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Articles by Lee Smith
NAACP top lawyer calls Memphis ‘ground zero’ in fight for democracy
“Memphis vs. Errbody” is supposed to be a simple, galvanizing slogan for community strength and pride. But lately, it may feel more like a news summary of the city’s specific challenges: Policing. Schools. Data centers. Congressional redistricting. National Guard troops on Beale Street. For Kristen Clarke, general counsel for the NAACP, the city has become “ground zero” in the national fight over voting rights and political power.
NAACP top lawyer calls Memphis ‘ground zero’ in fight for democracy
Virginia Beach 5 hours ago Virginia Beach eyes two spots, costs for new Law Enforcement Training Academy WHRO News - John-Henry Doucette • 5h The current home is one. Another could be part of developing plans for untouched land in the southern city. The city could build a needed Law … Myrtle Beach 5 hours ago Nearly 3 acres of land being cleared in Myrtle Beach. What’s being built there?
NORTH AVOCA COUPLE MARRIED 60 YEARS
The couple were married at St Paul’s Church, Harris Park, on 26 February 1966. They still smile when they recall their little flower girl, Jill, accidentally knocking over a chair in the middle of the ceremony. Greg remembers the day as exciting and a complete whirlwind. After the reception, the newlyweds were farewelled in traditional style.
Atlanta’s Catfight! fights for reproductive rights
Catfight! playing live: Jennifer Leavey (from left), Stacy Kerber and Katy Graves. (Photo courtesy of the band) The band’s multigenerational benefit concert this weekend supports reproductive rights and like-minded female musicians. During a recent conference call with ArtsATL, the three members of the long-standing Atlanta-based band Catfight! had several important issues to discuss.
Atlanta band Mother’s Finest is a true rock “n’ roll survival story
Mother's Finest performs at Eddie's Attic and the Buckhead Theatre this weekend. (Photos courtesy of the band) The band, which has been performing since the early 1970s, plays shows in two very different venues this weekend. :: Mother’s Finest rose to international prominence nearly a half-century ago. But the self-described “funk-rock” band has an incredible history that precedes the tumultuous ’70s.
Playing solo or with orchestra, Livingston Taylor has a vision for concerts
Livingston Taylor is back on the road, touring behind an incredible catalog of more than 50 years of insightful material. A member of the talented Taylor family of folk- and rock-based musicians - including brothers James, Alex and Hugh and sister Kate - Livingston was born in Boston and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Macon hosts star-studded concert in memory of ‘Ramblin’ Man’ Dickey Betts Original
When tickets went on sale last month for the Feb. 28 tribute to the late Dickey Betts, demand was intense. “It sold out in, like, 10 minutes,” said the Southern rock guitarist’s son, Duane Betts, of the upcoming all-star concert at the intimate Macon City Auditorium. Born Forrest Richard Betts in 1943, the influential Florida-bred musician passed away last April at age 80.
'90s hitmaker Matthew Sweet determined to bounce back from debilitating stroke
Singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet's trajectory from teenage music fan to internationally respected performer and producer began with an early '80s move to Athens. After a year in the Classic City, the Nebraska native left to make his mark in New York, Los Angeles and on the major-label pop music scene.
Athens debuts new Akins Ford Arena at Classic Center with the B-52s
They ended their official “Farewell Tour” in Athens in January 2022, but the oft-described “tacky little dance band from Athens, Georgia” is far from retired. In fact, the B-52s are headed back to their old stomping grounds next Saturday night, headlining the first concert at the new Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center.
Couple caught having ‘loud sex’ atop a huge elephant sculpture ahead of Art Basel in Miami Beach
A couple was caught on one of the giant elephants set up on Miami Beach. Call it animal attraction. Art Basel doesn’t kick off until Dec. 6 — but the attendant antics have already begun! A randy couple was caught having “loud sex” on one of the outdoor installations on display during the annual art fair.
