Member Musicians
Skyler Saufley
As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Skyler Saufley is not your typical blues player, and his journey to become one is uniquely his own. Specializing in jump, swing, and west coast style blues, coupled with his impeccable stage presence and knack for showmanship, Saufley’s talent is impossible to ignore, evoking the spirit of blues legends T-Bone Walker and Pee Wee Crayton. His live shows are a mix of electrifying blues and boogie-woogie standards that brings audiences to their feet and leaves them begging for more. Skyler performs extensively across the southeast and will be inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame.
https://www.facebook.com/SkylerSaufleyMusic
https://www.instagram.com/skylersaufleymusic/
The Trouble Tones
The Trouble Tones is a high energy Blues Band. Great song selection and passion combine for the new “Best New Blues Band” in Atlanta. Serious musical dues have been paid by members. Led by longtime blues vocalist Patrick Vining, whose knowledge of blues is vast, the band is steeped in authentic blues sound.
Drew Ashworth is an American blues musician best known for his soulful vocals and smooth guitar. Drew was born in the deserts of Arizona and raised in the pine covered hills of West Georgia. From birth, he was immersed in the Delta Blues, Southern Rock, R&B, Soul, and Classic Country records in his parents’ collection. He developed a powerful and soulful singing style that was recognized very early in his life. At the tender age of 8 he found an old guitar in his grandmother’s attic and he hasn’t put it down since.
Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue
Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue is a blues act who faithfully perform many of your favorite blues standards that pay homage to the icons of the blues – such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Koko Taylor, B.B. King and more.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084429834931
Ross Pead
Ross Pead, aka Peadboy, is a multi-talented musician who has been a blues legend in the Atlanta Area for several decades. Singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer, passable bassist, producer, performer, poor harmonica player, at Peadboy Productions. He is a true Georgia boy, born in Waycross and now resides in Fairburn. Ross can be found every Sunday night at Northside Tavern with the band Uncle Sugar. You can also find him at Fat Matt’s, The Green Room in Mableton, and other venues all around town. Please follow him on Social Media.
Blue Velvet is a collective musical project of professional female musicians based in the Atlanta area. We play blues standards, originals, and our own collaborative efforts. There is always something interesting going on with Blue Velvet!
https://www.facebook.com/BlueVelvetAtlanta
https://twitter.com/bluevelvetatl
Blind Jive
Blind Jive plays a unique blend of blues, blues rock, southern rock and classic rock. Blind Jive performs at Festivals, Music Venues, Bars, and private events.
https://www.facebook.com/blindjiveband
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC298LTQyG20tkvuld7iA3Bw/featured
Simply Awesome Band
The Simply Awesome Band is for the “Old Soul” in you. Bringing together like-minded souls that appreciate Simply Awesome Entertainment for their listening ear in an environment of respect, maturity, and integrity. Therapy for the soul. Eclectic High Energy Smooth Jazz, Rock, Blues, Oldies, R&B, Pop. We do it all.
https://www.facebook.com/SimplyAwesomeEntertainmentBand
https://www.simplyawesomeentertainment.com/
Cannonball Red & the Head Hunters
Cannonball Red grew up in the country south, in Georgia, so he knows a thing or two about the Blues. He writes from the soul of a man blazing a trail through life, bringing a fresh perspective and incisive wit to his tales of the Blues. Armed with a smoky voice, soaked in gospel roots, and a stellar band known as The Head Hunters, he combines a vintage sound with a modern flare to thrilling effect. His inspirations are drawn from guitar slingers like Buddy Moss and Luther Johnson, and pianists like Otis Spann and Ray Charles. Soul, grit and a little bit of fire give you a feel of what it feels like to be at the mercy of the Cannonball.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087282260185
https://www.instagram.com/cannonballred_/
Peter Karp is known for many things. An assertive singer, a skilled guitarist, and a passionate performer. He’s also an individual who writes songs that frequently reflect tales told as part of life’s journey, spawned by passion and personal experience. He is also a multi-instrumentalist with significant keyboard skills and harmonica chops. He first saw national attention when guitarist Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones) recorded and toured with Karp on his third release. He has been winning accolades and top placemat on the Blues charts with every one of his recent albums, including his latest release, Magnificent Heart. He recently has teamed up with some very accomplished Atlanta musicians including Mark Johnson, formally of Delta Moon. Look for him to be playing a lot more shows in the Atlanta area and the southeast.
