Bulletin Blog

…as seen on hometownheadlines.com

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

The 2011 Summer Poetry Night Series in the Schroeder’s Courtyard will come to a close this Thursday with an interesting twist. It will actually be a night of prose by Jake Sullins, a professor at Georgia Highlands College. He’ll be reading his short fiction piece, “12 Rounds”, recently published in The Georgia Review.

Russell McClanahan has been performing old time string band music in the Harvest Moon dining room on Thursday evenings for the better part of the last decade. He began playing there with the one and only Kasper “Stranger” Malone, a Rome legend who passed away in 2005. The duo’s performances were magic and since Malone’s passing, McClanahan has continued the tradition of sharing a piece of American culture that is rich within these North Georgia Hills. He knows that Malone is proud of the tradition that has fostered and featured numerous other artists since.

Jon Byrd is a local singer/songwriter that has earned much respect and a loyal fanbase from his acoustic performances as well as his full band shows. Each Thursday evening the downstairs bar at 333 on Broad welcomes Byrd for a night of tunes and friends. It’s almost like Cheers in there.

FRIDAY

This Friday afternoon Imagine Hair Art & Gallery Studio will host the opening reception for the Dr. Chris Hodges Art Show. Having taught hundreds of students at Rome High, Dr. Hodges is one of the most celebrated teachers I’ve ever come across. However, that is beside the point. If you are unfamiliar to Dr. Hodges’ art, you will immediately see that he is one of those rare talents that you only come cross a few times in life. His passion speaks for itself within his works.

If you just can’t make it out during the week, then you’ll be glad to know that Jon Byrd is working overtime this weekend and will be performing his acoustic music at the Moon Roof Friday night.

The 400 Block Bar is hosting an interesting combination this Friday night. Jerry on the Moon has played some killer shows this year and they are returning to the 400 Block Bar for a pre-holiday season romp. And they’ve invited a friend. Chattanooga-based Lon Eldridge picks and sings old time blues, ragtime, and jazz like a first language. I recommend checking out some tunes online and then the show. Any blues and early Americana fan is in for an unexpected treat.

Whenever Scratch Off John comes to town, one thing is for certain. Wherever they land is going to be rocked. This is a collection of avid classic rock enthusiasts that aren’t afraid to crank it up and deliver and they’ve got the skills to do so. They’ll be dabbling in everything from Pink Floyd to the Allman Brothers Band at 333 on Broad.

SATURDAY

Scott Thompson has got a busy schedule on Saturday night. Fans of Scott’s will have a great opportunity to see the many sides of his musical prowess. He’ll start off with a solo acoustic performance at Johnny’s New York Style Pizza. After that fans can head over to the upstairs lounge at 333 on Broad and catch Scott and his friends in full band form.

Thunderbolt Patterson is the dynamic duo of David Bell and Tim Bowen. If you’ve seen them perform before then you don’t need me to tell you about them. If you haven’t, you wouldn’t believe how much music these guys can make with just the two of them, and their extended arsenal of interesting instruments. They’ll be at the Moon Roof Bar this Saturday.

Looks like the 400 Block Bar will surely be hopping this Saturday night considering that the John Lee Hookers will be stopping by to throw down. This is Clay Broome’s latest combo that pays homage to the great early blues singers as well as the rockabilly swing that it collided with to form rock & roll.

Schroeder’s Courtyard will be lifting off this Saturday night with the sci-fi tinged experimental space rock of Dingus Con. This is a side project with members ofPrecious Lemons and My Ninja. You never know where these guys are going to take you but chances are you’ll really enjoy the ride.

-Hear Bryan and Matt D weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on The Ridge 95.7 FM.

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew perform old time string band music in the dining room at Harvest Moon Café. McClanahan has played with many talented people over the years and continues to keep what has become a tradition alive.

Local songwriter and acoustic musician Jon Byrd will perform in the back bar at 333 on Broad. This is a family friendly dinner performance that’s just right if you’re looking to wind down from a crazy week and enjoy some solid acoustic music in a laid back environment.