As Yuletide approaches, the stars shine on Atlanta’s concert stages
Whether by artist choice or the happenstance of tour routing, Atlanta is a popular destination for holiday-themed concerts. This year is no exception. Upcoming visits from Mariah Carey, Dave Koz, John Legend, Celtic Woman, T-Pain, T.I., Khalid, GloRilla, Alicia Witt and more are filling the concert calendars of the city's most important venues.
As Yuletide approaches, the stars shine on Atlanta’s concert stages
Whether by artist choice or the happenstance of tour routing, Atlanta is a popular destination for holiday-themed concerts. This year is no exception. Upcoming visits from Mariah Carey, Dave Koz, John Legend, Celtic Woman, T-Pain, T.I., Khalid, GloRilla, Alicia Witt and more are filling the concert calendars of the city’s most important venues.
Celebrating 20th anniversary of ‘Underneath,’ Hanson keeps bopping along Original
Since the irresistibly catchy “MMMBop” vaulted the Hansons to pop stardom in 1997, the sibling trio has released an impressive canon of pop-rock anthems via stand-alone singles and well-crafted albums, all ripe with smart pop hooks and sophisticated arrangements. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based band, comprised of brothers Isaac (guitar, vocals, bass, piano), Taylor (keyboards, vocals, percussion) and Zac (drums, vocals, piano), is joined byDimitrius Collins (guitar) and Andrew Perusi (bass).
Michelle Malone’s new album a ‘family reunion’ Original
Her first record was released in 1988. Two years later, she was a major-label artist with a well-received album on Arista. By 1992, Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Michelle Malone was issuing music on her own terms, through her own company. Fast forward to today and her latest release, “Southern Comfort” (issued on her own SBS Records) is just beginning to appear in playlists and record stores around the country. “I finished it about a year ago,” she said recently.
For the Marvelous 3, it’s stupendous to be a band again Original
The Marvelous 3 have reunited and are back on the road, rocking a three-night stand at the Tabernacle Oct. 25-27, but leader Butch Walker said after two-plus decades apart, the extended hiatus was just what the band needed. “It’s kinda funny,” Walker says with a laugh. “There were so many good — and bad — memories attached to our band, but the thing was, we had to be done with it officially — at least for a while. It was just time to put it away.
With Biden administration still in thrall of Iran, Israel goes it alone — and scores a huge victory | Flipboard
Hassan Nasrallah 6 hours ago Substance painted on Nasrallah’s hand helped Israel in tracking him: Report socialnews.xyz - Gopi • 6h Beirut, Sep 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) A man, who originally came from Iran, shook the hand of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and managed to smear a … Conservative View 12 hours ago US Warns Iran, Readies Troops for Deployment newsmax.com • 12h The U.S. military said Sunday that it's increasing its air support capabilities in the Middle East and putting troops on a...
Carlene Carter feels a literal kinship with Jimmy Carter
Sure there will be plenty of tributes to former President Jimmy Carter at the celebratory: A Celebration in Song” event tonight at the Fox Theatre. But only one of the scheduled performers share his last name — and she believes she’s related. Carlene Carter, daughter of country music legend June Carter Cash, will be one of the many artists on hand to offer Carter heartfelt birthday wishes. Carter made the scene with a series of well-received albums on Warner Bros. in the late 1970s and early ‘80s.
On ‘Radios and Rainbows,’ Kate Pierson offers eclectic set of hopeful tunes
Even for a rock performer with a career extending as long as Kate Pierson’s of the the B-52′s, the days, weeks, months and years seem to fly by in the blink of an eye. “Well, it’s crazy,” Pierson said recently. “Time goes by so fast!” The singer-songwriter sounded genuinely surprised that nearly a decade had flown by since the release of her debut solo album, 2015′s “Guitars and Microphones.” Her belated second album, “Radios and Rainbows,” is due out Sept.
Hootie and the Blowfish, Collective Soul, McCain roll with ‘family reunion’ Original
The camaraderie of musicians is often a fragile balance of egos, style and substance. But for the three acts on the current Summer Camp with Trucks tour, the package is a rolling party revue. Atlanta-based Collective Soul, along with their South Carolina-bred pals Hootie and the Blowfish and Edwin McCain, are headed back to town Friday, Sept. 20.
In the shadow of the big clown
The turning point was 2017. That was when an international audience of 12 million viewers witnessed Puddles Pity Party perform on season 12 of “America’s Got Talent.” And even though the gloomy-faced clown and his cabaret act didn’t bag the grand prize, the lumbering but gentle giant with the baritone voice captured the hearts of fans around the world. Soon, he saw his name in lights as a headliner in Las Vegas.
In the shadow of the big clown
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After years of rocking band names, Shonali Bhowmik puts her own name first
If you were anywhere near an Atlanta rock club in the late ’90s and early ’00s, chances are good you saw Shonali Bhowmik singing and playing guitar in Ultrababyfat or collaborating around town with friends in a number of pop, rock or experimental side projects.
Atlanta Fall A&E Guide: Big names and rising acts fill concert venues with song
Now that the kids are back in school and the humidity level is (somewhat) lower, the fall concert season can officially begin. As always, there’s literally something for every music fan, even the pickiest purist. The following is a sampler highlighting just a few of the most anticipated shows headed our way in the next few months. Childish Gambino Though born in California, actor-comedian-writer-rapper Donald Glover spent his early years in Stone Mountain.
Styx and ‘renegade’ friends rock the jukebox
On a recent morning after a performance in Nashville, Styx keyboard-vocalist Lawrence Gowan was in an upbeat mood. The affable musician called to talk about the “Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour” hitting Alpharetta’s Ameris Bank Amphitheater on Wednesday night. Opening acts Foreigner and John Waite complete the hit-heavy lineup. “We’re just having a phenomenal run,” Gowan said.
‘Hyperlocal’ Parker Smith finds unlimited inspiration in Atlanta
The culture and history of the metro Atlanta area has been a frequent source of inspiration for generations of artists. In the case of Georgia-born singer-songwriter-teacher Parker Smith, the locale has fueled three full-length albums of music. “Well, it’s three so far,” he said recently. “But I have enough ideas for plenty more.” Smith creates an engaging brand of laid-back, rootsy music, presented with tinges of blues, jazz, folk, classic rock ’n’ roll and R&B.
Athens music scene reacts to R.E.M.’s surprise reunion performance
Last Thursday, in an interview broadcast on “CBS Mornings,” the original lineup of R.E.M. — vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry — spoke with journalist Anthony Mason before their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York. During the conversation, filmed earlier this year, Stipe, 64, noted they were “sitting at the same table together with deep admiration and lifelong friendship.” Buck, 67, added, “I think we quit at the right time.
Athens music scene reacts to R.E.M.’s surprise reunion performance
Last Thursday, in an interview broadcast on “CBS Mornings,” the original lineup of R.E.M. — vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist …
Athens’ Kilkenny Kats prep for their first show since 1991
“It’s funny, I’ve never even been to AthFest and now we’re headlining one of the three main stages on Saturday night,” said Tom Cheek of Kilkenny Kats. Formed in 1983, the band had already peaked and splintered by the time the annual festival began in 1997. Now in its 26th year, the event boasts over 140 acts as it celebrates Athens’ thriving artistic culture, including a diverse slate of local and national musicians and a colorful palette of visual artists.
For Chuck Leavell, performing in Atlanta with the Rolling Stones is a homecoming
During a recent week off from the Rolling Stones’ current U.S. tour, the band’s keyboardist and musical director wasn’t lounging around at a swanky resort or jetting off to a private island retreat. Those hedonistic pursuits are for pampered rock stars. For Twiggs County-based multi-instrumentalist Chuck Leavell, the break was much better spent resting in his own studio in the Middle Georgia town of Dry Branch. “This is my resort.
Chuck Leavell leaves his South Georgia farm to tour with the Stones
entertainment news 10 hours ago Blues and Beyond: Keith Richards’ favourite albums of the 1960s faroutmagazine.co.uk - Jordan Potter • 10h Although The Beatles inched ahead of The Rolling Stones as rock ‘n’ roll innovators in the 1960s, the latter was more representative of the British … Autos 4 hours ago 15 Once-Popular Cars You No Longer See on the Road technabob.com - Abdul Wali • 4h Each passing year yields more and more innovations in the automobile industry.
