City Winery Atlanta

Only took me 21 years to FINALLY get to see him - he didn't disappoint! Omar is as much his own genre as Sade is hers (would LOVE that collaboration BTW - I digress). The fans of the Omar sound were in full force & we ate up every second. Touring with Vivian Sessoms as his background - she was great too. can't wait for him to come back to The A... If he takes too long, it's not unlike me to get on a plane! In fact seeing him in London would probably be crazy! Again, I digress... If you're a new or longtime fan of Omar, you will be pleased. The only gripe I have is the short format City Winery gives. He could have done another hour of hits easily.

She was amazing. I've hoped to see her for a while now, and the Atlanta show was the nearest to my home in South Florida. She did not disappoint. How her vocals could be so good, so strong, after all the years is incredible. Everything about her and her band was wonderful. If you're on the fence or curious about her, do yourself the favor and go to the show ! Very cool lady

Tonight, we had the relaxing privilege of experiencing AJ Ghent live at City Winery Atlanta. From the soulful music to the intimate atmosphere and delicious food, it was an evening of pure joy and healing vibes. We even got to meet AJ Ghent afterward—such a sweet soul! His music is medicine, and we’d definitely see him again. I also had the opportunity to share the Hug Ministry, spreading love and connection through heartfelt embraces. Tonight was a good night. #DateNightVibes #LiveMusicHeals #YoTheFreedomGuide #GratefulMoments #HugMinistry

Al Di Meola was fantastic. His band is tight and they really groove with Al. Great show. However, City WInery lacked any communication as there was snow and icy conditions. Getting to the venue was pretty tough. City Winery did not give the ticket holders any information whether the show was happening or not. No one to call and no information on their website or Social Media. However, we got there and enjoyed the show.

She has an amazing voice and a great stage presence. Although she did a few too many Xmas songs it really did not matter because it was a pleasure just to listen to her. I have never heard a polished voice that could still make you feel the blues when she it was sung, but she did just that. Wow, a great show and I can't wait to see her again. Rated: A+

Richie Kotzen performance amazing! I'm putting 3 stars because of the incompetence of sound "engineer" at the City Winery. Richie's voice was making some feedback noises that at the end he just asked to shut down the monitors... After he said that I started watching the sound "engineer" kid and he was not even putting attention to the show. he was browsing on his social media in his phone. what the heck ! A professional sound engineer is an esencial part of a show, plays a big role of the quality of the band performing on the stage.

' I get joy in my heart every time I think about SWITCH!!!..."I traveled some miles to see this illustrious band!They were worth every penny, every bump, every glitch along the way! They did NOT disappoint!!!These guys put on a fabulous show and I am still on a SWITCH high! From beginning to end, I was mesmerized and thoroughly entertained by their absolutely BEATIFUL sound! Even their fast songs are beautiful! If you like old school RnB music, this will Be The One For You! The show is very well put together by Eddie Fluellen and Gregory Williams.... it had me dancing, singing, and laughing! To be able to do all of that at one show/venue is very therapuetic! Akili Nickerson, who is their amazing lead vocalist was joined on stage by Eddie Guyton (lead vocalist for the 80's Funk band, Lakeside), to create simply magical harmony! Tefere Hazy, on drums, had the Best Beat in Atlanta that night and Michael McGloiry slayed on lead guitar! Michael Julian Bond, an Atlanta City Councilman gave the band a Proclamation and Key to the City.... August 16th is now known as Switch Day in Atlanta! How cool is that? ...well, they deserve it! They deserve a key and a day in every city on earth where great music is played and appreciated. How was the show?... OUTSTANDING!!!

The show was amazing, truly loved her performance and to top it off she has her own back up singers and the baddest man on the guitar in the house JuBu Smith and his brother on Bass. Only thing I hated was the show was not long enough, the crowd would have loved to see them do 3 hours easy. Will definitely see her this summer when she comes to Mableton!!

