Josh Graff

From a recent press release:

 “Josh Graff is a real bluesman!” -Joseph Palmer, owner of The Hangar Bar and Grill

On Friday, June 1 the walls of The Hummingbird Stage and Tap Room will be reverberating with the sound of traditional blues guitar. Josh Graff has been making a name for himself in the Macon, GA area for nearly fifteen years now, and says, “I finally feel like I’ve found myself.”, and where better than where it all began. The twenty six year old guitarist/singer/songwriter has gone full circle, playing everything from blues, R&B, gospel, country, pop, and rock, to hip-hop all over the country from coffee shops, bars, churches, frat houses, festivals, and music venues, to opening shows for Blues Traveler, Huey Lewis and the News, Kansas, and .38 Special.

Josh Graff spent his early teens playing blues guitar and sitting in with bands like Stillwater and The Wall. By the time he had graduated high school, Graff had released three independent albums of mostly original music, and gained a local following doing solo acoustic shows. Then came the creation of Josh Graff & Co., which played relentlessly all across the southeast, and in 2006, recorded an EP in Atlanta, GA with Grammy Award Winning producer/singer/songwriter/musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins, Marshall Tucker Band). After a few years together, Josh Graff & Co. went their separate ways and Graff found himself moving to Atlanta, GA to play guitar in Ben Deignan and Suburban Soul. Two years later you could find Graff on stage every Sunday playing guitar at a local church. Still not feeling as though he was doing what he knew he was here to do, Josh Graff found himself at a crossroads.

In early 2012 Josh Graff decided go back to his roots, and be true to himself, as a blues guitarist, doing something he has always wanted to do, put an all-blues band together. Graff throws a few original tunes into an eclectic mixture of traditional blues covers from Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, JB Lenoir, Otis Rush, Freddie and B.B. King, to name a few. With his ever-evolving and rotating backing band of A list musicians, Graff and his band keep the house rockin’ and the good times rollin’ all night.
The first time I met Josh, he sat in with a friend of ours to play lead. Josh proceeded to rip his guitar apart. He played behind his head, behind his back, he walked out to the crowd and stepped up on the fireplace. He really got the crowd going, and when he walked away, many thought the show was over.
In many ways, it was.
I'm bringing this to light, because it appears that Josh is trying to downplay his amazing stage presence. Does he play the blues? Yes, very well; but he is a professional showman waiting to scorch the venue with searing licks AND attitude.

Uncle Earl and Friends

Uncle Earl and Friends promo video on Facebook!!

Band Name & Members "Uncle Earl & Friends"- Uncle Earl Tribble (Drums & Vocals) Al Scarborough (Bass & Vocals) & Ben Caldwell (Guitar & Vocals).

Contact Earl for booking! prodrummer67@windstream.net

Uncle Earl wanted to put a band together but found all the musicians he wanted to work with were committed to other bands and projects. He worked around the musician's schedules by calling on other friends that played. About 6 months into scheduling gigs, he had his core players in Al Scarborough (Bass & Vocals) & Ben Caldwell (Guitar & Vocals). The result is a 3 piece group that focuses on tight harmonies and grooves. The band, when needed, also adds Sax, Keys, Trumpet, Harmonica and occasionally a female singer. These are Uncle Earls "Friends". We also have a lot of horn players that sit-in on regular gigs. It would not be uncommon to see 3 different sax players at any given show!!

Influences and artists they cover: Wet Willie, The Beatles, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty,Otis Redding, ZZ Topp and 60's Rock & Soul (Temptations, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, etc.)

Any recent gigs that stand out?

We had some crazy moments on stage with the crowd when we were booked on Tybee Island at this year's Pirates Fest. The whole crowd was in Pirate costumes and partied ALL day and night long. If they liked a certain song they would hold up their mugs and yell "AAARRRHH!!". We drove an electric golf cart to the gig but ran short on power. We were pushed by 4 Pirates to the front door of the club. The whole weekend was an insane party from dusk to dawn!

We really enjoy playing all the clubs around the Middle Georgia area but we call The Dawghouse and Shooter's in Gray our home clubs. The owners/managers/staff are so good to us and all of our friends! The Dawghouse is a great biker bar and Shooter's is great for the whole family. We do different shows for different clubs. That's the great advantage of having 3 lead singers in the same band. What do you see as the best part of the Middle Ga. music scene?

"What we love most about the Middle Georgia music scene is the wide variety of music that is played in the clubs around town. We along with other bands will start a set with some Otis Redding move into Charlie Daniels and end with some Pink Floyd. No where else are you going to hear that!!"

Big Mike & The Booty Papas

From the FB page:
 "Whether you’re carrying the world on your shoulders or primed for a good time Big Mike and the Booty Papas know exactly what to do to get you up and moving. One thing is certain, you won’t leave the show the same way you came in. Chances are with Big Mike and the Booty Papas in the house you’ll be shakin’ what your moma gave you before the night is through…dancin’, laughin’ and lovin’ your worries away."

There's not much I could add to that. These guys really know how it's supposed to be done.

I saw him perform at a blues club probably 12 years ago. He had me chuckling at his witicisms and his observations. Early in the night he announced:  "Don't waste yer money on the bubble gum machine in the bathroom! The gum has gone bad ......but it makes one hell of a bubble." Later, I ended up in the bathroom and looking around, I wondered where the bubble gum machine was...and why would anyone put a bubble gum machine in a men's room in the first place? I had given up my search when I saw the condom machine and realized what he was talking about. I laughed so hard that night.....and I still crack up everytime that memory strikes me.

THAT'S what Big Mike does, and does better than anyone else in Middle Ga.: He gives you memories. Every show is special. The music is authentic. The banter is fresh, creative, and hilarious. You leave with a story to tell the next day or a silly comment to talk about 12 years later.

I got the honor of meeting Big Mike a few years ago. Back then, he certainly fit the moniker, BIG Mike, and it appeared to me his heart was even bigger than he was. Everyone I talk to who knows him will pretty much say the same thing -"He is the kindest guy you could hope to find."

Check him out and ask around. You won't find  better live entertainment in these parts than Big Mike and the Booty Papa's.

Big Mike and the Booty Papa's on FB
bootypapa.com

Lance Rodriguez

Lance Rodriguez is the hardest working musician in Middle Ga. these days. He plays bass for American Lesion, drums and vocals for Holocaustion, and for Crescent Moon Dogs AND he performs solo acoustic as Tooley Deviljuice.

One glance at him and you know you're looking at the real deal. In 5 minutes of conversation, you find a humble friendly man with the mind of a poet and the heart of a lion.

His music ranges from heavy metal, to soulful acoustic. He delivers it all with the conviction and passion of  a world class performer.

The first time I saw him perform, I was hosting an 'Open Mic Night' at a nice little upscale restaurant in Warner Robins. He signed up to perform a few songs with Tom Harbs; another of the great talents in Middle Ga.

I was immediately nervous.

I didn't know what to expect. I knew that they were both in a heavy metal band called "Holocaustion" which was known for heavy guitar and screaming vocals. Tom shaves his head and Lance hasn't seen a pair of scissors in years. Lance appears to be the offspring of Rob Zombie and Prince. I was so afraid that they were going to rip into some death metal and screaming....I thought I would have to cut their performance short.

Tom grabbed the microphone, and Lance started playing his acoustic....and they BLEW ME AWAY.
Tom's vocals were beautiful, and passionate. Lance's guitar playing was intricate and nice and ....You can't say this about every acoustic player out there;....His playing was musical by it's own merit. They played country/ irish folk songs, and when they finished, I went looking for the original versions of those songs online. Now I know, not to judge a book by it's cover.

