MAIN STAGE
The Last Waltz Ensemble
Saturday, April 26 @ 9:30 p.m.
Last Waltz Ensemble specializes in progressively performing the music of Bob Dylan and The Band. Having explored the concept since 2004, the group is enjoying the current era of Dylan appreciation thanks to the Academy Award nominated biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The band boasts a playlist of more than 150 Bob Dylan, The Band, and related tunes, covering music from all eras of the artists’ careers. From The Hawks to “The Basement Tapes” to “The Last Waltz” and beyond, the group takes listeners on a musical ride through some of the most fit, finished, and timeless music in history. Led by native Atlanta guitarist Kris Gloer, the band’s shows are filled with the hits and the deep cuts. The Last Waltz Ensemble is known for incorporating special guest performances featuring friends from regional and national acts. Past guests have included Susan Tedeschi, Zac Brown, Oliver Wood, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Efrem “ET” Towns, Kevin Harris, Mike “Swami” Schumann, Caroline Aiken, and many others.
Hope for Agoldensummer
Saturday, April 26 @ 8:00 p.m.
Hope For Agoldensummer is a family band from the fine town of Athens, GA. Since 2002, they’ve traveled the USA creating rusty, angelic melodies with slide guitar, banjo, jangly percussion, glockenspiel, singing saw, and the sibling-soul-choir harmonies of Claire & Page Campbell. Hope For Agoldensummer has released four studio albums and is very leisurely working on a fifth. They are often called upon to create original music for films, podcasts, and other media magic. Composing & collaborating are their super powers!
Eric Toledo of Quiet Hounds
Saturday, April 26 @ 7:00 p.m.
Eric Toledo is a long time Atlanta native who spends his days in corporate meetings dreaming about more romantic things like architecture, nurturing urban gardens, writing songs, and fronting the indie folk rock outfit, Quiet Hounds with a host of talented collaborators all over the states.
Born in Athens, GA and raised a Catholic Asian in the south, Eric has a heightened ability to feel guilty for absolutely no reason at all and is a master conflict avoider. Having developed a keen love of Dire Straights and Tears for Fears as a kid, Eric’s sense of song was shaped by the burgeoning Athens music scene of the early 90s and is heavily inspired by the poetic acrobatics of REM’s Michael Stipe, The Glands, and the genre bending vocal stylings of Rufus Wainwright.
While Eric rarely performs solo, his work has amassed a songwriting catalog spanning over 30 record releases across various touring and studio projects dating back to the early 2000s. With the Quiet Hounds, Eric has made numerous SXSW appearances on BMI and Billy Reid showcases as well as Cooking Channel and CNN showcases at SXSW Interactive. Quiet Hounds have also enjoyed spins on LA’s KCRW and have been featured at Chris Douridas’ School Night at Bardot, LA. With various placements like NBC’s The Mysteries of Laura and Netflix’s Shameless under their belts, the Quiet Hounds continue to slowly build their musical portfolio and a loyal regional following.
Eric is also co-founder of Dinner Bell ATL, a “break bread” dining experience, sought to support local food forward missions with nationally acclaimed chefs (Chef Hugh Acheson, Chef Anne Quatrano) and music to accompany (Kevn Kinney, Drivin’ n Cryin’, The Indigo Girls, David Lowery of Cracker).
Andrew Holley
Saturday, April 26 @ 6:00 p.m.
Decatur’s own Andrew Holley is a Georgia-grown Blues Rock-n-Soul guitar slinger who will have your head bobbing to a contagious groove that underpins his songs about love, addiction, social justice, and survival. As music scene veterans quip, “sometimes it takes decades to be an up-and-coming artist.” In this case, it took Andrew stepping back from songwriting, raising a family, and making 2 decades worth of great and terrible decisions to be able to pick a guitar back up and have something to say. Andrew’s debut EP Nothing Lasts Forever blurs genre lines and draws listeners in to smile, dance, cry, and believe in romance all over again.
Instagram: @andrew_holley
Polly Holliday
Saturday, April 26 @ 5:00 p.m.
Five friends formed Polly Holliday in Decatur, Georgia in 2020 and quickly gained attention for their unique brand of joy-fueled rock and roll and especially their energetic and unfiltered live shows.
Polly Holliday recorded its first full-length album at Chase Park Transduction Studios in Athens, Georgia. The self-titled album debuted on all major streaming platforms in the Spring of 2024.
Members of Polly Holliday have shared the stage with folk-rock luminary Michelle Malone, Grammy Award winner Eric “Ricky” McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Dylan LeBlanc.
