Tuesday, March 6, 2018
- by Mark A. Herndon
Songbirds Guitar Museum celebrates its first year with its grand opening of the Songbirds South stage. As part of the celebration of many great things going for the world class guitar collection gathered under one roof, there is a new exhibit of guitars concentrating on the West Coast surf era this month. Also, already a sold out show within weeks of the announcement of the new South stage with the Atlanta based Rumours, Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
There was an aggressive task - a schedule for a two-week total conversion for a new venue just before its first scheduled event as Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute arrives. The management team at Songbirds Guitar Museum flipped the former Revelry Room located on Station Street and just beneath the World Class Songbirds Guitar Museum (w/ North Stage) in the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex.
The new Songbirds South stage is convenient to other entertainment and eateries on Station and Market Streets. The renovation included a complete peel off of the walls, much of the decor, lights and sound systems. The team led by Johnny Smith, with Mike Dougher, Drew Cooper, Jim Kelley, Dran Michael and others, completed the project on time and under budget. Songbirds' new venue is a first class live music hall with a planned cap of 500. Mike Dougher and Drew Cooper, music curators, have an aggressive event schedule for both stages.
Rumours makes another appearance to the Chattanooga Live Music scene and each time gains more fans. Friday night was no exception as more than 500 greeted them. Having the opportunity meeting them was a pleasure. Rumours six-piece band includes Mekenzie Jackson (lead vocals), Doug Easterly (lead and backing vocals, guitar, and percussion), Alex Thrift (lead guitar), Adrienne Cottrell (keyboards, lead and backing vocals), Nick Whitson (bass) and Daniel Morrison (drums)
Rumours captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career by blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation, and a visually engaging stage show. Rumours has recreated the Mac experience for a loyal fan base across the eastern United States – selling out venues like The Georgia Theater in Athens, GA, and Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY, and playing to packed House of Blues venues in Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and New Orleans.
MAR 6 Dallas Walker
MAR 8 Becca Mancari with Liz Cooper and The Stampede
MAR 9 The Velcro Pygmies
MAR 10 Masseuse Album Release
MAR 16 California Guitar Trio
MAR 17 10,000 Days - A Tribute To Tool
MAR 22 Samantha Fish
MAR 22 Future Thieves
MAR 23 Opposite Box + Voodoo Visionary
MAR 30 Town Mountain
MAR 31 Songbirds Series: Paul Childers Honors Eric Clapton
MAR 31 Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience?