Gig Guide
FRIDAY AT JOE'S PLACE
Larry Cordle got his first big break in the songwriting business when his song "Highway 40 Blues" was recorded by friend and fellow Kentuckian Ricky Skaggs. After the success of that song, Cordle went on to write others that have been recorded by artists such as George Strait, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Alison Krauss and Garth Brooks, among others. His vocals can be heard on some of Nashville's biggest albums, and he also finds time to play with his own band, the Grammy-nominated Lonesome Standard Time. 7:30 p.m. $20. Details and directions at www.acousticproductions.com.
T. Hardy Morris with Good Night Alive and Mel Washington
FRIDAY AT THE HUMMINGBIRD STAGE AND TAPROOM
Patterson Hood, most notably of the Drive By Truckers, held nothing back when he wrote about T. Hardy Morris in the album notes for "Drownin' on a Mountaintop," stating, "It has it's very own sound, but hits me in the same places as my favorite Replacements albums -- stripped down and raw, yet sonically thrilling." Don't take Patterson's word for it. Go see it for yourself. This guy (along with his killer band the Hardknocks) put forth a live show that is just as much Neil Young as it is "In Utero"-era Nirvana all delivered with a swagger of a flannel-wearing Georgia boy. Locals Good Night Alive and not-so-local-but-always-welcome Mel Washington fill out a killer auditory experience for any Friday night of the year. 10:30 p.m. $5.
Chris Knight with Radio Birds
SATURDAY AT THE COX CAPITOL THEATRE
This Slaughters, Kentucky, (not kidding, that's the name of the town) native still calls the tiny town of 200 where he grew up his home. His songs, which are as tough and working-class as the name of his hometown, have helped him cut a career path during the last decade that has garnered acclaim in an unorthodox fashion in the music business: one done his own terms. Knight's songs are often compared to John Prine, Nebraska-era Springsteen, and even the Man in Black himself, the one and only Johnny Cash. If any of those guys interest you, you do not want to miss this show. Openers Radio Birds out of Atlanta have been developing a sound and reputation throughout the Southeast as a band to watch since their formation in 2013. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15-$20.
Josh Roberts and the Hinges with Opposite Box and Bath Salt Zombies
SATURDAY AT THE HUMMINGBIRD STAGE AND TAPROOM
Charleston, South Carolina's Josh Roberts is no stranger to Macon, but he hasn't been here in quite some time. Part of the explanation for this absence has to be partly due to the fact that they have been working hard on a new record with producer Ryan Monroe from Band of Horses. Opposite Box's bio states that their performances have a "funky-acid-pirate-circus atmosphere" that often includes belly dancers and hula hoops, while Bath Salt Zombies describe their show as "grunge grass, carnival freak folk and sideshow cabaret," both filling out a bill that guarantees a night of fun music and new experiences. 10:30 p.m. $5.
Diane Durrett
THURSDAY AT THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND MUSEUM AT THE BIG HOUSE
When someone like Sting says that a voice is "damn good," you pay attention. Those were his exact words after collaborating with Diane Durrett, who has also lent her "raw soulful vocals" and "sultry tones" to tracks by the Indigo Girls, Gregg Allman, Chuck Leavell and Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow's band). The Atlanta native also sits on the board of governors for the city's chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and recently began her own production and artist development company, Blooming Tunes Music. Durrett always has a great ability to connect with an audience, but this special performance at the Big House is a chance to see her at her most intimate. 6 p.m. $30.
This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Gig Guide ."