The remarkable 60-year ‘Odessey’ of the Zombies
The catalog of music from British band the Zombies has engraved an indelible design of influence and acclaim for the musicians since the 1960s.
The Black Crowes return to their roost with album being called their best
Earlier this month, the Black Crowes released “Happiness Bastards,” garnering some of the most positive reviews in the extended career of the Atlanta-born classic rock band. Not bad for their first studio album release since 2009. The lengthy hiatus, as they worked on their own projects, clearly helped famously acrimonious brothers Chris and Rich Robinson mend their personal and musical differences.
The Black Crowes return to their roost with album being called their best
8 hours ago Charlie Puth, please never declare "I'm hungies!" again. Celebs — they're just like us! Which means they have some pretty embarrassing, awkward, and overall cringy moments. Except since they're celebs...well, they're usually a LOT bigger. Here are 24 times celebs made me make this face: 1. In one of …
Whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on as big music acts hit Atlanta this spring
As Atlanta enjoys warmer temperatures and longer days, the local concert scene blooms with announcements from a slew of the biggest names in entertainment headed our way. Performances from Madonna, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Foo Fighters and even the Rolling Stones are among the shows on tap over the next couple of months. Local favorites the Black Crowes, Andre 3000 and the Dixie Dregs will offer their own unique takes on Southern-bred rock, soul and jazz.
Inspired by original band, Pylon Reenactment Society releases own new album
In the pantheon of legendary bands from Athens, Pylon is often cited as one of the most iconic. The band was originally formed as a short-term project in 1979 by Randall Bewley, Michael Lachowski, Curtis Crowe and Vanessa Briscoe Hay with the intent to play a show in New York, get some press and then dissolve. But the four University of Georgia art students inadvertently created a unique and influential sound that ultimately inspired several generations of musicians.
For musician J. Wilms, home is where the heart and next chapter are
Like many artists during the pandemic, Atlanta native Jeremy Wilms produced an impressive body of work. But unlike many other musicians, J., as he likes to be billed, had to move back home to Georgia from New York to realize his vision. The multi-instrumentalist had reached a creative and personal crossroads as the crisis peaked in New York City. “Things were really depressing at that time,” he recalled recently.
Dick Van Dyke’s early days in Atlanta, before he became a TV legend
Since the early ‘60s, the world has known Dick Van Dyke for his starring role on his self-titled TV show and ultimately his entire canon of multimedia successes.
A chat with Carol Burnett about Dick Van Dyke ahead of his 98th birthday
With the recent passing of producer-screenwriter Norman Lear, the roster of living television legends is becoming increasingly small. Last week, Dick Van Dyke, a true icon of the medium, celebrated his 98th birthday.
B-52s’ Fred Schneider celebrates the season with zany ‘Destination ... Christmas!’
This year was one of the busiest eras of Fred Schneider’s 48-year career. With his B-52s bandmates Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, he played a raucous “farewell” show in Athens, shimmied through two Las Vegas residences at the Venetian (with another run scheduled for next April), accepted an invitation to a White House gala, contributed to a “Save The Chimps” charity art project and co-headlined a massive alternative music festival in California.
Micky Dolenz of Monkees fame sings the praises of R.E.M. in new EP
On Friday, the last surviving member of The Monkees will release his EP of R.E.M. covers. And he’ll celebrate the occasion at Wuxtry Records in Athens, legendary for its role in the formation of R.E.M. “Dolenz Sings R.E.M.” is the new EP from Micky Dolenz, best known as the drummer-vocalist for the made-for-TV band The Monkees but whose talents extend to songwriter, actor and director.
