R.I.P. GREGG ALLMAN 1947-2017
©Dave Weinthal
From the Publisher’s Notebook NASCAR needs to get the message— number one, quit messing with the rules, go back to real racing like you used to. All the changes and gimmicks are driving viewers away faster than the cars are running. Get rid of the kit cars— make them drive a car that looks like one off the showroom floor.
their paycheck, payoffs and perks. Have you been to a Lookouts game yet? Great family fun for very little cost. They’re a little over a year removed from their Southern League championship and have been playing like their ready to recapture that crown. And with so many food and drink specials it’s
cheaper and safer than going to any bar or restaurant or bar for a good time to kill a couple of hours.
bands coming this year. Maybe the crowds are finally maturing or the powers that be are giving the people what they want. A little of both I think. I’m looking forward Looks like a great Riverbend line- to it. up. Maybe its my age, but for the first time in years I’ve haven’t Paul E. Burke Sr.| heard much bitching about the Publisher
Quit throwing the caution flag for every little event (empty Coke cup on the track). Let them race and bump— isn’t that what made Dale Sr. a hero? Your races are not interesting— they bore a lot of people— what are you going to do when the TV contract is gone, will you be gone too? It isn’t funny when one of your best friends makes fun of and belittles you when you are going through a personal or emotional crisis. What the hell is wrong with them? What is wrong with CNN — don’t they have any news besides the President? Is there nothing else going on in the world? I see no news on the station – only opinion and only one side at that. CNN, you stink. Ted Turner what have they done to your baby? Isn’t it wonderful that Hillary has disappeared from the scene here, and Obama also. What a pleasant relief. Too bad that didn’t happen over eight years ago instead of January. We need to take America back from the professional politician and only vote for those with our best interests in mind not ENIGMA
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true friends even more rare. Dear Rocco, I am 34 years old and have been an introvert all my life. I simply feel more comfortable to talking to some people and tend to clam up around others. Since I have this shyness and insecurity, people sometimes think I act like a snob. I feel bad about this and have few friends. Some people have told me I have a phony smile. It is bothering me that people I meet are getting the wrong impression. I want to make more friends. Help! SC
Dear Rocco, I thought the older we got the wiser. That doesn’t seem the case. My aunt and uncle are going through a nasty divorce after being married nearly 40 years. I always saw them as a mismatched couple. She was a successful businessman and she dabbled in modeling when she was young. It was like beauty and the beast you might say. Until recently they were a close couple despite their differences. Knowing my uncle like I do, he always liked to joke around and despite his financial success he cam across as a regular guy. My aunt was kind of aloof and “out there” as some of my family described her over the years. Things were going fine until I started hearing things like her accusing him of beating her. She even once told the police he threatened her with a gun. The police took her word despite the fact he doesn’t own a gun nor could they find one when they came over and unceremoniously arrested him. The once ideal marriage has been one drama-filled moment including my aunt getting drunk at our family Christmas party and yelling at my uncle literally showing her ass as she dresses like a 16-year-old despite the fact she’s well into her 60s. After her temper tantrum she went around to different family members crying how he hits her. Ironically we’ve never seen a mark on her face or body. Long story short my uncle finally got the nerve to file for divorce and she’s fighting mad, even getting her arrested despite him moving out of town for the time being. For some reason he seems to be afraid to defend himself despite the false claims I know for a fact are false. He’s been unable to attend to his business and therefore putting his livelihood in jeopardy. Why has my formerly cocky uncle now become a wuss and not defend his reputation and character? DW
Dear DW, If I knew a sniper I would have both of them taken out. Those two are in a toxic relationship and the fact the two have the maturity level of a teenager makes things not only bad for them but for everyone around them. It’s obvious they are living in a bygone era and refuse to accept the fact they are no longer young and from what I can tell, attractive. I’m surprised neither one is in a loony bin yet. Un fortunately unless you can keep the two separated we’re going to read about them in the news in a murder/suicide.
Dear SC, I suffer from the same thing as you. The best thing to do is suck it up and realize everybody is just as worried about being judged and liked as well. A lot of times the criticism you en counter is from people looking for an excuse to dislike you and that is usually caused by their own shortcomings. Don’t force a smile but do have a slight grin, as you are welcom ing, don’t be afraid to make eye con tact and make an appropriate ges ture when you do such as a slight nod and or even a small hello without sounding like a salesperson. Body language is important. Uncross your arms unless you are physically cold to exude that you are open and not standoffish.
Dear Rocco, Why is it such a crime to be successful? Once I became successful in my chosen field the people who I used to be friends with and socialized with seem to look at me in distain or always have their hand out or expect me to foot the tab. Before they would offer to help me but once I started making money if I needed a favor the first words out of their mouths are how much is it worth to me or how much am I willing to pay. Not that it mattered but the fact that’s the first words out of their mouth. JR Dear JR, They are not your friends and if they are you need to find a better class of friends. Today instead of people being supportive and congratulary when their friends do well they tend to put them down or find fault. It’s all about being around people with low self-esteem or lack of motivation and looking for the easy way out hoping they can grab a hold of some one’s coattails. Find new friends or make professional acquaintances in your line of work that have the same goals as you and encourage your suc cess. It’s fine to have many acquain tances but few, if only one friend. Friends are few and far between and ENIGMA
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Dear Rocco, I am a new member of a small, local organization. We have a Facebook page. Occasionally a member will post information that has nothing directly to do with the organization, usually political in nature. These political post and petitions offend me. They in no way reflect my beliefs and politics. What should I do? CM Dear CM, Grow a pair. This is the real world and not Mayberry RFD. The trouble with social media is that it is unfiltered and I know myself that I’m hearing from people I didn’t want to hear from to begin with. Ignore the comments or write your own up there if they are allowing. It’s only a social media page supposedly seen only after work hours so it’s not a requirement to read. Read something else and realize the world is full of more people that see things differently than you, not the same.
Rocco is a common sense, tell-it-likeit-is, no-nonsense kind of guy offering real advice on any subject put before him. Why pay thousands of dollars on a high-priced therapist when he’ll straighten you out for free. If you’d like advice from Rocco e-mail him at goaskrocco@yahoo.com.
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. You should be looking into making changes around the house. You will easily blow situations out of proportion. You can come up with ways of earning extra cash. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You will be able to borrow money in order to invest. Your personal situation is fluctuating. Find ways to mellow out. You’ll find it easy to talk about your feeling this month. Don’t hesitate to find out what your mate’s intentions are.
Your luckiest events this month will Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up occur on a Monday. with something great. Coworkers may not be on your side. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can make major accomplish- Your luckiest events this month will ments while on short trips. occur on a Friday. Camping, swimming, and biking expeditions should all be consid- LEO ered. Don’t let your lover put (July 23-Aug 22) demands on you. Responsibilities You can make profitable investwith respect to older relatives may ments if you purchase an art object for your home. You can receive be a burden. recognition for the work you’ve Your luckiest events this month will done. You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. occur on a Thursday. Take care of your personal needs. CANCER Your luckiest events this month will (June 22-July 22) Visit friends you don’t get to see occur on a Monday. that often. Take the time to close deals that have been up in the air. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. You will make new friends through physical activities. Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. You can pick up some overtime this month.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Although it does look promising, be careful not to overextend yourself or you will lose in the long run. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. Overindulgence may cause conflicts. Stomach problems could prevail if you haven’t been watching your diet. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be careful not to push your luck or take too much for granted when dealing on either a personal or professional level. Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Be cautious while traveling; minor accidents are evident. This is a turning point. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) LIBRA You can learn from those who have (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) had similar experiences. Limitations Hassles with your boss are sure to will set in if you haven’t followed erupt if you speak your mind. Make the rules. You should be trying to residential changes that will lift clear up legal contracts that have your spirits. Don’t let your mate been pending. Be careful how you bully you into thinking that you owe handle friends and relatives, they them your time and your life. may take things the wrong way. Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn Your luckiest events this month will the situation around. occur on a Saturday. Your luckiest events this month will PISCES occur on a Sunday. (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can purchase items that will SCORPIO enhance your appearance. Don’t be (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) taken advantage of by any fast talkTalking to those you trust and ing salesperson trying to part you respect will help you sort out any from your cash. You may need to problems. You may want to take a lend an ear to an old friend. You serious look at your goals and need to concentrate on your busiobjectives. Sudden changes regard- ness ventures more than on your ing your domestic scene are proba- relationship this month. ble. Organization will be the key to avoiding discord and family feuds. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday. ENIGMA
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Reflections From A High School Reunion I recently attended my high school Last year I was informed by a friend class reunion of the Bradley Central who was on the Reunion Organizing Committee that our class was to High Class of 1977. have a 40th year reunion in 2017. I I never expected it to have the impact on me that it did. If you haven’t attended one of your reunions you may want to reconsider… or not.
Now what I didn’t realize then was the truth of a statement made by a classmate “We should just be glad we made it this far.” I realized there
I was in my high school band (thanks to my dad who after looking at my proposed schedule for my Freshman year said, ”You don’t need a study hall. take band.”). This turned out to be a great decision. Thanks dad! I was also in high school ROTC. I had made that decision myself. These two organizations kept me busy and gave me purpose during my high school years. The big thing they did was to help me meet life-long friends. Sadly due to life in general I had must admit that initially I wasn’t was a lot of truth in that statement as we saw slides with pictures of lost contact with several of these excited about the event. deceased classmates projected on a friends. My high school senior class had That’s where the reunion comes in. been enormous (over 500 people) I had attended my 10-year Class and I did not know many of the Reunion. However, for reasons for- people who had graduated with me. gotten I had missed the class 20 and However, I did want to see my old bandmates, ROTC cadre members 30-year reunions. Time flew by. and some others.
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Paul E. Burke Sr. Publisher D.A. Weinthal. Editor-In-Chief Chris Eason Photo Editor
Contributing Editors: Mark Haskins, Jim Sells, Mark Bedford. Chris McKay, David N. Marks, William Alexander, Dave Fernandez Founder: D.A. Weinthal Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @EnigmaMag www.enigmaonline.com ENIGMA
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large viewing screen. That statement made mostly in jest came hauntingly back to me as I watched this memorial. As I circulated through the crowd I tried to find faces I knew. Some faces I recognized. Some sadly I only remembered after quickly glancing at their nametag. Very sadly some old acquaintances I did not recognize at all. I noticed a lot of people were doing the “quick glance at the name tag” thing. Hey most people change in forty years. At the reunion I was delighted to see a friend who I had been told had moved out West years ago. I had not seen him in probably over 20 years. He told me he lived in Cleveland and had not moved. We caught up on each other’s lives some but when I asked about his brothers he told me his youngest brother had died several years ago.
I was stunned. At one time the younger brother and I had been close friends. Now he was gone and I didn’t even know it for years after his passing. I’ve heard it said funerals are for the family of the deceased. It can help with the grieving process. To me it helps friends also. Sadly I did not get to go to his funeral or memorial. I’ll miss you Phil I also reconnected with another old friend who I had not seen for years and we reminisced and exchanged numbers promising to get together at some point. At a reunion bonfire the night before I had visited with a guy I had gone through grade school and high school. He had become a big football star in high school as the football team our senior year were Tennessee State Champions. We didn’t travel in the same circles in high school but had gotten together some while we were both attending community college. The bonfire at his house pulled me back to when we hung out in grade school. I found out a number of our classmates had motorcycles. We vowed to get together for a ride. I ran into a number of former classmates some of whom I chatted with
started, where I knew everybody in my home room, where I had played with the band watching a Championship winning football team and made life long friends. So I must admit there were awk- Sadly I had let some of those friendward moments at the reunion. ships lapse. There were sad moments seeing the fifty classmates who had passed on I realized that way more time had and finding out an old friend was passed “like sand through an hourgone. However, there were some glass” than was left in our hourreally good moments when we glasses. I have gotten to a point talked about old times and when I where I want time to slow down. reconnected with some old friends. When I was in grade school once I told my mother I wished the school I started to really understand the year would be over. I can remember Bruce Springsteen song “Glory the big clock on the grade school Days”. The football team members classroom wall and the minutes were proud of their title as were the seemingly dragging by. Mom told basketball team. The band members me “Don’t wish your life away. One were proud of their crowdpleasing day you’ll see time has flown by.” performances and superior ratings She sure was right. at contests. There were many reasons people fondly remember their I know some people do not ever high school days. For many their attend their high school reunions. high school days were truly their Many of our classmates did not attend ours. One non-attendee was “Glory Days”. quoted as saying, “if I haven’t seen I left the reunion with conflicting those people in 40 years there but mostly good feelings. I enjoyed might be a reason”. To which I say it the actual reunion with old friends. might be that you are making a huge I was sad at the loss of others. But mistake. You might miss a once in a what really hit me was the realiza- lifetime chance to reconnect with tion that FORTY years had passed an old friend or friends. You may since I left the place where I hung well miss a chance to see someone out with my friends in the band you will never see again. My attenroom in the morning before school and and others who I exchanged “Hi” with as I struggled to figure out who they were or as I dimly remembered the person.
