ATL queer band takes the stage at Eddie's Attic
Ronnda Cadle moved to Atlanta to be part of the city's now infamous acoustic music scene, and after 13 years, departed for the West Coast — also to further her music. On Saturday, she returns to her old stomping grounds to celebrate the release of her new CD, "Will's Embrace."
The show is set for 7 p.m. at Eddie's Attic, the Decatur venue famous for its "listening room" and commitment to local and touring acoustic musicians.
"During my years of living in Atlanta, I strived and pushed myself as an artist to be on that stage. Eddie's Attic truly is one of the best venues I have ever had the opportunity to perform in," Cadle told GA Voice. "I know Eddie no longer owns it, but for me, it's the history, heart and community that Eddie started long ago — 'Live Music Matters.'"
Lesbian folksinger Catie Curtis cruises her “Stretch Limousine on Fire” into Atlanta in May to treat fans to two nights of her signature acoustic guitar and introspective, often inspiring lyrics.
“Stretch Limousine,” the rollicking title song from Curtis’ 11th studio album, released in August, uses dark humor to echo the theme that money doesn’t buy happiness, and to relish a little in the fact that “Trouble comes to everyone no matter how much you can buy.”
The new album features a style that is a bit more raw than previous efforts, but will still be familiar to longtime fans. Curtis will perform songs from the new CD and earlier albums May 8 at Eddie’s Attic, the iconic Decatur acoustic venue, then follow with a show the next night at Duluth’s Red Clay Theatre, the new venue managed by Eddie’s founder Eddie Owen.
When sisters Sonia Rutstein and Cindy Frank formed the band disappear fear back in the mid-1980s, Ronald Reagan was president, “trickle down economics” was the buzzword, gay couples were not allowed to marry anywhere in the United States, and there were no out pop music stars.
“On one side there was ‘Women’s Music’ (which we felt was sweet but boring) and there was rock and dance,” recalls SONiA, a Jewish lesbian who prefers to go by just her first name, complete with creative capitalization.
“Today countless singer songwriters and fans approach me and say, thank you — your strength and courage gave me the courage to be true to myself and my life,” she says, while adding, “I am glad to be the medium for such light and healing. It is not me — it just comes through me.”
Lesbian-led band performs at Eddie's Attic later this month
Janis Ian, the Grammy award-winning musician, singer and songwriter, began her career challenging stereotypes, gaining both fame and controversy for songs that took on racism (1967’s “Society’s Child”) and sexism (1975’s “At Seventeen”).
Ian, who came out as a lesbian 15 years ago, performs at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur for two shows Sept. 1-2. She spoke with GA Voice about the different format for the shows, her nonprofit foundation and life as a lesbian.
Tell us about your upcoming shows at Eddie’s Attic. It’s a different format than when you played Eddie’s last year.
Two of Atlanta's talented singer-songwriters — and they're queer, too — will play a show at Eddie's Attic Sunday to raise funds for the 5th Annual Atlanta Queer Literary Fest set for June.
Sonia Tetlow and Bucky Motter take the renowned acoustic stage at the Decatur venue on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Bucky Motter is a gender queer artist who also competes in bodybuilding. He's opened for such stars as BB King, Melissa Ferrick and the Manhattan Transfer. Motter's two CDs, "Outta Control" and "Pleasure and Pain" were released on his own Hey MISTER! label. Motter is now playing shows with friend and bassist Jerry Peek while also playing bass and co-writing songs with Flat Cat, an Atlanta power-pop band.
You never know what delights you’re going to uncover on a new CD by out singer/songwriter Susan Werner. Recent discs found her reinterpreting classic pop tunes, turning gospel music on its ear and breathing new life into the American songbook.
On “Kicking The Beehive” (Sleeve Dog), Werner slips into a pair of comfy cowboy boots and fixes the brim on her ten-gallon hat for the hottest hoedown in town. She brings her tour to Georgia for two dates next week, performing at Dalton State University on March 25 and at Eddie’s Attic, Decatur’s famed acoustic stomping ground, on March 26.
GA Voice: Your last four studio discs were what I would call genre discs and on your new album “Kicking The Beehive,” you visit another genre, country music.
Werner: I just wanted to get out of town. Get out of the city limits. Maybe the direction on this project is south.