Athens’ Futurebirds curate their own festival playlist at Highball
“We’ve always enjoyed throwing a party,” laughs Futurebirds co-founder Carter King. “I mean, even when we first started playing in Athens, we’d do these little fall festival things.” Well over a decade ago, the rootsy band would host small autumn gatherings for friends and fans, featuring acoustic jams, pumpkin carving and even bobbing for apples. “Now we’re just doing a bigger version of it. The folks at Rival Entertainment in Atlanta really helped us get it done.
Party in the park: Co-founder looks back on decades of Music Midtown
Music Midtown didn’t start small. In its first year in 1994 when tickets cost $10 a day, or $17 for the three-day music fest, 85,000 fans showed for acts including James Brown, Joan Baez, Al Green and KC and the Sunshine Band.
Athens’ Love Tractor celebrates 40th anniversary of pivotal album
1983 was a pivotal year for music. Locally, the Athens music and art world was well represented - with the B-52s’ “Whammy,” R.E.M.’s “Murmur,” Pylon’s “Chomp” and Love Tractor’s “Around The Bend” representing the big four bands of the scene. Each title has endured as an influential cult favorite, bristling with uncompromising individuality. “I think 1983 was the apex of a movement in a way,” says Love Tractor’s Mark Cline. “In Athens and probably everywhere else.
Cindy Wilson of The B-52s continues her solo journey with otherworldly album
When The B-52s ended their “farewell” tour in January in Athens, lead singer Fred Schneider teased the crowd with a cryptic exclamation: “See you in Vegas!” The message was clear that the band, formed in Athens in 1976, had no intention of disappearing into retirement in 2023. “The show definitely signified an end to things — whether it means that night or a few months from now,” B-52s co-founder Cindy Wilson said earlier this month.
Atlanta Fall Arts: Hear the sounds of classic rock, Latin favorites and country acts
Now that the kids are back in school and the humidity level is (somewhat) lower, the fall concert season can officially begin. Madonna’s career-spanning performance at State Farm Arena has been postponed until next year, but there’s still something for every music fan on the concert calendar this fall. Here’s a short list of just a few of the highly anticipated shows headed our way in the next few months.
Atlanta artists to watch: Country music duo The Waymores
Historically, when a rock ’n’ roll record producer works with a country act, the final product is a watered-down mishmash of modern Americana and polite, radio-friendly pop. “There’s enough of that (stuff) already,” says Willie Heath Neal, half of the Cobb Country-based honky-tonk duo The Waymores. “We couldn’t do that if we tried, anyway.
The Baseball Project to slide into Atlanta and Athens on tour
When musicians start new projects, they tend to lean toward topics like “love, life on the road, their addictions or things like that,” singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Wynn says. “But we chose to write about baseball.” Indeed, the aptly named The Baseball Project has a singular focus: the shared love of America’s pastime.
’80s icon Howard Jones always knew the decade ‘would finally get its due’
Once an MTV fixture and major label artist, Howard Jones now gratefully works as an independent performer on his own Dtox Records label. Last year, Dtox released “Dialogue,” the third chapter of his experimental compositions, in collaboration with electronic music pioneer BT. But Jones isn’t dwelling on his current releases right now. A giant in new wave music, Jones is about to start a U.S. tour with fellow ’80s icons Berlin and Boy George & Culture Club.
Berlin, set to play Atlanta with original trio, still wants to take your breath away
Reunion tours of ‘80s bands are more popular than ever, though the bills often include groups with only one key member left. For nearly 20 years, that was the case with Berlin — but no more. The official, expanded edition of Berlin will join fellow ’80s icons Boy George & Culture Club and Howard Jones in the “Letting It Go Show” tour hitting 25 U.S. cities over the next month, including Atlanta on Tuesday.
Athens’ Dayroom returns for reunion shows this weekend in Atlanta, at AthFest
Dayroom was one of the most popular and fondly remembered bands of the ‘90s music scene in Athens. The band’s unique take on multilayered, guitar-driven pop served them well for the better part of the decade. Throughout that decade, singer and guitarist Michael Winger, keyboardist James Riddle, bassist Ryan Kelly and drummer Brad Zimmerman developed a devoted following and issued a small but impressive canon of recorded material.
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