https://peterkarp.com/home
https://www.facebook.com/peterkarpmusic
Blair Crimmins began his music career in Atlanta, Georgia, with a determination to bring Ragtime and 1920’s style Dixieland Jazz to new audiences. While playing small rock clubs around the Southeast he developed a sound that is at once modern while being deeply rooted in the past. A multi-instrumentalist and music academic, Crimmins writes songs and arrangements for a classic New Orleans style horn section consisting of trumpet, clarinet and trombone. His last album entitled Sing-a-longs! went to #21 on the EuroAmerican radio chart and earned him a nomination at The Georgia Music Awards for Best Jazz Artist. Blair Crimmins has now released his anticipated 4th studio album You Gotta Sell Something.
https://www.facebook.com/blaircrimminsandthehookers
Chequered Blue has been rocking Atlanta since 2016. This five-person band plays a fun collection of classic rock and blues with a little old-school soul, R&B, and Motown sprinkled in! You can find them playing around the southeast everywhere from blues juke joints and dive bars to restaurants and parties or on porches, patios & parking lots! They also dig festivals and fundraisers, as well as upscale private parties, holiday celebrations, and corporate events so contact them to learn more and book them for your next event.
Five Long Years is not your run-of-the mill bar band. They are a true Rock N’ Roll Blues Band influenced by early Blues Greats such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Sam, and the “Three Kings.” Not to mention blues bands of the sixties and everything from the Rollings Stones to the Allman Brothers Band. This dynamic, three-piece band consists of Jonathan Gailey (Vocals, Guitar, Slide Guitar, Harmonica), Howard Rasey (Drums), and Russ Thomas (Bass, Vocals). Five Long Years is one of the most original bands in Atlanta.
http://fivelongyears.net
http://youtube.com/fivelongyearsband
http://facebook.com/fivelongyears
The Garrett Collins Project
The Garrett Collins Project is a Funky Blues Based Rock Power Trio based out of Atlanta Georgia. Front man Garrett Collins is a young gun guitar player and vocalist that has been touring up and down the south east for the past three years. Bass player Dennis Stevenson and Drummer Justin Raffield are like a freight train chasing Garrett down the whole show, they push him to a new level every night. Winners of the 2019 Atlanta Blues Challenge and Semi-finalists in the 2020 International Blues Challenge, this is a group you don’t want to miss!
https://www.facebook.com/The-Garrett-Collins-Project-343303355833208/
Hughes Taylor
Hughes Taylor is an energetic and ambitious blues artist from Macon, Georgia. He is known for his impressive and accomplished guitar playing and unique electric style that infuses traditional blues roots with upbeat and fast-paced blues and classic rock. The Hughes Taylor Band is a blues/rock power trio that is reminiscent of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Cream. Following his successful first album Hear My Melody (2016), Hughes released his sophomore album, Restless in May 2018.
Enjoy the hits and ole’ school tunes of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, ‘70’s with the Wayback Band. Whether it is Motown, R&B, Rock & Roll, or Blues, the Way Back Band will take you way back there and help you relive wonderful moments. With terrific musicianship, these seasoned performers create a full bigger band sound in smaller as well as larger setting and venues. Perfect for restaurants and smaller intimate settings, as well as larger halls and big scale events, we will create a great energy for fun, dance, and laughter to help make your event a success.
When David T & Friends hit the stage, be prepared to be entertained by a deep bench of talented musicians and original music that will keep your head bobbing and toes tapping. Take a listen to any of their CD’s and you’ll see what we mean. Variety is the spice. Blues, Funk, Rock, and Folk are all celebrated. Lead vocalist and sax player Tommy Lewis oozes the blues. Their horn section packs a punch and the cello will give you the chills. Top it off with a little blues harp and you are in for a kaleidoscopic musical experience!
