Just like a fine wine, a comfortable pair of shoes, or a pretty lady, Jimmy Tawater gets better with age. A Chattanooga music icon for 40 years, Jimmy can rock the house and he is still the consummate frontman.
We had the occasion to catch Jimmy last weekend in Red Bank at their annual block party. Jimmy’s regular band was out of town so he utilized the services of another Chattanooga staple, No Big Deal. Other than the cold weather, this was a fun concert, with Jimmy Tawater and No Big Deal alternating songs from their respective set lists. It was kind of a jam session of classic rock and oldies music. The musicians on stage had enough experience to make the session enjoyable, despite no practice time. It’s pretty cool to watch guys this good just start playing and make it sound good. Kudos to Floy’s shop on Dayton Boulevard for providing a tent to get out of the weather and blankets to keep warm.
I recall seeing Tawater at the old Castaways/Lions Den Club, The PlayLate Club, and a club on Broad Street, which for the life of me, its name I cannot recall. It seems like it was in the old Alamo Plaza Motel, or next door. Tawater was always comfortable in his role as frontman then, and he still is. In today’s local music scene, Bud Lightning’s Chris Gomez probably reminds me most of Jimmy Tawater. Charismatic and outgoing, both men really entertain the audience.
I’d like to see more of Jimmy Tawater playing to Chattanooga crowds. Come on Jimmy, hit a few clubs around town once a month or so. Entertain a few old friends and make a few new fans. Show em’ how its done, Jimmy.
This weekend has the Renaissance Festival and Oktoberfest, both with music, crafts, and fun. Saturday, the Renaissance Festival will be downtown, at Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park and the Walnut Street Bridge. You can find out more just by clicking here. The Oktoberfest celebration is Sunday at the Chattanooga Market and more info can be found right here. We’ll make these celebrations Bob’s pick-o-the weekend.
Friday night, a benefit for T.C. Thompson Hospital’s Outreach Education program will be held at the Bessie Smith Hall, featuring Rockin’ Jake, a great blues band. For more info click here.
Halloween parties are just around the corner, with some big shows planned for Chattanooga’s spooky music lovers. Here Come The Mummies will be at Rhythm & Brews next Thursday. The Honky Dogs reunion party will be at T-Bones on Saturday, October 31. Bud Lightning will bring on the party at Buds on Halloween night. We will highlight the big parties in next week’s column.
Live In Chattanooga!
Thursday, October 22
Chattanooga Market Party at Miller Plaza – Live Music
Toast Café on Vine St. – Kyle Tallman, Travis Singleton
Rhythm & Brews – Mountain Heart, Slim Pickins
Chattanooga Choo-Choo – Jukebox Junction Theater Live Shows
JJ’s Bohemia – Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade, David Dondero
The Mudpie – Mere Element, Shawnessey Cargile, Off/11
The Palms at Hamilton – RA Dance & Blues Band
Market Street Tavern – Open Mic
Bud’s – Channing
Spectaters – Mike Harris
Friday, October 23
Barking Legs Theater – Sistren & The Bluegrass Pharaohs
Charles & Myrtles Coffee House – Matt Brown
T-Bones – Skin Deep
Riverhouse Pub – Eddies Of The Wind
Rhythm & Brews – Dubconcious, Headkount & Cornflower
Lindsay Street Hall – Rockin’ Jake
Spectaters – Sweet & Lowdown
Chattanooga Choo-Choo – Jukebox Junction Theater Live Shows
Blue Orleans Creole Restaurant Amnicola Hwy – Mark Merriman
Buds – Downstream
Tremont Tavern – Billy Hopkins & Friends
Market Street Tavern – Kyle McKillop & The Waybackwhens
Sweeny’s BBQ Hwy 58 – No Big Deal
Ziggy’s – Silent Fury, Back Seat Bingo
Club Fathom – Failing The Fairest
Saturday, October 24
Charles & Myrtles – Mad Agnes
Market Street Tavern – Bluegrass Pharaohs
Spectaters - Sweet & Lowdown
Rhythm & Brews – Lynam, Madam Adam
Chattanooga Choo-Choo – Jukebox Junction Theater Live Shows
Tremont Tavern – Moonslew
Dalton Depot – Southern Limits
Hot Spot Dalton – Stop n Stare Band
Club Fathom – Awakener, Devil Trigger, Robert Paulson Band, Unsatisfied
The Mudpie – Open Mic
Ziggy’s – Deep Levy, Surreal
Midtown Music Hall - Chain Reaction (Journey Tribute)
The Palms At Hamilton – Dana Rogers
Sunday, October 25
Chattanooga Market – Live on stage: Oktoberfest music
Tremont Tavern – Irish Sessions Group
Delta Queen – Tim Hughes Quartet
Rhythm & Brews – OTT with Digital Butter, Etheric Double
Monday, October 26
Market Street Tavern – Old Time Players
Tuesday, October 27
Table 2 – Live Jazz by the Ben Friberg Trio
Tremont Tavern – Open Mic
Market Street Tavern – Billy Hopkins
Ziggy’s – The DeepSea Goes
Wednesday, October 28
Buds – Roger Alan Wade
Rhythm & Brews – Erick Baker, Kennon OWensby
Las Margaritas Riverview – Priscilla & Little Rickee
The Palms – Johnston-Brown
Market Street Tavern – Ben Friberg Trio
Dalton Depot – John Duvall
Bob Payne
Davrik@aol.com
Bob Payne exhibited some old-timers disease when he could not remember Jimmy Tawater's Broad Street gig. It was Dino's, where Greg Groovey and the Greaseball Band got down on a regular basis. Jimmy would sling that guitar over his head, upside down against the back of his neck and lay down some incredible riffs.
I couldn't agree more about wanting to see him in clubs from time to time. I will watch Bob's columns for details of an upcoming show.
John Standridge
Dennis Massengale and Jimmy Tawater.