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dance made me reevaluate some priorities and vow to reestablish some old ties. High school reunions may not be for everybody but for some it’s great to relive those “Glory Days” with old friends. I’m glad I went. In memoriam: Dwana Struzinski who died way too young and the other classmates of BCHS class of 1977 who have passed away. P.S. There used to be a tremendous rivalry between the Cleveland and Bradley High Schools football teams and bands. One year several band members and myself took my grandparents’ old outhouse and painted CHS BANDROOM on it. CHS standing for Cleveland High School. We loaded it onto an El Camino and drove it up and down on Raider Drive in front of Cleveland High School. The Cleveland students did not appreciate it. I still think it was one of the best pranks ever. This article is dedicated to my dad who insisted I take band and my mom and dad for hauling my brother and I home after band and ROTC Drill team practice.
- Mark Haskins
A London woman was stunned to discover that a costume jewelry ring she bought at a flea market 30 years ago is not what she thought it was. Not at all. The woman wore it almost daily for decades. Why not? She only paid 15 bucks for it. But recently a jeweler friend suggested that the ring might not be so fake after all, so the woman had the ring appraised. It turns out that the costume gem was in fact a
very not-fake 26.27-carat diamond. The woman had been wearing a diamond to work, shopping and on errands that is estimated to be worth $455,000. The ring is now in the possession of Sotheby’s where it will be auctioned. There is not much to do for thrills in Mississippi. That might be why a young man and two women went to the deck of a public bar to have a little threeway. Triple D’s restaurant and bar was closed when the owner
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drove up to take care of some business. She was a little surprised to find a man and two women having sex on a deck that overlooks the Jourdan River. She immediately called sheriff’s deputies. Deputies saw the man and one of the women engaged in sexual activity, “Right there. In the middle of the day. In broad daylight. In front of God and everybody,” Sheriff Ricky Adam said. “I’d hate to have to tell Mama and Daddy I got arrested for such as that.” Adam said they were each
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arrested on a charge of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor. A kung fu master in China showed off his strength in a highly unusual way — using his genitals to pull an entire bus. The video shows the kung fu master using a rope attached to his nether regions to pull the bus, which reportedly weighs more than 13 tons. The martial artist pulled the vehicle a distance of more than 6 feet.
Groin-based kung fu training appears to be on the rise in China, with a group of students appearing in a video last month dangling heavy wooden boxes from their private parts. Master Wei Yaobin, known as the “Iron Crotch Kung Fu Master,” went viral with a video showing him and some of his students taking strong blows to the groin. Wei claims his form of kung fu can help men overcome erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. A man decided to file a lawsuit against his rude date for excessive use of her cell phone while watching a movie, according to court documents in Texas. According to the lawsuit filed with the Travis County small claims court, the 35-year-old woman who was identified as Crystal, accompanied 37-yearold Brandon Vezmar of Austin, to a movie as part of their first date. After the movie began, Crystal activated her phone about 20 times in 15 minutes to read and send text messages, which is in direct violation of the theater’s policy. This activity adversely affected the viewing experience of Vezmar and others. Upon being asked to stop texting, Crystal left the theater and did not return. Vezmar later asked Crystal to give him back the money he spent on the date, but she refused. Vezmar is seeking $17.31 in compensation for Crystal’s movie ticket and slice of pizza. Vezmar told the court that Crystal’s behavior is a threat to civilized society. I’d agree with that. People were surprised to learn that a beer they were tasting was made using human urine. Norrebro Bryghus, which is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, said that they decided to use
human urine as the company switched to organic. The CEO of Norrebro Bryghus, Henrik Vang, said that the company collected 13,000 gallons of human urine waste form the toilets of the largest music festival in Europe. The company then used the waste in the malting process. The human urine that the company had collected was enough to produce 60,000 bottles of beer. The company named the beer “Pisner.” Other organic beer brewers use animal manure in the malting process while traditional companies use factory-made fertilizer. Vang said that Pisner fits in perfectly with the new trend of producing recyclable beer. At first, people cringed at the idea of drinking a beer that was made using human urine, but eventually, they came around. One man who tasted the beer, said that the drink tasted fresh and full at the same time.
wrote. A waiver form for the students and their parents shows the extra-credit project was voluntary. “Each student will have the option to be swabbed or receive a quick ‘burst’ to the facial area with this chemical agent,” the waiver
A group of Ohio high school students are going viral after allowing themselves to be blasted in the face with pepper spray by their teacher. The video shows the Criminal Science students at Barberton High School lined up against a wall outside the school. The students’ instructor walks down the line, doing something we’ve all wanted to do at one point or another, shooting the teenagers in the face with pepper spray while saying, “Stop resisting, please comply.” Some students initially take the pepper spray blast better than others, but in a matter of seconds virtually all of the students are jumping around and screaming in pain. “My son is in a two year Criminal Science program at School. They had the choice to be half-sprayed or fully-sprayed, he chose full. This was the result,” the filmer ENIGMA
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form states. It says the spray causes “irritation and a burning sensation to eyes and nasal area” for about an hour. “This is a controlled and safe experience for the students and is completely voluntary,” the waiver says.
Chattanooga’s Most Fun Night Out
CONCERT CALENDAR
JUNE 1-4
“Go See Live Music”
LANDRY
RUMORS SWIRL THAT LANDRY ONCE MADE AN ELDERLY WOMAN LAUGH SO HARD SHE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED. IT'S NOT VERIFIED, BUT IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT SHE LATER RETURNED AS A PHOENIX CARRYING BAKED GOODS. RUMORS ASIDE, LANDRY IS DOWNRIGHT HILARIOUS AND YOU'RE SURE TO HAVE A GOOD
JUNE 8-11
BIG ED CAYLOR
FEATURED AND CO WROTE CLEDUS T JUDD'S VIDEO “DOUBLE D CUPS” AND “HONEYMOON.” BIG ED IS SOUTHERN TO THE BONE, AND COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD. BIG ED PUTS ON A BIG SHOW THAT YOU WON'T SOON FORGET. HE IS OUTRAGEOUS, ORIGINAL AND OFF THE CHART.
JUNE 15-18
MIA JACKSON
MIA JACKSON IS A BONAFIDE GEORGIA PEACH (THAT'S GEORGIAN FOR “NATIVE”) AND SELF PROCLAIMED KNOW-ITALL. AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SHE HIT THE LOCAL COMEDY SCENE AND HAS THRILLED AUDIENCES SINCE DAY ONE. TO HER CREDIT SHE HAS APPEARED ON NICKMOM'S NIGHT OUT, VICELAND AND WAS A SEMI-FINALIST ON SEASON 9 OF NBC'S LAST COMIC STANDING IN 2015. SHE ALSO RECENTLY APPEARED ON THE FOURTH SEASON PREMIERE OF INSIDE AMY SCHUMER AND THE MOVIE MOTHER'S DAY.
JUNE 23 & 24
JAMES GREGORY
FOR OVER TWO DECADES, THE UNFORGETTABLE CARICATURE OF VETERAN COMEDIAN JAMES GREGORY HAS STOOD GRINNING: HIS SHIRT UN-TUCKED, HIS ARMS OUTSTRETCHED, A CAREFREE WELCOME TO A DOWN-HOME, HILARIOUS COMEDY EXPERIENCE. IT'S STORYTELLING AT ITS BEST.
JUNE 29-JULY 2
J.B. BALL
HIS TALENTS HAVE LANDED HIM APPEARANCES ON COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV, CBS, COMCAST, SIRIUS/XM SATELLITE RADIO, AND KEVIN HART'S NEW COMEDY STREAMING NETWORK “LOL”. PARKING AVAILABLE IN THE CHOO CHOO LOT, CARTA GARAGE, OR REPUBLIC PARKING LOTS
1400 MARKET ST. 423.622.2233 WWW.THECOMEDYCATCH.COM
This month’s calendar covers beginning in June and beyond. We would be happy to publish your free listing in future Billboards, space permitting. Simply mail us the information so that we have it 7 days before the publication date. A photograph may be sent with the announcement. Send information to: calendar@enigmaonline.com. All dates subject to change without notice.