Another fantastic show. He has the resume and credentials and, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 40+ years is one of the greatest of all time. The venue is intimate but a little too crowded. This time he broke out his Les Paul. He played the classics from way back. He still has his chops. He’ll be 70 in July but one would guess he was in his 50’s. I won’t miss one of his shows.

I drove down to Atlanta from South Carolina last Tuesday. I had to see there, at City Winery this amazing guitar player whose music I used to savoure long time ago, since the seventies. I was very excited when I got to the place the same day around 7.30 pm. The concert itself started at 8.30. It was a wonderful Al DiMeola very grateful to be back after his on-stage heart attack in Roumanie, a couple of months ago. He was in the mood to give his best and the public was so glad. Good lines, good articulation, amazing speed, as usual. With him on stage, were the great Philip Saisse, a young drummer, a bass player from Venezuela and I guess a Cuban to percussion. Good sound. Great musicians. Good food. What else more to have an astonishing night with Al, in City Winery. I will remember that night for many years to come and in addition I will be able to relive it “a volo” through the great recordings I did.

Dave Mason: 1/19/23 “Embracing the Tuesday traffic in Atlanta, that’s exactly what I did. There’s absolutely no need to fight it when the jam itself is caused by Dave Mason, co-founder with Steve Winwood of Traffic, the 60’s/70’s English rock band. It was my first time seeing Dave LIVE and a long time coming, not that there hadn’t been ample opportunity as Dave has frequently passed through nearby towns time and again. In fact I had held third row seats for a cancelled performance scheduled for 3/31/22 also in Atlanta. Good things have a way of coming to those who wait as I’d gladly swap out 3rd row for front row-center seats any day. Mason in addition to Traffic boasts a career of 15 solo studio albums and 10 charted singles not to mention studio work with rock’s top musicians, too many to list (think— Hendrix, Clapton, McCartney, Harrison, The Stones, CSN…), in addition he was also a member of Fleetwood Mac for a brief period of time. It was also my first time visiting the two-story, 26,000-square-foot City Winery, a 350 seat table and chair facility in Ponce City Market. The Winery would prove the perfect venue for an intimate evening up close and personal to the artist —so much so that my chair butted right up to the table-height stage! Taking in the wide-angle view, the set up was from stage L to R: bass (Fender 4 and 5 string with a Goliath III speaker and amp system), drums (with ‘ENDANGERED SPECIES TOUR 2023’ and animal images on the drum head), Dave’s microphone (a 12 string Alvarez, 2 Fender Stratocasters, 2 Fender speaker cabinets with a Furman amp), a Hammond SKX Pro organ, and additional guitars (2 Variax electrics). The 76 year old took the stage at 8:45 for an hour and a half/14 song set drawing from all 53 years of his music catalogue beginning with his latest release ‘World In Changes’. The set took a heavy lean into Traffic’s catalogue with 5 songs, each rendition personalized by Dave somehow done without deviating too far off from the original recordings. There was ‘Rock And Roll Stew’, “Forty Thousand Headman’, ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’ and “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys’ which caused my mouth to drop with Mason’s playing as I mumbled the words ‘O My Gosh’ to myself. Dave’s playing has not diminished one degree with age! Within this past year I’d seen Beck, Travers, Kenny Wayne and Bonamassa play LIVE, and Mason stood right up there with them controlling tromolo, volume, and wah with precision and ease. The main guitar the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer used throughout the evening was his 1950’s bright red Strat with a matching red strap in lightning patterns, a true beauty! There was a situation involving the set lists as Dave’s was different than Ray’s (on bass) leading Dave to call the shots himself on which songs would come next in order. Ray slid with his foot his setlist across the stage to Dave who intentionally ignored it in lieu of eye contact, verbal cues and countdowns. Dave briefly stopped to address the crowd letting us know this was the first date of the 2023 tour, ‘This is our first show here, the 21st in Charleston, and a… till I drop, don’t miss the last show (laughing)!’ The other album Dave drew much of the material from was his 1970 debut album ‘Alone Again’ with 4 songs. However mid-set was the crowd favorite ‘We Just Disagree’, Mason strapping on the 12 string, ‘Alright, time for me to be a sensitive son of a bitch here’. The song itself was sheer perfection complements of Ray on bass carrying out the high harmonies. Sitting a mere ten feet away from Dave I really wanted to break the strict venue ‘no video or photography’ order to capture the song but I settled on a quick one snap photograph just for the record. A word about the band, there was Ray Caldwell on the bass with a four octave voice, he took the lead on ‘Forty Thousand’. Tony Patler on keys has played for Michael & Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, George Michael. Johnne Sambataro on additional guitars has an amazing resume of studio work with artists such as Clapton, Frampton and Page. He started out with Dave back in ’78 and took the lead vocals on ‘Can’t Find My Way Home’, Dave introducing the song, ‘We opened a lot of shows for Blind Faith which of course Eric stole most of that band, and a, so we’re actually gonna feature John here on a Blind Faith song for you, okay?’ It was drummer Marty Fera’s (Joe Walsh, Temptations, Johnny Rivers) first ever engagement with the band and you’d never have known it if Dave hadn’t mentioned it. The regular set ended with an audience participating guys vs girls singalong as Dave introduced Traffic’s, ‘Feelin’ Alright’. ‘Every bar band has played this, still plays it, and you may’ve sung it in a karaoke bar somewhere so a, here ya go’. The encore was a fast-paced rendition of ‘All Along The Watchtower’ putting the ribbon and bow on the band’s musical expertise. There may or may not have been a meet and greet should I have waited it out instead of choosing to get a jump on the long ride home, Mason upon exiting the stage stated, ‘I’ll be happy to come out there and shake babies and kiss hands.’ Immediately after his exit one presumptuous fan hopped up on stage and grabbed all the set lists, a road tech ripping them out of his hand reamed the fan, ‘What do you think your doing, you cant just take things off the stage’. The things you see in Hot-lanta! An unannounced bonus was the appearance of opener Thunderstorm Artis who had toured with Mason in 2022 as well as the likes of the band Train and Jack Johnson. Thunderstorm (yes that is his real name) born in Hawaii now residing in Oregon had gained notoriety as the finalist in season 18’s The Voice. He took the stage precisely at 8:00 for a half hour/8 song set including both originals and covers. His warm personality, mellow vocals and impressive guitar-body percussion brought the audience to their feet. ‘I’m super thankful that he (Dave) brought me out for this round here and be with you guys here in Atlanta man, it’s a lotta fun, y’all got a lotta good food down here.’ Highlights included the Beatles ‘Blackbird’ (his Voice audition song) and a rendition of Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ that brought the entire crowd to silence during the performance (you coulda heard a pin drop). Artis is definitely somebody to watch! On the eve of 81 year old David Crosby’s passing I left the venue grateful that I was able to see 76 year old Mason while he’s still around and at the top of his game!” Review and photo by DAve (Concert #735)