Whoever he is performing with, Lance makes the audience take note and his bandmates sound better. He takes the time to promote and push the local music scene like no one else does....

With all this in mind, I consider Lance Rodriguez to be MidGa's Most Valuable Player.

Lance on facebook
Or contact Lance by email~              The138Records@yahoo.com
And Check him out on Reverbnation

Session Road

The two men who make up the vocal powerhouse of Session Road, Lee and Chad, have been singing and writing songs together for a couple years now.

They have played together in other bands, have recorded in Nashville together, and have decided it was time to get serious about the one thing they love most - MUSIC! With the help of some friends and fellow musicians, they were able to put together a full band and demo to showcase their vocal talents and are working on getting their first full length country CD recorded.

There is no mistaking them once you hear them and the feeling is sure to stay with you. These guys are a national act, they just don' know it yet. Go check them out the next chance you get! They won't be around here long!!
Their website~
Myspace

Bringing the Crowd... Back

How do you get more people to your shows? That's easy; Marketing and Promotion. The best marketing tool you could have is your actual performance. So, what if it's not good enough?

EVERY BUSINESS THAT INTENDS TO GET BETTER, FINDS A WAY TO MEASURE IT’S PRODUCT OR SERVICE. If the product is razor blades, they will use high tech devices to measure how well the razor blades cut. If the product is customer service, then they use customer satisfaction as a measuring tool. Bars determine how well you satisfy their customers by noticing how many come out to see you play.

 There are many ways a band can grade themselves; and it wouldn’t be a bad idea for musicians to use the same measuring tool that the venues use.

Like it or not, the patrons in the bar/tavern/restaurant are the customers that you are hired to entertain. If you do not notice a lot of ‘repeat customers’ on the nights that you play, you have to look closely at your show, to determine what needs to be fixed. Find them and fix them.

Being a musician myself, and going out to see bands play, I have noticed that many musicians spend a great deal of time getting their instruments setup ‘just right’. They spend a lot of time and money on getting a good amp, and a good instrument or two, and they spend a lot of time learning to play the songs in the set list.

But when they get to the gig they come up short in a few areas; Crowd involvement and the crowds’ perception of the band.

Engaging the crowd is, in my opinion, the easiest way to get ahead in the ‘customer satisfaction’ business.

You already know how- you pull out the tired old tricks- “ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!?!” or “How are we doing out there?!?!?”  

You also pull out the old reliable- “ We haven’t played this one in a LONG time….but we’re gonna pull this one out of the vault, just for you, cause that’s what YOU want!!! YOU'RE the best crowd we've ever seen!”

And of course, “We are going to rock this place ALL NIGHT LONG! You’re not getting tired are ya!?!?!?!!!!!

These are all cliché’ and we all know it, but it’s part of the show. They are OLD tricks because they work.

Check out Paul Stanley . He was - and probably still is - the king of stage banter….

Paul Stanley on Stage

Getting the crowd to scream with you, to get them laughing, or to get them singing along; all result in increasing their heart rate. Increased heart rate will cause the release of endorphins and sweating. The result: people get happy and thirsty. Lo and behold…There’s a bartender RIGHT THERE to help them quench that thirst. Hmmm….I wonder if the consumption of alcohol will have a positive effect?… Anything you can do to get their heart rate up is going to translate into a happier crowd. This is the crowd that will return the next time you perform.

There are certainly other ways to get the crowd going-you could buy shots. You could pass out Tshirts or play ‘Sweet Home Alabama’…. again. But stage banter doesn’t cost money, or require you to sell your soul.  Use it sparingly and you’ll be packing the house in no time.

Another issue is your PA system. For God sakes man….have a little pride in yourself. Spend a little to get your sound straight. It’s totally worth it. It doesn’t matter how good you are on guitar if the crowd is not hearing that awesome tone you dialed in.

