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Jon Roniger & the Good For Nuthin’ Band live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Jon Roniger is to NEW ORLEANS what Dante is to the inferno's paradise. He thrives, and gets his energetic sustenance from the visceral underbelly swooning in the pastels and watercolors of the ever-changing canvas of the NOLA hurricane. Jon, a New Orleans native, buccaneer, and cosmic swashbuckling songwriter hammers harmonic heaven five nights a week in the horn dazzling bistros and back-beat clubs of the original sin city. He's infamous for original songs of debaucheries and poetic mayhem straight out of the devil's den. Simply stated in his song “ NEW ORLEANS LULLABY “, he says, “ I love the calamity, that holy insanity, I’m honored to swim in her angelic profanity”. As goes the voodoo ham hock and the unholy trinity, so goes the sum of the soulful music of Jon Roniger. With his vast repertoire of seven albums to date, including “Live at the Mint” in 2015, the 2014 “Gypsyland” in which he sings primarily in French, “Dirty Gypsy” in 2013 which boasts an ambitious track listing of 28 acoustic songs, and “NOLA Rolls” as his 2012 EP, versatility comes to Roniger as naturally as eating oysters and howling at a wrecking ball moon. His primary co-writer is the talented gyspy swinger Chris Gantry, who had a #1 hit, “Dreams of the Everyday Housewife” in 1968, and worked with musical legends including Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. When Roniger is not busy stewing concoctions of jazz, folk and blues for his own albums, or writing in a variety of styles for others, he can be found writing and composing music for film and television. You can hear his work in the feature film "Island of Fantasy" (2010), the TV show “Platinum Babies” (2012), various songs on HGTV and a theme song for UK Based company, Bedford for Beds. In addition, he can be seen in a small acting roll for a Belvita Breakfast Snacks commercial from 2014. A renaissance pirate on the ship of gypsy dreams, Jon Roniger sways with creative mojo. If you can wrap your cocktail umbrella around this blazing comet, do it! Your DNA will thank you!
Balkun Brothers w/ The Buzzards of Fuzz live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
After coming onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a style of music all their own in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to Amsterdam to New York City. Balkun Brothers have been featured alongside acts such as Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Iggy Pop, Gogol Bordello, Vapors of Morphine, Motley Crüe, Slayer, Eric Sardinas, Dopapod, James Cotton, and many more. Their new album, 'DEVIL ON TV', is due for release on May 30th 2017 on the French label, Dixiefrog Records. The band recently completed their 3rd European tour, which was followed by a full East Coast United States tour. The band will embark on a full US tour until October 2017 when they will be returning to Europe for their 4th tour in Germany, France and Holland. The Buzzards of Fuzz want to party with you… For fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Blue Oyster Cult, or Roky Erickson – The Buzzards of Fuzz is a four piece rock outfit from Atlanta with the sound of a ‘72 Corvette Stingray plowing through the desert on half a tank of bourbon. Their legendary live shows and blistering singles have earned the group slots opening for Yawning Man, Truckfighters, Cage The Elephant, White Reaper, Gov’t Mule, Low Cut Connie and Primus . The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their first full length album, “Debbie Does Fuzz”, with Adam McIntyre (The Pinx, Stonerider, Demonaut), due Late 2018.
Sanctified Revival live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Hailing from a small town just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Sanctified Revival is a three piece rock band. Forming in late 2013, the band has consistently kept busy, playing several different states around Georgia in their first year. Releasing their debut album "Nickels & Dimes" in early 2016, the band continues to move forward in their career. "Music is our passion and the fans are the fuel for that passion, we couldn't do it without them!." Says Harley Dills, guitarist and vocalist for the band. "It's like a brotherhood this band, everyone gets along just as well on a personal level, as we do on a musical level. We love what we do and we wouldn't change it for a thing." Says Owen Dills, drummer for Sanctified. Sanctified Revival strives to bring their passion to the audience.
Magnolia Moon w/ Vintage Pistol live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Magnolia Moon is a Macon-based band with roots running all the way down to the coast of Mississippi where Zack Horton (Vocals/Guitar) and brother Jesse Horton (Drums) were born and raised. Another set of brothers, Jonathan Crowell (Bass) and Christopher Crowell (Guitar), join the Hortons, along with Dwayne Boswell (Keys), in completing the dynamic five-piece band. Magnolia Moon is rock ‘n’ roll, plain and simple—but there is nothing plain or simple about their sound. With grit and soul, they pay homage to the 1960s-70s era of music, inspired by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and The Allman Brothers Band. Vintage Pistol Imagine if The Allman Brothers Band went on a trippy magic carpet ride with The Black Keys and all of it was being narrated by Van "The Man" Morrison. That is pretty much Vintage Pistol, a 5 Piece rock band out of Fayetteville, AR. Influenced by the sounds of psychedelic, roots, rock music Vintage Pistol is doing just as its name states and is staying vintage and true to the sounds that were laid down by the Giants before them. The band released its 2nd EP "The Second Amendment" in August 2016 and plan to have their first LP out in the Spring of 18’. Vintage Pistol has played along side the likes of Doyle Bramhall ii, Devon Allman, Andy Frasco and The UN, Consider The Source, Marc Broussard, Ben Miller Band, Eric Lindell, Wild Adriatic, Quaker City Nighthawks, Charlie Crockett, Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, Kalu and The Electric Joint, Big Something, Kris Lager Band, Groovement, Calliope Musicals, and more. The band has played festival scenes including Wakarusa (15’) SXSW Showcases (16’), Homegrown on The River Festival (17’) and more festival lineups to be announced in early 2018.