FRIDAY

Cory Tucker is a local singer/songwriter that always draws a crowd with his soulful acoustic work and smooth vocals. You never really know what genres Tucker will pull from which has earned him a loyal fan base. On Friday night he will be performing at Johnny’s New York Style Pizza.

Donny Hammonds is one hard working dude. He gigs constantly all over the region and pulls songs from a huge catalog of favorites that are nonstop crowd pleasers. He performs acoustically Friday night at the Moon Roof Bar. There’s a good chance that if you name it, he’ll play it.

After the Crash is an Alternative pop rock group that has been touring all over the country for the last five years. Their continuous travels have finally led them to Rome and they will be blowing up the stage this Friday night at 333 on Broad. If you are a sucker for late ’90s alt rock hits then you’ll love these guys.

The folks at the 400 Block Bar will be having a good time with It’s My Island, a two-man band that was formed last minute for last year’s St. Patty’s Day party at the 400 Block Bar. Unsurprisingly, folks couldn’t get enough of the power duo of Stephen Smith and Ian Griffin and they continue to play to this day, and will perform Friday night at the 400 Block Bar.

SATURDAY

It is time for the 4th Annual Rome Beer Festival to return to Heritage Park this Saturday afternoon. For beer aficionados it is a fine way to show support for the Rome Area Council for the Arts, as they will be able to sample over 50 beers while enjoying the musical flavors of four local bands. Backswing, Jerry on the Moon, Muletide Perkins Trio and The Strange will all add toast worthy soundtracks to an event that Romans have come to love.

This is a perfect time of the year for music under the stars and who is better equipped to astound listeners in the Schroeder’s Courtyard than the legendary Glenn Phillips Band. This will be a rare and special ’70s Time Capsule performance featuring songs from Glenn’s first three albums (1975-1980). The band will also be joined by guest David Byrd on pedal steel who played with Glenn in the ’70s. For early fans of Glenn’s music, this is a must see. I suspect that those of use who missed those days will enjoy it just the same.

Jon Byrd is a busy guy and for that we are grateful because he is an excellent acoustic artist that people have really come to love and enjoy. I’ve come to find out that some folks only check my website to see when and where Jon is playing. This Saturday evening he’ll be at Johnny’s New York Style Pizza.

If you’re a Cory Tucker fan and you just couldn’t make it out to Johnny’s on Friday night then you have another opportunity to catch him at the Moon Roof Bar on Saturday. Or you could just do what some fans will be doing and catching both nights.

The Rome Symphony Orchestra directed by Dr. Richard Prior, is proud to present the vocal talents of soprano Indra Thomas. She will sing Gershwin and Barber with the Orchestra at their Saturday evening performance at Rome City Auditorium. The Orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.

Daddy Irv is a group that squeezes about as much talent into a room as you can when it comes to performing classic hits that sprawl over multiple genres and decades. They will be playing at 333 on Broad Saturday night.

As the Americana crave continues to sweep the United States it’s safe to say that one of the finest pickers and singers in Appalachian folk rock dwells right here in Floyd County. Scott Warren effortlessly breathes soulful southern rock and blues into every performance without hubris. He’s assembled a mighty cast of musicians to chime in as Scott Warren & the Booze Mountaineers will be add layers of goodness to the 400 Block Bar this Saturday night.

-For more, please click www.mullinsmania.com

-Hear Bryan and Matt D weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on The Ridge 95.7 FM.

…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…

By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

So we’ve come to the conclusion that there is quite a bit of local talent in the area and that is exciting. However, I know there are many more talented individuals out there that are looking for the right moment to show us what you’ve got.

Well, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza is offering up an opportunity to take part in a series of Open Mic Night performance beginning tonight. The show is hosted by local favorite and pro Scott Thompson. Each performer plays two songs and the top two artists will be invited back for another at the end of the night. Anyone interested should e-mail Johnny’s at info@johnnysrome.com.

