Bob & Em - Live From Conductors In Dalton
Over the years, I have played it pretty close to home when it comes to going out to watch live music. I am proud of our local music spots and our entertainers that play them are top quality. Sure, I may head to Nashville or Atlanta for a big concert like the Rolling Stones, but for the most part, Chattanooga is where I hang my hat.
If you are willing to drive a very short distance to Cleveland or Dalton, your options for live music expand exponentially. I suppose I always knew this, but I never really “hit the road” for the 15-25 minute drive to other worlds.
My girlfriend is from Cleveland and she recently escorted me to some of the places there to see some live music. Pokey’s, a place I had long heard of but never visited, was first on the list. Many of the bands that play in Chattanooga also play there, but they also feature entertainment from the Athens/Cleveland area that haven’t played in the Chattanooga area. Pokey’s is more than 25 years old, making it a real survivor in a tough world. They must be doing a lot right.
I enjoyed Pokey’s. It’s a neighborhood bar and grill and everyone there seemed to know each other. They had good food, plenty of free parking, and a nice staff. The night I attended, Kyle Pierce was doing a solo show. I thoroughly enjoyed Kyle and so did the crowd. I suspect we will be seeing more of him in the near future.
In the coming weeks, Tyson Leamon, One Shot Down, Bad Tattoo, Blues Hammer, Adam Sarmento, and Aunt Betty will all be playing there. Want to know more about Pokey’s? Just click on the link and check them out - https://www.facebook.com/Pokeys-Sports-Bar-288493915270/events.
N’awlins Restaurant & Bar is another place in Cleveland I visited. Once again, it’s a hometown place where everyone seemed to know everyone. Many of the same bands I mentioned at Pokey’s also appear at N’awlins. I was impressed with the service at N’awlins. The servers were very attentive and that is a great quality in my book. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/Nawlinsofcleveland/events.
Dalton is another place that features live music at several locations, as well. I have been to Conductors twice and both times enjoyed the visit and the music. Conductors brings in regional bands and local bands. We saw Geneva, a band from the Nashville area, and Throttle 21, a locally based band in our visits to the club. One of my favorites, VooDoo Slim is at Conductors this Saturday. Check out Conductors at https://www.facebook.com/conductorsdalton/events.
Hamilton’s Food and Spirits is another local Dalton venue that features live music. I have not been yet, but plan to attend soon. My friend Courtney Daly and her wonderful band play there often. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/Daltondining.
The Crescent City Tavern is another on my list of places to try. They have live music there, but I could not find their schedule. Here is the link - https://www.facebook.com/crescentcitytavern.
Bob Payne grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Baylor School. He is the Entertainment Editor for the Chattanoogan.com and talent buyer for Riverbend Festival.
Email Bob Payne at davrik@aol.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.