It pains me to say this, but most lead singers in Middle Ga. break the cardinal rule regarding their vocal reverb….Only use as much as you need- no more. And most importantly, TURN OFF THE REVERB WHEN YOU START TO TALK TO THE CROWD.

When you talk with the reverb on, the crowd hears muddy talking. They can’t understand half of what you’re saying, and that alone is a pain in the ass. One thing you don’t want the crowd to say to each other-“I wish he’d shut the hell up and play a song.”  If used correctly; reverb is like a perfectly executed ‘levitation illusion’ to a magician’s show. Reverb is the magic vocal secret, and no one wants you to reveal it to them. People WANT to believe you’re that gifted. (On a related note, take the bag of rice out of your pants….NO ONE wants to believe you’re THAT gifted. Really. You know who you are.)

I’ve noticed a few singers don’t use any reverb at all. On rare occasions I’d say that it’s not needed. But in an awful lot of cases; it is. Figure out a way to turn it on and off during your performances, and keep it at the minimum according to your need.

There are plenty of people out there who will give you good, honest feedback that you can use to get your show better. If you want me to do it just ask. If you’ve seen me perform you’ll know I’m much better at GIVING advice than taking it.

You might also consider enlisting the help of a professional- There are a few around town which I will add to the ‘Musicians Resource’ , But one you should talk to would be Hugh Hession. He also has a website (Making It In Music ) full of great insight. A very wise friend to have if you want to be a performer.

If nothing else- get video of your show, and use it to find your flaws. Fix them and do it again. Don’t make excuses; If it’s a turn off you don’t need it on stage.

Ok. Let’s recap. Get the crowd dancing, singing, laughing, and screaming. Make sure your music is beautiful and your speaking is clear. Get video of your performances and feedback from veterans. Rehearsal is not the same thing as practice.

Practice is where you get the SONGS right…Rehearsal is where you get the SHOW right.

Oh…..and leave the rice at home. Seriously. Your kids are going to have to eat that.

Back City Woods

Southern Americana at it's finest! These good ol' boys bring out the footstomping mountain man in ya.
Their energy is infectious and their style unique- but in the best way possible.

Just try to imagine a bottle of moonshine beside a spitoon; both being shaken off the stage by a crowd of college kids stomping to a set of  "homegrown country/bluegrass" flavored "GIT DOWN" music.

This is what your Grandma got aroused by when SHE was in college on Cumberland Mountain. The formula worked back then...and it STILL gets the ladies sweatin'.


For Booking: contact Adam Smith:  His email is.....    booking@backcitywoods.com

http://backcitywoods.com/

You can hear them here.
or Reverbnation



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Kuntagious

Rough, Rowdy, a little bit Raunchy, and a Guaranteed GOOD TIME!

"Dave and Glenda Smalley. Dave has been playing guitar now for 47 years, and his beautiful wife is his drummer. Dave will write and record his music in his studio, "Howling Dog Studio", using an array of guitars and bass guitars, along with mandolin and other string instruments. Dave's influences include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Pink Floyd, and Jeff Beck.
This CD is an interesting mix of rock, jazz, and other styles making our music hard to nail down into just one genre. We strive to be original, thus allowing the element of surprise while listening to our CD to be an important factor. Hopefully, the end result is like "taking a ride" while listening to our music. (Best if listened to at level 11, meaning, if it's too loud, your too old!) Be sure to listen to one of our favorites..."The Happy Buzzard" Dedicated to our very good friends in Ohio, Frank and Di."

Check 'em out here!

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Endo

Endo (AKA Adam Thompson) exploded onto the Middle Ga. music scene with the very popular underground rap group Sinville. These days he is taking his message solo. Endo is the type of rapper you had better take seriously...All musicians have music in their heart, but Endo also has HEART in his MUSIC and MADNESS is his delivery system. Grab a telephone pole or something, cause this dude is going to BLOW YOU AWAY.