LONG POST: As we were driving to the event, (my husband driving), I read the reviews on the service at the Winery. We had a two hour drive and we almost turned around after some of the comments. I'm so glad we went. I'm not sure about some of the comments, I think people are to judgmental. I was confused about ordering food, reviews were hard to understand. There was not a problem to order food or drinks when your seated, normal food menu, wine, beer, mixed drinks. The service was great, the food was great, our food and drinks were brought out in great time. Seating is not as crowed as it written about. There isn't a problem about getting up and to restrooms during concert. We had a nice couple at our table. The gentleman that was our host, he wasn't a server, but made sure during the night everything was okay and if anyone needed anything was great. I had a problem with my credit card scanning the menu code and he was great helping me order. We love to watch Duane , Johnny and Barry. I would love to go to one of their Florida shows and see them when Dicky Betts is there. We got to see him with them in Macon a few years ago, it was great. They are great together. Every seat is good, the venue and workers couldn't have been nicer. We are an older couple used to paying with "real money", everything is credit card. LOL you could tell we were country, but that was okay, got to learn a few new things!!

The show was out of this world! Sondre & band and Mmeadows were amazing! They had everything - high energy - melancholy - the etheric - romance - poetry - and gettin’ up on your feet and dancing jams. Both delivered with real showmanship and command of the stage of true - passionate musicians. They are both “must see” performers to catch anytime they’re on tour. 2 Thumbs up! 👍👍

Amazing as usual! Maybe the 30th time I’ve seen them over a 44 year period! And they’re as spectacular now as they were back in the beginning! Both shows the last two days my daughter and I attended ,took me back to the exciting times of seeing them many times over the years. Great Job, to all of you in Mother’s Finest, Doc,BabyJean,MosesMo,Wizard, John,Dion,Sami & Carly!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Keep up the Great Work!! 😁

Spectacular Everytime!! Just as exciting as they were when I saw them 44 years Ago in a basketball court size gymnasium in my Hometown Thomaston Ga. in 1978. The last two nights my Daughter Grace and I saw them and I think she loves them more than I do now! Great shows as usual Joyce & Doc and the Whole Mothers Finest Crew!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Keep up the great work!! GTHolmes in “Funk Rock Georgia” 😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Al Stewart has been on my bucket list for a long time and he's been one of my all-time favorites for his witty humor, humility, integrity and writing about history in a very lyrical way that you can picture what happened and feel it as well with his music. This was a great concert and we saw it at the Atlanta City Winery which is a fabulous venue that is very intimate and chill. The band that plays with them empty pockets are very talented and quite honestly came alive and morphed into a wonderful band to Accent his music and you can tell they had a great time doing it as well. Does not get any better than this :-) thank you Al Stewart thank you empty pockets and thank you Atlanta City Winery!

A beautiful taste of Normal after a long period of Nothing! I don't know who was happier to be there - the audience or Raul and his son Dino. A perfect show by an amazing singer and storyteller. The sound of reverb through the speakers reminded us all that we have not been to a live show in a very long time. Excellent ambience; great staff; a gem of a wine list; fabulous dinner menu; incredible talent. A perfect night.

This was the perfect venue for Elle and I loved Jay Brown as an opener. The show was excellent. It started on time and was more than what I paid for. Her voice is authentic and beautiful and stage presence was on point. She looked gorgeous and her band didn't miss a beat. I would absolutely recommend her as a live performer. She did a Sweetest Taboo cover and killed it. Don't sleep on her! A must see.

Didn't know the event was related to their Podcast "Whine Down". I have never listened to their Podcast & still haven't, maybe someday.. 1st 75% was talking / guests / interactive with audience / Podcast related & more relevant & suitable to those who like & are familiar with their Podcast. The last 25% was Jana Kramer singing with her excellent 3 band members & together they were great! Small & intimate & very likeable venue @ The City Winery Atlanta. P.S. Michael is a very talented host & communicater & his wife Jana is marvelous of course. Jana should sign with Hallmark & make lots of Hallmark movies as that is a no brainer Natural Fit!!! Jana you can do both your Country Music & Hallmark / Hallmark type movies & nobody w/ half a brain would think that is showing a lack of commitment to being a serious Country Music Artist. Art is art & artistic expression bleeds over the lines & it all melds together into a beautiful tapestry, especially when the artist exudes authenticity as Jana clearly does. P.P.S. I bought tickets to come & see Jana perform her music & would have preferred more music & performance & less Podcast drama. But hey I'm a guy with 15 years of experience having a very sick, disabled, & now bedridden wife that I have cared for alone, w/ no help, little means, & 3 wonderful kids that I have raised who are now 17, 15, & 12. I'm not the target demographic for this type of a "show".

RWH did a 2 hr + show including a great 3 song encore concluding with James McMurty's Choctaw Bingo. Absolutely astounding performance and tight band with Ray's son Lucas on lead, John Plankerton who opened, joining him for final part of set on his Plank slide guitar and Snider on drums. Great, great show. RWH is truly an icon and if you have the opportunity, definitely don't pass him up.