The past week we have been on a musical merry-go-round, catching shows at Deadwood Station in Red Bank, Riverfront Nights, our weekly jaunt to the Chattanooga Market for tomatoes and music, lunch with Charlie Louvin, and a trip to the Memorial Auditorium to see the great Merle Haggard. It shows that Chattanooga is becoming a great music town when two Grammy winners are here in the same week, and both are Hall Of Fame members.

Along the way, I also served as a judge in the “Chattanooga Idol” contest, with Chastity Jones winning the competition and getting a guaranteed audition before American Idol producers in Jacksonville.

One of Chattanooga’s long-time favorites, Roger Alan Wade is back on the scene, playing at several venues in the area each week. We caught him at Buds last week, and he put on a show. I think he played close to three hours without stopping. His bass player and drummer looked as though they had just run the marathon and just came out of the shower. His longest break was about 10 seconds, as he took time to get hugs from his many fans on hand to welcome him back to Brainerd Road.

There is a reason for the hugs. One that makes you proud to know Roger Alan Wade and helps one understand why so many people were there to show him some love. It’s no secret that he has recently completed rehab. He plays in venues every night that serve alcohol. Rather than be tempted by taking breaks and sitting around while well-meaning fans come up and buy him drinks, he just plays. And plays. And plays. The fans get a great show, and Roger stays sober. Like his many fans, I say congratulations, Roger!

Roger plays a mix of original songs and cover tunes from Country music’s best. He has written songs for George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and more. He is an accomplished guitar player and has the great Kenny Palmer playing bass, and Bob Stagner on drums. Since Roger goes from song to song with no break or discussion, they have to be good enough to just pick it up on the fly. Luckily, these two are excellent at doing just that. It’s a great band, fronted by a real pro.

Roger and his cousin, Johnny Knoxville, have a new radio show on Sirius satellite radio’s Outlaw Channel, also. His touring schedule has him all over the United States in the coming weeks. You can hear samples of his music at click here.

Live! In Chattanooga – See You There!

Thursday, August 7

Midtown Music Hall – Channing Wilson

Rhythm & Brews – Zac Brown, Sonia Leigh

T-Bones - Pee Wee Moore

The Palms at Hamilton – 90 Proof

Friday, August 8

Midtown Music Hall – Tone Harm

Nightfall – Michelle Shocked and the Lee Boys, Jennifer Daniels

Rhythm & Brews – Abbey Road Live, Treva and the Suits

Table 2 – Live Jazz by the Ben Friberg Trio

Blues Train Café – Buckner Brothers

Buds – Convertibull

Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant – Tom Cordell & Trumpet Improv

Deadwood Station – Roger Alan Wade, Austin Earl, Shani Hedden

T-Bones – Danger Kitty

Saturday, August 9

Rhythm & Brews – Frontiers (Journey tribute band)

Charles & Myrtles – Richard Stooksbury

Blues Train Café – Groove Shakers

Buds – Roger Alan Wade

Deadwood Station – Razor Ray, No Big Deal, Austin Earl

T-Bones – Honky Dogs

Market Street Tavern – Bluegrass Pharaohs

Sunday, August 10

Buds 30th Anniversary – The Beaters

Chattanooga Market – Robin Lore, Jen Woodhouse, Natural Habitz

Deadwood Station – Razor Ray

Tuesday, August 12

Table 2 – Ben Friberg Jazz Trio

Wednesday, August 13

Buds – Chad Yates

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