THURSDAY June 1 SKYZOO (Chattanooga) DJ Av THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Landry REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Great Peacock, The High Divers THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Billy Currington HIGH WATT (Nashville) Diet Cig, Sports, Reality Something
FRIDAY June 2 SKYZOO (Chattanooga) DJ Av THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Landry MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” JAKUBI, Trent Williams & the Menagerie J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Hank and the Cupcakes, Side Affect, Icanjapan MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Midnight Promise, Unprotected Rex, Scarlett Revolt LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Train, O.A.R., Natasha Bedingfield CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Paul Simon VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (Atlanta) Blue October CANDLER PARK (Atlanta) “Candler Park Music & Food Festival” Railroad Earth, Matisyahu, Ripe, Chelsea Shag RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Indigo Girls HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO (Cherokee, NC) Kix, Skid Row SATURN (Nashville) Lake Street Dive HERITAGE PARK (Cullman, AL) “Rock The South” Luke Bryan, Cody Jinks
SATURDAY June 3 SKYZOO (Chattanooga) DJ Av THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Landry J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Big Kitty, Dead Testaments, Skyway Man, Old Time Travelers, Mountains of Moss MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Asphalt Crown, Midnight Rollercoaster, Subkonscious REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Neon Moon LAFAYETTE SQUARE (Lafayette, GA) “Honeybee Festival” Craig James, Channing Wilson, Sons of Sailors, The Stepping Stones ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE (Nashville) Muse,
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Thirty Seconds To Mars, Pvris RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Indigo Girls CANDLER PARK (Atlanta) “Candler Park Music & Food Festival” Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, The Motet, Lake Street Dive, The Marcus King Band, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Webster HERITAGE PARK (Cullman, AL) “Rock The South” Muscadine Bloodline, Chris Janson, Sam Hunt
SUNDAY June 4 SKYZOO (Chattanooga) DJ Av THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Landry TIVOLI THEATRE (Chattanooga) Toto J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Ashley & the X’s, Pack of Wolves, Alabama Rose MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Chattanooga) Maxwell, Ledisi, Leela James METRO TABERNACLE (Chattanooga) Jelly Roll EXIT/IN (Nashville) The Dwarves
MONDAY June 5 TREMONT TAVERN (Chattanooga) Trivia Night THE OFFICE (Chattanooga) SpeakEasy CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) Robben Ford
TUESDAY June 6 TREMONT TAVERN (Chattanooga) Open Mic w/ Mike McDade J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Comedy Buffet w/ Derek Sheen LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Muse, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Pvris BUCKHEAD THEATRE (Atlanta) Ann Wilson THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Russ AVONDALE BREWING COMPANY (Birmingham) J. Cole
WEDNESDAY June 7 RAW (Chattanooga) Open Jam J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Free Kittens Comedy Showcase IRON CITY (Birmingham) Glass Animals EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) Suzy Boggus RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) “Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam” Tommy Emmanuel, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Gary Mule Deer, Rhiannon Giddens, The Wild Feathers, Ashley McBryde
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CANNERY BALLROOM (Nashville) Jamestown Revival, Colter Wall EXIT/IN (Nashville) Jared & the Mill, The Rocketboys THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN (Franklin, TN) Rhonda Vincent, Daryle Singletary BIJOU THEATRE (Knoxville) Boz Scaggs
UPCOMING EVENTS THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Big Ed Kaylor June 8 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Monomath, You Bred Raptors, Deaf Scene June 8 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) The Avett Brothers June 8 EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) Suzy Boggus June 8 FRANKLIN THEATRE (Franklin, TN) Roger McGuinn June 8 WILDHORSE SALOON (Nashville) “Concert For Love And Acceptance” Ty Herndon June 8 CMA FESTIVAL (Nashville) Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Adam Sanders, Alex Williams, Alyssa Micaela, The Bellamy Brothers, Brandon Ray, Brett Eldredge, Brian Callihan, Brothers Osborne, Casey Donahew Band, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, Colin Elmore, Confederate Railroad, Craig Wayne Boyd, Dallas Caroline, Daryle Singletary, Davisson Brothers Band, Dierks Bentley, Emerson Drive, Jessie Chris, Jessie Key, Jimmie Allen, Joe Nichols, Jon Pardi, Jordan Rager, Kane Brown, Tyndall, Kenny Foster, Kenny Rogers, Kristian Bush, Lanco, Livy Jeanne, LoCash, Lonestar, Love And Theft, Luke Bryan, Luke Pell, Mark Wills, Michael Ray, Runaway June, Sammy Arriaga, Smithfield, Sundance Head, Tracy Lawrence, Waterloo Revival, Zach Seabaugh June 8 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Big Ed Kaylor June 9 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Richard Lloyd (Television) June 9 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Boz Scagggs, Boy Named Banjo, High Valley, Jesse Kramer June 9 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Kay B Brown featuring Hi$e Cold, DJ D-Whit, DJ C-Real June 9 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) The Avett Brothers June 9 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) The O’Jays June 9 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) The Subdudes June 9 THE LOFT (Atlanta) Austin Mahone June 9 BONNAROO (Manchester, TN) U2, Major Lazer, The xx, Big Gigantic, Glass Animals, Portugal the Man, Tove Lo, Cold War Kids, Kaleo, Russ June 9 CMA FESTIVAL (Nashville) Adam Craig, Blake Shelton, Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Brooke Eden, Camille Rae, Carter Winter, Chris Bandi, Chris Lane, Colm Kirwan, Corey Smith, Dalton & The Sheriffs, Danielle Peck, Darryl Worley, Drew Baldridge, Eli Young Band, Eric Church, Filmore, Granger Smith, James Otto, Jana Kramer, Jo Smith, Josh Turner, Julia Cole, Kelsea Ballerini, Lari White, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Bros., Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Maggie Baugh, Megan and Liz, Mo Pitney, Native Run, Neal McCoy, Olivia Lane, Rascal Flatts, Ray Scott, Restless Road, Risa
Binder, Ryan Griffin, Ryan Kinder, Sam Hunt, Steve Moakler, The Hootz, The Railers, The Swon Brothers, Trace Adkins, Trick Pony, Tristan McIntosh, Ty Herndon, Tyler Farr, Tyler Rich, Walker Hayes June 9 NASHVILLE PALACE (Nashville) Ricky Skaggs June 9 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Big Ed Kaylor June 10 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Cut Throat Freak Show, Subterranean Circus, Preymantha June 10 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Don Felder, Deacon Blues Band, The Vagabonds, The Joy Formidable June 10 ALYS ROBINSON STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (Birmingham) Jonny Lang June 10 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) The Avett Brothers June 10 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Ghost June 10 BUCKHEAD THEATRE (Atlanta) Banks June 10 BOWL @ SUGAR HILL (Sugar Hill, GA) Boz Scaggs June 10 BONNAROO (Manchester, TN) Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chance the Rapper, Flume, Cage the Elephant, Marshmello, The Head and the Heart, Future Islands, Tegan & Sara, Belly June 10 CMA FESTIVAL (Nashville) A Thousand Horses, Watson, Abby Anderson, Andy Griggs, Ashley Campbell, Bailey Bryan, Ben Gallaher, Brandy Clark, Brennley Brown, Brett Young, Cale Dodds, Cam, Carly Pearce, Chris Young, CJ Solar, Doug Supernaw, Drake White And The Big Fire, Fairground Saints, Florida Georgia Line, George Ducas, High Valley, Jackie Lee, Jacob Davis, James Robert Webb, John Anderson, John Berry, Kassi Ashton, Lady Antebellum, Maggie Rose, Maren Morris, Chesnutt, Mary Sarah, Meghan Patrick, Mila Mason, Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wallen, Muscadine Bloodline, Rick Monroe, Russell Dickerson, Ryan Follese, Scott Stevens, Scotty McCreery, Sean McConnell, Shelly Fairchild, Sweet Tea Trio, Tara Thompson, Thomas Rhett, Trea Landon, Walker McGuire, Lillie Mae Rische, William Michael Morgan June 10 GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE (Nashville) Charley Pride June 10 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Big Ed Kaylor June 11 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Tuff Tits, Beardtron, Chattanooga Big Band All Stars, Keith Krisp June 11 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Corey Smith, Old Dominion, Kaitlyn Baker, White Denim June 11 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Chance the Rapper June 11 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (Atlanta) Paul Shaffer June 11 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 11 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Daryl Hall & John Oates, Tears For Fears June 11 BONNAROO (Manchester, TN) The Weeknd, Lorde, Travis Scott, Crystal Castles, Umphrey’s McGee, Margo Price, Greensky Bluegrass June 11 CMA FESTIVAL (Nashville) Chris Stapleton, Adam Hambrick, Anna Vaus, Big Smo, Brad
Paisley, Brandon Lay, Ratcliff, Canaan Smith, Chase Bryant, Clare Dunn, Collin Raye, Crooked King, Darius Rucker, Dorado, Dylan Schneider, Easton Corbin, Eric Paslay, Exile, Hailey Whitters, Haley Georgia, Home Free, Jamie Lynn Spears, Jamie O’Neal, Bates, Jillian Jacqueline, Jon Langston, Julie Roberts, Kalie Shorr, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Lucas Hoge, Luke Combs, Maddie & Tae, Martin McDaniel, Michael Tyler, Morgan Evans, Natalie Stovall, Parmalee, Post Monroe, RaeLynn, Raquel Cole, Restless Heart, Collins, Ryan Beaver, Sarah Allison Turner, Scooter Brown Band, Shenandoah, Tracy Lawrence, Trent Harmon, Walker County June 11 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Selwyn Birchwood June 12 ANDREW JACKSON HALL (Nashville) Sigur Rós June 12 CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) The Subdudes June 12 THE BASEMENT EAST (Nashville) Mr. Big June 12 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 12 WORKPLAY THEATRE (Birmingham) Leela James June 12 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Jamie Grace, Crowder, Sidewalk Prophets, Finding Favour June 13 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Dead & Company June 13 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 13 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) Iron Maiden, Ghost June 13 SCHHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER (Nashville) Ann Wilson June 13 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Pinebox Boys June 14 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Mother’s Finest , Chase Martin, Brett Young June 14 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 14 THE INTERNATIONAL (Knoxville) Reel Big Fish, The Queers, The Expendables, Tunnel Vision June 14 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Mia Jackson June 15 TIVOLI THEATRE (Chattanooga) Gladys Knight June 15 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Morris Day And The Time, Cameo, The Purple Experience feat. The Dr. Matt Fink, Billy Joe Shaver, The Ragbirds, Chris Bandi, Whiskey Myers June 15 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) The Mentors, Mudsex, Praymantha June 15 ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE (Nashville) Third Eye Blind, Silversun Pickups June 15 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Lauren Alaina June 15 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 15 37 MAIN (Buford, GA) Michael Sweet June 15 BIJOU THEATRE (Knoxville) John Mulaney June 15 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Mia Jackson June 16 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Bo Hannons, Genki Genki Panic June 16 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) Toby Keith, The Yardbirds, Drew Sterchi, Jocelyn
ENIGMA
& Chris Arndt, Sullivan Band June 16 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Lauren Alaina June 16 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Cedric the Entertainer, George Lopez June 16 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (Atlanta) The Producers June 16 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 16 TENNESSEE THEATRE (Knoxville) Gladys Knight June 16 HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO (Cherokee, NC) Huey Lewis And The News June 16 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Mia Jackson June 17 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Brothers Griiin June 17 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL (Chattanooga) The Flaming Lips, The Producers, The Last Bandoleros, Brother Hawk, Geneva, Here Come The Mummies June 17 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Killing Addiction, Druid Lord, Coathanger Abortion, Shadow Domination June 17 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK (Alpharetta, GA) Luke Bryan, Brett Eldridge, Lauren Alaina June 17 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Gipsy Kings June 17 FRANKLIN THEATRE (Franklin, TN) Christopher Cross June 17 BJCC CONCERT HALL (Birmingham) Gladys Knight June 17 SYNDICATE LOUNGE (Knoxville) Juiceboxxx June 17 BIJOU THEATRE (Knoxville) Bruce Hornsby June 17 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Mia Jackson June 18 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Lacing, Sad Baxter, By the Gods, Juiceboxxx June 18 EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) Francine Reed, Lilly Winwood June 18 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 18 CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) Mickey Dolenz June 18 THE BASEMENT EAST (Nashville) Dick Gregory June 18 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Bathsalt Zombies, Buffo’s Wake June 19 SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER (Nashville) Bruce Hornsby June 19 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Dave Chapelle June 19 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Free Kittens Comedy, Make Music Chattanooga June 21 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Stop Light Observations June 21 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie June 21 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Belushi Speedball, Dick Titty Blood Punch, Deaf Kings, Dallas Hollow June 22 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Mythical Motors, The Old Paints, Obliviots June 22 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Marc Scibilia, Devon Gilfillian June 22 CARL BLACK CHEVY WOODS AMPHITHEATER AT FONTANEL (Whites Creek, TN) Collective Soul, Our Lady Peace, Tonic July 22 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) James Gregory June 23 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall”
JUNE 2017
