Welcome back to another edition of “The Minute,” music fans. There a lot on the menu so grab a plate and dig in.
Sunday Shows
Today, April 2, Chris, Jon & Scott will be playing the Sunday afternoon show at Porterdale Bar & Grill. This Sunday series has gotten pretty popular as the P B&G crew has been lining up top-notch talent week after week. And this time around is no different. As I've written several times in this column's run, Chris, Jon & Scott are an incredible group featuring great vocal work, incredible instrumentation, and superb song selection.
Today also marks the four-year anniversary of Milazzo's Ristorante (Clark's Grove). Christina, the lovely proprietor of this fine establishment, has a big day lined up featuring two groups - Trout & Friends at 12 noon, and then JJ & Micah at 3 p.m. Both of these acts are outstanding. They'll be set up out on the patio.
Thursday Happenings
Open Mic is back! “Minute” fave Shane Clark has resumed this almost weekly event at a different venue - Porterdale Bar & Grill. They do skip one night a month, so check Facebook for more info - but it will be happening this week on Thursday.
Athens-based singer-songwriter Dane Robinson will be playing Pint Night at Your Pie on the Covington Square Thursday, April 6. Music to start at 7 p.m. This front man for Alt-Rock group Cold Resident, gigs a lot around Covington, Conyers and Monroe and has been impressing a lot of folks.
The Mystic Grill has been transitioning their live music back to the rooftop and will have Tracy Dunlop playing. Music to start at 7 p.m.
And Thursday will mark the return of Jazz & Martinis at The Listening Room. The one and only Anthony Mancini will be bringing his guitar magic back to the upstairs with the two other members of this very impressive trio. In addition to Jazz classics and standards, you'll likely hear jazzy renditions of music as varied as 70s Classic Rock, Country & Pop.
The Weekend
Chris, Jon & Scott live at The Mystic. Friday, April 7 at 7 p.m.: The tremendous trio will be returning to the rooftop once again after their Sunday Porterdale show. What makes the band so great? Many of you know, and I have talked about it many times, but the best way to truly find out is to see them in action. You won't be disappointed.
Scarlet Stitch live at The Listening Room. Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m.: This fun band out of Athens, GA is a blend of Classic, Jam and Alt-Rock mixed with some Outlaw Country. Fronted by the super talented Deb Carter, these guys, to me, are somewhat reminiscent of Cowboy Junkies with several other elements involved. Their original material is definitely worth a listen and they're known to play a great mix of covers. This should be a big night.
Drew Parker live at Lahrceny Tavern. Saturday, April 8 at 9 p.m.: This Country phenom and Newton native will be playing his first local show in quite some time. A former featured artist in this space and a contestant on the TV show, The Voice, Drew now lives in Nashville and has been performing a lot and honing his chops up in the Music City. Unlike his last couple of shows in the home county, this one will be solo acoustic - just him and his guitar. He'll be showcasing several of his new tunes but will definitely be breaking out some of his classics and several covers.
Amy Rae live at The Listening Room. Saturday, April 8, 8 p.m.: This local Country performer has been wowing folks in our parts for quite some time with her trio - Amy Rae, Joe Duke & Jonah. For this performance, she'll have them and a couple of other players as she unveils her full band for the first time in Covington. With Amy's great voice and the band's killer chops, I believe this will be one heck of a show. With a set list planned that includes lots of fun covers, she'll also be showcasing several of her originals including "Georgia Rain," and "I'll Do You Wrong," both of which can be found on any major music digital outlet.
Odds & Ends
Well-known local Country singer Jesse Charette will be at the Speakeasy in Porterdale on Saturday the 8th. Music to start at 9 p.m.
Dane Robinson will be at The Mystic on Saturday the 8th at7 p.m.
A new performer on the Covington scene, LeAnne Wesley, will be at Amici on Friday the 7 at 8 p.m.
Big weekend at 5 O'Clock Somewhere. Fine Line Band on Friday and Saturday night; Rebel Misfitz on the 9th.
Musician extraordinaire Lanier Mote will be at DJ's Cafre (Brown Bridge & Magnet) doing a mix of Country and Oldies tunes. 6 p.m.