Bulletin Blog

Ryan Lawrence was one of the many friendly folks that I met over the years from working at Schroeder’s. He was there during one of my favorite periods where the crew was super tight and good times were shared all the time whether at work or at play. Ryan became one of my favorite people because he had an honest smile, good sense of humor, and overall great demeanor. He was definitely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and very laid back and easy to get a long with.

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.

..as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

Eclectic weekend of entertainment downtown (or nearby)

By Bryan Mullins/www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Poetry Night at Schroeder’s; Francisco Vidal at 333

Schroeder’s holds its monthly Poetry Night. This is a great opportunity to come listen to talented local writers read their work. It’s also a great opportunity for inspiring writers to meet others and trade thoughts.

Francisco Vidal has worked hard to become a respected contributor in the Atlanta area songwriters’ scene. We are glad that he has made Rome one of his favorite places to come and perform. He’ll be at 333 on Broad.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will perform old time string band music for the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon. Over the years this has become one of the most cherished weekly events for Downtown Rome.

FRIDAY: Matt Chambers at DJ’s Tavern; Jason Lyles at the Moon Roof.

Devidasa is a band that showcases multiple instruments, multiples personalities, and multiple genres. They will perform their percussion driven world funk at the Schroeder’s Courtyard.

Clay Broome leads the John Lee Hookers into action once again. Friday night it’s at 333 on Broad where the room will be filled with raw blues guitar riffs and rockabilly swing. These guys put on a heck of a show.

Jason Lyles is a Chattanooga-based songwriter who blends power pop songwriting with Southern rock and alternative sounds which provide a very authentic sound. He has played all over the Southeast supporting his latest recording, Ethereal. He’ll spend Friday evening wailing these songs for the folks at the Moon Roof Bar.

DJ’s Tavern kicks off week number two with another one of Rome’s favorite performers, Matt Chambers. Matt will undoubtedly put on a great show for the folks over there on John Davenport Drive.

Potters Field is a classic country band that pays homage to the genres finest artists like Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash. They’ll be playing at Café 212 in Rockmart.

SATURDAY: Rock  Run Station returns to 333; Iron Horse at Kilroy’s

Rock Run Station hails from the Piedmont, Ala., area and has played 333 on Broad once before. They will be returning this Saturday evening to perform their fresh interpretations of modern rock ‘n’ roll. I’m sure they will be greeted with a joyful crowd.

Iron Horse Society will be bringing a heavy dose of classic rock to Kilroy’s at VFW Post 4911 this Saturday. Mr. Synyster is a Rome-based band that is prepared to bring the heat from multiple decades of rock ‘n’ roll classics. They will also be performing at Kilroy’s.

Scott Warren & The Collard Green Berets will blast the room at DJ’s Tavern full of excellent acoustic driven Southern rock and country blues on Saturday. Scott’s band, the Collard Green Berets, are an excellent platform for him to unfold his magic with soulful guitar licks and booming vocals.

-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.

..as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

Local All-Stars this weekend: Scott Thompson, Buck & Duke

By Bryan Mullins/www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Rome Songwriters hit the road; ice cream hits the spot
-Stop by Brusters and get a Scoop for a Cure to End Alzheimers from 5 to 8 p.m.
-Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will pick old time string band music in the Harvest Moon dining room for dinner this evening.

-Muletide Perkins will return to the 400 Block Bar for a night of original acoustic country blues tunes.

-The Rome Area Songwriters Association will perform tonight in Calhoun at the Harris Arts Center, featuring Gene Brigham, David Bell, and Ralph Peters.

FRIDAY: Chris Knight returns to 333; AIDS council’s ‘Night Music’

-Chris Knight sold out his last performance at 333 on Broad, and there is absolutely no doubt that this one will sell out, too. But don’t let that stop you from trying to be there. The Kentucky-based country singer and songwriter is well respected amongst critics, fans, and other modern and classic country artists. We are glad to have him come through Rome and are thankful for 333 on Broad for making that happen.

