Weekend Junkies

I believe the music industry is completely flooded with bands that fit a niche, but I have something new for you. "Weekend Junkies" is an up and coming band based out of Atlanta that is sure to leave you in awe. The five piece bluesy extravaganza is composed of Will Strange (rhythm guitar/vocals), Nick Bach (lead/mandolin/piano/synth), Dougy "Fresh" (drums), Kevin Brittele (bass), and Michael Marcelo (guitar/harmonica/piano/synth). The "Junkies" have blended alternative, blues, and rock all into one melting pot to come out with there own original style of music. I know what you are saying, "What is so original about another bluesy rock band?", well this is whats so original about it, they take the heart of blues, the power of rock, the "sweet" of indie, and the rebellion of alternative and cram it all into their originals like "Buster the Bullfrog" and "Place we can Go". They also put their spin on classic covers like "Come Together" (The Beatles), "Can't Always Get What you Want" (Rolling Stones), and "Creep" (Radiohead). Not only do they give justice to these great songs but they put a certain flare on them that will make you think, "Why didn't they do that when they wrote the song?" For all those people who like to pride themselves on seeing new music first, do not miss the opportunity to see Weekend Junkies at their first music festival called ABACHALIPSE! The Weekend Junkies are putting it together themselves and plan to have several local bands joining them including Smoking Gun. The festival is on July 24th at 3159 Batesville RD, Woodstock, GA 30188. Cover is $10 and for the 21 and up crowd there will be beverages available for purchase.

Blackstone Pub & Eatery

If you are looking for a place that has music, food, great beer selection, and intimacy, then Blackstone in historic downtown Gadsden, Alabama is the place for you. They have live music regularly, but this isn't your standard bar, they even have a free Jazz night on Tuesdays. Blackstone also has Albert Simpson from Highly Kind booked frequently, and trust me, if you don't know who he is then you should and one day you will. When you walk into Blackstone you are automatically captivated by the mural on the walls that reflect the actual bar you are standing in. The beer selection is enormous in comparison to most bars in the region. This is a bar with a small stage so even when music is playing, its not overbearing, you don't lose the intimacy of a small bar and you don't have to resort to screaming so the person next to you can hear what you say. The pizza selection goes way beyond cheese or pepperoni and I am sure you will enjoy any one of them. So if you are in the downtown Gadsden area and you are in the mood to hear some jams, drink beers you have probably never tried, and relax with your friend, then pull up a stool at Blackstone and check out the menu, you will be impressed.

Rounders

Everybody in the Guntersville area remembers the Blue Parrot, right? Well with new ownership and a new name it has been transformed into Rounders, the new "hot spot" on the lake. Rounders on the lake has a full bar and a restaurant named Scuttlebutts that offers your favorite appetizers and a variety of sandwiches and entrees. If you enjoy live music they also have bands on the weekends. The well known local band, The Whiskey River Band, headlined Rounders' Fourth of July celebration. The Whiskey River Band made everyone smile and groove as they played hit songs from the country and southern rock genres. Rounders also offers a unique outdoor experience with a two story sitting area that is open-air, two cash bars outside, and a large "patio" area out front. The main stage is located on the first level of the two story structure for those who want to dance under the stars. With friendly service, hometown atmosphere, and moderate drink prices, Rounders should be on top of the Guntersville bar scene for a long time.