Atlanta Events Archives - Target Audience Magazine

Beth Hart Brought ‘Fire on the Floor’ 2017 Tour to Atlanta’s Center Stage on Feb. 11

February 17, 2017

by Danielle Boise Concert Coverage

Beth Hart embarked on the first official stop of her Fire on the Floor 2017 North American Tour at Atlanta’s Center Stage on Saturday, February 11 for a dynamic bluesy filled night with Rachael Sage in support. I love powerful, strong women who tell stories. Not just about love, betrayal or heartache, but songs that are political – that make a statement about the world we live in, and that’s is exactly what Rachael Sage does, especially with her brand new song “This Darkness” it’s a song about the trials and tribulations of what the people at Standing Rock are enduring. Both Rachael and Beth are fierce women with fire running through their veins.

Beth feels more like the living embodiment of Janis Joplin mixed with a splash of Billie Holiday and a dash of Etta James, simply speaking Hart is utter undiluted rawness. Hart is out in support of eighth solo studio album, Fire on the Floor, which made its North America release debut on February 3. The 13-track album illuminates Hart’s bluesy rock, jazz infused funk that is filled with heart, compassion and empathy – and that is exactly what you get when you see her perform live. First and foremost, you get honesty blended with the joy of love and all the perils of heartache to match.

Center Stage was the perfect place to host an intimate Beth Hart experience, as she performed a collection of songs that transcended her career, from “Rhymes” to “One Eyed Chicken” to the sensual as hell “Close to My Fire” and of course no Beth Hart show would be complete without “La Song,” the song that put her on the map in the late 90s. From compassion to pure blues, the set felt like a love letter to the past, while still embracing the now with “Jazz Man” and “No Place Like Home.” Hart divulges pieces of her soul, not only through her lush smoke-infused golden voice, but each night she gets on stage to perform, she let’s out all her demons and gives a hell of a performance.

Seriously this woman is one of my all-time favorite artists. Beth is fierce, unafraid at the depths at which she rawly exposes her flaws and embraces them as truth; not only on stage but in real life as well, with a fire-lit performance that leaves you wanting more, yet thoroughly sated by the knowledge that you’ve spent an evening with greatness. And that is exactly what Beth Hart is, she is the embodiment of passion, with a brazen heartache and redemption all rolled together. From playing in Los Angeles clubs in the early 90s to traveling around the world to sold out shows with greats like Joe Bonamassa, this is a woman who is finally comfortable in her own skin. And there is nothing more glorious, than to see an artist fully come into their own.

Beth Hart is an artist you need to see, she will set your blood on fire with pure saturated goodness. Her voice is honey-tinted shades of bits of heaven as she mesmerizes you with pain, love and the journey of life. How this singer-songwriter expresses herself through her music breath-taking, and a must see. Don’t miss out on The Fire on the Floor 2017 Tour, it runs through March 25, ending at The Chicago Theatre.

Full Photo Coverage of Beth Hart

Full Photo Coverage of Rachael Sage

Season 2 of Clubesque Returns to City Winery Oct. 29

October 17, 2016

by Danielle Boise The ATL

Season 2 of Clubesque is set to hit the City Winery stage on October 29. What is Clubesque you say? Well it’s a fantastical world of lively interactive entertainment created by Sunni Stephens and company where it melds together a contemporary pop cabaret show that brings together burlesque, drag, singing, toe-tapping dancing that feels like Broadway meets Vegas that will leave you wanting more. There is something for everyone at the show – regardless if it’s date night, girls night or party night you will leave more than satisfied by the experience.

What Clubesque does exceptionally well is highlights the cast’s excellent job of keeping the crowd engaged in every second with their ever-changing costumes, styles of dance, and sets, along with amazing choreography, sex appeal, and energy. The entire cast proved that beauty comes in all colors, sizes, and forms. As they showcased today’s 3-dimensional woman beauty, personality, and soul, Clubesque was what every woman aspired to be and what every man aspired to be with.

Joining Stephens for season two of Clubesque includes a titillating lineup from the worlds of stage, screen, dance and music. Perle Noire and her gems will be gracing the stage along with Nicole Paige Brooks, Tallolah Love, and other surprises are in store for the premiere. Lush costumes, infectious music, dazzling choreography and a gorgeous cast will continue to tantalize the audiences’ senses leaving them wanting more. “It all adds up to a spectacle…in the best kind of way” says Stephens.

Not to mention City Winery is the perfect place for Clubesque to make it’s second season premiere, as they have not only a beautiful stage with an intimate atmosphere, with the room capping at less than 350, but the drink and food selection is mouth-watering. Not to mention here is also a Speakeasy, and seriously, who doesn’t love a good Speakeasy? So it’s literally the perfect night out on the town. You get a show, you can have dinner and drinks, followed by more drinks. Who wouldn’t love that? So grab your tickets, because this is going to be one for the books.

Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog at DragonCon

September 15, 2016

by Danielle Boise Event Coverage Photojournalism Reviews The ATL

What I love about DragonCon is the versatility to what they provide for content – from panels to parties and events across the board. There is always something to see, do and experience at this grand 4-day pop culture extravaganza (which is quickly starting earlier and earlier as the years march on). For me there are so many highlights that it’s hard to put into words; but I always look forward to seeing what DragonCon offers over on the Whedonverse track. Which for those of you who are not familiar with this track, it is the fan track for all things related to Joss Whedon, like Firefly, Dollhouse, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer… shall I continue? Really he’s the creator of some of the most beloved and iconic television series that have helped to define the landscape and watercooler moments of our collective pop culture experience.

So every year at DragonCon it’s always a curiosity to see if they are going to do a double feature of Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Once More With Feeling” and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog or pick one and run them back-to-back. This year, they went with a back-to-back run of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, and if you haven’t seen it yet, this is something I highly recommend seeing. It’s hilarious through and through, but to get to see it at DragonCon is even better, because you are in a ballroom filled with people to the brim who love it as much as you do and sing along word for word. Think Mystery Theater 3000 and amp it up to ten. This year there was a fun twist, as the gender roles were flipped, renewing an already hysterical show and making it so much more fun.

Photos of Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog at DragonCon

Pin-ups by the Pool Party DragonCon Style

September 15, 2016

by Danielle Boise Photojournalism Reviews The ATL

The annual Pinups at the Pool Party was the hot place to be on Friday, September 2 at DragonCon. Presented by none other than Atlanta’s own, Talloolah Love and hosted by the devilish, Sig Sawyer. The hour long party was in full swing with a bevy of beautiful, geeked out people who were in love with their fandoms and truly embracing all of what it means to participate in DragonCon. From mermaids swimming in the deep end of the pool, to finding Harley Quinn and her cohorts splashing around to the guards of 300. There was a little something at the party for everyone to partake in. Not to mention the secret judges roaming the grounds of the Sheraton’s pool area for the costume contest to find the final five contestants, with one lucky lady taking home the goody bag of gifts. It’s always a blast to come out and see everyone getting lost in a good time, regardless if they are dressed to the nines or in full costume, there is nothing better than spending an hour at this party, surrounded by friends and good times.

Full Photo Gallery of Pin-ups by the Pool Party

Cyndi Lauper brought ‘Detour’ to Atlanta Symphony Hall June 5

June 8, 2016

by Danielle Boise Concert Coverage

Written and Photographed by Danielle Boise

Cyndi Lauper brought ‘Detour’ tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall

Cyndi Lauper definitely did deviate with her latest album, Detour. Going the route of old school country glamour mixed with a splash of rockabilly, Detour is not only delightful, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun in a way that only Lauper could pull off. She takes the best of classic country, circa 40s and 50s, and then puts her own twist on it and it’s absolutely heavenly. Cyndi Lauper brought her Detour tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall on Sunday, June 5, with The Peach Kings in support for a full night of heartfelt music.

The Peach Kings open for Cyndi Lauper at Atlanta Symphony Hall on her ‘Detour’ Tour

This fantastic duo, Paige Wood and Steven Dies, out of L.A., make up The Peach Kings. They started the night off with a soulful, indie alt-rock vibe that hit the right note. The chemistry between the duo was palpable, especially when they performed “Thieves and Kings,” but when they performed “Mojo Thunder” it was searing. This is a band that is on the rise and is one you want to keep on your radar. I always love who Cyndi has accompany her on tour, because of her I’ve been introduced to a wealth of talented performers, like The Dresden Dolls (who I am an uber fan anything Amanda Palmer does) and now The Peach Kings, who I cannot get enough of.

Cyndi Lauper brought ‘Detour’ tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall

Cyndi is such a unique and lovely soul and with each song she performed, she gave a little bit of herself to all of us. She started the night off with “Funnel of Love” (a Wanda Jackson cover), followed by “She Bop,” “Heartaches by the Number” (a Ray Price cover), “ I Drove All Night,” “The End of the World” (a Skeeter Davis cover), “Walking After Midnight” ( a Patsy Cline cover), “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” (a Patsy Montana cover), “You Don’t Know,” “When You Were Mine” (a Prince cover), and ended the regular set with “Money Changes Everything” (a cover of The Brains). For the encore, Cyndi did a cover of Eddy Arnold’s “Misty Blue” followed by the tear jerking “Time After Time.” And of course, no Cyndi Lauper show would be complete without “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” where she had The Peach Kings join her on stage for a rousing rendition of the 80s classic. For her final song of the evening, Cyndi did a medley of “A Part Hate” mixed with “True Colors.”

