2016 SweetWater 420 Festival Coverage

by Concert Coverage

The SweetWater 420 Festival returned to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on April 22 – 24 for the annual musical and beer festival for the ultimate SweetWater experience. From an all-star musical lineup of acts consisting of approximately 50 bands, ranging from The Roots, to The People’s Blue of Richmond to our very own Ludacris, the SweetWater 420 Festival was the place to be at with an amazing cross section of music from rock to R&B to hip-hop to bluegrass to electronica and indie all mixed together to give it the perfect vibe for a fantastic weekend. There was something for everyone to indulge in.

The music was hot and the beer was cold, especially in The SweetWater Experience Tent where you had the opportunity to taste test up to 40 distinct beers, sit down and listen to brew masters, then follow up with Q & A sessions afterwards. Plus there was always the chance of sitting down and having a beer or two with a band, like Leftover Salmon.

What makes the 420 Festival so special and such a huge part of Atlanta is it’s really more than just having a good time, yes, that is part of it, going out and having fun with friends, listening to some of your favorite artists perform live, but it’s also about being with people in a pretty cohesive environment and respecting the environment that we all share together. The saying at the festival is “we’re here for a good time, she’s here for a longtime” (referencing mother earth and to pay respect and homage to her).

Founder of The SweetWater Brewery said it best “When you love what you do, it’s not work.” And how could you not love the perfect weekend in spent in Atlanta being immersed in music, beer, amazing food and great works of art from local artists.

All photos by Danielle Boise for Target Audience Magazine.

 

Saturday, April 23 420 Festival Photography Coverage

Chrome Pony

North Mississippi Allstars

Maceo Parker

Tokyo Police Club

Dawes

The Word

Rebelution

The Roots

AWOLNATION

Bastille

The SweetWater Experience Tent

Atmospheric – This is what it’s like to be at The SweetWater 420 Festival. Filled with later, friends, beer and a great time.

Sunday, April 24 420 Festival Photography Coverage – photos by Danielle Boise

Leftover Salmon

People’s Blues of Richmond

Waking Astronomer

Voodoo Visionary

Manchester Orchestra

Nahko And Medicine For The People

Atmosphere

Michael Franti & Spearhead

The Bright Light Social Hour

Ludacris

Robert DeLong

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals

The SweetWater Experience Tent

Atmospheric – This is what it’s like to be at The SweetWater 420 Festival. Filled with later, friends, beer and a great time.

Live Review: Tedeschi Trucks Band ‘Wheels of Soul’ Tour on July 17

by Concert Coverage

Review and Photos by Danielle Boise

It was a glorious night on Friday, July 17, as the ‘Wheels of Soul’ Tour rolled into the Alpharetta’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre as it provided the perfect blend of soul and blues. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings kicked the night off in splendor, with a rousing soulful funk with an edge of retro Motown thrown in for good measure. The Dap-Kings warmed the crowd up for a few songs with The Dapettes followed shortly after by Jones herself, draped in magenta sequins with fringe. Jones passionately entertained the crowd in an electrifying way. I was absolutely blown away by Jones’ stage presence with robust energy and stunning voice. But what made the evening great, was Jones herself, her ability to play to the crowd and have fun at the same time.

If you’ve never been to a Tedeschi Trucks Band show before in your life, then you are truly missing out on one of the greatest musical experiences a person can have. Their sound was truly magnificent with the amalgamation of rock roots, mixed with blues, Americana that was composed in a jam-band style infused funk. Susan Tedeschi’s angelic voice (and guitar) balanced out perfectly with her husband’s, Derek Truck, epic guitar skills while being rounded out by expansive nine-piece powerhouse of a band with an impressive horns and percussion sections.

Tedeschi Trucks Band started their set out with “Made Up Mind” followed by “Do I Look Worried,” “Midnight in Harlem,” “I’ve Got a Feeling (The Beatles cover),” “Get What You Deserve (The Derek Trucks Band cover),” “Let’s Go Get Stoned” (The Coaster Cover – with musical guest star, Tommy Tolton, founding member of Cowboy, with Capricorn Records in Macon, “Break In The Road (Betty Harris cover),” “I Pity the Fool (Bobby “Blue” Bland cover),” “Idle Wind” and ended the regular set with “The Storm.” For the encore Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings joined Tedeschi Trucks Band on stage for two covers. The first song was a cover of Joe Cocker’s “The Letter” followed by Sly & The Family Stone’s “Sing a Simple Song/I Want to Take You Higher.” The ‘Wheels of Soul 2015’ Summer Tour runs through August 4, grab your tickets while you can.

 

Wheels of Soul Summer Tour

July 22 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
July 24 – Portland, ME @ Maine State Pier
July 25 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook
July 26 – Readington, NJ @ QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
July 29 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 31 – Bridgeport, CT @ Gathering of the Vibes
Aug. 01 – Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Aug. 02 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Aug. 04 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark Amphitheatre

Full Photo Gallery of Tedeschi Trucks Band

 

Full Photo Gallery of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

 

Full Photo Gallery of Encore with Tedeschi Trucks Band & Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

 

Live review: Beth Hart at Center Stage in Atlanta June 16

by Concert CoveragePhotojournalism

Review and Photos by Danielle Boise

One of the best ways to spend any given evening is to see Beth Hart perform live with her bluesy, rock-roots soul. With a no nonsense attitude and mêlée worn heart, Hart shatters expectations as she refers to “the roller coaster of life” by demonstrating through song the arcs of bliss full joy to the edge of painful madness, all the while with an air of sassiness. Hart sings about the heartbreak and resplendent power of love, not only from outside forces, but to truly learn how to love one’s self.

What was so wonderful about seeing Hart perform live at Center Stage in Atlanta on Tuesday, June 16 was her sheer and utter honesty with the audience. Hart was stripped down emotionally and shared with the nearly full house her hard won battle scars as she opened up about her personal demons and encounters with mental illness, all while with a smile on her face.

The 2o-song set list was truly a testament to Hart’s evolution, which included originals spanning her entire career, and a few choice covers for good measure. Hart started the night off with a Billie Holiday cover of “Don’t Explain” followed by “Get Your Shit Together,” “Can’t Let Go (Rand Weeks cover),” “One Eyed Chicken,” “Good as It Gets,” “Better Man,” “Chocolate Jesus (Tom Waits cover),” “Waterfalls,” “Might As Well Smile,” “Tell Her You Belong to Me,” “The Mood That I’m In,” “L.A. Song (Out of This Town),” “Leave the Light On,” “Learning to Live,” “Delicious Surprise” and ended on the glorious “Caught Out in the Rain.” For the encore, Hart returned to the stage with her band to perform “Trouble,’ “Better Than Home,” “House of Sin,” and ended the evening with “St. Teresa.”

Hart seemed lighter, happier, and finally settled into her skin. There is still an edge, angst under the skin, but it’s softening over time and a new balance seems to have been struck between the darkness that has always haunted.

Beth Hart is out on her World Tour in support of her latest album, Better Than Home. If you get a chance, this is an artist you will want to see live, and often. She’s a breath of fresh air with her enchanting voice. Do not pass up a chance to see her when she comes to town.

Beth Hart North American Tour Dates

June 20 – Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
June 21 – Harrisburg @ Whitaker Center **Sold Out**
June 23 – Rochester @ Rochester International Jazz Festival **Sold Out**
June 26 – Montreal @ Montreal Jazz Fest (Metropolis)
June 27 – Toronto @ The Danforth Music Hall

 

Full Photo Gallery of Beth Hart