The Rome Area Songwriters Association will return to the Schroeder’s Courtyard for their monthly concert. This group has been celebrating and showcasing the art of original songwriting for over a decade now. Tonight’s performance includes Gene Brigham, Rick McKee and Jeremy Guider.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew summon up Appalachian roots with old time string music in the Harvest Moon dining room. McClanahan is not only a local musician but also a local historian that he plays the same kind of music that has been played since Rome’s earliest days which is a testament to his passion for this community as well as the music.

Up the street at 333 on Broad there will be another group of music loving diners gathering to hear the music of acoustic artist Jon Byrd. Byrd has become a local favorite and is perfect for the comfy downstairs bar at the 3′s.

It is time for one of my favorite events of the year! The 8th Annual Rome International Film Festival kicks off tonight with the opening film at DeSoto Theater. This year’s opener, Sahkanaga, is a “fictional exploration of a scandal that rocked a tight-knit community in the Appalachian foothills of Northwest Georgia.”

FRIDAY

The Rome International Film Festival will be showing blocks of independent films all day at DeSoto Theater and Heritage Hall. Get your hands on a program so you won’t miss what you want to see. Sometimes the hardest part is deciding between two interesting blocks that are showing at the same time. That’s not a bad problem to have if you ask me.

There will also be some great live entertainment for filmgoers and filmmakers as Broad Street venues host excellent artists this weekend.

Dingus Con is a band that merges members from two other extremely talented groups (Precious Lemons and My Ninja) and comes up with a sound all their own. You really never know what you’re going to get with these guys, which is why I think filmmakers will especially like them. They could definitely spice up a flick with some interesting soundtrack material that is raw and real. See them at Moon Roof Bar.

Jordan Hallquist is a Chattanooga singer/songwriter who has been coined as “honest and transparent music for the soul.” His influences range from Bo Diddley to Neil Young and he enjoys fronting a band and getting loud as well a playing living room style acoustic sets which is what he’ll be doing at Johnny’s New York Style Pizza this Friday.

Gareth Asher & The Earthlings is an exciting group that excels in acoustic Southern soul. Asher hails from Bowdon but now lives in Atlanta and has recently enjoyed great success sharing the stage with popular Southern rock artists like Sister Hazel, Collective Soul, and Shawn Mullins. He’ll be bringing his band of earthlings to 333 on Broad.

Here’s another band that is perfect for RIFF weekend. Atomic Boogie is a rockabilly swing and jump blues band that pays homage to the origins of rock ‘n’ roll like a crossover between the sounds of Sun Records in Memphis and Chess Records in Chicago. After sitting in theater enjoying films all day, you’ll want to stop by the 400 Block Bar for a taste of the good boogie.

SATURDAY

Film blocks will continue to be shown all day in the Rome International Film Festival. The closing Night & Awards Ceremony will be held at Heritage Hall to celebrate the Best of the Fest. Following the ceremony is a final film block entitled Zombies in the South! Zombies are more popular than ever in cinema and this block will celebrate Georgia filmmakers take on the undead. Oh, and come as you are or come dressed as your favorite zombie.

Brent McDonald is an Atlanta area singer/songwriter that is one of the fresh faces that Johnny’s New York Style Pizza has helped bring through Rome over the last year. He stays very busy being involved with multiple bands but truly loves playing acoustic solo performances which is what he’ll be doing Saturday night.

If you’re having a classic rock itch you can scratch it this Saturday at the Schroeder’s Courtyard with the return of The Hip Knotics. This band consists of members of one of Rome’s favorite tribute band, The Beatless. They’ve branched out into performing an array of other great tunes from other great bands of the time, as well as adding some great original material as well.

You may have seen Stephen Smith recently performing a merengue dance at the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, which was very impressive. Well, if you come out the Moon Roof on Saturday night you will see a completely different side of Stephen’s talents, and this one he’s been doing for years. Let’s just say this guy can wail on the blues and adds ad nice roots blues vibe to songs from other genres as well.