Decades of experience back up The Rockaholics. They continue to pay homage to the blues, rock and soul artists of yesterday and today. Dynamic and flexible, The Rockaholics can play to any crowd’s tastes and regularly welcome guest artists to sit in for those impromptu, surprising performances that make every show unique. Rock is in the name, but it’s the blues that is in their soul.
The Let It Rip Band is a diversified band that performs Old-School, Motown, Funk, R&B, and Soul music. The band is located in Atlanta and provides great entertainment for variety of private gatherings and events. The band delivers sounds from a Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, Key Board, and Vocalist. Our old-school sound delivers the soul wrenching familiar turns that get the party going and sets the atmosphere for a fun-filled occasion.
Make It Moan Entertainment – Cell: 504-430-1622.
“She’s good. She’s damn good.” Sting’s summation of his duet with singer-songwriter Diane Durrett speaks for anyone who’s ever heard her perform. With a blend of raw soulful vocals, sultry tones and strong original songs, Durrett has sung with Gregg Allman, Chuck Leavell & Jimmy Hall. She began performing in blues clubs across the Southeast in the early 1990s, opening shows for KoKo Taylor, Tinsley Ellis and Delbert McClinton. Durrett represents the ATL vocal seat for NARAS, best known for the Grammy Awards. In her upcoming release she joins forces with drummer Yonrico Scott for Soul Suga’ (2014). Now a veteran blues-soul singer, writer and producer, Diane brings her southern wit and charm to every event! Photo by Bill Thames.
With roots firmly planted in the foundations of rock-n-roll from the 1960s and 1970s, Funky Bluester pays the reverence and homage due to the masters while simultaneously putting their own stamp on the genre. They call it “Quality Rock-n-Roll”. Drawing from influences in all types of music, the trio pumps out original rock-n-roll that hearkens back to Atlanta’s Piedmont park circa 1970, the back alleys of Chicago and the roadhouses of Texas, but at any moment can turn on a dime into a magical, spontaneous, San Franciscan musical journey. Steeped in the style and techniques of these classic artists, Funky Bluester continues the tradition of writing great songs with catchy hooks that any listener will appreciate. Funky Bluester is Dustin Peterson, Russell Boyer, and Joel Garrison.
The Tom Hill Band is a blues based rock and soul band that specializes in having some of the best jams in Atlanta.
Hailing from the Tucker area and led by singer/songwriter Tom Hill, the band plays 4-5 nights a week all around Atlanta. They invite all music lovers to come hear them – and musicians are always invited to come and play!
Fatback Deluxe plays classic American music deeply rooted in 1940’s, 1950’s and early 1960’s blues mixed with original songs. Originally formed in 2002 by Chris “Tipsy” Kramer, the band performs the music with deep respect for all of its tradition, passion, and power. Performances feature a broad variety of blues styles including Southside and Westside Chicago blues, West Coast blues, Texas blues, and styles associated with Louisiana, Mississippi, and Memphis. Fatback Deluxe plays the music that they love, and as the living history of blues music is slowly being lost with the passing of our heroes, the band remains committed to keeping the music alive. Fatback Deluxe performs as both a full jumpin’, swinging’, stand up and boogie blues band, and as a quieter, deeper, sit down and tap your toes blues band. Come on and connect with Fatback Deluxe!
ThunderGypsy‘s sound can best be described as soulful rocking Blues, covering an eclectic mix of music that spans the decades. The spirit of the Gypsies is evident in their music as they take you on a musical road trip from Atlanta’s Southern Soul to the rockin’ Blues in Macon, Ga., from the classic sound of the Memphis Blues along the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter and even up to Chicago and St. Louis for their rocking electric Blues. Folks often say they’ve never seen a band having so much fun playing together as ThunderGypsy does! With Ken Williams on Drums, Richard Price on Guitar, Paul Allison on Keyboards and Heather Statham on vocals, this quartet delivers a sound guaranteed to delight your ears and keep you grooving all night long!
