The weather forecast is beautiful, the music will be spectacular, and you – the music fan – have a great chance to enjoy Chattanooga’s great outdoor spaces with fun and frolic planned for all.
It all starts this evening, with the superstar acoustic trio: Autry, Cobb, and Raines. Jeff Autry and Shad Cobb are the outrageous guitarist and fiddler with the John Cowan Band. They've added Missy Raines, the most honored acoustic bassist in Nashville, to the mix for an unexpected late-summer treat. For more info, click http://barkinglegs.org/Music/index.html. Also tonight, catch Copper Possum at Honest Pint. (http://thehonestpint.com/venue )
Tomorrow (Friday) the music heats up, with performances all over town. The Ringgold Acoustic Café features two of the finest musicians in the area – Nathan Farrow & Channing Wilson. These two are among the finest singer/songwriters Chattanooga has, and they are together in Ringgold for a special appearance. The ever popular Power Players Show Band makes its return to Bud’s Sportsbar (http://budssportsbar.com ) this weekend for free shows both Friday and Saturday night. Another fun band is at Sugar’s BBQ Downtown this weekend, as well. The Micks will perform free shows both nights. Up in Cleveland, David McQauig and One Night Stand are appearing Friday night. The Mocha Lounge & Restaurant has the Mocha Band both nights. One of Chattanooga’s favorites – Milele Roots – is at Top Of The Dock this Friday night. JJ’s Bohemia has a great slate of music Friday night, with one of my faves – Smooth Dialects. Also appearing at JJ’s is Great Barrier Reef.
Now comes the big day – Saturday. The Southern Brewers Festival is on the riverfront Saturday, with performances by the Drive-by Truckers, the Black Lillies, Toubab Krewe, Chuck Leavell with the Randall Bramlett Band, and Perpetual Groove. My favorite is Chuck Leavell, former keyboardist for the Allman Brothers and long-time keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. For more info on the Southern Brewers Festival, just click http://www.southernbrewersfestival.org/music.asp. The festival benefits Kid's On The Block with huge donations each year.
Up in Jasper, the Marion County Fair is the happening place to be, and I’ll be there judging the final local competition phase of the Texaco Country Showdown. New country station 95.3 Cat Country is sponsoring the event and judges include one of the most knowledgeable country music media writers around – Jim Boles, and the great one – Chattanooga Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Tawater. The winner goes on to the State finals, and the overall national winner will get $100,000.00. Fair attendees are in for some fine music from the finalists. For more info, click http://marioncountyfair.com .
The fun continues on Sunday, as the always-free Chattanooga Market features Jeff Talmadge and Steve Brehm. It’s Erlanger Health Day at the market, so you can head down there and find out what’s ailing you, or find out what things you can do to live a healthier life. And, while you are there, take a look at all of the locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally produced crafts, and say hi to Chris and Paul.
For local music info, try www.chattanoogaentertainers.com or www.chattanooganightscope.com. They both have great local music info and schedules. For local info on Country music, try Jim Boles’ site www.chattacountry.ning.com.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000 .