Georgia Rhythm

NE Ga. band in the national spotlight again | AccessNorthGa

2010-03-04T04:49:00.000-05:00

NE Ga. band in the national spotlight again | AccessNorthGa

‘An Orientation Toward the Infinite’: Dahlonega’s brilliant Grimm Family -- Antics in Candyland

2010-01-30T10:34:00.001-05:00

‘An Orientation Toward the Infinite’: Dahlonega’s brilliant Grimm Family -- Antics in Candyland

Leesburg Native Inducted into Hall of Fame

2009-12-29T20:26:00.001-05:00

A singer born in Leesburg back in 1929 is the latest inductee into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Vocalist Roy Hamilton was a popular hit maker during his short career in the 1950's.

He was a Golden Gloves boxer before he was discovered singing in a New Jersey nightclub in 1953.

His first single 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' reached number one on the R&B chart in 1954.

He was also a singing coach for Elvis Presley.

Hamilton died of a stroke at the age of 40 in 1969.

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11739709

Performer Magazine : The Musician's Resource: News: Tree Sound Studios hosts Georgia’s largest green music event

2009-12-24T09:56:00.001-05:00

From the site:

On Nov. 21, the legendary Tree Sound Studios hosted more than 300 guests and musicians as various artists recorded a “Mother Earth” anthem as the theme for the 2010 Pack the Park movement. The goal of Pack the Park is to provide, refurbish or build green-wise parks in various communities.

http://performermag.blogspot.com/2009/12/news-tree-sound-studios-hosts-georgias.html

Jazz Orchestra Atlanta: Concert and Repertory Big Band | Jazz Education

2009-11-24T21:12:00.001-05:00

Jazz Orchestra Atlanta: Concert and Repertory Big Band | Jazz Education

Orchestra Atlanta, a 23-year-old, not-for-profit arts organization based in Atlanta, GA, today announces its official name change to "Jazz Orchestra Atlanta," reinforcing the organization's shift in commitment to the advancement of the best in jazz education and performance. The group continues to produce professional jazz performances by a resident repertory big band featuring high-caliber jazz musicians from Atlanta and the Southeast. Jazz Orchestra Atlanta also continues running its popular Summer Jazz Camps for metro Atlanta middle and high school students. The camp is held at Georgia State University, and in 2010 JOA will premier a Vocal Jazz Workshop featuring the internationally recognized vocal group The New York Voices, who will join JOA's big band in a special closing concert at the Rialto Theater.

"The decision to change the name officially was an easy one," says JOA Executive and Artistic Director, Dr. Brent Runnels. "Our focus really shifted over the past several years as audiences showed a great deal of enthusiasm for the jazz concerts we added to our programming. We recognized an important musical niche was not being filled in Atlanta, and our professional big band performances fill that nicely. We found we had already carved out a niche for advancing superior jazz education, so filing with the State to make the name change official was the logical next step to demonstrate our commitment to the new mission and vision for the organization. Our audience and everyone at JOA are very excited about it."

Jazz Orchestra Atlanta Strengthens Board of Directors and Fundraising Efforts

In addition, the Jazz Orchestra Atlanta recently added several new contributing members to their diverse Board of Directors. "Our board is a blend of professional men and women who represent a wonderful cross section of large and small Atlanta businesses, and local professional musicians," continued Runnels, "with common threads of enthusiasm for the art of jazz music, and the community stature we need to help us achieve our goals."

Recent additions to the board include Mark Williamson, a partner at Alston and Bird; Phil Williamson, a CPA and tax director of Mirant Corporation; Steve Brown, avid musician, pilot and project management consultant; Robert Scarr of Delta Airlines; Jerry McEver, musician , teacher and School Music Recruiting Specialist and Consultant; Greg Coile, a well-known Atlanta musician and teacher; and Joe Gransden, one of Atlanta's best known jazz musicians. "The addition of these members and their contributions further strengthen and diversify Jazz Orchestra Atlanta's board and proves the community commitment and interest in the art form of jazz and its ongoing proliferation in Metro Atlanta," said Mark Williamson, JOA Board Chair.