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Divinity Roxx, Over Easy June 23 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Taylor Cromer, The Delta June 23 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Brent Cobb June 23 SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER (Nashville) Johnny Mathis June 23 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie June 23 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Chicago, Doobie Brothers June 23 IRON CITY (Birmingham) Sister Hazel June 23 COTTON EYED JOE’S (Knoxville) Jerrod Niemann June 23 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) James Gregory June 24 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Turquoise Jeep, Flynt Fossy, Black Sheep Ensemble June 24 HUTTON & SMITH BREWING COMPANY (Chattanooga) Strung Like A Horse June 24 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) The Velcro Pygmies June 24 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) Hunting Humans, I Am the Law, Close to Hatch June 24 THE GEM THEATRE (Calhoun, GA) Shenandoah June 24 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Dispatch, Guster June 24 THE BASEMENT EAST (Nashville) Ron Funches June 24 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Do Ya Hear We!! June 25 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Sheryl Crow, Aaron Lee Tasjan June 25 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, CNCO June 25 PUBLIC SQUARE PARK (Nashville) “Nashville Pride Festival” Ce Ce Peniston, Ty Herndon June 25 37 MAIN (Buford, GA) L.A. Guns June 26 MUSIC BOX @ ZIGGY’S (Chattanooga) It Is Written, Becoming Human, Chariot The Moon June 27 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Comedy Buffet w/ Billy Wayne Davis June 27 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, Lily & Madeleine June 27 TENNESSEE STATE FAIRGROUNDS (Nashville) “Vans Warped Tour” After The Burial, Andy Black, Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Barb Wire Dolls, Being As An Ocean, Blessthefall, Boston Manor, Candiria, Carnifex, CKY, Counterparts, Courage My Love, Creeper, Dance Gavin Dance, Emmure, Farewell Winters, Feeki, Fire From The Gods, Fit For A King, Gwar, Hands Like Houses, Hatebreed, Hawthorne Heights, Hundredth, I Prevail, Jule Vera, Knocked Loose, Memphis May Fire, Microwave, Movements, Neck Deep, New Years Day, Our Last Night, Silent Planet, Silverstein, Sonic Boom Six, Sworn In, Sylar, The Acacia Strain, The Adolescents, Alestorm, American Authors, Flag, , Bad Seed Rising, Beartooth, Bowling For Soup, Carousel Kings, Futuristic, Municipal Waste, Shout Never, Sammy Adams, Save Ferris, Sick Of It All, Stick To Your Guns, Strung Out, The Ataris, The Dukes, The Fantastic Plastics, Watsky, The Gospel Youth, The White Noise, Too Close To Touch, Trophy Eyes, Twilight Creeps,
ENIGMA
War On Women, Sarah And The Safe Word, William Control, Valient Thorr June 27 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Chicago, The Doobie Brothers June 27 HIGH WATT (Nashville) The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Ablebody June 27 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Perpetual Groove, Masseuse June 28 HIGH WATT (Nashville) Rooney June 28 MERCY LOUNGE (Nashville) Kolars June 28 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) J.B Ball June 29 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) “Vans Warped Tour” After The Burial, Andy Black, Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Barb Wire Dolls, Being As An Ocean, Blessthefall, Boston Manor, Candiria, Carnifex, CKY, Counterparts, Courage My Love, Creeper, Dance Gavin Dance, Emmure, Farewell Winters, Feeki, Fire From The Gods, Fit For A King, Gwar, Hands Like Houses, Hatebreed, Hawthorne Heights, Hundredth, I Prevail, Jule Vera, Knocked Loose, Memphis May Fire, Microwave, Movements, Neck Deep, New Years Day, Our Last Night, Silent Planet, Silverstein, Sonic Boom Six, Sworn In, Sylar, The Acacia Strain, The Adolescents, Alestorm, American Authors, -Flag, , Bad Seed Rising, Beartooth, Bowling For Soup, Carousel Kings, Futuristic, Municipal Waste, Shout Never, Sammy Adams, Save Ferris, Sick Of It All, Stick To Your Guns, Strung Out, The Ataris, The Dukes, The Fantastic Plastics, Watsky, The Gospel Youth, The White Noise, Too Close To Touch, Trophy Eyes, Twilight Creeps, War On Women, Sarah And The Safe Word, William Control, Valient Thorr June 29 THE BASEMENT EAST (Nashville) Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier June 29 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Earls of Leicester June 29 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) J.B Ball June 30 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Caveman, Okinawa June 30 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Swear and Shake, Monday Night Social June 30 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) J.B Ball July 1 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Diamond Dogs July 1 FREDERICK BROWN JR. AMPHITHEATER (Peachtree City, GA) Melissa Etheridge July 1 STAR BAR (Atlanta) The Dwarves, Richie Ramone July 1 CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) The Church July 1 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) J.B Ball July 2 EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) Little Country Giants, Rachel Baiman Band July 2 DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE (Nashville) “Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4” Chris Young, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jonny P, The Sisterhood, Nashville Symphony July 4 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Carlos Mencia July 6 THE CAMP HOUSE (Chattanooga) Eliot Bronson, Michael Logen July 6 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Shawn Mullins, The Mailboxes July 7 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Carlos Mencia July 7 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) My
JUNE 2017
14
Morning Jacket, Margo Price July 7 3RD & LINDSLEY (Nashville) Joshua Radin, Rachael Yamagata, Brandon Jenner July 7 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Carlos Mencia July 8 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Baby Baby, Tristen, Raisers LA July 8 OAK MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATRE (Pelham, AL) Journey, Asia July 8 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Incubus, Jimmy Eat World July 8 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) String Cheese Incident July 8 TERMINAL WEST (Atlanta) Joshua Radin, Rachael Yamagata, Brandon Jenner July 8 WOLF CREEK AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) Slick Rick, Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane July 8 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Carlos Mencia July 9 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Lacing, Planning For a Burial July 9 TUSCALOOSA AMPHITHEATRE (Tuscaloosa, AL) Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper July 9 SUNTRUST PARK (Atlanta) Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat July 9 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) Dweezil Zappa July 9 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Jill Scott July 9 BIJOU THEATRE (Knoxville) Steve Earle & the Dukes July 9 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) “Honda Civic Tour” OneRepublic, James Arthur July 10 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Comedy w/ Ryan Singer July 11 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt July 11 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt July 12 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Sam Hunt, Maren Morris, Chris Janson, Ryan Follese July 13 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Paul McCartney July 13 SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER (Nashville) The O’Jays July 13 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Foxygen, Walrus July 14 TRACK 29 (Chattanooga) Strfkr July 14 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, Boyz II Men July 14 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) Sturgill Simpson July 14 EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) Diane Durrett July 14 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (Atlanta) Amy Ray Band, The Honeycutters July 14 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) David Blaine July 14 IRON CITY (Birmingham) The New Pornographers July 14 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Behold the Brave, In the Whale July 15 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Wood Brothers, Hot Tuna July 15 FREDERICK BROWN JR. AMPHITHEATER (Peachtree City, GA) Brian McKnight July 15 SLOSS FURNACES NAT’L HIST. LANDMARK (Birmingham) “Sloss Music & Arts Festival” Widespread Panic, Odesza, Run The Jewels, Spoon, Needtobreathe, Tycho, Cherub, Conor Oberst, Charles Bradley & The
Extraordinaires, Francis And The Lights, The Heydaze, Floss, John Moreland, Wray, Ruston Kelly, cbdb, Nowhere Squares July 15 THE COMEDY CATCH (Chattanooga) Ryan Davis July 16 INFINITE ENERGY ARENA (Duluth, GA) Roger Waters July 16 BUCKHEAD THEATRE (Atlanta) Chevelle July 16 SLOSS FURNACES NAT’L HIST. LANDMARK (Birmingham) “Sloss Music & Arts Festival” Alabama Shakes, Sturgill Simpson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Phantogram, Judah & The Lion, Vince Staples, Cashmere Cat, K.Flay, Waka Flocka Flame, Kaiydo, Hiss Golden Messenger, Beach Slang, Harrison Brome, Ages And Ages, Lawrence, Shaheed & Dj Supreme, Youth July 16 THE NICK (Birmingham Danielle Howle July 16 ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE (Nashville) Hans Zimmer July 16 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, D.R.A.M. July 17 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK (Alpharetta, GA) Hans Zimmer July 18 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) AFI, Circa Survive, Citizen July 18 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) The Coathangers, One Time July 19 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Boston, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts July 19 HEAVEN AT THE MASQUERADE (Atlanta) Taking Back Sunday, Every Time I Die, Modern Chemistry July 19 WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM (Nashville) AFI, Circa Survive, Citizen July 19 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Ted Nugent July 19 IRON CITY (Birmingham) Rob Bell July 19 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) Fastball July 20 THE BASEMENT EAST (Nashville) New Found Glory July 20 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Fastball July 21 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Socro July 21 EDDIE’S ATTIC (Atlanta) John Hammond July 21 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Steve Earle & the Dukes July 21 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK (Alpharetta, GA) Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton July 22 FOX THEATRE (Atlanta) Idina Menzel July 22 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) Kasey Chambers July 22 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Moody Blues July 22 ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE (Nashville) ) REO Speedwagon, Styx, Don Felder July 22 3RD & LINDSLEY (Nashville) Bob Schneider July 22 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Jimmy Herring & The Invisible Whip July 23 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Moody Blues July 23 HEAVEN AT THE MASQUERADE (Atlanta) Corey Feldman July 23 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK (Alpharetta, GA) REO
Speedwagon, Styx, Don Felder July 23 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Bobbyrock, Swanky, Tiger July 25 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) The Alarm July 25 NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Yo Gotti, Meek Mill July 25 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Lee Bains and the Gloryfires, Matt and Marty B July 26 THE FOUNDRY (Athens, GA) The Alarm July 26 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) Matthew Sweet July 26 THE FOUNDRY (Athens, GA) The Alarm July 26 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) Eliot Lipp July 27 CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) The Alarm July 27 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Rebelution, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Hirie, Collie Buddz July 27 CITY WINERY ATLANTA (Atlanta) Matthew Sweet July 27 KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER (Knoxville) Peter Cetera July 27 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” The Greyhounds, Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers July 28 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience July 28 CITY WINERY NASHVILLE (Nashville) Matthew Sweet July 28 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) “Retro Futura Tour” Howard Jones, The English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Annabella Lwin July 28 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) 311, New Politics July 28 THE VISTA ROOM @ NAPOLEON’S (Atlanta) Pylon Reenactment Society, Swimming Pool Q’s July 28 J.J.’S BOHEMIA (Chattanooga) Milele Roots July 29 REVELRY ROOM (Chattanooga) The Breakfast Club July 29 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER Duluth, GA) Shawn Mendes July 29 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience July 29 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) 311, New Politics July 29 THE SHED AT SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY DAVIDSON (Maryville, TN) Band Of Heathens July 29 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Logic, Joey Bada$$, Big Lenbo July 29 OAK MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATRE (Pelham, AL) Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience July 30 THE COCA COLA ROXY (Atlanta) Logic, oey Bada$$, Big Lenbo July 30 NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Slayer, Lamb of God, Behemoth July 30 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) Shawn Mendes July 31 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Goo Goo Dolls, Phillip Phillips July 31 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Foster The People July 31 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) Idina Menzel August 1 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (Atlanta) Michelle
ENIGMA
Branch August 1 BJCC CONCERT HALL (Birmingham) Idina Menzel August 2 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) Queen + Adam Lambert August 2 VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE (Alpharetta, GA) Nickelback, Daughtry, Shaman’s Harvest August 2 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Ben Miller Band, Josh Driver & the Dixieland Playboys August 4 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) Tim McGraw, Faith Hill August 5 RYMAN AUDITORIUM (Nashville) John Kay & Steppenwolf August 5 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) All Time Low, SWMRS, Waterparks, The Wrecks August 5 THE AMP AT ADAMSON SQUARE (Carrollton, GA) Everclear, Vertical Horizon, Fastball August 5 CHASTAIN PARK (Atlanta) Blondie, Garbage, Deep Vally August 6 COCA COLA ROXY (Atlanta) Gov’t Mule, Galactic August 6 THE TABERNACLE (Atlanta) Sabrina Carpenter August 6 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) John Mayer August 8 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (Atlanta) Michael Franti & Spearhead August 8 SYMPHONY HALL (Atlanta) Stephen Stills, Judy Collins August 9 AT&T FIELD (Chattanooga) “Replay America” Taylor Dayne, Starship feat. Mickey Thomas, Greg Kihn Band, Billy Ocean, Martha Davis and The Motels August 10 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) John Mayer August 10 MILLER PLAZA (Chattanooga) “Nightfall” Major & the Monbacks, Ashley and the Xs August 11 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER Duluth, GA) J. Cole August 11 THE ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE (Clarksville, TN) “Gallagher’s Joke’s On You Comedy Tour” Gallagher, Artie Fletcher, Bob Nelson August 11 SOUTHERN GROUND AMPHITHEATRE (Fayetteville, GA) John Kay & Steppenwolf August 12 THE ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE (Clarksville, TN) “Gallagher’s Joke’s On You Comedy Tour” Gallagher, Artie Fletcher, Bob Nelson August 12 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) matchbox twenty, Counting Crows August 12 ASCEND AMPHITHEATER (Nashville) Santana August 13 BRIDGESTONE ARENA (Nashville) Roger Waters August 13 MARATHON MUSIC WORKS (Nashville) Michelle Branch August 13 THE ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE (Clarksville, TN) “Gallagher’s Joke’s On You Comedy Tour” Gallagher, Artie Fletcher, Bob Nelson August 13 INFINITE ENERGY CENTER (Duluth, GA) Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey August 13 LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE (Atlanta) matchbox twenty, Counting Crows August 13 THE ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE (Clarksville, TN) “Gallagher’s Joke’s On You Comedy Tour” Gallagher, Artie Fletcher, Bob Nelson August 14 BIJOU THEATRE (Knoxville) The New Pornographers August 15
JUNE 2017
15
June 2 Hank & the Cupcakes, Side Affect, Icanjapan
June 3
Big Kitty,Dead Testaments, Skyway Man,Old Time Travelers, Mountains of Moss
June 4
Ashley & the X’s, Pack of Wolves, Alabama Rose
June 6
Comedy Buffet w/ Derek Sheen
June 7
Free Kittens comedy showcase
June 8
Monomath, You Bred Raptors, Deaf Scene
June 9
Richard Lloyd (Television)
June 10
Cut Throat Freak Show, Subterranean Circus, Preymantha
June 11
Tuff Tits, Beardtron, Chattanooga Big Band All Stars, Keith Krisp
June 12
Bessie Smith Strut
June 14
Pinebox Boys
June 16
Bo Hannons, Genk Genki Panic
June 17
Flaming Lips Afterparty w/ Brothers Griiin
June 18
Lacing, Sad Baxter, By the Gods, Juiceboxxx
June 19
Bathsalt Zombies, Buffo’s Wake
June 21
Free Kittens Comedy Showcase & Make Music Chattanooga
June 22
Mythical Motors,The Old Paints, Obliviots
June 24
Turquoise Jeep,Flynt Fossy, Black Sheep Ensemble
June 25
Do ya Hear We!
