There’s a lot of returners on the music scene in and around Covington this week, making it a great opportunity to go out and have a great time.
Some of the highlights of the upcoming week are the sounds of Benson and Leinweber, Drew Parker and Tiger and Kathy Bragg.
Featured Performances:
Benson and Leinweber perform at Mystic Grill, 1116 Clark Street, SW, Covington on Saturday Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
This dynamic duo returns to the rooftop on the north side of the Square in what promises to be an exciting evening of great music. David Leinweber, AKA the Professor, who we've covered before, is a true, one of the best guitar players you'll ever see in our neck of the woods and is very strong singer as well. Benson, the other half of this group, is an exceptional singer and a pretty good picker as well. There is no telling what these guys might play. You could hear some traditional Appalachian, Irish or British folk songs, Spanish ballads, Psychedelia, Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock and several other styles with some great originals sprinkled in. What really makes this group are the harmonies, which are very tight and well done. And the guitar interplay between the two is just outstanding. And you won't want to miss hearing some of The Professor's epic guitar leads. I played a show with these guys in Madison a few months back and we got to check out a good bit of their set. It was so good! I particularly enjoyed their Seals & Croft cover. This should be a great show. Check Facebook: @bensonandleinweber
Drew Parker performs at The Social House, 2101 Main Street, Porterdale on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 p.m.
This Covington Country fella is bringing his classic sound back to the home county for an evening down in that loveliest of lovely mill villages, Porterdale. The Social House has kind of become Parker's home base when he makes it back home from Nashville. As you may remember Parker played at The Listening Room last month with a show with Sweet Harmony. As always, Drew put on a killer show. In a typical performance, you will hear some great Country covers — and I'm talking 'real-deal" country in the tradition of Hank, Merle and Travis - and you will also hear well-written originals that reflect those influences. It's usually a big night when Drew plays down 81, so you might want to get there early. Check him out on Facebook: @drewparkerofficial
Tiger and Kathy Bragg perform at Sycamore Street Pizzeria, 198 West Sycamore, Social Circle. Saturday Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.
Two of my favorite musicians in these parts Tiger and Kathy are just the best. As I've said before, these two can do June and Johnny, and Loretta and Conway better than anyone I've ever heard. It's really something. And to me, Tiger just seems to encapsulate traditional Country in every way — his voice, the look, guitar playing. In addition to classic Country sounds, they have an appreciation for classic rock and you will hear some great covers from that genre as well. It's always a great show with these two, and this should be fun night down in Social Circle.
Featured Shows:
Ron Kimble at Sycamore Street Pizzeria on Thursday, Aug. 25. This Georgia legend brings his soulful voice and top-notch guitar work to his Thursday night residency at the Pizzeria.
Hendrix and Day at the Mystic Grill on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. These guys have been playing around locally a good bit here lately, and they keep impressing folks with their fun mix of acoustic covers of 60s and 70s classic rock, blues, and funk tunes.
Chris, Jon and Scott at Amici Covington, 1116 College Avenue, SE, Covington on Friday, Aug. 26. The terrific trio brings their righteous sounds to the cool and groovy pizza joint on College Ave. These guys seem to always play off of the warm Amici crowd vibe, and they usually put on excellent shows there.
Cochran Road at 5 O'Clock Somewhere, 7189 Turner Lake Road, NW, Covington on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9:30 p.m. "Can I get a Hell Yeah?" That's what's listed on Cochran Road's Facebook page under the "About" section. These guys are equal parts Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Bros, and Blackberry Smoke, and by all accounts these guys can rock the house like nobody's business!
Sandy Creek at The Depot Bar and Grill, 4122 Emory Street, NW, Covington on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 3-7 p.m. The Depot has started up Sunday afternoon shows, in which they offer a free buffet to patrons listening to the music. Not bad, if you ask me. This Sunday will see Sandy Creek. Based out of Loganville, and with origins dating back to 1975, these guys are an amalgamation of Country and Classic Rock. You may hear some Johnny Cash, Waylon and Merle, and you'll also hear some AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other Rock legends. This sounds like fun! I might try to stumble by for some of this one.
And don't forget the Open Mic Nights! Hosting such nights are The Depot on Tuesday nights and Sycamore and The Listening Room on Wednesday nights.