Concert Promoters In The Making! Kennesaw State Students Work As Promoters For Atlanta Artists

Over the next three months, student teams from the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State, working with Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media, a social media start-up that helps artists build fan bases, will be promoting and marketing artists of various music genres. The experience will give the KSU students a chance to learn first-hand the inner workings of the music industry, earning class credit along the way.

“This is a wonderful learning lab for our students,” said Keith Perissi, associate director of the program. “This project will give students hands-on experience in the music and entertainment industry, working with heavyweights such as Sony. They will be doing the job that agents, managers and promoters do. This is about as real as it gets.”

Week after week, the students will be producing video clips, booking the acts at local venues, pitching local and national media, and using social media to launch campaigns. Throughout, they will meet with the artists and post weekly blogs chronicling their progress. On April 11, the 10 artists will perform at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta at an industry mixer, with the top act earning a chance to play for top executives at Sony Music Nashville.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody involved,” said Brad Todd, an entertainment industry executive who founded PlayPro Media. “The artists are getting a consulting team with professionals who have years of experience in the industry.”

Todd explained that this project is the antithesis of the TV singing competition model, as each artist that is selected will not be asked to make any commitment or sign a contract. Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media are offering three months of consulting in the areas of production, marketing, booking and management at no cost to the artists.

“We want to see if the synergy is there between the artists and PlayPro before any long-term commitments are discussed,” Todd said. “While we want to work with artists at all stages of their career, we won’t use the fast-track method for the artists that are not ready.”

It all starts with a great song, Todd said, but local artists typically do not have the resources to launch their music careers and get noticed by the big labels. The consulting provided by Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media will give them this opportunity. Todd and Duane Hobson, an A&R rep with Sony Music Nashville, are working closely with the students to promote the artists.

“We are doing old school A&R (Artist & Repertoire) with new resources,” Hobson said. “It’s not about trying to reinvent the wheel. We are trying to find local artists using new ways to discover music. We want to get their music heard.”

PlayPro Media has partnered with Education Realty Trust, a national developer and operator of collegiate housing, to help market the artists to local college students living in these facilities. The goal is to get students to sign on as members on PlayPro Media so they can familiarize themselves with the artists and vote for their favorite.

Sony Music Nashville and PlayPro Media selected the 10 artists the students are working with last fall through the A&R Southern Talent Expo, which attracted 62 artists.

The 10 artists that the KSU students are promoting are: Lauren St. Jane & The Dead Westerns; Kurt Thomas; The Whiskey Gentry; Andy Griffen; Mr. Lee; The Armory; A-N-T; Leslie Mack; Amy Gerhartz; and Elgin Nation.

To follow the students’ work with the artists, please go to http://www.facebook.com/KSUMEBUS

Live Review of Kurt Thomas; Playing Buckhead Theatre on February 4

By Amanda Miles

Kurt Thomas knows how to kick off a show. Grabbing the audience’s attention with a strong riff and never letting up is his signature honky tonk style. The cold December wind was no match for the heat emanating from the Kurt Thomas Band at Dixie Tavern on December 9. The venue may have been small but their sound was immense, filling the space with the hum of country music.

For the last five years, Kurt Thomas has been developing a strong fan base across the southeast. Kurt won national talent contests including Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star and CMT’s Music City Madness. Winning the contests gave Kurt a platform to open for some of the biggest names in country music including Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band. Raised in the small town of Dahlonega, GA, Kurt was able to realize one of his musical dreams when he was mentored by country music legend, Randy Travis. The opportunity to work with the musical icon drove Kurt to unwaveringly pursue his dream of music stardom.  Presently, Kurt is enjoying the independent success of his third album, “Six Strings and a Prayer.”

Kurt Thomas brought his charismatic best to the boisterous crowd at Dixie Tavern. The set began with a rousing version of “Up On Cripple Creek.” The band covered crowd favorites “Dixieland Delight,” “Family Tradition,” and “Southern Cross.” The covers were tight but the highlights from the set were original songs, the rollicking “Kick Back,” and the small town feel of “Front Porch Swing.”  Kurt’s voice was strong as  he commanded the attention of everyone in the vicinity. The band’s energy was electric, easily transitioning from a Motown jam to pure country gold. The small town band with big city dreams proved to the revelers at Dixie Tavern they are a dynamic country music force to be reckoned with.

Catch Kurt Thomas at the Buckhead Theatre on February 4, 2012. Proceeds from the show will benefit Johnathan Taylor, a former UGA Outfielder who was paralyzed after an on field collision. Visit www.dawgsforjt.com for further information.

What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Thursdays are very interesting to me. They can either be awesome, knowing that the weekend is right around the corner, or they can be horrible, seeing everyone’s tenseness from the week coming to a head. Let’s hope yours is the first, and regardless, you will need to destress tonight and I have some ideas on how to do that.

-Nothing says I want run over your toes with my mac truck than an Anthrax concert. Get your fair share of whiplash and moshing out tonight at The Tabernacle where they play with Testament.