Cyndi Lauper brought ‘Detour’ tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall

For me, I am truly a byproduct of growing up in the 80s, with Cyndi being an idol of mine. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” was my generation’s anthem of choice. Like a great bottle of wine, Cyndi Lauper has just gotten better with age. And each time I’ve had the distinct pleasure of seeing her perform live, it’s like it’s the first time; it’s pure perfection. There is so much love and heart that she explodes into each performance, but what makes her shows so special is how she gives insight into her personal life. With Detour, she gave us glimpses into her childhood and what it was like growing up as an Italian in Brooklyn. The crazy Saturday morning cartoons and songs helped inspire her with this album. But for me, the most impactful part of the night was right before she did “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” because she paid homage to a time, not too far back in our history, where for a woman the best you could hope for in order to become anything was to be attached to a man. It was a very powerful statement and one that resonated with me personally.

Cyndi Lauper brought ‘Detour’ tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall

If you get a chance, this is a tour you do not want to miss out on. It’s fun and full of so much energy and the best thing is’ you leave happier and lighter than when you walked in the door. Who wouldn’t love that?

Photo Gallery of Cyndi Lauper

Photo Gallery of The Peach Kings

Nashville in Concert at Fox Theatre in Atlanta

May 11, 2016

by Danielle Boise Concert Coverage

I, along with approximately twenty-five hundred people, took over The Fox Theatre on Wednesday April 27 to see the artists from the ABC smash-hit TV show, Nashville for the Nashville in Concert tour for an absolutely glorious evening to rejoice in the joys and wonders of the songs from the show.

Clare Bowen performing with her fiance, Brandon Robert Young in Nashville in Concert at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta

Personally, as a fan from the show from the beginning, it was a great opportunity to witness (for all of us fans) the songs that have played not only a key role in the story line of the four seasons run of Nashville (fingers crossed for a fifth run in the fall), but songs that personally hit each of us as well. Like all great music does, it’s a collective experience, yet personal journey we join along together in. What was so fantastic about Nashville in Concert was getting the chance to see these musicians who are actors, who then play musicians on television perform in a live setting – in one sense it was very meta for me.

Another great thing about getting the chance to see Charles Esten (aka Deacon Claybourne), Clare Bowen (aka Scarlett O’Connor), Chris Carmack (aka Will Lexington) and Aubrey Peeples (aka Layla Grant) perform their own music was that it was so vulnerable, yet inviting at the same time. They were willing to share their personal journeys with all of us. Not to mention we got to hear a new music from the show that hasn’t aired as of yet.

Chris Carmack performing in Nashville in Concert at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta

In the beginning each artist came out to do one song individually, after that they kind of alternated between one another and did duets for the rest of the evening. Chris Carmack started the night off with his first song, followed by Aubrey Peeples, Clare Bowen and then Charles Esten. For me, Chris Carmack performance was pure showmanship, and can he play a mean blues guitar. The highlight was when he performed “Pieces of You” (which is one of his original songs). His parents drove in four hours to see him perform at The Fox Theatre and you could tell he was so honored to be there. That was the key theme of the night for all the artists up on stage, it was about humility, honor and just being a sense of gratefulness that they were able to connect with their fans in a true and honest way.

Aubrey Peeples was up next and the only words that came out of my mouth were “damn can she sing.” I mean I knew she could sing from the show, but live – it was like a dream, as she performed “The Book” which is a new song that is set to be played on the second to last episode of the season. She also performed “Too Far From You,” “Soul Survivor” and “Break it to Me Gently.” Clare Bowen, along with her fiance, performed together for all of her songs. It was so sweet and endearing seeing them so in love with each other.

For me, the personal favorite moment was “Hand to Hold,” which happens to be the song that reconnects Clare’s character, Scarlett, with her uncle Deacon (Charles Esten) as they performed it together at the Beverly in the show. Clare was raw and exposed as she announced to the audience that she would be returning back home (Australia) in a few weeks to donate as much bone marrow to her brother as she could, because he has always been her rock, the one person she has turned to her whole life and now he needs her. For her to be so unfiltered and honest was tear jerking. And the voice that she has is like angels singing.

When Charles Esten stepped onto stage, he said “being on Nashville is like a fine meal, but being here with you is like dessert.” Which sent everyone into a frenzy. Charles Esten was a lot of fun up on stage, he was really feeling himself and having a blast, part himself and part his character shined through, as he played “Just Like You.” For the final song, the entire cast came back on stage with Esten and as a tribute, for the sake of a tribute only, they performed “Purple Rain” in honor of Prince, as The Fox Theatre was the last series of shows Prince performed prior to his untimely passing.

This was a truly amazing experience to have, not only as a fan of the show, but as a fan of music. If you get the chance to see Nashville in Concert, this would be a ticket worth buying.

Nashville Live in Concert Photography – Photos by Danielle Boise