June 27
Comedy Buffet w/ Billy Wayne Davis
The Trump Russia Scandal Continues
So they’re finally using the word. Pundits are calling the expanding chaos within the Trump administration a “scandal.” I’ve leaned on the term, “unprecedented,” for a while now. It really falls short when trying to discuss this whole Trump-Russia thing. We’ve got a new U.S. president whose election campaign is being investigated for potentially improper communications with known Russian spies. That same U.S. president fired the FBI director, who was previously leading the investigation into the Trump campaign and its dealings with the Russians. Robert Mueller has been named special counsel in the Trump-Russia matter. Now former CIA director John Brennan says there was intelligence that “revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign.” Brennan said this evidence was cause for concern because of “known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals.” He would not reveal which individuals were involved, because such information is classified, but he said the evidence was “worthy of investigation.” I’ll say…
Organization. A couple of the trumplings apparently got some help from a Russian bank (oops… more Russia stuff) in developing a
...In a way, all of this Russia stuff has kept the media from digging too deeply into the shady financial dealings of the Trump
...Meanwhile, the investigators just keep on investigating. Mueller and his team will follow one tack and have broad subpoena and inves-
property in Canada. We still don’t know if the president has fully divested himself from his many business interests. And what about those infamous tax returns? It has all become a joke. Trump’s tax returns are buried with Jimmy Hoffa…
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tigative powers. Deputy FBI closed hearings on the TrumpDirector Andrew McCabe, who has Russia connections... been leading the Bureau on an interim basis since Comey’s firing, ...A few interesting questions still hover over the investigation. What’s with Michael Flynn, for example? The former national security adviser (who was asked to resign after his contacts with Russian intelligence assets) pleaded the fifth this past week and still has not had his offer to turn state’s witness accepted by prosecutors. Flynn seems like a key to all of this… somehow… but it’s hard to figure out just how… ....Lurking in the background is Paul Manafort. The electoral college guru had multiple contacts with the Russkies and got out of the public eye when scrutiny increased. I can’t wait to see what he has to say under oath. This whole thing could come unglued in is still following the leads that his so many ways… predecessor was working on. Multiple Senate and House com- — Mark Bedford mittees are holding both open and
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You Asked For It You Got It - The Donald Quit your whining America. By Trump figured it out. And win he ers of the common people and a politician until the summer of electing Donald Trump president did despite the odds, the media more socially conscious. 2015) and it is documented fairly you got exactly what you’ve been well many of his thoughts and wanting for years. I know I did; opinions did not fit the I actually voted for him with no Conservative or Republican regrets. We got rid of status quo mold. Coming from money and and got actual change. building a multi-billion dollar empire in real estate and other I laugh at all the unfounded holdings, he never had the conprotests and am quite frankly cerns about things that are on disgusted at all the disrespect the mind of average Americans. aimed at President Trump. Yes, If he needed or wanted somePresident Trump. Get over it thing he paid for it, he didn’t already. He won fair and square need to wait for legislation to be despite what lunatic conspirapassed. If he needed to go to the cies you throw out there. doctor he went. He didn’t worry about insurance or co-pays. I remember long ago, as I was Abortion? It wasn’t relevant for about to enter college there was him. He didn’t have to worry a calling for change and a change bout getting someone pregnant. of the status quo. Punk rock was He’s married a lot and even if he pretty new and most songs were got a girl pregnant he could have about rebellion and in extremes paid it off or paid for an aborthe philosophical overthrowing tion since it was no sweat off his of the government. I remember back. listening to the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy In the U.K.” and the But also being a native New punk movement with their tatYorker he comes across as blunt tered jeans, piercings, Mohawks, and obnoxious. Newsflash – all and anti-authority stance. It was New Yorkers are that way. I can a no-holds barred attack on the and history not being on his side. say that because I was born establishment. You can look back at his very there and it was a huge culture Trump, a native New Yorker is public life (considering he wasn’t shock for me when we moved Even in the pages and on this site liberal just in the fact he was there have been writings over born in New York. New York the years complaining about the City and state is the epicenter of status quo and especially the two liberalism. It can’t help but be party system. There has never seeing it was the main port for been a real third party candidate legal immigration. New York is of any real threat with perhaps the virtual melting pot of the exception of George Wallace America as just about every kind in 1968 and John Anderson in of individual, ethnicity, religion 1980. Fact be told they played and so on and so forth making it the role of spoiler and may have difficult for one to play favorites helped hand the presidency to as everyone is trying to fit in and Nixon and Reagan respectively. survive. In the old days the There seemed to be no way to Conservatives were considered beat the two party system but the fiscally responsible money somehow businessman Donald J. people and the Liberals defendENIGMA
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south. Legitimate New Yorkers are brutally honest compared down south where they would rather lie to protect someone’s feelings than hurt them by telling them the truth.
profile of being if not fiscally conservative, fiscally responsible and socially liberal leaning, as are a lot of people. Studies show that most people become more conservative as they grow older with the exception of Trump is admittedly rough course of professional politiaround the edges but he knows cians. how to win. He did what everyone has been calling for, for gen- Trump’s rough edges are what erations. He beat the two-party ruffled feathers of both parties system. He was a one-man and endeared him to a great Anarchist. Trump used the sys- degree of the general populous. tem that everyone has com- Ironically both he and Bernie plained about forever and beat Sanders were cut of the same them at their own game and for cloth. Both were actual outsome reason people of all politi- siders of traditional Republicans cal affiliations are upset. and Democrats but Sanders has been pretty much a professional Donald J. Trump won the United politician and any worth he has States presidency running on the he gained in public office whereRepublican Party ticket. For a as Trump was a definite outsider majority of his life he voted and was more successful in the Democratic, supported ideals private sector. Americans love that most would call liberal. success whether it’s earned or Many of his ideas are conserva- inherited. Trump started his tive or at least portrayed that empire with a million dollar loan way during the primaries and the from his father – something general election. Trump fits the most of us don’t have the luxury
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of but he turned that million dollars into billions. He wasn’t a trust fund kid. He’s on the lower end of the billionaire scale compared to Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, but unlike those two he actually enjoys his money. America, you got exactly what you wanted. A candidate that beat the two party system you’ve been complaining about for decades if not longer. Donald Trump is neither a Republican nor a Democrat. He’s an individual. That’s why neither side has not embraced or backed him. Since taking office he’s run the country like a business. Being a successful businessman means making decisions a setting forth policies that some will not like and may cause some dissention, but it’s for what’s best for that business (or in this case the country) in the long run. Running a successful business is not a popularity contest; it’s being able to make those tough decisions that lesser men (or
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women) are afraid to. Instead of looking for immediate gratification it’s looking down the road to ensure stability and growth of the business or in this case the United States of America. One of my theories of why Trump is having trouble in the polls is because people have actually gotten what they wanted. It’s the “what do we do now” syndrome. In a way we’ve become so used to status quo and a dependence on big government telling us how to live our lives and many expect them to run it for us instead of running it for ourselves – which is what most tyrannical governments want. Learn your history. It’s a bigger version of being afraid to leave the nest. Congratulations America you got exactly what you’ve been wanting. Quit your crying and grow up. Be free.
- Wm. Alexander
Gregg Allman 1947-2017 Gregg Allman has passed. It is very sad indeed, but to be honest one I’ve been expecting for a while. And with every passing day I was increasingly surprised to not hear it, when I did hear the news on a Saturday afternoon I was saddened despite reports from some of my friends “in the business” that the Southern rock legend was seriously ill. Allman’s excesses and problems with alcohol and drugs were well documents but for some reason I expected him to be like Keith Richards whose lifestyles have mirrored each other to live forever. To Allman’s credit he
finally beat his addictions I’m not here to put down a private life lived in public unlike Richards who somehow Allman or other artists who there would be a backlog of is still alive and well, but for fought their demons publicly, articles for years and years involving everyone from Sammy Cooke to Kurt Cobain. Instead of dwelling on the negative let’s dwell on the positive and remember a true artist the world lost this Memorial Day weekend. The reason I mention it is because Allman may have been one of the first artists to live his life – both the ups and downs in public, publicly and privately fought his demons and when you look at the facts he was a ©Dave Weinthal pioneer in his field. Allman it may have been too for if we did for every artists late. who died young or because of Sure rock and roll has been
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around since roughly 1951 and as bluegrass, Americana and every ten years or so but a Alan Freed is known for coin- of course country. Country few artists. But the Allman ing the phrase, but the Allman was often referred to as blue- Brothers played rock and roll, Brothers Band are the Beatles of his genre. The Beatles didn’t invent rock and roll either however they revolutionized it starting a new genre taking pop music out of the doo-wop phase it had been in dating back to the ‘40s. Likewise the Amman Brothers Band revolutionized popular music as well. Allman and his band that featured brother Duane, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, Dickey Betts and Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson were the pioneers of what is called Southern Rock. Sure, music has been played in the south for many generations but it was a more traditional style of music such
The original lineup of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.