Mandi Strachota
Born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in the wilds of Wisconsin, Mandi Strachota is the product of southern roots and Midwest know-how, a potent mix of practicality and soulful dreaming. Mandi has become a fixture on the Atlanta music scene. She has collaborated with many local bands, has her own band, performs a gospel show, performs solo and duo, and is the lead singer for a local second-line band. She is known for her soulful vocals, but is a multi-instrumentalist who is quickly becoming known for her compelling songwriting as well. Winner of the 2019 Blues Challenge, Solo/Duo Category and Semi-finalist in the 2020 International Blues Challenge, Solo/Duo.
Atlanta native Kathie Holmes has a fiery New Orleans piano style, soulful vocals and a leave-it-all-on-the-stage personality, but is best known for electrifying the crowd with her sultry, funky, and rocking blues flute. She performs at festivals and clubs throughout the Southeast as a member of several blues, rock, and funk bands and is an in-demand artist for recording sessions. Her recently completed CD showcases her captivating songwriting and spirited performance on keyboards, vocals, and flute.
The Sweet and Salty Blues Band joins together the smoldering soulful vocals of Hurricane Red and the gospel inflected preaching style of Dr. Poppa to bring the blues straight to you in rich harmonies that run deep. Add the gritty sax of the good doctor rooted in a half century of playing the blues and your heart is gonna sing and your feet are gonna move. You do not want to miss the burning southern stylings of Hurricane Red on vocals, John Paul Barry on guitar, Chris Pollard on bass and Derek Able on drums. Loose and rootsy with shades of funk, gospel, and hints of jazz, Sweet and Salty is a rich jambalaya for your soul.
The Orange Drivers
Hailing from Clarkston Georgia, the Orange Drivers play blues and they’re fairly good at it. The band consists of Quaid Patterson on guitar, Jared Smith on bass, Daryl Williams on drums and Jay Norem on harmonica and vocal. The music is straight-ahead blues, nothing fancy. It’s good. The musicians are good, too, it’s just all good stuff. If you want an evening of straight-ahead blues music, be on the lookout for the Orange Drivers, coming soon to a venue near you!
eMail:
jaynorem2@gmail.com
TRIBUTE … a celebration of The Allman Brothers Band, is Atlanta’s newest band, faithfully recreating the music of ABB. Assembling a formidable nine-piece lineup, Tribute spent four months in rehearsal in early 2013, focusing on music the Allman Brothers produced over their inspired first five years. The band began performing live in the late spring, drawing strong responses for its dual-lead guitar fury and an instinctive appreciation for how this music was originally written, recorded and then interpreted on stage. Comprised of veteran active musicians as well as some who returned to their instruments after hiatus, Tribute seeks to recreate that unique period in American rock, when psychedelia ebbed and ABB informed us what jazz, rock, country and blues could sound like.
The Trilby Brothers
The Trilby Brothers are Barry Lamon (Guitar, Vocals, Songsmith), Vince Alexander (Harmonica, Shaky Stuff), Henry Brent (Drumkit Operator & Things To Bang On), and Larry Grasso (Basses, Hearty Chortles). The band is regularly joined by honorary Trilby Brother – Atlanta guitar legend Mr. Barry Richman. The Trilby Brothers play Original Americana Music and select covers served Trilby Style: a little Blues, a little Rock, a little Funk, with a lotta Soul. Our influences include angels, devils, rusty landscapes, those with awareness of the human condition, smiles, happy dogs, and a listener’s ear.