The JOA Board of Directors meets monthly to determine policy, programming, marketing, and resource development while encouraging awareness and interest in Jazz Orchestra Atlanta's programs.

The result of Jazz Orchestra Atlanta's work can be seen regularly at venues like Cafe 290 in Sandy Springs, where Joe Gransden and the JOA big band play shows twice monthly on the first and third Mondays, and in featured events at the Woodruff Arts Center and Spivey Hall, where Jazz Orchestra Atlanta will join with Joe Gransden to present a Big Band Christmas Show. More information is available at: www.orchestraatlanta.org

Tamara Conniff: Otis Redding's Widow Speaks About Respect

2009-11-03T06:16:00.000-05:00

Tamara Conniff: Otis Redding's Widow Speaks About Respect

Remembering Johnny Mercer �| accessAtlanta

2009-11-03T06:13:00.000-05:00

Remembering Johnny Mercer �| accessAtlanta

Retracing Blind Willie's blues | Atlanta | Music | Feature

2009-10-24T17:36:00.000-04:00

Very nice article covering the new book by Michael Gray -- Hand Me My Travelin' Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell.

http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/retracing_blind_willie_s_blues/Content?oid=1095308

Gladys Knight 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself' Interview with Kam Williams

2009-09-13T23:08:00.001-04:00

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight is a testament to that sage maxim. Over the last half-century, this seven-time Grammy-winner has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, on television and in concert.

http://newsblaze.com/story/20090913125138kamw.nb/topstory.html

UGA Professor W. Fred Mills, a renowned trumpet player, killed in crash

2009-09-09T06:30:00.002-04:00

University of Georgia music professor and internationally renowned trumpet player W. Fred Mills died following a single-car crash Monday night in Walton County.

Mills, 74, of Greystone Terrace, was driving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when his car ran off the road in Monroe.

Mills was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center where he later died.

Mills was returning from an engagement in Italy where he'd performed with the Pentabrass Quintet, according to friends who gathered at the hospital Monday night.

A professor of trumpet and brass chamber music in UGA's Hugh Hodgson School of Music, Mills also belonged to the renowned chamber music group Canadian Brass for 24 years.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/090909/uga_491142438.shtml

GEORGIA FAMILY VACATIONS: Chief White Path’s Cabin - Brown's Guide to Georgia

2009-08-26T23:42:00.001-04:00

Located to the Northeast Georgia History Center, the cabin where Cherokee Chief White Path was born and raised pays tribute to an Indian leader who was betrayed by his friend, President Andrew Jackson.

http://brownsguides.com/kids/chief-white-path%E2%80%99s-cabin/

VOA News - Savannah Celebrates Lyricist Johnny Mercer

2009-08-26T23:31:00.000-04:00

Savannah, Georgia has named native son and prolific song writer Johnny Mercer its "Man of the Year." Throughout 2009, the historic city on the Atlantic coastline is hosting events to honor Mercer, who wrote lyrics to more than 1,000 songs from the 1930s into the 1960s.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-25-voa24.cfm

Metro Spirit: Music Features - Remembering Blind Willie McTell

2009-08-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

AUGUSTA, GA - In the 50 years since his death, Thomson native Blind Willie McTell has become known as one of the country’s most influential bluesmen, inspiring famous musicians across the globe including Bob Dylan and the Allman Brothers.

Metro Spirit: Music Features - Remembering Blind Willie McTell:

Lokal Loudness

2009-08-20T18:58:00.002-04:00

Check out Lokal Loudness's Augusta Music History 101 feature here:

http://lokalloudness.org/

Clint Eastwood Presents JOHNNY MERCER: THE DREAM’S ON ME | Daemon's Movies

2009-08-18T22:12:00.004-04:00

This November, commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will celebrate the extraordinary music of this legendary personality with JOHNNY MERCER: THE DREAM'S ON ME, executive-produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Clint Eastwood.

http://www.daemonsmovies.com/2009/08/18/clint-eastwood-presents-johnny-mercer-the-dreams-on-me/

Atlanta Official Makes Pitch for Music Hall | 13WMAZ.com | Macon, GA

2009-08-16T13:27:00.001-04:00

Atlanta Official Makes Pitch for Music Hall | 13WMAZ.com | Macon, GA

A Fulton County commissioner says it's time to move the Georgia Music Hall of Fame from Macon to Atlanta.