Bootz & Katz live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Bootz & Katz is a Livetronica group with an unmistakable, unique sound, and an obsession with blurring the lines between genres. The group’s fusion of driving electronic basslines and capturing synth melodies with the experience of a live rock band keeps dance floors moving everywhere. Bootz & Katz pulls influences from genres like Synth Pop, Hard Rock, and Bass House, and is sure to bring the dance party wherever they play! Bootz & Katz is honored to have shared the stage with various artists such as Dr. Fameus (of The Disco Biscuits), Dopapod, The Heavy Pets, Stokeswood, Wick-it the Instigator, Greenhouse Lounge, The Mantras, Skymatic, Dank, Andy Bruh and Robbie Dude
Mississippi John Doude & Voodoo Panther live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Mississippi John Doude is blues, rock, folk and country all rolled into one, yet none of these would quite describe his unique style. With a sound that’s as swampy as snake oil, and as gritty as the cloud of dust on a dry dirt road, MJD’s sweaty blues riffs pull you in like quicksand, while his driving beats hypnotize like tribal war drums, creating a juke joint trance that’s infectiously nasty. From barn-burning country bluegrass to delta blues, MJD’s stripped down roots music takes you back to where American music began, capturing the soul of the blues, the heart of country, and the attitude of punk-rock along the way. At shows, people invariably stomp their feet, clap, whoop and holler a lot. They just can’t seem to help it. The steady throb of the kick drum is infectious, and the swampy sound of an old dobro and finger-picked guitar just gets people excited. Currently touring as “Mississippi John Doude’s Voodoo Panther”, with Ernesto Gomez on bass, MJD is taking the Southeastern circuit by storm. While many people are impressed by his live performances, MJD is first and foremost, a songwriter, spinning yarns of tragedy and murder, of love lost and hope found, and of the desperation born of hard times. Representing the traditional music of poor Southerners, MJD’s songs conjure images of abandoned shacks overrun with kudzu, old-time tent revivals, and run-down fish houses. Blending musical styles of groups who rarely interact, MJD’s music celebrates the common elements of all humanity, while crucifying the perceptions that drive us apart. At times, lighthearted and at others, serious, MJD’s music is undeniably genuine. “…at some point in my development , I quit trying to be anything in particular, and just let whatever comes naturally, happen.” says John, “Truly inspired music flows through you, not from you.” Growing up in Mississippi exposed John to a unique blend of music and culture, which is reflected in his songs. From church, where his parents led the singing every time the doors were open, to the juke joints he would slip off to on the weekends, music was always his therapy, his escape. “I was actually forbidden from listening to blues, rock, and country by my family. That’s probably why I love them so much.” Following his debut solo release in 2007, on Blues Mutation Records, MJD has been touring the southeast, gathering momentum as his “anti-band” approach earns him the respect of seasoned musicians and party-goers alike.