eyed soul as it mimicked soul and blues traditionally done by black artists. Rockabilly is a hybrid of country and rock that saw limited success in the late ‘50s and is always revived
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mixed some pop sensibilities in and added a little soul to create a sound and a music revolution that still continues
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to ebb and flow. Without the Allmans there probably isn’t any Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band or Drive-By Truckers. And while for a few years in the mid-‘70s Skynyrd’s light burned brighter until that fateful day in 1977, the Allmans continued to burn at a lower but consistent wattage that continues today and will continue well beyond Gregg’s death on May 27. The whole world knows Gregg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band. Their live album “At Fillmore East” is required listening for all music fans no matter what genre for a live performance recording. They have a number of songs people are famil-
iar with as well as iconic album titles like the aforementioned album and “Eat A Peach” that were historically groundbreaking. The Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic with Panic owing a lot of their success to the Allman Brothers Band have only eclipsed their relentless touring. Despite having songs that roll off the tongues of many fans the band had only one top ten hit, “Rambling Man” back in 1973. Despite many southern girls being named “Melissa” after the song and the working man lament of being tied to the “whipping post” the band had only one real radio single being “Rambling Man” that topped off at number two on the charts. However due to FM radio and long play formats on late night stations fans got to hear deeper cuts
and longer songs or album cuts from bands like the Allmans whose songs did not traditionally fit into that three-minute mold program-
tured soul and unfortunately he turned to alcohol and drugs that were well documented and in many circles celebrated because it comes
mers liked to use during day- with “fame”. Often alcohol time programming. and drug addiction comes from using it to mask pain and Despite all his success and trauma. And despite early wealth the Daytona Beach success tragedy struck early native received he was a tor- for Gregg as well as late in life a few months before his death. It all started in the fall of 1971 when older brother Duane, the band’s lead guitarist and leader died following a motorcycle accident in Macon, GA where the band was headquartered. A year later bass player and another band co-founder Berry Oakley died in a motorcycle accident as well within a stone’s throw from where Duane died. Both were 24 at the time of their death. 22 years later Shannon Wilsey better known as adult actress Savannah committed suicide. Allman had been in a relationship with the porn star before she got into the business however many blame him for her addiction to heroin and cocaine. It was stated by many the singer would send her packages of the drugs from the road. Most ENIGMA
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recently Gregg had to deal with the death of another band co-founder, drummer Butch Trucks back on January 24 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Allman’s documented demons got the best of him and he went to rehab and was later diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Liver failure came soon after and he received a liver transplant in 2010. And while he embraced his new lease on life with the transplant living a drug and alcohol free life however the damage was already done as he suffered bouts with illness the rest of his life. The Allman Brothers Band officially retired as a band in 2014 and Gregg continued to tour as a solo artist and with his band, The Gregg Allman Band last fall when he started to cancel tour dates. That’s when speculation started that he was gravely ill and apparently so as he passed away peacefully despite his turbulent and wildly successful career and private life. Despite Allman being the pioneer of Southern Rock his career suffered many ups and downs. The excess of success that led to the death of Duane and Berry Oakley made the band only marginal players in Southern Rock after a number of years. With players coming a going and egos and addiction getting in the way the band was soon lapped by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band and .38 Special and modified the Allman formula and turned it into a Top 40 radio staple that died out in the early ‘80s. The
band found themselves apart for many years dealing with inner demons, solo projects and egos. Many Allman Brothers Band concerts were cancelled due to poor ticket sales. And as the band look to slip into oblivion something happened. And then something started to happen. In the early ‘90s there was a revival of Southern styled rock that was geared to a new audience. The songs being written and performed exuded all the influences of traditional Southern Rock albeit the songs were longer in nature or what was commonly referred to as jam. Gone were the three minutes and out songs of traditional radio. Bands like Phish, Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler and others embracing the influences of the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers replaced it. The Allmans may technically be considered frontrunners of the genre as side two of the legendary live album; “At Fillmore East” was one song – a 22-minute rendition of “Whipping Post”. Soon the jam band genre began summer concert festivals beginning with H.O.R.D.E. in 1992 because most summer arena and amphitheatre shows were strictly commercial rock shows. The Allman Brothers performed at H.O.R.D.E. and a new generation discovered them. They began headlining festivals and selling out amphitheatres everywhere. A new generation discovered them and their own fans rediscovered them creating a juggernaut that lasted until the band retired three years
ago after more than 45 years of playing, touring and recording. Gregg Allman passed away peacefully at his home Saturday succumbing to liver cancer at the age of 69. Despite the fact he was given a new lease on life with the liver transplant in 2010 a lot of transplant recipients tend to develop a higher risk for cancer of the transplanted organ. A lot of it is from what may have caused the initial liver failure such as alcohol, intravenous drug use and/or use of a contaminated needle either through drug use/transfusion or even a tattoo or hereditary. Alcohol’s affect on the vascular system around the organs despite heavy pre-testing affects the body’s accepting of the new organ as well as the antibodies required after an organ transplant to ensure the body doesn’t reject the new “foreign” organ causes the body’s immune system to not be as strong thus theoretically making the organ more susceptible to disease most notably cancer. Gregg Allman lived a full 69 years leaving not only a wide musical legacy but a cultural one as well. He indeed lived the rock and roll lifestyle and eventually paid the price although he outlived a lot of his contemporaries and fan base. He is by no means a cautionary tale, but is to be celebrated for his immense talent and his part in music and pop culture history.
Chattanooga is home of the actions that generated the first Medals of Honor to six of Andrew's Raiders. The museum traces the “Paths of Valor” from the Civil War through the War on Terror. Discover the stories of nearly 3,500 recipients of our Nation's highest award for Valor.
National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History 368 Northgate, Chattanooga, TN Hours: Tuesday-Friday-11:00AM-5:00PM; Saturday & Sunday-1:00PM-5PM
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F e s t i v a l Ti m e
Summer is finally here and that that stretch into the fall be it in music festivals near you or Mummies, The Last Bandoleros, means festival time. June kicks your hometown or a road trip within driving distance for the The Producers, Roger Clyne & off a strong season of festivals away. Here are a few of the month of June. The Peacemakers, Sexy Beast, Channing Wilson, Delta Riverbend Festival June 9-17 Rockers, The Beaters, Unknown Ross’ Landing Chattanooga, TN Hinson, Kathy Tugman, Dead The Flaming Lips, Ludacris, Phish Orchestra, SubKoncious, Toby Keith, Boz Scaggs, Don Kenny Neal, Jerry Fordham & Felder, Morris Day & The Time, Roger Moore, Zoe Nutt & the Cameo, The Purple Experience Union, Convertibull, Jason D. feat. The Dr. Matt Fink, The Boy Williams, James Rogers, Named Banjo, High Valley, Summer Dregs, Southlander, Jesse Kramer, Five Alarm Funk, The Black Jacket Symphony, Deacon Blues Band, The Wasted Riffs Vegabonds, The Joy Bonnaroo Music and Arts Formidable, Old Dominion, F e stival June 8-11 Manchester, Kaitlyn Baker, Corey Smith, TN Drivin’ N Cryin’, White Denim, The Vegabonds, Selwyn Birchwood, Toronzo Cannon, Jamie Grace, Crowder, Sidewalk Prophets, Finding Favour, Chase Martin, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Mother’s Finest, Brett Young, The Ragbirds, Chris Bandi, Whiskey Myers, Billy Joe Shaver, Yardbirds, Drew Sterchi, Jocelyn & Chris Arndt, Sullivan Band, Brother Hawk, Geneva, Here Come The
PUZZLE ANSWERS
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©Dave Weinthal
U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Major Lazer, Flume, The xx, Lorde, Travis Scott, Cage the Elephant, Marshmello, The Head and The Heart, Big Gigantic, Glass Animals, Future Islands, Tory Lanez, Tove Lo, Yellow Claw, Umphrey’s McGee, Portugal. The Man, Crystal Castles, Milky Chance, Tegan & Sara, Cold War Kids, Kaleo, SuperJam, Russ, Jon Bellion,
Royal Blood, The Strumbellas, Car Seat Headrest, Michael Kiwanuka, Gallant, D.R.A.M., Louis the Child, Borgore, Dua Lipa, Nghtmre, Getter,Snails, James Vincent McMorrow, , Illenium, Flatbush Zombies, Aminé, Claude VonStroke, Francis & The Lights, Margo Price, BadBadNotGood, The Front Bottoms, G Jones, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Cam, Bad Suns, Coin, Mandolin Orange, Eden, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Ookay, Herobust, Kevin Morby, Goldfish, Noname, Leon, Bluegrass SuperJam, Albin Lee Meldau, San Holo, Rezz, Angélique Kidjo, Haywyre, Deap Vally, Hippo Campus, Combs, Vanic, Unlike Pluto, Kaiydo, Ten Fé, Nightly, Orwells, Stick Figure, Mondo Cozmo, Barclay Crenshaw, Grace, July Talk, Khruangbin, Lucy Dacus, Klangstof, Kevin
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AFU, Jon Bellion, D.R.A.M., Flogging Molly, Mutemath, Tech N9ne, Hayley Kiyoko, Mike Stud, Moon Taxi, Rev. Horton Heat, NF, Watsky, Kevin Garrett, Protoje, Eden, Cobi, Arkells, Civil Twilight, CVBZ, San Fermin, July Talk, VHS Collection, Dreamers, Charlie Hirsch, Flor, White Reaper, Caamp, Time Cat, The Upset Victory, Liberty Deep Down, Flying Underground, Current Events, Alex Angelo
Abstract, Turkuaz, The Lemon Twigs, Wilderado, Twin Limb, Big Jesus, Twiddle, White Reaper, River Whyless, Alexandra Savior, Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real, Innanet Riverfest June 1-4 Little Rock, James, Ganja White Night, AK Welles, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Wiz Khalifa, Justin Moore, Cage Alekesam, Backup Planet, Belly, The Elephant, Billy Currington, Eliot Lipp, Warpaint Grouplove, Cold War Kids, Moon Taxi, Cody Jinks, Jon Bunbury Music Festival June 2- Bellion, Craig Campbell, The 4 Cincinnati, OH Joy Formidable, Colt Ford, Muse, Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, Dylan Scott, Cody Canada & The Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, The Departed 1975, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins,
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CMA Festival June 8-11 Nashville, TN A Thousand Horses, Aaron Watson, Abby Anderson, Adam Craig, Adam Sanders, Alex Williams, Alyssa Micaela, Ashley Campbell, Bailey Bryan, Ben Gallaher, Big Smo, Blake Shelton, Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Brad Paisley, Brandon Lay, Brandon Ray, Brandy Clark, Brett Eldredge, Brett Young, Brooke Eden, Brothers Osborne, Cale Dodds, Cam, Canaan Smith, Carly Pearce, Carter Winter, Casey Donahew, Chase Bryant, Chase Rice, Chris Bandi, Chris Janson, Chris Lane, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Clare Dunn, Cole Swindell, Colin Elmore & The Danville Train, Corey Smith,
Craig Wayne Boyd, Darius Rucker, Davisson Brothers Band, Dierks Bentley, Drake White & The Big Fire, Drew Baldridge, Dylan Schneider, Easton Corbin, Eli Young Band, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Fairground Saints, Filmore, Florida Georgia Line, Granger Smith, Hailey Whitters, Haley Georgia, High Valley, Home Free, Jackie Lee, Jacob Davis, Jamie Lynn Spears, Jana Kramer, Jillian Jacqueline, Jo Smith, Joe Nichols, John Anderson, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Rager, Josh Turner, Kalie Shorr, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Rogers, Kristian Bush, Kyle Park, Lady Antebellum, Lanco, Lauren Alaina, Levon, Lillie Mae, Lindsay Ell, Little Big Town, Locash, Love And Theft, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Luke Pell, Maddie & Tae, Maggie Rose, Maren Morris, Meghan Patrick, Michael Ray, Michael Tyler, Miranda Lambert, Mo Pitney, Morgan Evans, Morgan Wallen, Muscadine Bloodline, Stovall, Neal Mccoy, Old Dominion, Olivia Lane, Parmalee, Raelynn, Rascal Flatts, Restless Road, Risa Binder, Runaway June, Russell Dickerson, Ruthie Collins, Ryan Beaver, Ryan Follese, Ryan Griffin, Ryan Kinder, Sam Hunt, Scooter Brown Band, Scotty McCreery, Sean McConnell, Smithfield, Steve Moakler, Sundance Head, Tara Thompson, The Railers, The Swon Brothers, Rhett, Trace Adkins, Tracy Lawrence, Travis Collins, Trea Landon, Trent Harmon, Tyler Farr, Tyler Rich, Walker County, Walker Hayes, Walker Mcguire, Waterloo Revival
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Romp June 21-24 Owensboro, KY Yonder Mountain String Band, Los Lobos, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Punch Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens, Peter Rowan, The SteelDrivers, Pokey LaFarge, Dailey & Vincent, Becky Buller, Billy Strings, The Wooks, Snyder Family Band, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, High Fidelity Essence Music Festival June 29July 2 New Orleans, LA Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Chance The Rapper, Chaka Khan, Doug E Fresh, Erykah Badu, Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, June’s Diary, Lalah Hathaway, Lizzo, Master P, Michel’le, Moses Sumney,
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Ro James, Shaggy, Sir the Baptist, Solange, Teyana Taylor, The Jones Girls Feat. Shirley Jones, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Tweet, Yuna, Mystikal, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker,BJ the Chicago Kid, Daley, Elle Varner, Emily Estefan, Gallant, Kelly Price, Leela James, Rhonda Ross
Tommy Emmanuel Finger Pickin’ Good Tommy Emmanuel si a four-time winner of Australia’s Best Guitarist award, who helped bring the art of rock guitar down under to a higher awareness over his two-decade-long career by bringing a sense of jazz improvisation into a mix that also includes blues, country, rock, classical, and Spanish music. After years as a popular sideman and ace songwriter, the two-time ARIA (Aussie Grammys equivalent) Award winner launched his solo career in 1988. Now calling Nashville home, Emmanuel talks influences, inspirations and a new album due out May 19.