The Aids Resource Council presents A Little Night of Music III featuring local favorites Devidasa, Precious Lemons, and Cat Sellers. This is a great opportunity to support your community and enjoy great music at the same time. The show will take place at the Schroeder’s Courtyard.

I’m glad to welcome a new venue to town. DJ’s Tavern opened this week on John Davenport Drive and Leslie Gaddy will kick off their season of music Friday night. Leslie plays acoustic Southern rock and country.

SATURDAY: Scott Thompson at 333; DJ’s welcomes Buck & Duke
-Kilroy’s at VFW Post 4911 on Cedartown Highway will offer the music of Mr. Mean’r, one of the area’s finest party bands. They have a wide array of tunes to choose from and always put on a good rock ‘n’ roll-fueled performance.

The John Lee Hookers will return to the 400 Block Bar where they have previously left crowds completely blown away with their tribute to the early blues masters and Memphis-based rockabilly. This is Clay Broome’s most recent project. He has accumulated an excellent trio that has been a complete success so far.

Scott Thompson will be back at 333 on Broad. Scott is one of Rome’s favorite performers who never seems to lose momentum. With a great personality and a diverse selection of original tunes and classics, folks always leave happy from a Scott Thompson show.

Buck & Duke make a welcome return to the event calendar with a Saturday night performance at DJ’s Tavern. Buck & Duke made serious waves with their first album that featured the hit “All Roads Lead to Rome.”

The recent house shows have been met with great enthusiasm and the series continues. Saturday night will feature indie rockers Cactus’s, who previously played here at The Greenhouse and were a huge hit. The Pox, Unseen Stimuli and Hoot n’ Annie will start off the evening at 7 Myrtle St. in South Rome.
-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.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com….

By Bryan Mullins/Mullinsmania.com

Well, what do you know? Yet another fantastic weekend of fun things to do in Rome. I’m starting to get tired of enjoying it all. Just kidding, bring it on.

TONIGHT: Futurebirds buzzing at Schroeder’s; Muletide, Badlands, too

Futurebirds make some of the freshest music that’s out right now. It’s kind of a mix of psychedelic country rock reminiscent of The Byrds but with a very modern flavor and fun sing-along vocals. One of the six members is Rome’s own Payton Bradford, which is why they make a point to cruise through Rome on their way around this half of the country. They’ll be at Schroeder’s this evening with Muletide Perkins and Badland Bad Boy opening.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will entertain the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon with their homage to old time string band music.

FRIDAY: Cornbread Killers at Moon Roof; Curiosity Shoppe at 333

The Cornbread Killers will return to the Moon Roof. They may or may not attack their delicious jalapeno cornbread, but they will definitely put on a great show of original rock music scattered with a fine choice of covers.

The 400 Block Bar will host Southern Thread, a blues soaked Southern rock band featuring local blues guitarist Stephen Smith. These guys put on a great show and are working on releasing their first cd.

Curiosity Shoppe has been rocking venues all over the Southeast for years now and have not let up since. They will be at 333 on Broad this Friday evening for a guaranteed great and highly attended show.

SATURDAY: Jazzy start to 2010 Classic Car Cruise-in; RSO on the go

The Classic Car Cruise-In returns to Downtown Rome this Saturday evening. Last year provided a great opportunity to check out and/or show off your classic model car (25 years or older). This year, they are amping it up with live bands and a wider location. The Cruise-In will be held at Midtown Transit behind Harvest Moon and will feature great music by the Jazz Merchants, The Hip-Knotics, Georgia Blues Brothers, and Scott Thompson & Peachtree Station. This is a great fun and free event for the whole family. (5-9 p.m.)

Soylent Red can count the times they’ve played in Rome on one hand, but they have all been very memorable shows. These guys excel at rocking classic rock & blues but their original songwriting blends those roots with fresh alt rock tunes. A must see. They’ll be playing their original material in the Schroeder’s Courtyard.