All The Locals live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
All The Locals return to Macon! 'It's been said the newest members of Atlanta's booming music scene have a sound that's a clear "amalgamation of blues, neo-soul, and rock-and-roll". Giving Pink Floyd and Maxwel a run for their money, All The Locals are no strangers to the industry. Atlanta-based producer, John Briglevich (who worked with the band on their newest set of rhythmically seductive songs), says, "...[their music is] hard to describe and that's why I dig it. I'm scrambling to try and make this [EP] sound as good as they do live." New EP and Tour out 2017 under new mgmt with Bread n' Circuses/ Orchard music
The Voodoo Fix w/ Them Dirty Roses live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Formed in southern Los Angeles, The Voodoo Fix are a must see live band with a sound that echoes the soul of rock & roll, West Coast funk, and Chicago Blues. With a constant touring schedule, the band developed a cult fan base spanning the US and Europe. On their new album Back For More, The Voodoo Fix creates an alluring sound filled with primal grooves and hook-laden melodies greased with soul. After relocating to Nashville, the band caught the attention of independent radio giant Lightning 100's Music City Mayhem, winning the competition and earning an evening slot at Live on the Green Music Festival with the likes of Michael Franti, Spoon, Portugal the Man, and Saint Paul & The Broken Bones. The Voodoo Fix is built from the ground up with an air tight show that can only be earned through years of working the stage. Wielding a balance of youthful energy and old-school show business, the band and crew are clearly in it for the people, leaving crowds ecstatic, energized, and wanting more. Now with two European tours under their belt, a packed schedule across the US, and a new record under way, The Voodoo Fix are cementing their place in rock and roll while growing an empire built on one undeniable live show. Them Dirty Roses Born and raised in the Bama clay, these boys are as southern as they come. Taught how to bend a string and break a heart by Skynyrd and Hank, brothers James and Frank Ford along with their hometown friends Andrew Davis and Ben Crain formed the southern rock band known as Them Dirty Roses. Piling into an RV with their guitars, a bottle of party liquor (in the cooler), and shotguns in tow, they made their way from Gadsden, AL to Nashville, TN. All living all under one roof, Them Dirty Roses are chasing the quintessential rock and roll American Dream. Their live show calls for a shot of whiskey and a 2 for 1 special -- BUT what that really means is you better be ready to throw back 12 for 6 and shake it with the Dirty Boys.
Ty Manning & the Slawdog Biscuits w/ The Pine Box Dwellers live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
If Ace Frehley from KISS sat in with the Black Crowes and did a Ronnie Milsap tune you'd be at a Ty Manning and the Slawdog Biscuits show! The Pine Box Dwellers are a "Swampadelic" Americana band based out of Waycross GA. With grit in their spit, dirt in their hurt & swamp water in their veins, the Dwellers flesh out front man, Sean Clark's, croaker sack full of hard living and weary travelling tunes with impressive virtuosity and true to heart southern soul. Sean and his right hand man with the melodic basslines, Jesse Herrin, pull from five interchangeable members that color the songs in their own way and keep each performance fresh and vibrant. Connor "Coondog" Griffin's and Lee O'Neal's seasoned roots rock drumming, Jody Perritt's bluesy lap steel and heartfelt harp, John Pope's tasteful gritty electric lead and lil' sister, Micahlan Boney's haunting melodies on fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar make this a band not to miss with any lineup they choose from show to show.
Free Show! Royal Johnson live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Royal Johnson, nominated by the readers of the 11th Hour as Macon’s Best Rock Band for 2018, has now released two albums and played hundreds of shows around the southeast; but they have an original sound that is drawing worldwide attention.
RJ began in middle Georgia in 2014 as a demo recording by founders Andy Johnson and Chance Royal. In the following months the duo developed an entire album of material in this fashion - piece by piece, trading ideas track by track, experimenting and thoughtfully crafting the songs from the ground up, in an extra room at Royal’s house.
Most of the tracks that became Belly Full were recorded solely by Royal and Johnson. Kevin Vines was enlisted to track bass on a few songs, and drum tracks were provided by Justin Raffield and Chris Reeves. Vines brought such an energy to the recordings that he was asked to join the live band, and subsequently brought in drummer Joanie Ferguson as his rhythm section partner.
The last three years have taken the band all over the southeast, captivating audiences of all colors and creeds by playing a variety of venues from central Florida to the North Carolina highlands to western Alabama, sharing stages with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Stillwater (twice opening their annual reunion show), Jimmy Hall, Jack Pearson, Willie Nelson, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Turnpike Troubadours, Robert Lee Coleman, Greensky Bluegrass, The Cordovas, The Autumn Defense, Big Mike and the Booty Papas, Joey Huffman and Bobby Golden.
They’ve played hockey arenas, large outdoor festivals, craft breweries, listening rooms, wedding receptions, bars and restaurants, intimate theaters, strip clubs, back yard parties, art galleries and mud bogs. In early 2018 Royal Johnson were invited to play in Mexico for two weeks at the Tropic of Cancer Concert Series, as album sales, downloads and reviews steadily come in from Europe, Asia and South America.
In 2017 in-demand Macon drummer James Lengel joined the group.
The infectious energy of Royal Johnson’s live shows and the eclectic nature of their successful debut album has brought together a diverse fanbase. Roots-and-Blues-enthused funk rock. Like seeing a mashup of Marshall Tucker Band and Sly Stone.
In October of 2017 the band released it’s second album, Howlin’, with a cd release party at Grant’s Lounge in Macon. The album was recorded at Muscadine Studios, home of legendary producer and musician Paul Hornsby. Paul is a member of both the Alabama and Georgia Music Hall of Fame, producing several gold and platinum records, and most known for his work with the Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels and Wet Willie, and for his time playing in Hourglass with Duane and Gregg Allman.