Check him out here-

on Facebook  or

http://www.myspace.com/endoofopposite

 www.reverbnation.com/endosinville

The Fresh Heat Band

Rock and Blues Covers! With a setlist that pulls the hits from the past 40 years; The Fresh Heat band will keep the party two-steppin' and electric sliding until well into the morning!

Find out where they are playing next and put on some comfortable shoes....You'll be on your feet all night!



The whole band is well known around MidGa:

"Trippin" TINA WINN -Percussion & vocals
JARVIS "Cowboy" COACH -Lead Guitar & vocals
"Rockin'" ROBERT DEMILLE- Rhythm guitar & vocals
PAUL "Wild Man" WINN-Bass guitar & vocals
RUSSELL GIBSON -Drums & percussion

IF you are searching for Blues, Country music, Entertainers, Hard Rock, Pop music, Rock and Roll, Rockers, or Southern Rock, for a Wedding band, or  Corporate Entertainment in and around Columbus, Warner Robins, or Macon-
Contact Paul for booking : paulgordonwinn@yahoo.com

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sunDollars

Sean Williams, Jacob Bruner, Steven Coley, and Patrick Mcafee.........

Young, but surprisingly experienced, group of gifted musicians. I expect Middle Ga. to be a speck in their rearview mirror very soon. Equal parts musicians and showmen, they win the hearts of the ladies and the respect of the most hardened critics. This is the type of band that Middle Ga. has been missing.

From the Beatles to Modest Mouse they'll blow you away with Alternative Music, Blues, Pop music, Rock and Roll, Southern Rock, original music. Great for Corporate Entertainment, or as a Wedding band!

'Like' them on facebook.

Check out some early video!

B Keith Williams

B Keith Williams has performed in more shows than anyone in Middle Ga.

He will sometimes play bass with his feet while simultaneously singing and playing lead guitar. He has the most varied set list of anyone in Middle Ga.. B. Keith Williams can fill a night with Southern Rock, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, Beach Music, and originals.

Great showman! He engages the crowd like no one else can.

Contact Info: (478) 757-0250 home
                  or(478) 335-8117 cell
Facebook
Email: BKeithWilliams@gmail.com

2FingerJester

§       Gutter Rock Hair Band        
        11TH HOUR READERS CHOICE 2008-2009-2010 BAND OF THE YEAR
Hardrockin80’s.com Atlanta Hard Rock Band of The Year 2009

         Contact them at
          Facebook  

          Gig Salad or

          REVERBNATION says...

   Rockin For "TEN Years" 2 FINGER JESTER HAS GROWN INTO GEORGIA'S NUMBER 1 LIVE BAND & One Of The Most Iconic Bands In Georgia

      BOOK 2FJ'S 10th Year Anniversary Tour 2012 to your venue 

      Bring 2FJ to your venue in 2012 contact 2fingerjester@cox.net for all SouthEast booking information..... 2FJ brings you the BEST in LIVE MUSIC playing straight up guitar fueled ROCK..... 2FJ is one of the largest crowd drawing bands in Georgia playing alot of the 80s Hair Metal as well as current and past rock hits Everyone knows every song that 2FJ plays........ Any questions about 2FJ or for a EPK please contact the band either through Facebook or e-mail 2fingerjester@cox.net

      THE ROCK~N~ROLL CIRCUS IS COMING 2 TOWN ARE YOU READY ????

      PLEASE CALL & REQUEST 2 FINGER JESTER at:

Q-106 Macon Ga-478-646-0106

Rock 103-Columbus Ga-706-323-3103

Rock 100.5-Atlanta Ga-404-741-7625

Rock 105-Jacksonville Fla-1-888-ROCK105

Project 961-Atlanta Ga-404-741-9696

WPTS 92.1-Pittsburgh Pa-412-648-7900

Jack FM 96.3-Nashville Tn-615-737-9696

PLETHRA

§    I absolutely LOVE these guys! They are heavy. Yes. Heavy. But the lead singer has a Great voice! He sings loud, no "offkey" issues here. They tackle the hard and heavy, well known songs that other bands can't and pull them off flawlessly!

