Wow, can you believe we're in the middle of April, already? Everything is getting green, the weather sure has been nice, and the music has been rocking. There were so many great shows last week alone, and this week looks to be really good as well.
Before I get started, I want to mention the big loss of country legend Merle Haggard, who passed away Wednesday. The world will be poorer without him. He had so many great songs and was such an iconic part of country music history.
Featured Shows:
Brooke Serrano will perform at the Sycamore Grill, 198 Sycamore Street in Social Circle, at 8 p.m. on Friday April 15.
Someone had mentioned to me a while back to check out some of Serrano’s stuff on YouTube, and unfortunately I never did. But when I started researching shows for this upcoming week, I saw that she was playing at Sycamore, and I visited the web’s favorite video site. I was thoroughly impressed. This young lady has an incredible voice — very powerful, yet nuanced. She has a very impressive range. Serrano also plays guitar and keys very nicely, too. For a real treat, search on YouTube: Brooke Serrano, Radiohead, Creep. She does a magnificent rendition of this classic tune on piano. It's wonderful. She also can cover Adele with ease. This should be a really good show. Definitely check it out if you can.
Taylor Marie will perform at Mystic Grill, 1116 Clark Street SW, Covington, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
Marie has been impressing folks around town for several years with her voice and music, performing country music, with other elements. She lists Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Susan Tedeschi, Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett as her core influences. You can definitely hear those musical legends influence in Marie’s music, which is country but with rock sensibilities. According to Marie’s Facebook music page, she is in the process of recording her debut EP. Her debut should be a good one, and I look forward to hearing it. As we've mentioned before, the rooftop at Mystic Grill is a fine place to catch a show, with great food offerings and a wonderful beer selection to add to the experience. If there's inclement weather, the show will go on and they'll move the music inside. It should be a fun night.
Featured Entertainment:
Wrestling at the Speakeasy behind the Company Store, 2001 Main Street, Porterdale from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
"Wrasslin" as I call it, has always been a big event down in Porterdale, and that tradition continues at one of my favorite spots in all of Newton County. By all accounts there are some serious wrestlers and an assorted cast of characters involved with this. It is always entertaining. While watching the festivities, you can have a libation from the Speakeasy's impressive bar, or enjoy one of those legendary sandwiches they have. The Speakeasy is doing trivia on Wednesday nights hosted by Ellis "Da" Millsaps, and they've got another dinner theater weekend coming up at the end of the month. It really is such a cool place.
Odds & Ends
— Ron Kimble at Sycamore Grill, 198 Sycamore Street, Social Circle, 7 p.m., Thursday, April 14.
— JJ & Micah at Milazzo's, 4167 Raphael Street, Covington, 7 p.m., Thursday April 14.
— Jeff Taylor at Amici, 1116 College Avenue, Covington, 8 p.m., Friday April 15.
— Live music every Saturday at The Social House, 2101 Main Street, Porterdale.
Marshall McCart wears many hats, but being a musician and musical enthusiast are chief among them.
