and Merry Christmas!

MORE MULLINS

-For a more extensive list, please see Bryan Mullins’ Mullinsmania.com

-Listen for Bryan on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m.

Dogwood Books and Antiques, 240 Broad Street, Book Signing, Friday, December 18th.
Cindy Smith & T. B. Burton of Cartersville, GA, will be signing their book, Time in Contention . Set in 1880-81 in Contention City, Arizona, Time in Contention is a western love story set in a time of violence and turmoil. The authors will be dressed in period costume. The event will be from 1-4.

Dogwood Books and Antiques, 240 Broad Street, Book Signing, Saturday, December 19th. A number of regional authors will be gathered to sign their books. Authors included are

Jonathan Maxwell- Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Nazi SS;

Keith Robinson- Island of Fog;

Cindy Smith & T. B. Burton- Time in Contention;

Suni Rose- Radical Goal Setting–The Science of Turning Your Dreams Into Reality;

and Zarle Williams-Numerous titles from Petite Plume Press.

The event will be from 1-4.

If you want to add, we will be open until 7:30 Thursday, Friday and Saturday for
extended shopping hours.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com..

The lowdown on downtown Rome entertainment

By Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Local favorite David Bell performs a wide variety of covers and originals to the loyal Wednesday night crowd at the Moon Roof Bar.

Antoine Mills performs the Wednesday evening slot at 333 on Broad, the resident acoustic lounge.

Team Trivia with Eric continues to baffle the information gatherers at the 400 Block Bar.

THURSDAY

The Rome Area Council for the Arts is hosting the Holiday Tasting of Downtown, which will guide participants to downtown eateries to engage in food and beverage samplers. The earlier version was well attended and was a great time.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew continue to use the Harvest Moon dining room to pay homage to that old time string band music that has been playing on the streets of Rome since it’s founding and before.

Hip-hop engineer, keyboardist and songwriter Kylie Devaron will perform his blend of jazz rooted reflective hip-hop at McCrobie’s for an all ages show.

Scott Warren & the Collard Green Berets will be picking Southern rock ‘n’ roll at Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon.

FRIDAY

The NAIA National Football Championship is at Barron Stadium this Saturday, bringing hundreds of guests to downtown Rome. One of the events coinciding with the game is Friday night’s FANatic Friday, a pre-game party featuring the great Georgia Blues Brothers at the Town Green.

Acts of Random Theatre (A.R.T.) will put on a Christmas Dinner Theatre at 333 on Broad.

Jeff Caldwell is the singer/songwriter of Jump the Shark. He’ll tone it down (just a little) for a solo acoustic show at the Moon Roof Bar.

The 400 Block Bar hosts local rock ‘n’ rollers, 6 Deuce, this Friday night.

Local singer/songwriter Ben Bagley will perform acoustic country and rock music at 333 on Broad.

The Nest Coffee Shop offers three artists every Friday night for an 8, 9, and 10 o’clock show. It allows for a nice variety and congregation of fans and friends. This week they’ll host Luke Loveless, Sadie & Austin Ludwig, and Jon Byrd.

The Matt Chambers Band will play some country and Southern rock down at Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon.

SATURDAY

The NAIA National Football Championship game begins at noon at Barron Stadium featuring Sioux Falls from South Dakota and Lindenwood from Missouri. Fans will attend the game and then spill out into local establishments for post game cheer.

Thunderbolt Patterson set up shop at Old Havana Cigar Co for a night of unrivaled guitar work and a vault of original and obscure covers from the vast realms of blues, pop, and rock music.

Jameson Elder is an acoustic rock songwriter originating from around here, but has recently taken it to Nashville to expand on his work. He’ll perform at 333 on Broad.

Black Friday puts a Southern rock twist on heavy metal riffs that make you think wheels and chrome. They’ll be taking the stage at McCrobie’s on Saturday.

Babe’s Bayou brings Southern rock and country with a jam based influence to Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon.

MORE MULLINS

-For an extensive list, please see Bryan Mullins’ Mullinsmania.com

-Listen for Bryan on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning.

Do your Christmas shopping while you enjoy a drink and a cigar!
On Monday December 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Old Havana Cigar Bar in Cartersville you can shop and relax with:

Jessica Fleetwood, Premier Design Jewelry

Becky Gaylord, Arbonne International

Laurie McAfee, Jockey for Her Clothing

Get all your shopping done in one place on one evening.
We look forward to seeing you then!

Jessica, Becky and Laurie

..as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

The lowdown on downtown Rome entertainment

By Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

FRIDAY

Scott Thompson, one of Rome’s favorite musicians for at least the last five years, will be putting on a show at 333 on Broad, a place he has enjoyed merry crowds many times before.

