By: Shelby Lum
It’s my favorite time of year! It’s a weekend for festivals! Rain or shine: Party in the Park, Springfest, and Rome River Jam will be going on.
Feeling more Rock and Indie-pop? Head down to Centennial Olympic Park to catch Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, and GROUPLOVE at Party in the Park. This lineup is insane with all the great artists on the bill and the constant music going on all afternoon and into the night.
Feeling more of the local scene? Springfest at Twain’s Billards & Tap in Decatur is headlining some of the best up and coming Atlanta musicians as well as giving ALL proceeds to Atlanta Community Food Bank. Those are causes anyone would love!
If you have an appetite for Country music head out to Rome River Jam to see some of the best Country stars, just outside Atlanta this weekend.
Here are Atlanta Music Guide’s Weekend Picks:
Friday, May 17th-Offbeat Hooligan with AndLove at Peachtree Tavern
Just two months ago, Offbeat Holligan released their album Be Civilized, showing off their natural flare for all things reggae, blues, and funk. Joining them at Peachtree Tavern is AndLove, a reggae hip-hop blend.
Friday, May 17th-Randall Bramblett CD release at Eddie’s Attic
Bramblett’s name is one of the most spoken in the singer songwriter community, and with good reason. He’s been releasing albums since the 70s, and that kind of commitment to making music doesn’t just happen. Even better, his performance at Eddie’s Attic will also be an album release, so don’t miss a night of new music from this music veteran.
Friday, May 17th-Ryan Horne at Eddie’s Attic
Ten years, and six albums later, Ryan Horne is still raising the creative bar on his music. The independent singer songwriter has created an emotional masterpiece with his latest release The Whistler and the Majestic. After listening to the newest record it is clear how much Horne pushes his own musical boundaries.
Friday, May 17th-St. Paul & the Broken Bones with catl at The EARL
A man out of the south, Paul has assembled a team of musicians to help him out since his beginnings singing in his church choir. This band is full of soul and full of talent. Don’t miss them at The EARL.
Friday, May 17th-Wizard Smoke with The Liverhearts at 529
529 is showcasing some fantastic Atlanta rock bands this weekend! First is Wizard Smoke, a group of Atlanta natives who will have the stage shaking with their metal, psychedelic tunes. Then joining them is another local group, Liverhearts, ready to kill their live show with their intense rock music. Don’t miss these local gems!
Saturday, May 18th-Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
More than three decades have passed since Los Lobos released their debut album, Just Another Band from East L.A. Since then they’ve repeatedly disproven that title; Los Lobos isn’t “just another” anything, but rather a band that has consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots.
After proving themselves one of the most stunning and wonderful musical success stories of the last decade, Los Lonely Boys are now carving out their legend with their fourth studio album. Even though the band has already shown they can “up the ante with greater musicianship and confidence” (People) every time out, on Rockpango (latest album) they heighten the trajectory, open up their sound, and show what flourishing maturity feels like from these veteran yet still young and burgeoning musical talents.
Saturday, May 18th-Captured! by Robots at The EARL
This is a performance unlike any other. Part music, part comedy, and part theatrical show, Captured! by Robots features one human performer who is a “slave” to the three robots around him, as well as two stuffed apes, and characters. The story goes that the human was trying to make a band, and made robot band members, which quickly took over the show, and wouldn’t follow him any more. Now he is forced to tour with the robots and do as they want. Sound interesting? Check him out at The EARL!
Saturday, May 18th-Cole Swindell with DJ Rock & Rob Pennington at Peachtree Tavern
Looking for a more soothing night of country music? Head to Peachtree Tavern to see Cole Swindell. He is no stranger to the Peachtree Tavern stage either, and will feel right at home performing his Georgia inspired music. Having gone to Georgia Southern, he is friends with country star Luke Bryan, so you know Swindell will not disappoint fans.
Saturday, May 18th-Springfest at Twains Billiards and Tap
For the 5th year, Springfest is coming back! This year’s bill includes Gringo Star, Rolling Nowhere, Shathouse Rats, Villain Family, Uncle Daddy and The Kissin Cousins, Swingset, Factory, Muleskinner McQueen, Donna Hopkins and Cute Boots. What really makes this fest stand out though is that it is helping out Atlanta Community Food Bank, so not only does buying a ticket help out Atlanta musicians to get noticed, but an Atlanta charity as well. 100% of the proceeds go back to charity! Go out and support the community with this unique and giving event.
Saturday, May 18th-Rome River Jam at Ridge Ferry Park
Angie Johnson,Ashley Monroe, Blackberry Smoke, and Craig Morgan will be taking the stage for Rome River Jam this weekend! This one day country music festival will bring you everything you want out of country music. Want to tailgate? Feel free! Just make sure to get your tailgating pass before you go to the festival. Rain or shine these artists will blow your mind!
Saturday, May 18th-Party in the Park at Centennial Olympic Park
Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Grouplove, Yeasayer, and The Electric Suns. As if those names don’t individually speak for themselves, Party in the Park is bringing them all together! Get your blankets and chairs ready to sit out in the park for an unbelievable lineup. In addition to the already fantastic music (as if that wasn’t enough reason to go) there will be food venders selling all the classic festival foods as well as local artists selling handmade goods and crafts as part of the artist market.
Saturday, May 18th-Ryan Bingham at Center Stage
Tomorrowland, the title of Ryan Bingham’s new album, sounds futuristic, but the Oscarwinning singer/songwriter hints, “Maybe it’s not so much about looking ahead as it is about leaving things behind.”
Saturday, May 18th-Pure X with Reverends at The Drunken Unicorn
In the past few years, Pure X has really refined and cultivated their music. For them, nothing is haphazardly thrown together. With rock music that will blow out speakers and heavy guitar riffs coupled with the edginess of a rebel Pure X will be taking over The Drunken Unicorn.
Sunday, May 19th-The Hush Sound with Hockey at The Loft
Coming off of a recent hiatus, The Hush Sound is back! Since 2005, The Hush Sound has melded indie pop with Greta’s classical piano training to create a beautiful fusion of genres. The band started out humbly, balancing their music with their homework, but time has seen the band grow into a mature group.