I understand you don’t have a play and it’s all about the peosong list when you perform. ple at the time. The first half hour of the show is so imporYeah. I usually decide what I tant and hose people off a little want to start with and I go out – get their attention and take and start playing and see where them somewhere musically and emotionally. It’s what the job’s it wants to go. about. When you do that do you have in the back of your mind certain I found it interesting that you songs you want to make sure started playing at such a young you perform or is it just off the age. While most kids your ages were still learning to tie their cuff? shoes you were playing guitar. I have a repertoire of core songs I’ve written. It’s not like I That’s right. That’s all I ever go out there unprepared. I did. Every day I’m like what know exactly what I’m doing. else can I do? I just love playBut I like to mix it up. I have a ing the guitar and making real choice of styles that I can music. That’s what drives me ENIGMA
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and really nothing else. Did learning the guitar come easy to you? Nothing comes easy that’s good. You still have to work on it like crazy and every day we’re a little bit different. We have days where we pick up the instrument and feel like we’ve really got this thing together; we’re playing well and the music’s flowing and the next day we fumble around with it and feel like a fool on it. It’s very humbling, actually. So it’s not something you learn and go on, you’re constantly
learning every time you pick up come and go, you know. I have the guitar. certain guitars I really like that have a particular voice like you Absolutely. I still have to work have an arsenal of what you on it like everything else. I see need. Yesterday for instance I it as an ongoing growing was recording a track with a girl process of knowledge and abili- singer that played fiddle and I ties. I like working on my skills felt when I heard the song I said a Martin D-28 is going to do that and try to build that up. track perfect. So I went and got There are a lot of guitarists that my Martin D-28 and strung it up have massive guitar collections and it was exactly the right one like Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) for the track. And that’s what for example. How many guitars I’m talking about with that pardid you have to go through until ticular voice. I have a Martin Dyou found the exact one that 28 – it has that voice. And if I you were most comfortable? want something else like a Gibson J-45 I’ll go string it up It’s up to you how many guitars and play it and there’s that paryou think you need. I like buy- ticular sound. Those guitars ing a guitar I it really blows my have a particular tone. When I dress up. Try this guitar and it play live I use my Maton guitars, really has a great voice and which are Australian made guireally turns me on, it’s touching tars and they have a particular me, this instrument if I’m feel- voice too. ing that way about it. I’ve given away more guitars than I’ve You began playing at a young kept, that’s for sure. Guitars age. At what age did you begin
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writing? I began writing when I was about 12; something like that. And I wrote a lot of very forgettable songs and I can’t remember any of them. (both laugh) You’ve got to start somewhere. I studied songwriting and I still do. First thing I listen to when I hear music is how the song is constructed and what makes it emotional what notes are causing feelings. It’s people’s music who really moved the world is how I learned. A song that has a great melody and really touches everybody: that’s what I want to learn.
instrument to get in the way of my writing and vice versa. I don’t want my songwriting to hamper my abilities at the same time. So, one works with the other. I’m always trying to write a song that comes from my hands beautifully and that I can express the melody well without jumping around or too much moving around, So I’m always trying to find the most economic way to play something – and the most effective. One thing I notice listening to your music is how you tell a vivid story without saying a word. Do you believe some things are better left unsaid?
How has writing prompted or challenged you as a guitar play- (laughs) I always say I’m trying er and vice versa? to tell stories without words. And that’s why I try to paint a Well, it’s the most challenging picture for the listener without part of making music – the writ- saying anything words-wise. ing songs that really work. I try The melody and the chords not to let my abilities on the should give you in your imagi-
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nation – and you should be able fame… good luck to you but to imagine what I’m trying to that doesn’t mean a thing. say. You have a new album coming out in a few weeks, Live! At the You were born in Australia… Ryman. The Ryman Auditorium is a very legendary concert hall. Yes sir. How does playing a venue with Compare and contrast the music such a rich history affect your culture of your homeland com- performance on stage? pared to the United States. From the moment you walk in I think I grew up listening to there you feel a sense of revermusic from this country and ence, and you feel the magic particularly Nashville. It was and mojo of the place that so the music I grew up listening to, many people’s careers were although I learned listening to launched in this room and peoAustralian music as well. I ple who stood on that stage and learned from records made touched peoples’ lives at an here in Nashville and of course amazing level right back to the Beatles and Rolling Stones, Hank Williams and people like Eric Clapton: I used to listen to that. I love playing the Ryman all that stuff. Emotionally, I lis- because it’s part of the history tened to country music, blues of my life. I listened to everymusic, rock and roll music, jazz body who played on that stage. – everything that came out of That’s what I listened to and I feel really privileged to be out this part of the world. there. It’s an incredible feeling Music was initially a family to be on that stage and every business for you, performing time I play there I always try to with your parents and siblings. take it all in and kind of feel the Do you feel like today’s music mojo and presence of all the climate that dome people get giants who came before us. into music for the wrong reason That’s really what we’re doing: and not take their craft as seri- we’re standing on the shoulders ous as they should? of the giants that came before us. They laid it out. They came Well, I think there are a lot of up with the songs and arrangepeople out there looking for ments – a way of putting themfame and fortune; and that’s not selves out there. It was a great really the motivation. The example to us. I think they’ve motivation should be to play really laid a foundation that the music should be because you rest of us can count on. And love it. You want to give it out then in my lifetime that’s what to the people and you want to I’m trying to do. I’m trying to get your message across – your lay down a trail for younger voice across always keeping in people that is real and built on mind the reason why you want hard work and dedication. to play music. The reason They can look to the example behind what you want to do is and say that really worked and you love it. If you stick with what can I do now. that and learn how to market yourself to get your message Are you more comfortable perout there you’ll do well. But if forming live compared to a you’re just chasing money and recording studio? ENIGMA
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I like both. I’m comfortable playing anywhere at any time. The studio for me is one of my favorite environments because I’m wearing headphones and I’m sitting in front of a microphone and my guitar sounds beautiful and I’m totally immersed into it. There’s a reason the studio works for me. Some people are very intimidated by being in the studio. It’s like holding a microscope to your playing. You play and you listen back. You have to scrutinize every nuance of what you’re doing and make sure it’s right. If you’ve got your playing together you can focus on the feeling of your music, the sound and things like your timing and that sort of stuff. You can focus in on the emotion and mind what you’re trying to do rather than trying to be too analytical. And so that’s how I look at it. Recording to me is capturing a performance, not manufacturing one. You now call Nashville home. What do you miss most about Australia and what do you love most about Nashville? Thing about Australia I miss is everything - the air, the water, the food, the people; just looking around and seeing the things I grew up with like sheep and cattle, Kangaroos and the beautiful coastline. That’s what we have. We have such a beautiful place, but I’ve been living in America for a long time and I love it here. I love the American people and I appreciate the fact I’m welcome here and I try to bring something good for the people here. America is a great country and Nashville is such a music town and everybody’s here. Anything you need is right here.
- Dave Weinthal
CAUGHT IN THE ACT Running of the Chihuahuas
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It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me
For the better part of my youth and early adulthood Billy Joel was a constant in my life. Yes, despite my love of New Wave and alternative music, the Piano Man was eas-
ily a top five if not higher favorite at the time. The 1960s in music by many are described as guitar driven rock by many. The 1970s by comparison were a piano or keyboard driven era. Even the rocks bands with great guitarist of that era like Fleetwood Mac or even the Eagles all had keyboard parts that helped define their sound. Just think of the haunting opening of “Hotel California” or “Don’t Stop” as examples. The decade began with Elton John along with Leon Russell, Gregg Allman as well as a bevy of others and ended with Joel. People forget how radio used to be. Before a world of corporate entities and 101 different radio formats there were maybe three or four at best. Outside of country and easy listening there was only one other format. It was pop music. Pop music does not mean the same as it does today. All commercial radio stations that played rock, R&B, soul and even what is described as crossover
country. Today, pop is its own genre and to many music snobs it’s a bad name. Back in the “good ol’ days” pop meant “popular”, not the mass-produced bubble gum
that is prevalent in many markets and is usually referred to as “Top 40”. Before the days radio groups a pop station played a little bit of everything. It was freeform. One could hear the Beatles followed by The Four Tops followed by Kenny Rogers and so on. Granted, there is a lot more music out there today than back in the day but what we’ve sacrificed to have more volume, quality has pretty much bottomed out. I remember hearing Billy Joel as a kid. His early stuff as piano driven, thus his nickname and name of his first hit single Many of his early works were more ballad oriented and quite frankly a nice change of pace from the Bay City Rollers and Lynyrd Skynyrd who were all over the radio at the time. And I was a fan of all three at the time and could be so because everyone who listened to radio was at the time. Why? Like I just said, it was all “pop” music. And when the FM frequency took off more artists like Joel, Steely Dan ENIGMA
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and other bands that might have a niche following soon found a home for their original sound. As Joel was getting his foothold on the music business he really evolved towards the late ‘70s. And while he was the piano man he added a full band to his songs that helped fill out his sound and add texture and layers to his compositions. He was also able to shake the balladeer label. The first of those songs I remember was “Moving Out (Anthony’s Song)”. I remember mornings riding to school with my best friend listening to it as well as just about every other single off of 52nd Street and
Glass Houses, being able to sing along with just about every song. My best friend in high school kind of resembled Joel with his thick head of back hair except his was more attractive (for a guy) and has been fortunate to keep all his hair unlike Joel. It seems like a worn out adage that a song or group of songs were part of the soundtrack of our lives but it’s hard to deny. And Billy Joel was just that, especially my relationship with my best friend back then. Listening to Joel christen the newly opened SunTrust Park, new home of the Atlanta Braves brought me back to those high school years – all the awkwardness, dreams and all the fun and laughter I had with my high school best bud. I was just like the other 37,000 there. We all had our favorite songs and memories that each song triggered and each considered ourself a bigger fan than the others. And there were probably contingents for which song was an all-time favorite. During Joel’s two-and-a-half our show that 2017
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1. New Pornographers 2. Dan Auberbach 3. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 4. Father John Misty 5. Blondie 6. Jocelyn & Chris Arndt 7. Gorillaz 8. BNQT 9. Lorde 10. Passenger 11. Portugal, The Man 12. Weezer 13. Old 97’s 14. Los Angeles Police Department 15. John Mayer 16. Flogging Molly 17. Flogging Molly 18.Ani DiFranco 19. Cheap Trick 20. Conor Oberst
ADVENTURE PICKS 1. The Head & the Heart 2. LCD Soundsystem 3. The National
©Chris Eason
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included over 30 songs, he actually played my favorite of his, “Sometimes a Fantasy”. I remember seeing the video for the first time on all places “Solid Gold”. Why Joel does while performing these days is allow for audience participation allowing them to shout out what song they want to hear from time to time with the loudest usually the one he picks. “Vienna” bat out “Just the Way You Are”. Just about every song I personally wanted to hear was performed as well as some nice covers like Elton John’s “Your Song” and even AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” – talk about going to extremes. Joel, an avid baseball fan whose tour includes many ballparks seemed to enjoy the atmosphere of the newly christened baseball stadium. Like anything new there
are still some things to figure out such as long lines, traffic and of all things flying insects. Apparently the sold out crowd at SunTrust weren’t the only ones attracted to Billy Joel. The Piano Man had to deal with a large fly buzzing around his head that he shooed of using a flyswatter. He’s quite the fencer. Joel touched on every era he’s played through; the balladeer, the rocker, and now standards and one of rock’s elder (not old) statesmen, and most importantly showman. Finishing his set with
“Piano Man” his encore began with “Uptown Girl”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, “Big Shot”, “Only the Good Die Young” and closing the show with “You May Be Right” – talk about a murder’s row of hits. And while all these songs brought back great and different memories to just about everyone, I found myself closing my eyes and smiling as I remembered riding in my best friend’s “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am he drove (back when they were actually cool and in style) heading to Godfather’s to grab a pizza and head to his house New York State of Mind to watch movies. Good times. Midnight Train to Georgia (Gladys Knight & The Pips cover) Billy Joel Setlist The Mexican Connection Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out Don’t Ask Me Why on Broadway) Sometimes a Fantasy Pressure She’s Always a Woman Take Me Out to the Ball Game Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover) (Edward Meeker cover) We Didn’t Start the Fire The Entertainer The River of Dreams Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover)
All for Leyna Vienna Your Song (Elton John cover) Georgia on My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael cover) Zanzibar The Longest Time I Got You (I Feel Good) (James Brown cover) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) And So It Goes Allentown Midnight Rider (The Allman Brothers Band cover) My Life (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding cover) ENIGMA
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Scenes From an Italian Restaurant Piano Man Encore: Uptown Girl It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me Big Shot Only the Good Die Young You May Be Right
- Wm. Alexander
Reunited & It Feels So Good Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals ing his set with “Amen Open” he returned for a four song encore that included song from his collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama “There Will Be a Light” and a cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Helpless” finishing the night with “With My Own Two Hands” from 2003’s Diamonds On the Inside.