The Jones Brothers are made up of Clayton and Clark, the original founders of The Groundhawgs. They’ll be picking original acoustic folk, country, bluegrass, etc. at the Moon Roof Bar.

The Nest will host the unique and refreshing original songwriting of Andrew Wardlaw, Cat and Scott Crowley.

Back in Black will return to McCrobie’s. This AC/DC tribute band is full of electricity as they surge through the bands vast catalog.

SATURDAY

The Cedartown Performing Arts Center will host a Christmas concert with country music legend Crystal Gayle. This venue is responsible for hosting many quality concerts through out the year and what better way top wrap up the year than with the elegant Crystal Gayle.

Since Capt. Soularcat was birthed in Rome almost a decade ago, they have kept loyal to their roots, which cover original songs in the tradition of blues blessed Southern rock with a surprise attack of the jam. They will return to a location they have played before but not under the name of Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon.

Kneckdown has worked hard to become one of North Georgia and North Alabama’s favorite groups playing country rock. Friday night, they will perform their last show for a few months as co-founder Jay Shell is expecting a new child. There will be a great crowd to take in this show no doubt. Congratulations Jay!

Muletide Perkins and BadLand Bad Boy will perform an evening of fun raw folk, rock, and country originals at the 400 Block Bar. These guys are always having a good time.

Another Fine Mess will return to McCrobie’s to blast out some Southern rock and roll.

MORE MULLINS

-For a more extensive list, please see Bryan Mullins’ Mullinsmania.com

-Listen for Bryan on The Ridge 95.7 FM  with Matt D in the Morning.

The first Tasting of Downtown was a great time! Here’s a press realease about the Holiday follow up.

A Holiday Tasting of Downtown
December 17, 2009

A Holiday Tasting of Downtown is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 the day of the event. All participants must be 21 or older and a picture ID is required at check-in. A Holiday Tasting of Downtown is a fundraiser for the Rome Area Council for the Arts – RACA.

According to event organizer Scott Moody, “The response to the inaugural September Tasting was outstanding. We sold all available tickets about an hour before the event and had to turn a number of people away. Patrons and participating restaurants were enthusiastic in their desire to replicate the tasting for the holiday season.”

Participants visit in any order the following downtown businesses: 333 on Broad, Harvest Moon Cafe, Jefferson’s, La Scala, Old Havana Cigar, Opis, and Schroeder’s. A sample beer and/or a sample food product will be available at each of these downtown locations.

To purchase your tickets to A Holiday Tasting of Downtown please visit Rome Area Council for the Arts at 248 Broad Street in Historic Downtown Rome, Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. You may also secure tickets by phone with a credit card by calling RACA at 706-295-2787 during the above times.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

The lowdown on downtown Rome entertainment

By Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Scott Warren & the Collard Green Berets will be performing soulful country and Southern rock at Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon. Warren is an amazing guitarist and singer and his band gets down with him and allows him to really get into his craft.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will return to the Harvest Moon dining room for an evening of old time string band music with a modern twist that has become a favorite in Rome’s music scene.

FRIDAY

Rome Little Theatre presents the Christmas musical Babes in Toyland in the Historic DeSoto Theatre. There are only six opportunities to catch these performances. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday matinee this week and next.

Stevie Monce will return to 333 on Broad to play acoustic rock songs.

Buck & Duke holds down the fort over at Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon. These guys play original Southern rock and country.

The 14 to 20 year old Open Mic Night at All Things Artistic will be held from 7 to 9pm. The 21 and up Open Mic will begin at 9 and go till 12. Song, poetry, prose, comedy, etc, are all welcome to attend.

SATURDAY

The Rome Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Rome City Auditorium, presenting Handel’s “Messiah”. They’ll be joined by the Shorter College Chorale and Chorus. The RSA will also perform “Trumpet Sonata”, “Greensleeves”, and “Christmas Concerto”.

The local guitar guru duo, better known as Thunderbolt Patterson, will bring their catalog of great originals and rare covers back to the 400 Block Bar for a night of great sounds.

Local singer/songwriter Cory Tucker will play and sing acoustic at 333 on Broad, Rome’s acoustic lounge.

Atlanta alternative act Breaking Vegas will perform an all ages show at McCrobie’s. The band has just recently released a new ep.

The Dry County Band will bring Southern rock to Opi’s Buck & Duke Saloon.

Mr. Mean’r, one of Northwest Georgia’s premier party bands will return to Peach Palace.

MORE MULLINS

-For a more extensive list, please see Bryan Mullins’ Mullinsmania.com

I really did, but they weren’t as bad as what is portrayed in this video. I tell you what. That goulash put out a nasty smell!