His Holiness the Dalai Lama visits Birmingham

Hello Birmingham!

The Faces of Macy Gray

Atlanta's Variety Playhouse was a recent stop on Macy Gray's The Way tour. The album – Gray’s eighth studio LP – was released on Oct. 7th.  News of the project comes with a driving teaser track entitled “Stoned” and a note from Gray about her personal evolution:

“I wanted to create a record that reflects who I’ve become as a woman, mother and artist,” says Macy Gray. “This album is very personal to me. I want my fans to understand the place where I’m at in life and feel inspired by my music because it’s relatable.”

Her set list wowed the crowd:

Why Didn’t You Call Me
Do Something
Caligula
Bang Bang
Glad You’re Here
Sweet Baby
Moment to Myself
Ghetto Love (Superstition – Stevie Wonder)
Brand New Key (Melanie)
Relating To A Psychopath
First Time
Sexual Revolution
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? (Rod Stewart cover)
First Time
Hands
The Way
Me With You
Let You Win
I Try (Everything’s going to be alright)

Encore
Creep (Radiohead)
Stoned
The Letter


She smiles at one of her many fans.

36th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards

The 36th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame awards ceremony was held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 in the Georgia Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center.

 Dr. Bobbie Bailey, president of Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. said, "We are excited to continue recognizing Georgia’s outstanding contributions to the music industry as we have done for 36 years.”  She also stated, “This year’s event promises to be a great success."  I must say, she was correct.

The evening began with a VIP Red Carpet and Governor’s Reception, a seated dinner, followed by the highly-anticipated Georgy™ Awards show. Robin Meade and Monica Pearson were co-emcees.  Multi Grammy^® Award-winning Lady Antebellum received the Performer Award, multi-platinum Collective Soul’s Ed Roland scored the Songwriter Award, legendary blues songstress Francine Reed was given the Pioneer Award, southern rock chart-toppers Wet Willie snagged the Group Award. Multi-talented celebrity funny man Jeff Foxworthy received the Spoken Word Award and music industry game-changer Danny Beard was honored with a Non-performer Award.  Posthumous inductees honored this year were: Sean Costello, Wally Fowler, Eddie Horst, Bobby Byrd and Frank Fenter.

The awards telecast, which was televised live by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), showcased Georgia’s broad-spectrum of talent in one magical evening.

Kate Pierson (B-52s and 2000 inductee) has a bit of fun with 2014 inductee Danny Beard (DB Records).

2014 Sunday in the Park at Historic Oakland Cemetery

On Sunday, October 5, Historic Oakland Cemetery bustled with art, entertainment and food as it hosted the 35th annual Sunday In the Park, a Victorian street festival.  Attendees strolled among the mausoleums, monuments and gardens while taking in all of the sights, sounds and tastes Oakland Cemetery has to offer.

Victorian costumes graced the grounds.

Broods at Tabernacle Atlanta

Broods are a brother and sister act—Georgia and Caleb Nott—based out of Auckland, New Zealand. Their recently released full-length album "Evergreen" features the brand new single "Mother and Father."

The emotional depth, grace and flexibility of Georgia's voice belie her years, while multi-instrumentalist Caleb's backing vocals adds the perfect touch. I must say, I am impressed with music and love the entire album.

I had the pleasure of hearing Broods live at the Tabernacle on tour with Sam Smith.  A drummer was added for the tour. All I can say is ... WOW!

Georgia Nott woos the audience.

Ryan Boss at Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta