Atlanta native Kelly Hogan is back in her hometown tonight playing with her employer Neko Case (she is in her backup band). In the 1990s, Hogan sang with The Jody Grind (with Bill Taft), singing on their full-lengths One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure (1990) and Lefty’s Deceiver (1992). The group disbanded after two of its members were killed in a car crash.[1] Following starring roles in the stage productions of Appalachian Christmas and The Dead Sea Scrolls and Other Chilling Tales of the Sea at Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, she joined the Rock*A*Teens, appearing on their 1996 EP and the 1997 full-length Cry. Her debut solo record was released in 1996, which featured covers of songs by Will Oldham and Vic Chesnutt. She just released a new record on June 5th, and she was recently touted “a national treasure” by colleague, friend and former Chicago neighbor, Andrew Bird. She joined us for our 5GB series before her show tonight with Neko Case.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
The OSMOND BROTHERS with “Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods” opening, Atlanta Stadium, June 1972. Pants were peed.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
“Best” means the most meaningful to me — and it’s a three-way tie: my first solo with Ms. Killian’s chorus at Chapel Hill Middle School in the gym in 1978 — my farewell show with The Rock*A*Teens at The Point, June 1997 — and being onstage singing harmony with Mavis Staples, 2011.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Geez, that’s tough. I’ve been lucky enough to see Georgie Fame, Mother’s Finest, Sarah Vaughan, X, Nina Simone, Opal Foxx Quartet, Oscar Brown Jr., Fishbone, Bob Dorough, and so so so many more greats — my seismic plates have been shifted by music more times that I can count. I’ve also had the repeated aural thrill of listening to Bill Taft practice blowing cornet into empty and resonant dumpsters in more than one southern college town. Impossible question to answer. My ears are Trump rich.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
I’d like to (have Mike Geier’s britches hemmed up and) front Kingsized for one of those Elvis Tribute gigs — think of the CHICKS, man. The mind boggles…
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
This one’s easy: Chris Lopez, Justin Hughes, Chris Verene…oh wait…it’s been done. xoxo
Catch Kelly Hogan tonight with Neko Case at Atlanta Botanical Garden
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