Polly Holliday is Beth Kelhoffer (lead vocals), Mike Spinello (rhythm guitar and vocals), Danny Santivasci (lead guitar), Josiah Burnett (bass), and Bradley Jacobsen (drums).
POP-UP STAGES
The Marlay House – The Quaranteens
Friday, April 25 @ 6:30 p.m.
The Quaranteens are all current seniors at Decatur High School. Come sing along to classic rock and current pop hits. This garage band started during the pandemic and has grown to play at breweries, community events, and parties.
Brick Store Pub – Reverend Hylton
Saturday, April 26 @ 6 p.m.
Reverend Hylton is an Americana Singer/Songwriter out of Atlanta who has spent the better part of the last decade touring this beautiful country sharing his songs. Heartbreak, addiction, and traveling are the substance of his melodic musical, lyrical and vocal writings. From the stage to the crowd, a real performance is heard. Real words from real experiences make for an authentic time shared by both The Reverend and the crowd.
The Reading Room – Ansley Stewart Duo
Saturday, April 26 @ 3 p.m.
Echoing the halls of the 1960s soul singers with the most powerful gospel depth, combined with the Athens, GA college radio waves of the 1980s, sits an eclectic, thoughtful, and passionate voice that is Ansley Stewart. She has become a fixture of the Atlanta music scene and has a reputation as one of the most versatile vocalists in town. In addition to pursuing her original music, she is a sought-after session vocalist, guest performer for national touring bands, a prominent member of the ATL Collective family, and dabbles in film and television.
Trackside Tavern – Alex Brenner
Saturday, April 26 @ 3 p.m.
Alex Brenner is a captivating singer-songwriter known for his emotive lyrics and sparse sound that blends elements of folk, indie pop, and punk. Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Alex began writing songs at an early age, drawing inspiration from a mix of personal experiences, relationships, and the world around them. With a voice that resonates with both raw vulnerability and strength, his music speaks to the hearts of listeners, creating a powerful connection through every note. Since he started playing Pittsburgh’s legendary clubs at the age of 16; Alex has shared the stage with Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, Kathleen Edwards, Reverend Horton Heat, The Supersuckers, Drive By Truckers and Robbie Fulks to name a few. His music is characterized by intricate melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and an ability to capture moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Each song tells a story, weaving together themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience.
In addition to his powerful live performances, Alex Brenner has released over 30 albums, with Sodajerk, Alex & His Codependents and his current band So Panic!, which have received critical acclaim for their honesty and depth. With their growing fan base and an undeniable talent for crafting timeless songs, Alex Brenner continues to make his mark in the music industry, proving that the heart of a singer-songwriter lies in their ability to connect with others through the universal language of music.
Follow So Panic! on Instagram @sopanicon for updates, new music releases, and live performances.
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub – Morgan Rowe
Saturday, April 26 @ 3 p.m.
With a warm alto, singer/songwriter Morgan Rowe conjures up some of the best female voices, from Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls to Margo Timmons of the Cowboy Junkies. Add to the mix her distinctive style of lyric writing with stories of life framed by sultry acoustic power pop, and the winning combination is sure to entertain. Morgan’s music draws on experience in small town America.
AVON THEATER
The Core presents The HORDE Festival Revival
Friday, April 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Core recaptures the energy and excitement of the legendary HORDE Festivals of the 1990s with songs from Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers Band, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, Gov’t Mule, Lenny Kravitz, The Samples, Freddy Jones Band, Allgood and many more.
This all-star cast of musicians includes a rotating cast of some of the highest-caliber Georgia musicians and session players including Josh Carson (Acoustic Workshop, Parts & Labor,) Bo Hembree (Dreams So Real, Diablo Sandwich,) Chris Queen (Allgood, Phil Keaggy, Dreams So Real,) Clay Fuller (Allgood,) Wayne Healy (Freddy Jones Band,) David Fisch (David Fisch & The Bent Hooks,) and anchored by the solid rhythm section of Kevin Leahy (Bodeans, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins, Allgood, Zac Brown), Rob Sumowski (Allgood, Billy Pilgrim, Shawn Mullins, Kevn Kinney, Brent Cobb), and Bill Taylor (Tribute: A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band, Jupiter Coyote, The Bitteroots.) More info at https://www.facebook.com/TheCoreATL
Buffalo
Friday, April 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
Buffalo brings a high-energy set of classics from The Band, The Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and many more. This band is comprised of high school students from Decatur High School and other local-area high schools.
