It’s hot! But this weekends entertainment is hotter!
…as seen on HometownHeadlines.com…
By Bryan Mullins
TONIGHT
Enjoy dinner and some music at some of downtown Rome’s finest establishments.
Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew have been celebrating old time string band music for the Thursday night Harvest Moon dining room crowd for years now. It has become one of Rome’s finest treats. McClanahan originally performed these shows with local legend Stranger Malone who passed away in 2005. Malone would sure be proud of the talent that McClanahan gathers weekly since his passing.
Jon Byrd has maintained a late dinner show residence in the downstairs bar of 333 on Broad. This is a later dinner that is family friendly but perfect for folks trying to wind down from a busy week. Byrd has become one of Rome’s favorite performers.
FRIDAY
Chattanooga based alternative pop rock singer/songwriter Jason Lyles returns to the Moon Roof Bar Friday night. He’s been a staple in the Rome music scene through better or for worse and always puts on a great show. If you like the ’90s alt rock sounds reminiscent to Matthew Sweet then Lyles is right up your alley.
Francisco Vidal has also been an important thread in the fabric of our local music scene for years now. He is not only one of the Atlanta area’s favorite and most respected singer/songwriters, he has been highly influential in bringing many other great acts into Rome. He will receive a warm welcome this Friday night in the lounge at 333 on Broad.
Yet another very important piece to the local puzzle of live music will be performing at the 400 Block Bar Friday night. Scott Thompson will be performing with a recent gathering of some of the area’s finest musicians for this one, like Jedd Lovell, Bill Carroll and Bobby DeHart. Should be a good one.
Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but yet another one of the area’s favorite and most respected musicians will be lighting up the stage at DJ’s Tavern this Friday. That’s right, the pink man Clay Broome will be bringing the blues drenched reckless rockabilly sounds of the John Lee Hookers to the stage. Clay Broome and boredom are antonyms. Think pink!
I can’t talk about all these fine artists without mentioning David Elliott. He has established himself as not only a great songwriter but an exquisite guitarist. His performance successfully combines the two talents and is perfect for a listening room like Cups & Mugs on Broad Street.
SATURDAY
Saturday night brings some exciting opportunities, one of which is the return of The Hip-Knotics! These guys are mostly made up of members from Rome’s favorite tribute bands, The Beatless, specializing in classics and rarities of The Beatles. Now that they have conquered that, the group has been restructured, renamed and now features a catalog from multiple artists of that sweet classic rock genre. The original material is a collection of gems as well.
The Moon Roof Bar is glad to bring back the local indie folk artists called HootN’Annie. These young ladies are fearless and full of fresh spirit that translates well into their collaboration of fresh rare covers and memorable originals.
McNary is an Atlanta-based three piece that has put on some great shows and accumulated some satisfied listeners around Rome with their modern pop and alt rock blend. They’ll be returning to the 400 Block Bar this Saturday night for another round.
Well, I don’t know much about MissUsed but I do know that the band features Jay Bradshaw previously of Down Stroke and Bag Of Bonz. That’s enough to let me know that this crew is not afraid to crank it up and bring it directly to your face and eardrums. They will visit Rome for the first time this Saturday at 333 on Broad.
-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.