©Chris Oughtred
Call It What It Is Better Way Morning Yearning Forever Having Wings Burn One Down Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart) Amen Omen
Encore: Ben Harper & the Innocent Walk Away
Ben Harper is never one to rest on his laurels. It’s kind of hard to believe that the multi-instrumentalist and singer has been playing professionally for almost 25 years with his own material and even longer playing for others. Since the mid ‘90s we’ve heard Harper pay – and play well a multitude of genres, all that seem to overlap and compliment each other well. The three-time Grammy winner - I was actually surprised about this – not because I don’t think he’s talented but no one seems to mention it. And that is a compliment because he’s too busy making music to be patted on the back or look to be patted. Not only that the awards came in three different genres. He’s won for best pop performance, gospel album and best blues album (a collaboration with Charlie Musselwhite). Harper has played tons of shows and sold millions of albums despite only two charting singles in the United States dating back to 2000 and 2001. Despite the lack of commercial radio airplay Harper manages to fill convert hall, music festivals and keep new music rolling in a
variety of genres touching on everything from reggae, pop, blues and gospel. A chameleon of sorts Harper always makes for good listening as he did this night at The Tabernacle. While mostly known for his work with his band the Innocent Criminals Harper recorded plenty of solo albums, performed and recorded with another backing back called Relentless7. There was an eight-year lapse between dates performing with the Innocent Criminals when in early 2016 he decided to get together with again. The resulting action led to a world tour and a new album his first with the Innocent Criminals in nine years. And like a fine wine Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals get better with age. Harper’s 20 song set only touched on his latest album, Call It Like It Is twice performing the title track and “How Dark is Gone”. The remainder touched on older songs from his solo and earlier Innocent Criminals songs like “Steal My Kisses”, “People Lead” and only one track from his Relentless7 material. After finishENIGMA
©Chris Oughtred
Criminals Setlist Strut Finding Our Way How Dark Is Gone The Will to Live Diamonds On The Inside Steal My Kisses Burn to Shine People Lead
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There Will Be a Light (Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama cover) Helpless (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young cover) With My Own Two Hands
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THIS MONTH IN ROCK HISTORY 1956 Doris Day signed a five-year recording contract with Columbia Records worth $1 million. By late June, “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” (Que Sera, Sera) entered the US charts and eventually climbed to number 2 for a three week stay. Police are called to deal with a series of fights that broke out at the Asbury Park Convention Hall in New Jersey during a show by Bill Haley And His Comets. City council will later vote to ban all Rock ‘n’ Roll concerts. 1957 Sam Cooke records “You Send Me” at Radio Recorders Studio in Los Angeles. The song will rise to the top of the US chart next December and become the first of Cooke’s 29 Billboard Top 40 hits. The song reached #29 in the UK. Buddy Holly records “Peggy Sue”, which will go on to reach #3 on the Billboard chart and #6 in the UK. In real life, she was Peggy Sue Gerron, the girlfriend of Crickets drummer Jerry Allison. The song was initially titled “Cindy Lou” after Buddy’s niece, but Allison convinced Buddy to change the title just before the recording session. Allison and Gerron were later married. 1959 “The Battle Of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton hits the top of both the Country and Pop charts in the US, where it will stay for an amazing two months straight. The song was originally a poem written by high school teacher James Morriss in 1936, which he put to the music of an old fiddle tune known as “The Eighth Of January”. Horton’s
top of the US charts with “Mrs. Robinson”, which was featured in the soundtrack of the film The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman and Ann Bancroft. The song went on to win a Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary Pop Performance by a Vocal Duo or Group.
24-year-old Merrilee Rush enters the Billboard Top 40 for the first and only time with “Angel Of The Morning”, which will reach #7. Juice version would become one of the Newton would take the same song largest selling records of the year to #4 in 1981. “Angel of the Morning” and later won a Grammy Award. was written by Chip Taylor (James Wesley Voight), the younger broth1962 er of the actor Jon Voight and the Pat Boone’s “Speedy Gonzales” uncle of actress Angelina Jolie. enters the Billboard Hot 100 where it will reach #6. It was a song that 1970 Pat had to plead with his producer A band called Smile changes their Randy Wood to let him record after name to Queen and performs for he had first heard it in The the first time using that name. Philippines. The tune would prove to be Boone’s last Top 40 entry 1971 after a run of 7 years and 37 other Carole King’s album “Tapestry” is hit singles. awarded a Gold record. The album was number one in the US for fif1963 teen straight weeks and would Decca Records releases “Come On”, The Rolling Stones’ first single. It would go on to peak at #21 in the UK. That same night, the group makes their TV debut on the BBC’s Thank Your Lucky Stars. After the show, its producer is reported to have told Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham to get rid of “that vile looking singer with the tire-tread lips.” 1965 Herman’s Hermits were awarded their first Gold record for “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter”. The song was originally an album cut that got so much air play in the US, MGM Records released it as a single. 1966 The Rolling Stones file a 4.9 million dollar lawsuit against 14 New York hotels for banning them, claiming that the ban was “injurious to the group’s reputation and discriminatory in violation of New York’s Civil Rights law.” 1968 Simon And Garfunkel reached the ENIGMA
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remain on the charts for three years, producing her biggest selling single, “It’s Too Late”. On July 17, 1995 the LP was certified Diamond in the United States by the RIAA for 10 million copies sold in the US and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Paul Revere And The Raiders receive a Gold record for their only US #1 hit, “Indian Reservation”. The song, written by John D. Loudermilk, had been a US #20 hit and had reached #3 in the UK for Don Fardon in 1968. 1973 George Harrison’s “Give Me Love” knocks Paul McCartney’s “My Love” out of the number one spot on both the Billboard Pop chart and the Cash Box Best Sellers list. George’s song reached #8 in the UK. 1975 Guitarist Ron Wood joins The Rolling Stones on tour for first time, replacing Mick Taylor as The Stones kick off their latest tour of the US in Baton Rouge Louisiana.
Elton John saw his album, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” go straight to number 1 in the US in its first week of release. It was the first time any artist had achieved this feat. Elton would do it again later in the year with “Rock of the Westies”. The Captain And Tennille sat on top of the Billboard singles chart with the Neil Sedaka / Howard Greenfield written “Love Will Keep Us Together”, a song that would later win a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year. It reached #32 in the UK. 1977 Supertramp’s album, “Breakfast in America” rose to the top of the US album chart on the strength of three hit singles, “The Logical Song” (#6), “Goodbye Stranger” (#15), and “Take the Long Way Home” (#10). The LP would win two Grammys and sell in excess of 18 million copies worldwide.
in 1974), “Peg” (#11 in 1978) and “Hey at police the previous March. Nineteen” (#10 in 1981). 2002 1982 57-year-old John Entwistle, bassist Pretenders guitarist, 25-year-old for The Who, was found dead of an James Honeyman Scott, died in his apparent heart attack in a Las sleep in London, England. The offi- Vegas hotel room. Nicknamed cial cause of death is “cocaine “Thunderfingers”, he was voted the greatest bassist of all time in a related heart failure.” Rolling Stone reader’s poll In 2011. 1987 2003 Whitney Houston becomes the first female artist to debut at #1 on the Diana Ross was in court and testiBillboard Hot 200 album chart fied that she was coerced and felt when her self-titled CD reaches the intimidated to take the breath test top. At the same time, her single “I that showed her blood alcohol Wanna Dance With Somebody” led level was 0.2 (well over the 0.08 limit). “He said if I don’t take the the Hot 100 singles list. breath tests, I was either going to 1988 go to the hospital or to jail,” Diana The Jets, an eight piece family band said. Diana’s lawyer has asked for from Minneapolis, Minnesota, all evidence to be suppressed. enjoy their sixth and final US Top After the hearing, Diana asked the 40 hit when “Make It Real” peaks at judge if it would be possible to #4 on the Billboard Pop chart. The have court paperwork processed lead vocals were handled by 14- using her married name of Diana year-old Elizabeth Wolfgramm, Naess. The City Magistrate said he who had also led the group to #3 a thought it was “a little late” for that now. year earlier with “You Got It All”.
Marvel Comics issues the first of two comic books based on the costumed characters of the group KISS. The popular rumor of the day was that red ink was mixed with small amounts of blood from each group member. This however, turned out to be a hoax.
1990 The decline of the music industry was never more evident than when MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” topped the Billboard R&B chart. By simply talking over Rick James’ 1981 hit, “Super Freak”, Hammer (real name: Stanley Kirk Burrell) would 1979 go on to win Grammy Awards for The US Internal Revenue Service Best Rhythm & Blues Song as well charges Chuck Berry with three as Best Rap Solo Performance. counts of tax evasion. Just hours 1991 later, he performs for President Carter on the front lawn of the 50-year-old David Ruffin, formerly White House. Berry later pled of The Temptations, died of an guilty and was ordered to perform overdose of crack cocaine. Ruffin a series of benefit shows after sang lead vocal on some of the Temps biggest hits, “My Girl” and serving four months in prison. “Ain’t Too Proud Too Beg”. As a 1981 solo artist, he had hits with “My Just after signing a multi-album Whole World Ended The Moment contract with Warner Brothers, the You Left Me” and “Walk Away From Pop group Steely Dan announced Love”, as well as “The Way You Do they were breaking up. Donald the Things You Do / My Girl medFagan and Walter Becker, the driv- ley” with Hall And Oates. ing forces behind the band, said 1994 their fourteen year musical partnership was over. The duo reach Grace Slick is sentenced to 200 the US Top 40 ten times with hits hours of community service and like “Do It Again” (#6 in 1972), four Alcoholic’s Anonymous meet“Reeling in the Years” (#11 in 1973), ings a week for three months after “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” (#4 being convicted of pointing a gun ENIGMA
promised to give her the rights to the tracks. Griggs said she had an intimate relationship with Jackson in 1979. Bob Welch, a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974, died of an apparent suicide at the age of 66. After his time with the band, he went on to enjoy a successful solo career with hits such as “Sentimental Lady” and “Ebony Eyes”. 2014 Bobby Womack, Soul singer and studio musician, died at the age of 70. He topped the Billboard R&B chart in 1974 with “Lookin’ For A Love”, placed it and three other tunes on the Pop chart Top 40 and played guitar on several of Aretha Franklin’s albums.
2015 Deen Castronovo, drummer for Journey, was jailed after being charged with having sexual intercourse “by forcible compulsion” between June 8 and June 14. He 2004 faced felony charges of assault, Debbie Harry of Blondie caused a sexual abuse and unlawful use of a stir when she insisted on having dangerous weapon. the scheduled opening act go on 2016 after her at a show in Amsterdam. It turns out that the lead singer of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of the band M.A.S.S. also has blonde Led Zeppelin won a copyright lawhair, a direct violation of Blondie’s suit that claimed they had plagiacontract, which states that no show rized the music to their most celeperformer can have blonde hair brated song, “Stairway to Heaven”. A Los Angeles jury determined that except Debbie. the lawyer representing the estate 2012 of late guitarist Randy Wolfe, who Kimberly Griggs, who claims to played with the group Spirit, did have inspired many of Michael not prove that the band lifted the Jackson’s biggest hit records, filed song’s intro from Spirit’s 1968 a $1 billion lawsuit against his instrumental “Taurus”. estate, saying the late King Of Pop exposed her personal secrets and
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