Kristen's Concert Picks: April brings the rock!

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Don't let work and classes and all this crazy weather get you down.  When it comes to rockin' tunes, April's not fooling around!

Tue, Apr 3: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop
Get your dance on with Tumbleweed Stampede at the beginning of the month as part of the Georgia Theatre's new Get Up Get Down concert series!

Fri, Apr 6: Ruby Kendrick @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

If sweet melodies tickle your fancy, you'll definitely want to catch Ruby Kendrick's set at the Caledonia!

Fri, Apr 13: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

Hope for Agoldensummer was one of the very first acts I saw in Athens, and their sweet, folksy sound still gets me every time.  Beautiful!

Sat, Apr 21: Futurebirds @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre 

That's right! Southern rockers Futurebirds will be taking the Georgia Theatre just after the middle of the month to give everyone the sound they've been craving.

Sat, Apr 21: Manray and Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Is dark, melodic rock your tune style of choice?  Well, then, have yourself a nice delicious dose of Manray and Lazer/Wulf. Excellent!

Tue, Apr 24: Gringo Star @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop 

If you're dying for a spectacle and yearning for a band that sounds like no other, don't miss Gringo Star's rooftop set!

Wed, Apr 25: The Skipperdees @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Want a bit of soulful folk and southern style?  Look no further than the Skipperdees.  What talent these girls have!

Fri, Apr 27: Dreams So Real @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Remember back in 2009 when Dreams So Real reunited to headline Athfest?  Well, it looks like luck has shined down on us once again!  Another rockin' show?  It's a dream come true!

Sat, Apr 28: Powerkompany @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

The strong, otherworldly sound of Powerkompany is just what you'll need to end the month.  Enjoy!

No doubt, April will be an incredible month of tunes!  As always, if you've heard of another awesome Athens show you think everyone should know about, give us all the details in the comments below.  Happy listening, my friends!

Athfest 2009: Dreams So Real reunites for a satisfying conclusion

Sunday, June 28th 2009

Dreams So Real

Dreams So Real... the event that we stayed in Athens through Sunday evening to see, the one reason that we had a few scuffles with our ride home about our departure time. Yeah, they're that big of a deal. Even more so, because this was their first show together again in over ten years - their much talked about reunion show!

At this point, I should probably mention that, still being an Athens music newbie (scanning the scene with wide eyes for the first time), I wasn't actually aware of their yesteryear fame until I researched bands for my itinerary about a week before Athfest. In fact, to be completely honest, I'd never even heard of them until then. After they passed the myspace test that I applied to every Athfest band and left me quite impressed, I yearned to find out more. That's when I read their Wikipedia page and discovered their dedicated fans across the net coming out in droves to celebrate their reunion. After so many years, how could all of these people still be so excited? There was no doubt in my mind that I had to find out for myself.

By the time the clock on my cell phone read 5:30, hundreds of people lined the streets in anticipation of their performance. The air buzzed with nearly electric enthusiasm as some of their biggest fans waited in the crowd, hidden amongst other soon-to-be fans of the band. Then, just after my friends and I had somehow managed to squeeze our way to the very front, the once-in-a-lifetime show began. Wow. And even more wow. They were, without question, rock at its best. Suddenly, their massive quantity of loyal fans, many of whom were dancing and singing along to all of the songs with their eyes glued to the stage, made sense. This was huge. After a few songs, Randall Bramblett stepped onstage to add a little something extra with his horn, and even later, one of their former members who has since become a part of Sheryl Crow's band, joined in. Star after star! It was all just simply amazing. Seriously breathtaking. Man, I hope they stay together this time! Hey, I can dream, can't I?

For more blogs about Athfest 2009, click here! I'll be updating daily, so be sure to check back often. Also, don't forget to check out concert videos from Dreams So Real, Venice is Sinking, Dead Confederate and many more at http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!