-The pop scene in Atlanta has been looking a little bit more interesting now that Adron is in it. Blending classical harmony with the playfulness of ‘60s Brazilian Tropicàlia, the earnestness and sentiment of 70′s songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Harry Nilsson, and the cerebral sincerity of the hymn song, catch Adron and friends tonight at The Earl.

-Arkansas trio, Eden’s Edge, know the value of taking their time. They are putting in their 10,000 hours, touring the country, and playing with some of the biggest names in country music, the now Nashville-based trio have made their mark with their songs about faith, family, and farming, of course! They are harmonizing at Eddie’s Attic. 

-Jimi Cravity- Sounds like Bruce Springsteen meets The Fray. Looks like Buddy Holly meets Jamie Foxx. Sings like Phil Collins meets Bono. Plays like an icon. Writes like the world is waiting. See him tonight at Vinyl.

-Prepare to at least dance tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar where Scotty w/ Cornbread & Kush Kloud Klan will be rocking it out.

What’s Up Wednesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

So that was January? I don’t mean to sound like a complainer, but where was all the snow?? The beginning of Feb. though is feeling just fine, it’s like having a sense of renewal. So start this month out right and check out one of these bad ass shows.

-You might remember her as the rebel rocking chick in Dead Weather and he is the new Mr. Kate Moss, but together they form The Kills, which if you have never seen will blow your mind. My other new favorite band, JEFF the Brotherhood are opening, and you definitely should not miss them tonight at The Masquerade.

-Bernadette Seacrest and her Provocateurs – with guitarist/songwriter par excellence, Charles Williams and bad-ass bassist Kris Dale will be rocking it out at The Earl tonight.

-A songwriter’s in the roundish style party is going down tonight at Eddie’s Attic, where Erick Baker & Mieka Pauley, with special guest, Meghan Arias will be entertaining the masses.

-Genre blending Colorado newcomer, Ronlit will be bringing in his sense of style tonight at The Five Spot with AV8R.

- And although this may not be a concert, the winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play, Red,  will be at The Balzer Theater at Herren’s Pontifical, obsessive, vain, arrogant and brilliant, modernist painter Mark Rothko turned the art world on its head with his revolutionary abstract expressionist studies in color, shape and texture. John Logan’s Redarrives in Atlanta to paint a raw and provocative portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability in this electrifying play.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Preview The New Ben Kweller!

Now, I just know y’all must be excited about all the new music that just got dropped today, so here is another little piece of good news! Check out the Soundcloud link below to preview  “Heads & Tails” which features the first few bars and last few bars of all of the songs on Ben’s 2/7/12 new record Go Fly a Kite. It tells a mighty story of what’s to come.

http://budurl.com/headstails

What’s Up Tuesday?

Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of Feburary??  I don’t think we have had a single day that actually felt like Winter! All I keep thinking is that it is gonna be an insanely hot summer….End the first month of the year right and go out to one of these rad shows.

-A Canadian-Indian who lives in Germany? Yeah that just sounds like fun….Every time King Khan comes into town a party lashes out. Go join him at The Basement tonight with The Shrines.

-Atlanta’s own favorite red-headed daughter, Heather Luttrell (who has opened for the likes of  Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, The GA Satellites, The Zac Brown Band, and, Jakob Dylan) will be rocking it out at Eddie’s Attic tonight with Nikki Talley.

-San Francisco electro producer, Tycho will be joined by Brooklyn duo, Beacon, tonight at the Masquerade.

-The Miller Lite Concert Series is continuing tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar tonight with KidSyc@Brandywine, Ina Williams, and Jason O’ Toole.

Live Review and Q&A: Carnivores at the High Museum of Art, January 28

Review and photos by Stephanie Roman

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. last Saturday night, a line of young artists and muses snaked to the entrance of the High Museum. For only $7, college students could gain access to the museum’s permanent collection, two bands, one DJ, two art workshops, and the museum’s featured exhibition, Picasso to Warhol: 14 Modern Masters. To fuel up for all of this, I grabbed a cup of coffee at the Warhol-themed Max’s Kansas City. Next, I took a peek inside two rooms where students could create jewelry inspired by Alexander Calder, and modern drip paintings like Pollock. The event continued until midnight, and must have hosted hundreds of students. I even spotted the Museum’s Director, Michael Shapiro, stopping by to check out the music.

Atlanta’s own modern masters, Carnivores, took the stage around 9pm. Pablo Gnecco provided original light projection artwork behind the band for an authentic 1960s vibe. Carnivores sound different every time I see them, but tonight’s set included energetic garage and psychedelic rock. The band closed with a cover of (what else?) “Pablo Picasso,” originally released by The Modern Lovers and notably recorded by David Bowie in 2003. After their set, DJ Santiago Paramo warmed up the dance floor with Latin-inspired grooves echoing throughout the atrium of the Stent Wing. The entire night was a true delight, and I hope the High Museum continues to provide this type of opportunity for young people to flirt with fashion, art, and music.

We snagged Carnivores drummer Ross Politi at The Factory for a few questions too:

If Carnivores were a Campbell’s Soup flavor, which would you be?