William Reed and the Juke Joint Dukes
Frontman William “Blues Man” Reed is the real deal on vocals and guitar! Formed in 2015, the Juke Joint Dukes are a tribute to old school Chicago and Delta blues in the style of Muddy Waters, Albert King, Hound Dog Taylor, Magic Slim and BB King. They pride themselves on playing with feeling!
https://www.jukejointdukes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jukejointdukes/
Wavetree is George Price, Barry Richman, Charlie Korch and Dana McCarthy, playing instrumentals and vocal arrangements from rock to jazz to blues. First coming together when hosting open jams beginning in 2013, it was only natural for George, Barry, Charlie, and Dana to start branching out and appearing together as a band. Each brings a wealth of talent and experience having spent many years playing professionally as individuals, and playing with and opening for many of the major acts in the music industry. Barry and George are two of the top guitarists in the region, playing with many of the top names in the area (and some global names as well). Charlie is a much sought after drummer, able to keep the solid beat while playing some of the most complex of rhythms, and Dana fills out the bottom end on bass guitar, providing the foundation for the amazing guitar work you will hear in this group. https://www.facebook.com/wavetreeband/
No Diggity Band
We’re here to bring you a night of nonstop fun by mixing, mashing and smashing some of our own versions of the classic 90s and early aughts jams. We are Atlanta’s premier Hip Hop, R&B, and Pop Tribute band.
https://www.nodiggityband.com/
“On Time, On Key, On the One” – SaNa knew from an early age that she was destined to perform in front of a crowd. She was always musically inclined, but pursued other interests, including booking acts for her college. She graduated college, had a daughter and became a teacher. Since 1994 she has been an Associate Professor at Clark Atlanta College. In 1998 at age 50, SaNa bought a bass and taught herself to play. In 1999 the SaNa Band won the Atlanta Blues Band Search. Since then, SaNa has completed 5 CD’s, performs regularly in public and private venues, and conducts “Healing Properties of the Blues” Workshops and Performances. SaNa is interactive. She gets you singing along, dancing, and having a genuine good time.
The Sawgrass Blues Band
The Sawgrass Blues Band, from Roswell Georgia, has been performing around North Fulton for several years now. We play an eclectic mix of music with a central focus on blues. Organic, homegrown, Roswellian, blues-loving machines, with songs specially selected for smoothness and taste. Acoustic, eclectic, bluesy, electric, – toe tapping, foot stomping, rock, rhythm, & blues. Offering originals, popular, and classics, and available as a Solo or Duo or as a Full Band. • www.SawgrassBlues.com
Missy Flapjack & the Butterworth Blues Band are now entering their 12th year as an ensemble, and have been rocking Atlanta audiences with a great mix of blues, rock, funk, and a whole lotta soul for the over a decade. 2020 is shaping up to be a banner year for the band and will be booming with shows, appearances, performances, new songs, and a debut album of original blues music. The Butterworth repertoire is a rocking mix of original blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and classic blues standards and features Dave Knaub on drums and percussion, Brian Rosen on electric guitar, Michael Thornton on bass, and singer songwriter Alexis M. La Salle as Missy Flapjack on vocals and keys. This group will have you grooving and smiling with blues you can use! https://www.facebook.com/flapjastic/
Crossfire is a diverse power trio that covers decades of blues. From traditional blues to blues rock, we have various styles. We cover Walter Trout, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Luther Allison, Luther Johnson, Sam Myers and more great blues artists. We have been established for almost 9 years and started out as gospel act, then ventured into a more diverse song selection but still keep the gospel in our hearts to show that God is always first!
Scott Glazer’s Mojo Dojo plays music that is indigenous to the South. Prominent in their song list is the soul music and blues produced at Stax/Volt and Hi Records in Memphis, TN, Muscle Shoals, AL, and other soul hotspots of the South. Artists in their repertoire include Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Big Maybelle, Percy Mayfield, Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, Freddie King, Jimmy Hall, The Allman Brothers Band, and many others. The band has been featured at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art “First Friday”, Callanwolde Arts Centre’s “Jazz on the Lawn”, Chastain Park Amphitheatre, opening for ASO and Chaka Kahn, Buckhead Theater, and more of our city’s fine venues.
Nicolai Tanev
Nicolai Tanev (Guitar Nick) is a guitarist and teacher in Sandy Springs, GA. He won the Runner-up Award at IAMA for 2007 and has released an acoustic blues CD “Tribute to Robert Johnson”. Fingerstyle blues guitar lessons available.