In a news release, Robb Pitts says he visited the hall of fame this week and decided that 'this jewel's best chance for survival' is a move to the state capital.

Winner of the Georgia Music Legend Award

2009-08-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

Newton Collier, the second winner of the Georgia Music Legend Award at the BBQ & Blues Fest here, will be honored with a benefit birthday bash tomorrow, August 15.

http://www.barnesville.com/archives/1116-A-soulful-celebration.html

The Song Remembers When

2009-08-02T13:03:00.002-04:00

Music executive Mike Bone returns to Macon, Georgia and reminisces about his life in music.

http://www.macon.com/194/story/796597.html

Georgia Museums and Galleries

2009-01-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Wow! Here's a very nice list of Georgia museums and galleries in the state of Georgia...

http://www.gamg.org/museumlinks.html

The photo is from the Augusta Museum of History...

Exploring Georgia History

2009-01-04T11:17:00.004-05:00

This is a very nice site -- the page linked below features Georgia-based historical sites:

http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/Georgia1.html

Photo from the site is of St. Simons Lighthouse, constructed in 1872. Here's another link from the Coastal Georgia Historical Society that gives some history of the lighthouse:

http://www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/lighthouse.html

Crawfordville, Georgia

2009-01-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

The AJC reports that Crawfordville will be the setting for Get Low, a movie starring Robert Duvall. From the 1/1/09 article:

CRAWFORDVILLE — The east Georgia city of Crawfordville will provide a backdrop for an upcoming Robert Duvall movie, a 1930s drama called “Get Low.”

The seat of Taliaferro County was chosen because its appearance has changed little in 70 years, with no fast-food chains marring the landscape. Bob Kendrick, president of the Crawfordville Historial Society and the town’s Hollywood liaison, says he was born there in 1930, “and things are pretty much like they’ve always been.”

Here's a slideshow from Flickr.com -- see for yourself:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstephenconn/sets/72157609626296284/show/with/3047327819/

Great Gospel Music Performance

2008-12-24T09:20:00.004-05:00

This is great - Pastor E. Dewey Smith leads the congregation of Macon's Beulahland Bible Church in the hymn Near the Cross. This is a must see/hear!

Augusta.com Picture Story

2008-12-20T08:50:00.003-05:00

Although apparently a dormant region of the Augusta.com web site, this slide show is very informative -- it contains photos and short bios of famous Augustans. I learned a lot from this site!

http://www.augusta.com/leaders/slideshow_national/slide1.html

GPB State of the Arts

2008-12-19T11:07:00.002-05:00

Links to Georgia Public Television's State of the Arts. The blog features information on Georgia artists and musicians:

http://gpbarts.blogspot.com/

The show's main web site is here:

http://www.gpb.org/stateofthearts

Highway 27 Courthouse Tour

2008-12-14T17:54:00.004-05:00

Click on the link below to take a tour of Georgia courthouses along US Route 27, also known as the Martha Berry highway, which extends from north to south across the entire state:

http://hwy27.com/tour.html

From the site:

Georgia Governor M.E. Thompson described Martha Berry as an inspiration to all who believe in education. Berry, a native of Rome. Georgia, dedicated her life to helping young men and women attain an education. And in 1947, Governor Thompson told the thousands of students and faculty of Berry College that he would see to it that U.S.27 would be called The Martha Berry Highway through his state.

The Georgia U.S. highway 27 Association was formed in 1994 to promote economic development along the road which runs the full length of the western portion of the state. The group has worked closely with the Georgia Department Of Transportation on their plans to four-lane the highway.

NOTE: The photo above is of the Cuthbert (GA) courthouse, which was completed in 1887.