EDDIE’S ATTIC
Amplify Presents: The Bad Bitches of Country
Sunday, April 27 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tracy Dunlap of The Dirty Truth Band
Tracy Dunlap is a powerhouse local talent with over 20 years of experience lighting up stages with her soulful voice and magnetic presence. A seasoned performer, she has graced everything from intimate bar stages to the spotlight of the local amphitheater, where she’s had the honor of opening for major acts. Known for her versatility, she effortlessly blends classic favorites with her own unique style, captivating audiences night after night. Whether it’s a packed venue or a cozy corner stage, she brings the same passion, authenticity, and love for music that has made her a beloved staple in the local music scene.
Amber Humphries of Story Ghost
Amber Humphries is what happens when a triple threat is really tired and has no desire for fame. A musical chameleon, she loves to sing everything from Broadway to R&B, Rock & Roll to Jazz standards. No, country was not on that list, but she did have a 90s female country phase and her first lead in a musical was the show Honky Tonk Angels. Half of the band Story Ghost, she’s proud to support one of her favorite organizations, Amplify my Community, on her favorite stage, Eddie’s Attic.
Robin Shakedown
The powerhouse all-girl queer rock band hailing from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Georgia. Blending elements of heartland rock, Americana, and glam-country, their unique sound weaves a tapestry of genres that captivates audiences far and wide.
Born out of a shared passion for making a difference through music, Robin Shakedown is more than just a band — it’s a movement. Comprising fierce and talented women musicians, they channel their experiences into soaring and meaningful anthems that serve as a rallying cry for positive social change. With each note and lyric, they aim to inspire not only the queer community, but all rock music enthusiasts who crave authenticity, connection, and a beat that moves both the body and the soul.
In the heart of the South, Robin Shakedown stands as a testament to diversity and inclusion in the world of rock. Their performances are electric, their lyrics profound, and their presence on stage exudes a powerful energy that unites audiences in celebration of love, self-expression, and the freedom to be who you are.
Kristin Markiton
Kristin Markiton is a Performing and Teaching Artist whose primary instrument is voice. She is a classically trained singer who has been singing professionally for over 25 years in the Atlanta area.
As a recording artist, Kristin has released two studio albums which can be found on most streaming platforms at linktr.ee/KristinMarkiton. Her debut solo album, Wandering Moon, was produced by Kristian Bush of the country duo Sugarland and the album, Howlin, came out of her 18 month collaboration with the Atlanta-based blues/rock band, Delta Moon. She has also provided vocals on the projects of many local recording artists, including Bill Sheffield, Kodac Harrison, and Puddles Pity Party.
Kristin has also performed with many professional theatre companies in Atlanta. She was honored to receive the Suzi Bass Award (Atlanta’s version of the Tony Awards) for best female lead in a musical for her portrayal of Francesca in Aurora Theatre’s production of Bridges of Madison County.
Kristin is currently working on the recording and release of her second studio album with her son, Van Markiton, at the helm as recording engineer and producer. Follow her on instagram @kristin.markiton.
Kate Coleman of Run Katie Run
Run Katie Run is a band of 6 best friends whose love for one another and for making music jumps off the screen and is palpable at every live show. Their songs center around powerhouse vocalist, Katie Coleman, with ongoing themes of resilience and handling life’s challenges with a sense of humor and a few sassy one-liners.
Is it Bluegrass? A little.
Is it Country? Kind of.
Is it Rock? Sometimes.
Is it Pop? Maybe.
They call it Roots-Rock
It sounds like The [Dixie] Chicks formed a band with The Grateful Dead or what it would’ve sounded like if Janis Joplin sang country music. Their music is, “comfortable, warm, and inviting” (Vents Magazine), “catchy as hell,” (glide Magazine), and “a singular voice of energy and power.” (American Songwriter)
In 2021, the sextet of best friends released their first E.P., “RUNNING ON LOVE“, with reviews and previews running in Glide and American Songwriter– and they were the featured band at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. In 2023: the roots-rock band released their first L.P., “COWBOY BOOTS WITH FISHNET TIGHTS”, they began expanding their footprint by playing more festivals and concert series up-and-down the East coast. In April of 2024 the band shared bills with Melissa Etheridge, Dawes, and the Blind Boys of Alabama at Amplify Decatur Music Festival, in July they opened for Mother’s Finest, and in September they opened for Bobby Rush, Drivin N Cryin, Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow and Amy Ray of Indigo Girls. RKR also released 5 news singles in 2024; 4 songs were accompanied with YouTube videos of them playing/recording the songs LIVE in their home studio and ROSE GLASSES had a positively upbeat music video that accompanied its release.