If you get a chance to hear them, DON"T MISS IT!

   http://www.myspace.com/plethramusic

§       http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plethra/176968289012147

Ran$om

Here's another great party band!
These guys hold nothing back! They'll pull out songs that you haven't heard in years, and mix them in with all of the hard rockin' well known songs you can't help but sing along with.

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ransom-official-fan-page/118602994839379

§            FaceBook- Ransom (official fan page)

Joey Stuckey

How can I describe Joey Stuckey?

Well... He owns Shadow Sound Studios....He owns Senate Records....and he teaches Music and Marketing at Mercer University.

This would be a pretty good accomplishment for anyone.

Oh that's not enough? How bout this.......?

He graduated high school at 14, He is an AWARD WINNING guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio and TV personality, music columnist, inspirational speaker, and sound engineer. He began his musical career studying with renowned guitarists Stanley Jordan and Steve Crowell.

All of this is pretty incredible, for sure...
But there's more.

 He has shared the stage with Ted Nugent, Bad Company, Trisha Yearwood, James Brown, Clarence Carter, Wet Willie, the B-52's, Kevin Kinney (of Drivin' and Cryin'), and Smashmouth.

He fronts an allstar jazz band and a power rock band -The Joey Stuckey Trio

OH. Did I mention he's been blind since he was an infant?

His list of accomplishments seems neverending, even that of legend.... but accolades aside, How does he SOUND?

Here he is on youtube doing Stevie Wonder's Superstition. Even with the poor sound quality of this fan recording, it is obvious that Joey has a gift. He would be the perfect musician for ANY circumstance!

Channel 41 did an article on him.
and now he hosts Studio 41....WMGT TV's outlet for Local Music
You can check it out ...Here
or his radio show at Joey Stuckey's audio-style
also being broadcast at www.artistfirst.com
facebook
website

Email contacts joey@joeystuckey.com

Shane Bridges

If you've never heard of Shane Bridges, you have missed a lot of great opportunities!

Shane is a local legend, and his credits are too numerous for me to even get started here! Tasteful and talented doesn't even BEGIN to describe this dude. He's got the chops onstage, and cool and friendly off. The guy is awesome! He's one of the go to pro's for groups traveling through as far away as Atlanta, Valdosta- you name it. Check him out here. You'll be glad you did.

A2Z band

That's their name, and they play just that- "Everything from A 2 Z!" This is one of the best bands in Middle Ga. right now, and always looking to energize a party!

Contact them through facebook

Here they are, doing what they do!

This pic says it all!

The Wall

These guys have been playing together for a LONG Time!!! Few bands have made their mark on Middle Ga. that these guys have! Get to know'em! You'll understand! The Wall is SOLID!

For Booking Contact Bruce-  (478) 987-5483

Celebration

Celebration was originated in 1995 by a collection of professional musicians from several rock 'n roll bands. We all have the same interest to provide the best music for a diverse audience. Our approach has proven to be extremely successful in that we are not one type of band providing one type of music. Celebration offers you a variety of music styles to choose from. You pick the music that is right for your event, everything from the hottest music on the charts today to classics from the 50s and 60s.

The band consist of high level professional entertainers including:

Sharron Wilhelm
Bill O'Neal
John Cornacchione
Keith Smith
Chuck Hutcheson
Dennis Herbert
Foster McMullen
Tim Alexander

This band is crazy good, and can play it all with heart and soul. They are the perfect addition to Wedding Receptions, Corporate Events, Fund Raisers, Festivals, Fairs, Dance Events, Conventions, Class Reunions, Anniversaries, and Birthday Parties.
Facebook
Contact John for booking:

Email Celebration.Band@yahoo.com Their website-http://www.celebrationband.biz/Home.html