Bent in Bama is a band of young dudes that hail from the great state to the left. They have a very fresh approach to their blend of country and rock that manage to blend a driving and commanding sound with a smooth laid back approach. These guys have turned a lot of folks on over the past year and will return to the 400 Block Bar on Saturday night.

Babe’s Bayou is a group of good ol’ country boys from Adairsville that have become known for putting on one heck of a show over the years. They really amp it up and put on a professional show and they’ll be doing that Saturday night at 333 on Broad.

-Hear Matt D  & Mullins weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on The Ridge 95.7 FM.

 By Bryan Mullins

www.mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew will continue one of Rome’s favorite more recent traditions, which is performing old time string band music to the dinner crowd at Harvest Moon.

Jon Byrd will perform acoustic originals and favorites in the downstairs bar at 333 on Broad, which is becoming another one of Rome’s cherished weekly events.

FRIDAY

The final show of an excellent First Friday Concert Series will bring the one and only Georgia Blues Brothers to Bridgepoint Plaza Friday evening. These guys are the ultimate pranksters and put on an exciting show every time. This is definitely one the whole family will enjoy.

Scott Warren & the Booze Mountaineers will bring their roots fueled Appalachian rock to 333 on Broad. The guitar playing and soulful booming vocals of Warren are enough to make for an excellent show. Add the all-star cast of the Booze Mountaineers and you’ve got an absolutely awesome band.

Sarah Peacock is a countrified pop vocalist and songwriter that is not afraid to bring it to wherever she’s at, which is all over the place. Touring nationally with over 200 dates a year, the Atlanta native is returning to Johnny’s New York Style Pizza this Friday night.

The Moon Roof will be jumping this Friday night Kid Dynamite! This powerful swamp rock & roots blues duo hails from Valdosta and packs plenty of punch to go around. This is the kind of stuff that it’s quite alright to break a sweat to.

My Ninja is back in action at the 400 Block Bar with one of the freshest sounds around.  This time around it’s a Celebrity Night in which everyone is invited to dress up as their favorite celebrity. Is this a primer for Halloween. Even if you don’t want to dress up you won’t want to miss these guys.

SATURDAY

The 22nd Annual Running Water Powwow Cherokee Homecoming and Ripe Corn Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Ridge Ferry Park. This is a great family event that involves intricate competitive Cherokee dance, educational events, storytelling, song, and so much more. It’s a must for Northwest Georgians if you’ve yet to attend.

Scott Thompson is one of Rome’s favorite singer/songwriters known for putting on a great show every time whether he’s with his country rock band Peachtree Station or playing a friendly and intimate solo acoustic performance which he’ll be doing this Saturday evening at Johnny’s New York Style Pizza.

The Moon Roof Bar is excited to host the dynamic duo of Thunderbolt Patterson. David Bell and Tim Bowen are excellent multi-instrumentalists that put on quite a performance of great originals and deep covers from the roots of rock & roll.

Jon Byrd is another one of Rome’s favorite acoustic artists but this Saturday night he’ll be joined by a full band and playing in the upstairs lounge at 333 on Broad. Fans of Byrd’s solo acoustic shows are sure to enjoy this group.

Muletide Perkins Trio is looking forward to returning to their old favorite stomping grounds at the 400 Block Bar. Their country rock infused sound that they like to call “barnyard slop rock” usually ends up all over the floor but they always clean up before they leave, whatever that means.

The Armuchee Bluegrass Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the Armuchee Saddle Club. This is another great family affair that includes top shelf regional acts including Grass Backwards, The Weeks Family, Carl & Buzzy, and The Skyliners. The Armuchee Bluegrass Festival is the oldest festival of it’s kind in Georgia.

-For more, please click www.mullinsmania.com

-Hear Bryan and Matt D weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on The Ridge 95.7 FM.