They would be the one that sparkles in the night sky. Filled with Noodle Rainbows and Twirling Seaweed Comets, crashing upon the canned goods isle at every Kroger and Whole Foods in the Southeast. … Continue Reading

What’s Up Monday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

What a weekend it has been! I know a lot of folks hate Mondays, but there is something about the beginning of a new week that just makes me hopeful. And, although tonight is not totally bangin’ there are a few pretty rad shows happening in Atlanta tonight, so make sure and check them out!

-Tonight at the ever so famous Earl, Austin’s finest son, Scott H. Biram will be playing his famous bluegrass roots music along side the lovely Lydia Loveless.

-I love Eddie’s Attic, some of the best acts in the world found their start on Eddie’s famous stage. Go join and support tonight at the ever so famous Songwriter Open Mic Night.

-It’s a show unlike most in Smith’s Olde Bar tonight where the electronics of Rian Adkinson and Sly Dog will be spinning.

-Oh yeah, don’t forget the 529, where you are guaranteed to catch a new band before they hit the hipsters. Tonight’s act: lacuna M, W.I.C. and Misery Loves Chachi

Bruce Springsteen, Odd Future, and The Fray, Oh My! New Shows Announced!

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will launch the first US leg of the 2012 ‘Wrecking Ball’ World Tour on March 18 in Atlanta at Philips Arena. Tickets are $ 99.00 and $ 69.00 for reserved seating and general admission standing floor. Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 4th at 10AM at www.livenation.com, the Philips Arena Box Office or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Odd Future will be appearing at the Tabernacle on Sunday, March 25^th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $25.00. All tickets are for general admission and all ages are welcome.  Tickets are on sale Friday, February 3rd at 10am at LiveNation.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Tabernacle box office on show.

The Fray will be appearing at the Tabernacle on Wednesday, April 25^th at 8:00pm. Tickets are $35.00. All tickets are for general admission and all ages are welcome.  Tickets are on sale Friday, February 3rd at 10am at LiveNation.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Tabernacle box office on show.

What’s Up Monday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Well kids, I survived my first tornado threat last night, unfortunately the storms seem to be heading straight to Atlanta! So if you are brave enough to venture out tonight, here are a couple of fun events for you to consider.

-David Mead and his ever so catchy hooks joins Brooklyn quartet, Harper Blynn, tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-It’s perfect weather for a movie over at The Earl as they present Slow Southern Steel movie screening w/ Hail! Hornet.

-Don’t forget about the ever so famous Songwriter Open Mic Night at Eddie’s Attic for a chance to see the next big thing.

GA Musicians And Advocates Take On The Golden Dome For Inaugural Georgia Music Day

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

The Golden Dome is going to feel a little more like a “Golden Concert” this Tuesday as Zac Brown Band’s Coy Bowles & John Hopkins, and Corey Smith participate in the very first Georgia Music Day this Tuesday, Jan. 24th at the Capitol, an initiative to encourage the legislators to help the Georgia music industry grow.

The musicians, which also include Rolling Stones’ Chuck Leavell, Mac Powell of Third Day, Johnny Colt, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, and members of Drivn N’ Cryin, will stand before the legislators as the Resolution proclaiming Jan. 24th forever as “Georgia Music Day.”  

Be a Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre VIP!

How would you like to to have a pair of VIP tickets for the entire 2012 concert series! The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau is giving away two prime seats for the full 2012 season, including parking and VIP Club access.  The event lineup will be announced beginning in early 2012.  Enter to win and find out why this incredible venue is a favorite with fans across the region.

The Particulars

To enter, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com and sign up for the Alpharetta CVB newsletter.  One winner will be drawn from the contestants who sign up between January 1 and March 31, 2012.  One entry per person.  The winner will be announced April 1.

What’s Up Tuesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

What can I say….Sometimes there is just not a whole hell of a lot to do in the city. Here are your slim pickings for tonight.

-At Smith’s Olde Bar, out Ten Dollar Tuesdays continues with Detroit natives The Goddamn Gallows.

-The Stooge Brothers will be making people sway at Blind Willie’s.

-Honestly, if I was you, I would just take my happy butt over to Tin Lizzy’s in Buckhead where you are bound to get a musical education by playing “Sex, Drugs, & Rock n’ Roll” trivia.

Hilter Reacts to Coachella Selling Out

CD Review: Dare Dukes — Thugs and China Dolls; Playing Highland Inn January 21 and Grocery on Home February 4

Dare Dukes and the Blackstock Collection
Thugs and China Dolls
Starland Records

By Al Kaufman

When Savannah’s Dare Dukes released his debut, Prettiest Transmitter of All, in 2008, he established himself as a gifted songwriter who could write a catchy (but not obvious) hook. But, most importantly, he demonstrated that he has a penchant for the little guy, the guy a little left of center, the kid at school whose clothes never fit and who picked his nose, but you knew would grow up and be either a nuclear physicist or a psychopath. These are Dukes’ people. … Continue Reading