The Rome Symphony Orchestra will perform An Evening of Pops with special guest Adam Frey on the euphonium. There will be special performances by Darlington students as well and the performance will take place at Darlington’s Huffman Center.

DJ Robbie Loco is known for keeping a close finger on the pulse of classic roots and modern reggae and hip-hop. He’ll be spinning records at the 400 Block Bar this Saturday evening. Last time was an absolute blast.

Don’t forget to check out the Cave Spring Arts Festival this Saturday and Sunday at Rolater Park in Cave Spring.

-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.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

Huge weekend for downtown entertainment begins tonight

By Bryan Mullins

Mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Downtown ‘Tasting,’ Ray & Eric at 333 on the menu

Take a leisurely stroll down Broad Street and sample the finest in food and beverage on A Summer Tasting of Downtown. This is a great opportunity to support the Rome Area Council for the Arts and have a good time doing it.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew continue to perform old time string band music for the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon.

Ray & Eric are two dudes that just really enjoy playing laid back acoustic duet shows. They’ll be at 333 on Broad doing what they love the most.

Muletide Perkins will set up shop at the 400 Block Bar for an evening of original country blues based tunes and choice covers.

FRIDAY: Jamie Pelfrey at Bridgepoint; Dock has Collard Green Berets

The First Friday Concert Series at Bridgepoint Plaza continues with the Jamie Pelfrey Band, the latest country sensation from the Atlanta area. The show is free to the public and is always a great time throughout Rome’s warmer months.

Local country blues and Southern rock trailblazer Scott Warren will perform with his band, the Collard Green Berets, at the Dock on the Cotton Block directly following the First Friday concert at Bridgepoint Plaza.

The “G” Men got rained out at their last attempt at the Schroeder’s Courtyard but they are bound and determined to try it again. The band includes some of Rome’s finest songwriters in Jule Medders, Rick McKee, David Elliott and David Bell. They will perform their originals individually and collaboratively. It is a great opportunity to delve into some local songwriting talent.

Backswing is one of Rome’s favorite bands performing a wide variety of crowd-pleasers with the greatest of ease. There is no question about the collective amount of skill in this band fronted by Lee Shealy and Alan Smith.

Jon Byrd is another of Rome’s favorites who has performed at 333 on Broad since the doors opened, earning a great group of folks who love his acoustic country rock tunes.

SATURDAY: Delicate Cutters, Muletide at Schroeder’s

The Delicate Cutters is a Birmingham-band that blends roots and folks rock with an indie flavor and a keen sense of Southern gothic literature. They are led by Rome native Janet Simpson-Templin, who returns to the Schroeder’s Courtyard periodically to a group of die hard underground music fans. The Muletide Perkins Trio will open up featuring McG and BadLand.

The Fourth Annual Roman Classic Bodybuilding Competition will take place at the Rome City Auditorium. The Classic took flight under the direction of Maximum Nutrition’s Steve Bailey. This year he has passed the torch to R.D. who has competed for 20 years and judged the first three Classics. His determination to continue and grow the Roman Classic will be obvious at this year’s competition.

Todd Weaver is an acoustic alternative performer from Columbus, Ga., who has rocked the crowd at 333 on Broad over the past year. He’ll be back for more this Saturday.

MB’s Comedy Night returns with a hilarious combination of nationally touring comedians, Karen Mills and Andy Sanford.

SUNDAY: Indie rockers to set up at 7 Myrtle St.

Currently lacking the appropriate venue, there is a gentleman around town who has been putting on unique house shows featuring hard working, nationally touring bands sometimes more obscure than the norm but determined to leave their mark on the American music landscape. Sunday’s show will feature indie rockers TransAtlantic and Eagle Scout. Look them up and check them out. Kicking off the evening will be local songsters, The Pox and Muletide Perkins Trio. The show will be at 7 Myrtle St. in next to Myrtle Hill.

-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.