Zion Stovall Band
The Zion Stovall Band is a rockin’ three-piece band based out of Monroe, Georgia. Featuring Zion Stovall on guitar and vocals, Chuck Lambert on bass, and Thad Brunson on drums. The band has deep roots in the blues and loves showing the new generation what the blues is all about!
Eddie 9V
What’s there to say about Eddie? He’s a two timing hustler who plays the bars up and down the streets until the early morn. Eddie 9V has played many stages and Festivals all around the country gaining positive success between the blues radio stations and reviewers all around the world for his lo-fi, gut wrenching style of blues. At 23, he’s made himself a name in the competitive blues scene in Atlanta wowing all types of audiences with his searing Freddie King style approach to guitar. Recording all his music in a one room studio, Eddie 9V plans to release his new album “Left My Soul in Memphis” in fall of 2019.
https://www.facebook.com/mason.kelly.334
Rae & the Royal Peacocks. Building on the rich blues tradition of Atlanta through the decades, Rae and the Royal Peacocks infuses classic styles with contemporary energy. No matter what blues genre resonates most with you, you’re guaranteed to dance when this band takes the stage. Rae and the Royal Peacocks features several of Atlanta’s favorite musicians, including Danny Vinson (guitar), Art McNaughton (drums), Harold Patillo (bass) and Valerie Waters (keys), with Rebekah “Rae” Easley on vocals. The passion for the blues runs deep… and the music is irresistible. They were the winners of the 2016 Atlanta Blues Challenge and will represent the Atlanta Blues Society in the 2017 International Blue Challenge (IBC) in Memphis.
The Cazanovas bring you their own incomparable “Kick Ass Blues” for each and every show, melding timeless blues style that every audience relates to with a fresh energy that keeps them hungry for more. And more they get… Well known blues standards are infused with new groove-driven power, and original tunes are immersed in musical passion and intensity, with lyrics that speak to the force of shared experience. The passion, energy and intensity from each member is apparent as what comes out is “music that is rooted in blues, but doesn’t necessarily sound like a copy of something that we’ve heard before.”
EG Kight’s musical style transcends musical boundaries and has been called “country-flavored southern-fried blues”. With a blend of americana, southern rock, blues, pop, jazz, gospel and funk, she is helping to shape contemporary blues. A veteran of the road, Kight headlines at clubs, theaters and festivals, bringing her diverse musical menu to the fans across America and in Europe. Early in her career, Kight was dubbed “The Georgia Songbird”, and today she is considered one of the few true blues vocalists. With her rich voice, and a mastery of the guitar that has her holding her own next to any other player, Kight mesmerizes audiences of all ages, both as a solo and with her band. Taylor Guitars proudly provides her with the tools of her trade.
https://egkight.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/EG-Kight-Music/224059361025039?fref=ts
Mudcat (Daniel Dudeck) was born in St. Paul, MN and raised on Tybee Island GA, where he first picked up the guitar. Educated at the University of New Orleans and National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City, he began performing his original compositions as a busker. After residing in several musical towns such as New Orleans and Savannah, Mudcat eventually settled in Atlanta where he began his blues tutelage under numerous elderly musicians who were still living in the culturally-rich city. In addition to performing in his own right, Mudcat has spent more than two decades promoting and backing these musical pioneers, organizing multi-day blues events, and bringing these nearly-forgotten artists back in front of appreciative crowds. Mudcat has recorded 13 full length albums and often tours Europe, Central America, and the US. When home in Atlanta, he can often be found at the Northside Tavern where he has held Wednesday nights since 1995.
www.mudcatblues.com
Jontavious Willis, 19 years old, from Greenville, GA is a natural musician. His guitar remains in conversation with his smooth tenor throughout each song, so natural it feels like hearing a familiar song for the first time. He’s entirely self taught and steeped in the blues. He has watched every single video on the Music Maker YouTube account at least twice. He can recite names, dates and songs of each artist. He has absorbed all the blues information he can, and his enthusiasm for the genre is tremendous and his performances show this. We are pleased and proud to introduce the world to this young man with the spirit of all the old blues legends who came before him.
https://www.facebook.com/Jontavious-Willis-1653922044867261/?fref=ts